CURRENT
Fickle weather is no April Fool’s joke, so grab those layers heading out the door. As any San Franciscan can attest, this is a good month to keep both sunglasses and umbrellas handy. For classic spring events beyond the city, head north to wine country for Vineyard to Vintner Weekend and south for Pebble Beach Food & Wine.
Through May 11
Legion of Honor | Dress Rehearsal: The Art of Theatrical Design
photo: Laurie Jo Miller Farr
In celebration of the museum’s 100th anniversary, a selection of outstanding costume and set designs through two intertwined stories: the history of theater and dance, and the founding of the Legion of Honor. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave. famsf.org
APRIL
April 4 – 5
San Francisco Symphony | Titanic
The popular film with live orchestra series presents James Cameron’s epic period piece, brimming with themes of love and ambition, elevated by James Horner’s Academy Award-winning score. sfsymphony.org
April 5
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals | 16th Annual Notes & Words Benefit
With musical sets from talented acts and readings from best-selling authors, this is a night of smart, satisfying entertainment with proceeds going to children and families in need. Grammy Award-winning rock, soul, and blues guitar virtuoso, Gary Clark Jr., will headline. The Masonic, 1111 California St. notesandwords.org
April 5 – 19
San Francisco Ballet | Van Manen: Dutch Grandmaster
From steamy tango to elegant classical and contemporary themes, four dynamic works are curated to showcase the innovative legacy of Hans van Manen, a pioneer in the Dutch dance scene. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfballet.org
April 5 – Sept. 2, 2025
SFMOMA | Ruth Asawa: Retrospective
The first major national and international museum retrospective of this legendary Bay Area artist’s groundbreaking work. More than 300 works spanning six decades include sculpture, drawings, prints, paintings, and design objects. 151 Third St. sfmoma.org
April 8 – 18
San Francisco Ballet | Broken Love
Powerhouse female leads relate stories of enduring love. A mini-masterpiece explores the life and art of Frida Kahlo, celebrated Mexican painter. Also, Sir Frederick Ashton’s Marguerite and Armand is a story of fervent love, heartbreak, sacrifice, and forgiveness. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfballet.org
April 8 – 20
Curran Theatre | SIX The Musical
From Tudor queens to pop icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII remix 500 years of historical heartbreak into a celebration of 21st century girl power. A Tony Award winner for “best original score,” the show is also presented at San Jose’s Center for the Performing Arts from April 22–27, 2025. broadwaysf.com
April 10 – 13
Pebble Beach Food & Wine
One of the nation’s premier culinary experiences returns. The four-day epicurean experience is billed as a refined celebration of food, wine, and craftsmanship, guided by visionaries from kitchens and vineyards around the globe, featuring 150 acclaimed wine and spirits producers and 100 distinguished chefs. pebblebeachfoodandwine.com
April 11 – 13
22nd Annual International Ocean Film Festival
Making waves at the world’s largest ocean-themed film festival. Groundbreaking films, mingling with filmmakers and ocean experts. Cowell Theater, Fort Mason. intloceanfilmfest.org
April 12 – 13 and 19 – 20
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
Since 1968, Japantown has been the place to be on two weekends in April. This is one of California’s most prominent celebrations of Asian traditions and the largest Cherry Blossom Festival on the West Coast. sfcherryblossom.org
April 23
SFMOMA | Art Bash
The museum’s signature fundraiser kicks off with cocktails, dinner, and an art auction. All seven floors of the museum provide surprising encounters, musical performances, and immersive art experiences until 1 a.m. 151 Third St. sfmoma.org/event/series/artbash
April 25 – 27
Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association | Vineyard to Vintner Weekend
Stags Leap AVA sign (photo: Nancy Bialek)
For more than two decades, a vibrant gathering and celebration of the exceptional wines and spirit of innovation and camaraderie that make this famous AVA so spectacular. Single-day and three-day passes available. stagsleapdistrict.com/v2v
April 26
San Francisco Symphony | MTT 80th Birthday Concert
In this one-of-a-kind event, Music Director Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas conducts a captivating program with special guest appearances. Part lively musical journey through cherished memories, part celebration of a singular artist. Program TBA. sfsymphony.org
April 26 – May 26
46th Annual San Francisco Decorator Showcase
A sophisticated Pacific Heights mansion at 2935 Pacific Avenue is transformed by top interior and landscape designers. Built in 1902, the gracious home has a rooftop with a fire pit, hot tub, and stunning views. Benefiting the San Francisco University High School Financial Aid Program. decoratorshowcase.org
April 30 – May 11
BroadwaySF | Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia, BroadwaySF (photo: Joan Marcus)
For 25 years, the ultimate feel-good musical. Set on a Greek island where the sun always shines, it’s a tale of love, friendship, and identity told through the timeless hits of ABBA. Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St. broadwaysf.com