SF Cider Fest pours the party with crisp sips and fall vibes
SPARK Social SF turned Mission Bay into a hub of apple-inspired flavors. Pumpkins, candy apples and dancing made for the perfect autumn outing.
San Francisco is a land overflowing with beverage festivals. I wanted coffee at Fort Mason this weekend but that party turned me away at the door. So instead I found cider, and good thing, too.
The San Francisco Fall Cider Fest turned out to be the most adorable salute to autumn. No one bumped into each other and everyone who wanted a seat had one. A $45 ticket provided unlimited pours of over 30 ciders in addition to all the vendor accoutrements.
See photos from SF Cider Festival and read the recap by Courtney Muro
Lilah brings the boom with shaved ice and low-proof cocktails
Causwells has been a neighborhood staple in the Marina District for a decade now, with quality food from Adam Rosenblum and inspired cocktails from Elmer Mejicanos. The same dynamic duo thankfully took over the little space next door to Causwells and in it, they debuted Lilah this fall.
SF’s new bar on Chestnut Street serves up low- and zero-proof cocktails with lots of panache and pow, ranging from shaved ice spectacles to drinks that say boom right on top.
Read the latest by Virginia Miller
In the face of another Trump era, I’ll continue to seek joy in San Francisco
It feels weird to write a story celebrating local arts while ignoring what happened on Tuesday. We knew a Trump presidency was somewhere in the cards, but it’s not something San Francisco nor I will happily accept. And I won’t downplay our collective mood simply because The Bold Italic writes about parks, parties, and concerts.
San Francisco remains resilient, irreverent and the most progressive city in our country — not to mention beautiful. Now is the time to remember that.
Read the latest by Saul Sugarman
What we’re doing this week
Bhangra & Beats season finale to light up downtown SF
San Francisco is set to host its first official Diwali celebration during the season finale of the Bhangra & Beats Night Market. This free, family-friendly event will transform three city blocks into a vibrant cultural hub, featuring South Asian food vendors, unique local artisans, and two stages of music rooted in Indian traditions. The evening will be highlighted by performances from Non Stop Bhangra and special guest artists, creating an immersive cultural experience.
WHEN: Friday, November 15, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
WHERE: Battery and Clay Streets, Downtown San Francisco, CA 94111
Dickens Christmas Fair
The 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair returns on November 23, transforming the Cow Palace into Victorian London, complete with costumed characters, festive shops, and lively performances. Attendees can enjoy traditional holiday treats, handcrafted gifts, and entertainment that captures the spirit of Charles Dickens' era.
WHEN: November 23 - December 22, 2024
WHERE: Cow Palace, Daly City, CA
SF Oasis Gala
The inaugural Oasis Arts Gala, titled "Creating Legacy," is scheduled for Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 7:00 PM at OASIS in San Francisco. This event aims to fundraise for the future and preserve the legacy of queer art and performance in the city. Hosted by D’Arcy Drollinger, Sister Roma, Honey Mahogany, and Snaxx, the evening will feature cocktails, appetizers, immersive entertainment, performances, speakers, and a silent auction. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their most head-turning attire to "upstage the host."
Read our preview on the event and interview with Drollinger.
WHEN: Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 7:00 PM
WHERE: OASIS, 298 11th Street, San Francisco, CA
Cyndi Lauper at Chase Center
Pop icon Cyndi Lauper is set to perform at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, as part of her "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour." Expect an electrifying night as Lauper brings her biggest hits like "Time After Time," "True Colors," and "She Bop" to the stage, celebrating a career that spans over four decades. Known for her bold style and powerful voice, Lauper’s farewell tour promises a nostalgic and unforgettable experience for fans.
WHEN: Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 8:00 PM
WHERE: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
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.
How Strava runners are mapping out masterpieces

Strava wasn’t kidding when they said they’d bring community and fitness to downtown SF! Some San Francisco runners aren’t just logging miles—they’re sketching everything from album covers to pop icons across the city’s streets, using GPS on Strava to bring their designs to life. Dubbed “cardio cartographers,” the runners are drawing everything from Baby Yoda to Frida Kahlo, and this viral one of Chappell Roan.
“You’re creating something out of nothing,” runner Wenqi Shao told SF Standard. “You’re capturing a moment, but you’re superimposing an aesthetic onto this experience.”
It’s the kind of creative spirit that feels right at home in San Francisco. Next time you see a runner pass by, they might just be sketching the city’s next viral masterpiece.
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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.
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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