Rec & Park eNews - October 14, 2026

Wed Oct 14 23:47:33 PDT 2026

Your weekly scoop on San Francisco parks

###  Highlights, News & Announcements

### Refurbished Nate Thurmond Panhandle Basketball Courts Unveiled

The Nate Thurmond Panhandle Basketball Courts reopened today with a ribbon cutting and ceremonial tip-off, hosted by Rec and Park, the Golden State Warriors, Golden State Community Foundation and Good Tidings Foundation. The courts honor Thurmond, a seven-time NBA All-Star and Basketball Hall of Famer who spent more than four decades with the Warriors as a player and community relations ambassador.

The event was attended by Marci Thurmond, wife of the late Warriors legend, former Mayor Willie Brown, Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, and Warriors alumnus and television analyst Kelenna Azubuike. Following the ceremony, the Golden State Sports Academy hosted a basketball clinic for local youth.

The latest improvements include resurfaced courts, fresh paint, new rims and backboards, and Thurmond's No. 42 at center court. This third refurbishment builds on earlier renovations in 2000 and 2016 through the Making Hoops program, a longstanding partnership between the Golden State Community Foundation and Good Tidings Foundation that has restored more than 90 basketball courts across the Bay Area.

Thank you to the Golden State Warriors, Golden State Community Foundation and Good Tidings Foundation for their continued investment in these neighborhood courts and the next generation of players. Learn more at the link below.

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### La Piazza Poised to Bring All-Day Italian Dining to Union Square

La Piazza, a new modern Italian cafe from the Bay Area restaurant group behind Colibri and Il Parco, has been recommended to operate the west cafe at Union Square.

Pending Recreation and Park Commission approval of a proposed nine-year lease, La Piazza is expected to open in spring 2027 and serve visitors seven days a week, from espresso and pastries in the morning to pizzas, pastas and cocktails in the evening.

The cafe will replace b. Patisserie, while Super Duper Burgers prepares to open across the plaza this fall, bringing new dining options and activity to Union Square. Learn more at the link below.

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### WNBA 3-Point Line Unveiling at Margaret Hayward Playground October 16

Join the WNBA, Golden State Valkyries and Rec and Park to celebrate a new official WNBA 3-point line at Margaret Hayward Playground (1016 Laguna Street) on Friday, October 16 from 3 to 5 p.m.

The Fire Orange line is part of the WNBA's
Line ’Em Up initiative (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/8sygcy), bringing the league's official 3-point line to public park courts across the country. The initiative celebrates women's basketball and helps girls and women see themselves in the game, as excitement builds around the Valkyries' first trip to the WNBA Finals. The full basketball court at Joe DiMaggio Playground will also receive an official WNBA 3-point line as part of the initiative.

Courts at both parks will be closed October 15 for painting. The Margaret Hayward Playground courts will remain closed October 16 for event setup until the celebration begins at 3 p.m. The event will feature remarks and a ceremonial ribbon cutting, with the courts reopening for public play at 5 p.m.

### T-Pain at Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park October 17

Grammy Award-winning artist T-Pain is coming to Robin Williams Meadow (JFK Promenade and Kezar Drive) in Golden Gate Park on Saturday, October 17 beginning at 1 p.m. Presented by NPU Live, R&B and RIBS and Rec and Park, the concert will feature Ari Lennox, along with DJs Lady Ryan, Shellheart and BBCAROLZ. For more information and to purchase tickets, click the link below.

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### Diplo's Run Club at Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park October 18

Diplo's Run Club returns to San Francisco on Sunday, October 18 starting at 8:30 a.m. The 5K starts and ends at Robin Williams Meadow (JFK Promenade and Kezar Drive) in Golden Gate Park, guiding runners past some of the park's most iconic landmarks. After crossing the finish line, runners can keep the energy high at a post-race concert featuring Diplo and Jax Jones. For more information and to purchase tickets, click the link below.

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### Scaregrove to Bring Spooky Fun to Stern Grove October 30

Scaregrove, Rec and Park's annual Halloween bash, returns to Sigmund Stern Grove (19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard) on Friday, October 30 from 3 to 9 p.m. This free event will feature a haunted house, carnival rides, a haunted maze, arts and crafts, live entertainment and food for sale. Come dressed in a costume for a magical evening in the woods!

Help bring Scaregrove to life by volunteering for a shift from 3 to 6 p.m. or 6 to 9 p.m. Roles include haunted house actors, haunted maze volunteers and support for arts and crafts, games, archery and other activities. For more information and to volunteer, click the link below.

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### Additional Highlights, News & Announcements

  * "
% link:https://haightstreetart.org/pages/forevergrateful-ggp name="Forever Grateful, Golden Gate Park" content="Forever Grateful, Golden Gate Park" %]" on display at the County Fair Building (1199 9th Avenue) through October 25; upcoming concerts on October 16, 18 & 22
  *
2026 Family Listening Series (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/0y1gcy): Family Summit at
Richmond Rec Center (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/gr2gcy)
(251 18th Avenue) on Thursday, October 22 at 5:30 p.m.
Take the online survey (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/wj3gcy)
  *
Lake Merced West RFP (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/cc4gcy): Proposals due December 17
  *
Tips for coexisting with coyotes (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/s44gcy)
in our parks

### Upcoming Events

### Dune Restoration Volunteer Days at Sunset Dunes Beginning October 16

Help restore dune habitat along Ocean Beach at Sunset Dunes and Judah Street on Friday, October 16 and Saturdays, October 24, November 7 and November 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers ages 15 and older will help maintain native vegetation and strengthen the dunes against erosion. Halloween costumes are encouraged for the October 24 event. Tools and gloves will be provided. For more information and to register, click the link below.

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### Autumn Joy Floral Demonstration at the County Fair Building October 16

Join Ikebana International for "Autumn Joy," a floral demonstration by Connie "Bihou" Chen of the Wafu School, at the County Fair Building (1199 9th Avenue) in Golden Gate Park on Friday, October 16. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the program begins at noon. Swing by and celebrate friendship through flowers. For more information, click the link below.

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### SFGATE Pop-Up Newsroom at Marina Green Triangle October 16

The SFGATE newsroom is setting up shop in another San Francisco park. For the second installment of its collaboration with Rec and Park, SFGATE journalists will be at Marina Green Triangle (180 Marina Boulevard) on Friday, October 16 from noon to 5 p.m. Meet the people behind the bylines, pitch a story or tell them what's happening in your corner of the city. For more information, click the link below.

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### Community Picnic Celebrating Axis Mundi at Alamo Square October 16

Join Big Art Loop for a community picnic celebrating "Axis Mundi" at Alamo Square (Hayes and Steiner streets) on Friday, October 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Created by Serge and Yelena of HYBYCOZO, the sculpture is the newest addition to Big Art Loop's public art installations across San Francisco. Bring a picnic, meet the artists and connect with neighbors at this free event. For more information and to RSVP, click the link below.

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### 38th Annual Old Car Picnic at Hellman Hollow October 17

The 38th Annual San Francisco Old Car Picnic returns to Hellman Hollow (800 John F. Kennedy Drive) in Golden Gate Park on Saturday, October 17 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. See classic cars, trucks, motorcycles and bicycles while enjoying a longtime San Francisco tradition. Spectators can attend for free, and vehicle entry fees support programs for people with developmental disabilities. For more information, click the link below.

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### Ella Hill Hutch Community Cleanup & Open House October 17

Join neighbors at Ella Hill Hutch Community Center (1050 McAllister Street) for a playground cleanup and open house on Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Help clean the playground from 10 a.m. to noon, and enjoy music, food, art projects, Zumba, a basketball 3-point contest and more. For more information, contact Ray Kelly at (415) 917-5335. To register for the cleanup, click the link below.

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### SF Photobook Fair at Harvey Milk Photo Center October 17 & 18

Explore photography in print at the San Francisco Photobook Fair at Harvey Milk Photo Center (50 Scott Street) on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free event will bring together 40 publishers, independent presses and artists selling photography books, magazines and zines. Coffee, tea and pastries from LOQUAT will also be available for purchase. For more information, click the link below.

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### Zootoberfest at San Francisco Zoo October 17 & 18

Celebrate Zootoberfest at San Francisco Zoo (Sloat Boulevard at The Great Highway) on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. Head to the Leaping Lemur Cafe for live Oktoberfest music, special menus and beer specials celebrating German culture. For more information and zoo tickets, click the link below.

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### Fall Family Festival at Fulton Plaza October 17

Celebrate the season at the Fall Family Festival at Fulton Plaza (Fulton Street between Larkin and Hyde streets) on Saturday, October 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. This free event will feature carnival games, pumpkin decorating, face painting, bubble entertainment and more. Food trucks and carnival treats will also be available for purchase. For more information, click the link below.

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### Market Street Arts & Theater Festival at UN Plaza October 17

Kick off the Market Street Arts and Theater Festival at UN Plaza (Market and Hyde streets) on Saturday, October 17 at 4 p.m. The free opening ceremony will feature vertical dance by BANDALOOP and circus-theater performances by Dear San Francisco, bringing live entertainment to the plaza and beyond. Afterward, explore an evening of live music, dance, circus, art and theater at UN Plaza and venues along Market Street. For more information, click the link below.

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### Halloween Archery Tournament in Golden Gate Park; Register by October 16

Take aim at the Golden Gate Park archery range (902 47th Avenue) at the Halloween archery tournament on Saturday, October 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Youth and adult divisions include Olympic Recurve, Barebow Recurve, Traditional, and Compound Barebow, Bowhunter and Unlimited. Participants must bring their own equipment. The deadline to register is Friday, October 16.

For accommodations, please contact rpdaccess at sfgov.org (mailto:rpdaccess at sfgov.org) or (415) 831-6834. For more information and to register, click the link below.

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### SF Lawn Bowling Club 125th Anniversary in Golden Gate Park October 25

Celebrate the San Francisco Lawn Bowling Club's 125th anniversary at its clubhouse and greens (320 Bowling Green Drive) in Golden Gate Park on Sunday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event will feature opportunities to try lawn bowling, tours of the historic clubhouse and museum, games, refreshments and prizes. A youth clinic will also be offered for ages 12 and older. No experience is necessary; wear flat-soled shoes. For more information, click the link below.

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###  Additional Upcoming Events

  *
Movies in McCoppin Square (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/kefhcy)
(Taraval Street & 23rd Avenue): "Zootopia 2" on Friday, October 16 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
  * Dinner & a Movie: "
% link:https://sfrecpark.org/DocumentCenter/View/30322/OMI-Movie-Night- name="Hotel Transylvania 2" content="Hotel Transylvania 2" %]" at Minnie & Lovie Ward Recreation Center (650 Capitol Avenue) on Friday, October 23 from 4 to 6 p.m.
  *
21st Annual Harvest Festival (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/06fhcy)
at Alemany Farm (700 Alemany Boulevard) on Saturday, October 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  *
Pumpkin Carving Party (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/gzghcy)
at Duboce Park's Upper Lawn (Duboce Avenue & Scott Street) on Saturday, October 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  *
Fall Zumba Party (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/wrhhcy)
at the County Fair Building (1199 9th Avenue) in Golden Gate Park on Sunday, October 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  *
The Great Hauntway (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/ckihcy)
at Sunset Dunes between Judah & Taraval streets on Sunday, October 25 from 1 to 4 p.m.
  *
Alamo Scare (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/scjhcy)
on Steiner Street between Hayes & Grove streets on Sunday, October 25 from 4 to 6 p.m.

### Regular Programming & Series

###  Free Concerts in Our Parks: October 15-21

Enjoy free weekly concerts, including
Illuminate Live (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/84jhcy)
performances at the Golden Gate Bandshell and Fulton Plaza. See upcoming shows below:

Fulton Plaza (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/oxkhcy)
(Fulton Street between Larkin & Hyde streets)

October 15 | noon-3 p.m. - Dan Dectis, sapphicboi, & VelvetVenom

October 20 | noon-3 p.m. - Davia Schendel, Tony Cordero, & Trixie Rasputin

Golden Gate Bandshell (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/4plhcy)
(75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive)

October 16 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. - Friday Happy Hour featuring Lavay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers

October 18 | noon-7:30 p.m. - Reggae Sunday featuring DJ Jah Yzer & Rise Up & resident DJs Guid8nce, Sep, & Irie Dole

October 21| 4-7 p.m. - Midweek Melodies featuring ADEYA, Purple Albatross, & Squeak

###  Fall Bird Walk in Golden Gate Park October 17; Register by October 15

San Francisco Nature Education (SFNE) is hosting fall bird walks, with the next taking place on Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Chain of Lakes. Meet at the Middle Lake parking lot (371 Chain of Lakes Drive). SFNE volunteers will lead these walks, offering one program for children ages 5 to 12 (accompanied by a parent or guardian), and another for youth and adults ages 13 and up. Learn more and register at the link below.

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### Tennis Coalition Neighborhood Rally at Stern Grove October 25

Join the Tennis Coalition of San Francisco for its Neighborhood Rally at Stern Grove Tennis Courts (Sloat Boulevard and 22nd Avenue) on Sunday, October 25 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Coach Cody Rakela will lead a warm-up, followed by doubles and rotating play for advanced beginner and intermediate players. Bring a racket, water and court shoes; balls will be provided. For more information and to register, click the link below.

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### Additional Programming & Series

  *
Jose Coronado Futsal League Registration Now Open (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/g3nhcy)
  *
Event and program schedule (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/wvohcy)
for the Gardens of Golden Gate Park
  *
Free daily programming (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/cophcy)
in Union Square
 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/sgqhcy)(333 Post Street) through October 20
  *
Daily activities and classes at the Civic Center Plazas (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/88qhcy)
  *
Symphonic Sunset with the SF Philharmonic (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/o1rhcy)
at Sunset Dunes & Noriega Street on Thursday, October 15 from 4 to 5 p.m.
  *
Weekend programming (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/4tshcy)
at the Randall Museum (199 Museum Way)
  *
Drop-In Saturday Wheelchair Basketball (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/kmthcy)
at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) every Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m.
  *
Free Girls Flag Rugby (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/0euhcy)
at South Sunset Playground (40th Avenue and Wawona Avenue) on Sunday, October 18 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
  *
Swing into Stories (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/g7uhcy)at Helen Wills Playground (1401 Broadway at Larkin) on Tuesday, October 20 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
  * "
% link:https://sfrecpark.org/DocumentCenter/View/30272/Glen-Park-Movie-Nights-SummerFall-2026 name="Paper Moon" content="Paper Moon" %]" screening at Glen Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) on Tuesday, October 20 at 6 p.m.
  *
Traditional Chinese Dance Class (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/wzvhcy)
at Sunset Dunes & Judah Street every Wednesday at 11 a.m.

### Video of the Week

 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/cswhcy)

### Video of the Week: Restoring the Japanese Tea Garden's Pagoda

Our
Video of the Week (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/skxhcy)
comes from the Gardens of Golden Gate Park and Darling Street Pictures and goes behind the scenes of the Japanese Tea Garden's pagoda restoration. After more than a century of fog, rain and ocean winds, this park landmark needed some serious care. See how Rec and Park's carpenters took on the intricate work of restoring it, supported by a community effort led by the Friends of the Japanese Tea Garden.

Thank you to the gardeners, carpenters, roofers, craftspeople and community supporters who helped preserve this piece of San Francisco history for generations to come. Plan your next visit to the Japanese Tea Garden at the link below.

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Job Openings (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/4xzhcy)

 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/kq0hcy)

Rec and Park Gear (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/0i1hcy)

 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/gb2hcy)

Volunteer with Us (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/w32hcy)

San Francisco Recreation and Parks |
sfrecpark.org (https://t.e2ma.net/click/ssnb7k/wfcl20hc/cw3hcy)

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% link:https://www.youtube.com/user/sfRecPark name="https://www.youtube.com/user/sfRecPark" content="" %]

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