(featured image) Cherisse Alcantara, School Courtyard (Bessie Carmichael School FEC), 2025. *Courtesy of Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)
Ready to experience San Francisco’s art scene this week? Whether you’re vibing with psychedelic rhythm at the Haight Street Art Center or feeling the punk pulse at Punk Majesty, the city is overflowing with color, creativity, and community. From the deep beats of Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart to the soul-stirring canvases of Christopher Coker, Thursday kicks off with a burst of boundary-breaking exhibitions that blur the lines between sound, emotion, and visual storytelling. And just when you think you’ve seen it all—bam!—there’s a raffle, a DJ set, and drinks at Noc Noc? Yes, please.
But hold up, art lovers—the weekend is where things really get wild. Friday lights up with the Castro Art Walk and hands-on floral painting at Clay & Market. Come Saturday, it’s a full-blown art takeover across the city: from the car-free Lower Haight Summer Art Walk to gallery-hopping madness at Minnesota Street Project and bold new exhibitions at YBCA. And on Sunday, we’re keeping it thoughtful and soulful with artist talks and curator-led tours. Scroll on to find your next art adventure!
Thursday, Jun. 31st
Artwork: Mickey Hart, Gronk. *Courtesy of Haight Street Art Center
Haight Street Art Center
Thu, Jul. 31st 4-9PM
The Haight Street Art Center presents “Mickey Hart: Art at the Edge of Magic,” a groundbreaking exhibition showcasing nearly 100 experimental paintings and prints by the legendary Grateful Dead drummer. Blending rhythm, vibration, and color, Hart’s largest show to date features sound-powered works on canvas, drumheads, and plexiglass—bridging visual art and music in a powerful celebration of creativity. (Jul. 24th – Sept. 21st)
*Courtesy of Hôtel Biron
Hôtel Biron
Thu, Jul. 31st 6PM-12AM
Hôtel Biron celebrates the closing of “Interstate,” a powerful solo exhibition by San Francisco-based artist Christopher Coker, whose emotive oil paintings explore the subconscious, healing, and human connection. This final event honors Coker’s transformative journey from chef to painter, marking a vibrant conclusion to a deeply personal and community-loved show.
*Poster courtesy of Wave Collective Space
Wave Collective Space
Thu, Jul. 31st 7-9PM
Wave Collective Space presents “Their Words, My Words,” an art show by Ian Paratore featuring text-based collage works, a BFR pop-up, DJ set by Kali Biird, and a raffle at 8:30PM. Stick around for drinks at Noc Noc after this lively Lower Haight event.
Friday, Aug. 1st
*Photo courtesy of Castro Art Walk
Castro Art Walk
Fri, Aug. 1st 5-8PM
Celebrate the vibrant creativity of the Castro at the Castro Art Walk, featuring 19 unique art events across local galleries and businesses. With options for guided and self-guided tours, this community-focused evening invites visitors to explore new exhibitions, meet artists, and experience the neighborhood’s rich cultural energy.
Artwork: Don Hershman, Urban Abstraction #16 – Porto, Portugal, 2025. Acrylic, Ink, and Pencil on Wood Panel, 48 x 36 in. *Courtesy of MAG Galleries
MAG Galleries
Fri, Aug. 1st 5-9PM
MAG Galleries presents “Urban Abstractions” by Don Hershman during the Castro ArtWalk, featuring new paintings that transform overlooked urban details into striking abstract compositions. Hershman reframes elements like pavement cracks and graffiti into rich visual explorations that blur reality and abstraction. (Aug. 1st – 31st)
Artwork: 9am.art. *Courtesy of Clay & Market Studio
Clay & Market Studio x The smArt Collective
Fri, Aug. 1st 6-7:30PM
Get creative at Clay & Market Studio’s Floral Mixed Media Painting Workshop, a fun and hands-on experience led by local Bay Area artist 9am.art inside the vibrant The smArt Collective exhibition space at One Market Plaza. Inspired by the surrounding ceramic art, participants of all ages will paint whimsical floral masterpieces using abstract techniques—no experience needed, just bring your imagination. *Tickets $45
*Poster courtesy of Clay By The Bay Pottery Studios
Clay By The Bay Pottery Studios
Fri, Aug. 1st 6-9PM
Clay By The Bay Pottery Studios presents “Slip Show,” a gallery opening celebrating ceramic works created through the slip casting technique. Enjoy an evening of art, creativity, and community while meeting the artists and exploring one-of-a-kind pieces.
*Poster courtesy of Metal Haus Gallery
Metal Haus Gallery
Fri, Aug. 1st 6-9PM
Metal Haus Gallery is celebrating four years of bold, boundary-pushing exhibitions—and they’re throwing a Studio 54–inspired bash to mark the moment. Expect a night of glittering art, music, cocktails, and disco-fueled dancing. Dress to dazzle—RSVP required!
Artwork: Angela Windin. *Postcard courtesy of City Art Cooperative Gallery
City Art Cooperative Gallery
Fri, Aug. 1st 7-10PM
City Art Cooperative Gallery presents its August group show featuring new works by member artists. Stop by to explore a diverse range of local art in this vibrant community exhibition. (Jul. 30th – Aug. 31st)
Saturday, Aug. 2nd
Artworks: (left to right) England Hidalgo, Gran Oriente Filipino, 2020. Eamon Ore-Giron, Cookin’2, 2022. Collection of Daniel Sakaguchi and Jennifer Kapczynski, Berkeley, CA. Photo: Glen Cheriton, Impart Photography. *Courtesy of Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)
Sat, Aug. 2nd 11AM-5PM
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) presents two powerful exhibitions: “MAKIBAKA – A Living Legacy,” co-presented by SOMA Pilipinas, honors generations of Filipino resistance and cultural survival through contemporary art, community stories, and historical objects (Aug. 1, 2024 – Jan. 4, 2026); and “Bay Area Then,” celebrating the groundbreaking artists of 1990s San Francisco with large-scale installations, photography, zines, and underground ephemera that capture the raw energy of the era (Aug. 1, 2024 – Jan. 25, 2026). Together, these exhibitions reflect the city’s enduring spirit of creativity, resilience, and cultural activism.
*Poster courtesy of Love Fest SF
Love Fest SF
Sat, Aug. 2nd 11AM-6PM
Love Fest SF returns to the Tenderloin with a free, all-ages block festival featuring four stages of music, art activations, and cultural celebration on Larkin Street between Eddy and O’Farrell. Organized to support small businesses and the local community, the event showcases local DJs, immigrant-owned eateries, and vibrant creative energy in the heart of Little Saigon.
Photo: Ruth Asawa teaching a Baker’s Clay demo at SFMOMA, 1973. *Courtesy Ruth Asawa Lanier, Inc.
Ruth’s Table
Sat, Aug. 2nd 1-3PM
Ruth’s Table presents the Summer of Asawa, a free public program series celebrating Ruth Asawa’s art and community legacy. Join the Bakers Clay Workshop to create with Asawa’s signature salt dough medium and contribute to a future community installation.
*Psoter courtesy of Galería de la Raza
Galería de la Raza
Sat, Aug. 2nd 1-4PM
Galería de la Raza presents “The Q-Sides: Artist Talk and Closing Reception,” featuring artists Vero Majano, Brown Angel, and Kari Orvik in a conversation reflecting on their collaborative project. The event includes a discussion facilitated by Executive Director Ani Rivera and a celebratory closing reception.
*Poster courtesy of Sealevel
Sealevel
Sat, Aug. 2nd 2-5PM
Sealevel presents “Summer in the Sunset,” its annual group exhibition celebrating the beauty and atmosphere of San Francisco’s Outer Sunset through works by local artists. Capturing the spirit of life by the Pacific, the show features a range of media reflecting fog, light, and coastal textures. (Aug. 2nd – Sept. 12th)
*Photo courtesy of Lower Haight Merchants and Neighbors Association
Lower Haight Merchants and Neighbors Association (LoHaMNA)
Sat, Aug. 2nd 2-8PM
Celebrate local art, music, and community at the car-free Lower Haight Summer Art Walk, the neighborhood’s biggest event of the year. Enjoy live performances, artist receptions, pop-ups, and vendor booths stretching from Haight to Fillmore in a festive, all-ages street celebration.
*Poster courtesy of Ruth’s Table
Ruth’s Table
Sat, Aug. 2nd 4-5PM
Celebrate intergenerational creativity at “Monumental Legacies: Capp Street Block Party & Art Procession,” a vibrant community celebration featuring live drumming, festive costumes, and a youth-created monument carried from Ruth’s Table to 500 Capp Street. The event concludes with a gratitude reception honoring community legacies and activates the vibrant Capp Street Arts Corridor.
Artwork: Katherine Sherwood, Green Curtain, 2025. Acrylic on Hardboard, 22 x 19 in. *Courtesy of Anglim/Trimble
Anglim/Trimble
Sat, Aug. 2nd 4-6PM
Anglim/Trimble presents “It killed the pussy,” a provocative group exhibition exploring themes of gender variance, reproductive rights, and freedom of speech through irreverent, graphic, and sincere works. Inspired by Patti Smith’s poem “seventh heaven” and the myth of Eve, the show features paintings, drawings, and photography by 15 artists challenging the cycles of control and resistance. (Aug. 2nd – 16th)
*Poster courtesy of di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art SF
di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art SF at Minnesota Street Project
Sat, Aug. 2nd 5-7PM
di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art presents “Far Out: Northern California Art from the di Rosa Collection,” showcasing the region’s radical artistic legacy through works from the 1960s to today. The exhibition highlights Northern California artists’ spirit of experimentation, dissent, and innovation beyond mainstream art centers. (Aug. 2nd – Oct. 4th)
Artwork: Paul Wacker, Thousand Mile Summer: Gains, Losses, and the Possible Before Me, 2024. Acrylic, Spray Paint on Canvas, 76 ½ x 62 in. *Courtesy of Eleanor Harwood Gallery
Eleanor Harwood Gallery
Sat, Aug. 2nd 5-7PM
Eleanor Harwood Gallery presents its Summer Exhibition, featuring works by current artists alongside previews of upcoming solo shows by Janet Jacobs and Ben Venom. Join the opening reception, held in conjunction with the Minnesota Street Project Summer Party, for a vibrant celebration of contemporary art. (Jul. 22nd – Aug. 30th)
Artworks: (left to right) Scott Listfield; (right) Chris Austin. *Courtesy of Harman Projects
Harman Projects
Sat, Aug. 2nd 5-7PM
Harman Projects presents “Contrasts” by Chris Austin and “Extinction Stories” by Scott Listfield, two solo exhibitions exploring surreal landscapes and speculative futures. Austin’s work features dramatic natural scenes with unexpected juxtapositions, while Listfield continues his signature astronaut narratives amid imagined post-apocalyptic settings. (Aug. 2nd – 23rd)
Artworks: (left to right) Solange Roberdeau, Pale Blue Arching, 2024. Sumi Ink, Graphite, Gouache on 536g Kozo Washi, 7 ½ x 8 ½ in. Daniel Cabrillos Jacobsen, Woman Reading, 2025. Oil on Canvas, 9 ½ x 9 ⅝ in. *Courtesy of Municipal Bonds
Municipal Bonds
Sat, Aug. 2nd 5-7PM
Join Municipal Bonds for an artist reception celebrating “Worlds Within,” featuring works by Cécilia Andrews, Solange Roberdeau, and Blaise Rosenthal, alongside “Yesterday as in Tomorrow,” the U.S. solo debut of Daniel Cabrillos Jacobsen. Both exhibitions explore memory, perception, and psychological space through layered approaches to drawing, painting, and collage. (Jul. 10th – Aug. 23rd)
*Courtesy of Bass & Reiner Gallery
Bass & Reiner Gallery
Sat, Aug. 2nd 5-8PM
Bass & Reiner presents “Second Body State,” a solo exhibition by DJ Meisner featuring transparent, artist-made images influenced by guided meditation tapes once used to train psychic spies. Departing from his usual use of found conspiracy-related imagery, this new work explores the surreal and unseen through a surprising lens.
Artwork: Sophronia Cook. *Courtesy of Casemore Gallery
Casemore Gallery
Sat, Aug. 2nd 5-8PM
Casemore Gallery presents “A Petal’s Edge,” a group exhibition curated by Janie Perez-Radler, featuring six emerging artists who explore photography’s transformation through its intersection with sculpture, printmaking, and painting. The exhibition reimagines the medium as a tactile and conceptual space shaped by personal narratives and the natural world. (Aug. 2nd – Sept. 13th)
*Poster courtesy of Minnesota Street Project
Minnesota Street Project
Sat, Aug. 2nd 5-8PM
Minnesota Street Project’s annual Summer Party returns with exhibition openings, live music, food, and community celebration. Highlights include Art/Education/Community – 35 Years at Recology AIR, the debut of di Rosa SF with Far Out, and works by Recology artists, students, and Creativity Explored collaborators.
Artwork: Christa Grenawalt, Serpentine Gold, 2025. Mixed Media. *Courtesy of Retreat Skin & Hair Studio
Retreat Skin & Hair Studio
Sat, Aug. 2nd 5-8PM
Celebrate the closing of “Serpentine Gold” by Christa Grenawalt at Retreat Skin & Hair Studio with a special Groupmuse performance at 6PM. Part of the Lower Haight Summer Art Walk, the event also marks Retreat’s 8-year anniversary—come support local art, music, and small businesses.
Artwork: Rodolfo Abularach, Artio, 1984. Oil on Canvas, 12 x 16 in. *Courtesy of the Estate of Rodolfo Abularach and Marc Selwyn Fine Art, Los Angeles and Altman Siegel
Altman Siegel
Sat, Aug. 2nd 6-8PM
Altman Siegel presents “Casual Time,” a group exhibition exploring precision, material, and emotion through tightly rendered works by Rodolfo Abularach, Xiaochi Dong, Victoria Gitman, Kim Tschang-Yeul, and Alexandre Zhu. Featuring organic materials like volcanic soil and charcoal, the show examines the interplay between nature and culture through quietly powerful, surreal compositions. (Jul. 25th – Aug. 29th)
Artwork: Marcel Rozek, Patina #1, 2025. Oil on Raw Canvas, 77 x 88 in. *Courtesy of Glass Rice
Glass Rice
Sat, Aug. 2nd 6-8PM
Glass Rice presents “Silhouette,” Marcel Rozek’s sophomore solo exhibition exploring the interplay between fluid stain painting and the precision of hard edge forms. The works reveal a dynamic contrast between soft, colorful pours and stark, brushed shapes that weave through the canvas.
*Banner courtesy of Recology San Francisco
Recology San Francisco at Minnesota Street Project
Sat, Aug. 2nd 6-8PM
The Recology San Francisco Artist in Residence (AIR) Program celebrates its 35th anniversary with “Art/Education/Community – 35 Years at Recology AIR,” a milestone exhibition at Minnesota Street Project. Featuring recent AIR artists, student work, and a partnership with Creativity Explored, the show honors decades of artistic innovation rooted in sustainability, community, and creative reuse. (Jul. 23rd – Aug. 30th)
*Banner courtesy of Punk Majesty
Punk Majesty Showroom
Sat, Aug. 2nd 6-9:30PM
Punk Majesty celebrates the closing of Underground Art Show #2 with an epic night of rebellious art, raw punk energy, and upcycled fashion. Featuring over 20 artists, rare punk photography, and bold community vibes, this final night captures the spirit of SF’s underground creative scene.
Sunday, Aug. 3rd
*Poster courtesy of Strike-Slip Gallery
Strike-Slip Gallery
Sun, Aug. 3rd 12-1PM
Strike Slip Gallery presents “Virtual Light: Artist Talk,” a free public conversation with artist Lady Henze, moderated by Caitlin Goebel, exploring the themes and inspiration behind Henze’s solo exhibition. Attendees are invited to engage directly with the artist in an intimate and insightful setting.
*Banner courtesy of Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco (ICA SF)
Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco (ICA SF)
Sun, Aug. 3rd 1-2PM
Join “Summer Day at ICA SF: Curatorial Tour” for a free guided walkthrough of current exhibitions by David Antonio Cruz, Tau Lewis, and Masako Miki, led by Curatorial Assistant Samantha Hiura. The tour offers deeper insight into the artists’ works and is part of ICA SF’s ongoing summer programming.
Beyond SF (Bay Area Picks)
*Poster courtesy of OUR ISLA
*OUR ISLA at HOLISTIKA – Lafayette
Sat, Aug. 2nd 6-9PM
OUR ISLA presents its first summer show at HOLISTIKA, featuring a donation-based art exhibition with tea, music, and a space to hang out. The event highlights and supports small Bay Area creatives by showcasing and selling their work.
*Poster courtesy of Oakland ART-Beat
*Oakland ART-Beat at The Loom – Oakland
Sat, Aug. 2nd 6PM-3AM
Oakland Art Beat: Celebrating Big Art & Playa Magic in the Bay lights up The Loom with immersive installations, live music, and community rituals. Hosted by The Sphinx Gate, this electrifying gathering unites six Burning Man art projects—including The Sphinx Gate, Temple of the Deep, and Playa Tea’s Teahouses, Mona Die! Die! Die!, Moonlight Library, and Cosmosis—for a night of creativity, connection, and celebration before they head to the playa. *Tickets $42-$500