Rec & Park eNews - August 19, 2026

[San Francisco Recreation & Parks]

Your weekly scoop on San Francisco parks


###  Highlights, News & Announcements

### Gene Friend Rec Center Reopens With Upgraded Space for SoMa Families

The newly rebuilt and expanded Gene Friend Rec Center in SoMa officially opened after a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week. At nearly 25,000 square feet, the center is more than 50% larger, with a double gymnasium, exercise and multipurpose rooms, gathering spaces and expanded programming for the community.

Outside, a new playground features a custom play structure selected with community input, an inclusive spinner, accessible picnic tables, improved landscaping and spaces for families to gather and play. The center also features 13 permanent works of art celebrating SoMa's history, culture and community.

Thank you to Mayor Daniel Lurie, District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, San Francisco Public Works, San Francisco Arts Commission, United Playaz, Trust for Public Land, BORP Adaptive Sports and Recreation, the Friend Family Foundation, West Bay Filipino Multi-Service Center, Bayanihan Equity Center and the many community members who helped make this project possible. Learn more at the link below.


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### South Sunset Clubhouse Reopening Celebration on August 27

Join Rec and Park and community partners for the reopening celebration of South Sunset Clubhouse (40th Avenue and Vicente Street) on Thursday, August 27 from 1 to 2 p.m. `The renovated clubhouse features a fully renovated multipurpose room, modernized kitchen, upgraded restrooms, new outdoor pavilion and sliding glass doors, improved building access and more.` Learn about the project at the link below.


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### Celebrate 20 Years of Rec & Park's Community Gardens Program on August 29

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Rec and Park's Community Gardens Program on Saturday, August 29. `Participating gardens across San Francisco will offer activities at various times beginning at 10 a.m.` including garden tours, arts and crafts, a pancake pollinator potluck, educational workshops and more. Find a participating garden near you at the link below.


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### Stern Grove Festival Concludes Its 89th Season of Free Music

Stern Grove Festival wrapped up its 89th season last weekend with the two-day Big Picnic finale, featuring headliners Public Enemy on Saturday and Al Green on Sunday. The 2026 season featured 11 concerts and more than 30 performers who rocked, grooved and brought the dance party to Stern Grove. Thank you to everyone who makes this beloved summer tradition possible and we look forward to the 90th season! Learn more about the concert series at the link below.

Photo Credit: Maja Follin


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### Rec & Park Celebrates a Summer of Learning, Play & Adventure

As the new school year begins, we're celebrating a summer of learning, play and adventure for more than 4,000 youth in Rec and Park camps. From hitting the mark in archery and roasting marshmallows at Camp Mather to scoring goals at Kezar Sports Camp, participants made lasting memories before heading back to school. We wish them the best as they embark on the 2026-27 school year.

Thank you to the Rec and Park employees who made these camps possible, as well as our community partners who provided programming for young people across our parks.



### Saturday Playtime at Tenderloin Recreation Center

Looking for a place to bring the kids on Saturday mornings? Head to the recently renovated Tenderloin Recreation Center, which is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children and families can enjoy the new children's play area, nature exploration area and resurfaced soccer pitch. Learn more at the link below.


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### Additional Highlights, News & Announcements

  *
Tickets available for Flower Piano (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/gfpmyx)
at the San Francisco Botanical Garden September 10-20
  *
Patricia (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/w7pmyx): Request for Proposals by September 21
  *
Tips for coexisting with coyotes (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/c0qmyx)
during pupping season in our parks





### Upcoming Events

### Sundown Cinema: "The Parent Trap" Screening at Marina Green on August 21

Sundown Cinema continues its 2026 season with a free screening of "The Parent Trap" at Marina Green (200 Marina Boulevard) on Friday, August 21. The event begins at 6 p.m. with the film beginning after sunset at around 8 p.m. Learn more and RSVP at the link below.


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### Welcome Back Plover Party at Sunset Dunes on August 22

Join the Friends of Sunset Dunes to celebrate the return of Western snowy plovers to Ocean Beach on Saturday, August 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Parks Conservancy's Roving Ranger, a mobile nature pop-up, will be at Sunset Dunes and Judah Street offering interactive activities and conversations about local wildlife, climate change and sea-level rise. Learn more at the link below.


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### Book Fair & Back-to-School Event at Minnie & Lovie Ward Rec Center August 22

Join the OMI Cultural Participation Project (OMICPP) for its Don't Disturb This Groove book fair at Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Center (650 Capitol Avenue) on Saturday, August 22 from noon to 3 p.m. This all-ages celebration of Black literacy will feature books for all ages, back-to-school resources, Black-owned businesses and authors, giveaways and more. Learn more at the link below.


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### Duboce ParkJam Returns to Duboce Park on August 22

Join the Friends of Duboce Park for Duboce ParkJam on Saturday, August 22 from noon to 5 p.m. This free event at the park (Duboce Avenue and Noe Street) will feature performances by Misunderstood, Jules Buckner, Division by Zero, Hot Creek Band and Lightning Made Rhinos. Bring a blanket and enjoy an afternoon of live music and community. Learn more at the link below.


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### BAPE in the Bay Block Party at Union Square on August 22

Join A Bathing Ape (BAPE) for its BAPE in the Bay Block Party at Union Square (333 Post Street) on Saturday, August 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. Celebrating the opening of BAPE's first Northern California store, the public event will feature music, games, prizes, food and special guests. Learn more at the link below.


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###  Additional Upcoming Events

  *
Storytime in the Park (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/0qvmyx)
at Francisco Park (Bay & Larkin streets) on Friday, August 28 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
  *
Art Gallery Night (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/gjwmyx)
at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) on Friday, August 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.
  *
Family Day (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/wbxmyx)
at India Basin Waterfront Park (900 Innes Avenue) on Saturday, August 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  * Cinema on the Square: "
% link:https://dothebay.com/events/2026/8/29/cinema-on-the-square-pokemon-detective-pikachu-tickets name="Pokémon Detective Pikachu" content="Pokémon Detective Pikachu" %]" Screening at Union Square (333 Post Street) on Saturday, August 29 with preshow beginning at 5 p.m.
  *
Umpire Academy (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/c4xmyx)
at the Crocker Amazon Playground ballfields (799 Moscow Street) on Sunday, August 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  *
Yoga in the Park (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/swymyx)
at Francisco Park (Bay & Larkin streets) on Sunday, August 30 from 10 to 11 a.m.
  *
5th Annual BonPOP Obon Festival (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/8ozmyx)
at the San Francisco Botanical Garden (1199 9th Avenue) on Sunday, August 30 from 2 to 6 p.m.





### Regular Programming & Series

###  Bean Sprouts Family Days Extended Through September

By popular demand, Bean Sprouts Family Days at the San Francisco Botanical Garden (1199 9th Avenue) will continue through September in the Children's Garden. Bring young children for hands-on activities and explore recent garden improvements completed by high school garden interns. The program takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn more at the link below.


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### Free Concerts in Our Parks: August 20, 21, 22, 23, 25 & 26

Join us for free weekly concerts in our parks, including with
Illuminate Live (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/490myx)
and the
Golden Gate Park Band (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/k21myx)
at the bandshell, as well as Illuminate Live at Fulton Plaza. See upcoming shows below:


Fulton Plaza (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/0u2myx)
(Fulton Street between Larkin & Hyde streets)

August 20 | noon-3 p.m. - Gaby, Matt Reagan, & XtinaM

August 25 | noon-3 p.m. - Alie Halla, John Elliott, & Little Oil

Golden Gate Bandshell (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/gn3myx)
(75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive)

August 21 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. - Friday Happy Hour featuring The Fell Swoop

August 23 | 1-2:30 p.m. - Golden Gate Park Band Concert:
Celebrating Ukrainian Culture (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/wf4myx)

August 23 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. - Reggae Sunday featuring DJ Jacques & resident DJs Guid8nce, Sep, & Irie Dole

August 26 | 4-7 p.m. - Midweek Melodies featuring Dan Martin & Jethro Jeremiah

The Whale (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/c84myx)
(14th Avenue East Meadow & the JFK Promenade)

August 22 | noon-6 p.m. - Joyce Lee, Mike Wheeler, Sam Edelman, & Skinny Katz

August 23 | noon-6 p.m. - Jules Buckner, Newman, Quinn Widener, & The Welcome Matt





### Seed & Plant Start Giveaway at Geneva Community Garden on August 22

Stop by Geneva Community Garden (698 Delano Avenue) for a free seed and plant start giveaway on Saturday, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pick up these supplies while they last and get gardening advice from UC Master Gardeners. Learn more at the link below.


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### MRC Rebels Fall Basketball Tryouts Begin August 26

Registration is open for the Mission Recreation Center (MRC) Rebels fall 2026 girls basketball tryouts for students in grades 4 to 8. Evaluations will take place at the center (2450 Harrison Street) on Wednesday, August 26; Friday, August 28; Tuesday, September 1; and Thursday, September 3 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Learn more and register at the link below.


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### Additional Programming & Series

  * San Francisco Public Library's
Summer Mobile (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/ol7myx)
in our parks Monday through Thursday
  *
Event and program schedule (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/4d8myx)
for the Gardens of Golden Gate Park
  *
Free daily programming (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/k68myx)
in Union Square
 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/0y9myx)(333 Post Street)
  *
Daily activities and classes at the Civic Center Plazas (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/granyx)
  *
Drop-in Teqball (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/wjbnyx)
at St. Mary's Recreation Center (95 Justin Drive) every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  *
Saturday Morning Drop-In Playtime (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/cccnyx)
at St. Mary's Recreation Center (95 Justin Drive) every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon
  *
Weekend programming (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/s4cnyx)
at the Randall Museum (199 Museum Way)
  *
Drop-In Saturday Wheelchair Basketball (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/8wdnyx)
at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) every Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m.
  *
Swing into Stories (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/openyx)
at Redwood Grove Playground in McLaren Park (200 John F. Shelley Drive) on Tuesday, August 25 from 9:30 a.m. to noon
  *
Traditional Chinese Dance Class (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/4hfnyx)
at Sunset Dunes & Judah Street every Wednesday at 11 a.m.
  *
Women (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/kagnyx)
at Minnie & Lovie Ward Rec Center (650 Capitol Avenue) every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.





### Video of the Week


 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/02gnyx)


### SF Arts Commission: "Barrio Fiesta" at Gene Friend Celebrates SoMa Community

Our
Video of the Week (https://t.e2ma.net/click/gf9d1k/wfcl20hc/gvhnyx)
comes from the San Francisco Arts Commission and highlights "Barrio Fiesta," a new artwork by Cece Carpio at the rebuilt Gene Friend Recreation Center (77 Harriet Street). Installed in the gymnasium of the nearly 25,000-square-foot facility, the piece draws inspiration from a traditional Filipino cultural festival that brings communities together through dance, music, colorful parades and food. Its portraits of local leaders, veterans, elders, immigrants and youth reflect the people of the SoMa Pilipinas Filipino Cultural Heritage District. Learn more at the link below.


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