Castro Halloween is still a ghost of its legendary history
The 2024 party in the Castro felt small on Saturday night, but still a good time. We just wish the block party returned.
We don’t have high expectations for parties, but they should be more than strolls down the street in costume. Castro Halloween’s legendary block party fell pretty flat on Saturday—leaving us with another quiet comeback like last year’s. We didn’t hate it though; lots of fun costumes and good times for all. We just want dancing in the streets back.
Read the latest by Courtney Muro and Saul Sugarman
‘Glow in the Streets’ was a chill half block of neon fun
Glow in the Streets gave us a perfectly good excuse to don something bright and dance around a bit outside on Halloween weekend. This was the 6th iteration of Comfort & Joy’s soirée that mixes art, community, and touch. In most cities you might stroll by and wonder, “Wow, what the hell is that?” But in San Francisco it was more like: “OK, looks cute.”
Read our review of Glow in the Streets
I want to hate Waymo but can’t
Getting into a Waymo felt a little embarrassing at first. It signaled to people around me that I’m embracing the Tech Future, and that doesn’t mesh well with the reality of who I am. But this car did feel like a human was at the wheel, even the way it took a turn too quickly or scraped a curb. The first ride went perfectly except in the parking lot, and I felt impressed but also vindicated; Waymo probably wouldn’t kill me but also wasn’t smarter than human drivers.
Read the latest by T. Von D.
Did you know there’s an SF Fashion Week?
I feel a little monstrous being so honest about a runway show that ironically was one of the best I’ve seen in San Francisco. The boppy music kept things rolling right along for hours, there was a lovely variation in aesthetics, and the models were generally very pretty and good walkers. But the vibe just off and tense from the moment we arrived at SF Fashion Week.
Read the latest by Saul Sugarman
What we’re doing this week
The time is nigh to hay bale maze
You’ve probably picked your pumpkin and done the spooky things. But Arata’s is still calling up until only October 31st. The storied farm up the street in Half Moon Bay is packed with carnival activities and the sort of pumpkins that are great for artisinal pies. We haven’t been yet but we really need to get down there before November hits — because they close up shop then.
There’s a two-acre Minotaur’s Labyrinth hay maze and a haunted barn. Family-friendly activities include a petting zoo, pony rides, hayrides, and a playful "pumpkin river."
WHEN: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with extended hours until 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in October.
WHERE: 185 Verde Road, Half Moon Bay, CA.
Dia de los Muertos — Festival of Altars
There are many ways to celebrate Day of the Dead, a more emotional yet equally colorful holiday that follows Halloween. The Festival of Altars features traditional altars where attendees can honor their ancestors by bringing offerings such as flowers, photos, and candles. The event fosters a sense of community through remembrance, with a sacred Ritual Circle at 5 PM. There’s typically a processional / group walk sometime that evening, too in Mission.
WHEN: November 2nd, Installation begins at 8am. Ceremony begins at 12pm. Performances begins at 5pm.
WHERE: Potrero del Sol Park, 1500 Utah Street, San Francisco, CA
You might also check out the Poet’s Murmuration at the Exploratorium the same evening.
Dia de los Muertos — SF Symphony
We did this one last year and loved it, you can see our reel on the experience. It’s a lovely day with family activities and performances at SF Symphony. Their dinner is sold out! But it’s buko $$ anyway. We’ll be there in an elaborate floral getup for the concert and reception. Join us, would you?
The 2024 program includes works by renowned composers like Carlos Chávez and Gabriela Ortiz, along with a visual experience of festive art installations and altars in the lobby, curated by local artists. This family-friendly event is preceded by activities and followed by a lively post-concert reception as part of the day’s cultural festivities.
WHEN: November 2, 2024, 3 PM
WHERE: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Dance-o-Ween
Get ready for Dance-o-Ween, the ultimate spooky dance party in San Francisco's Mission District! On Halloween night, join a crew of costumed revelers and mobile DJs as you dance your way through the neighborhood. Expect thrilling beats, new and familiar faces, and a few spooky surprises along the way. Costumes are a must, and the night kicks off at the 16th Street BART station at 7:30 PM. The dancing will end at Mission St. Playground, making for an unforgettable Halloween celebration full of fun, music, and community vibes.
WHEN: October 31, 2024, 7:30 PM
WHERE: Meet at 16th St. BART Station, San Francisco, CA, ending at Mission St. Playground.
It looks very loosely organized this year, we spotted it from this Youtube video. But yes it’s happening in 2024.
Also coming up: Walk Your Values with KQED + Remake
"Walk Your Values," hosted by KQED and the nonprofit Remake, is a conscious fashion show and panel discussion focused on sustainable style and self-expression through ethically produced, pre-loved, and upcycled fashion. Drawing inspiration from Remake’s New York Fashion Week events and KQED’s "Fit Check" series, the event invites attendees to explore the lifecycle of clothing while connecting with local activists, creatives, and fashion experts.
We’re a little sus about fashion presentations in SF right now, but it’s also worth noting ReLove is part of this. That’s a vintage shop in SF and Oakland with some really great Bay Area iconic pieces. Check out our small shoutout of them from the de Young gala.
WHEN: Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: SF Ferry Building, Grand Hall, 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco.
What’s on our mind
We keep content mostly fun and light at The Bold Italic, but the future of the Bay Area interests us, too. Here’s what we are thinking about in local news. Brought to you by GrowSF.
It’s time to vote — Use our Voter Guide to navigate the ballot
Getting informed about everything on the ballot is hard, that’s why we have worked over the past three months to produce our biggest, most informative, voter guide yet. Our well-researched analysis cuts through the noise and provides the critical information you can trust.
Read the full GrowSF Voter Guide and share it with your friends. Let’s put San Francisco back on track.
Paid for by Coalition to Grow San Francisco - Grow SF PAC. FPPC # 1433436. Committee major funding from: Jeremy Liew. Not authorized by any candidate, candidate's committee, or committee controlled by a candidate. Financial disclosures are available at sfethics.org.
Donate to The Bold Italic today
The Bold Italic publishes first-person stories on topics that are on the brains and lips of San Franciscans. We’re a hub for conversations to be heard and discussed, and we celebrate all that’s great about living in San Francisco and the Bay Area. We hope our continuing conversation will get you thinking, talking, and inspiring you to share your opinions with us on living in San Francisco.
You can help us celebrate our home by making a tax-deductible donation through our Flipcause page. We can also take stock, and Donor Advised Fund donations. We are partnered with Independent Arts & Media, a 501(c)(3).
The Bold Italic is brought to you by GrowSF and edited by Saul Sugarman. Send us a pitch, a question, comment, or advertise with us: info@thebolditalic.com