Why I love vintage shopping on Haight Street
From classic bohemian pieces to mid-century gems, the Haight is a paradise for secondhand shopping in San Francisco.
San Francisco has a way of taking what you think you know and flipping it on its head. Style here is about breaking rules, embracing eccentricity, and celebrating individuality. That’s why it has great secondhand stores, and it’s also why I love the Haight. The following includes a guide of some of my favorite vintage shops on this side of the city.
Read the latest by Laura Stein
Dancing with death and marigolds at Davies Symphony Hall
There’s a certain comfort in celebrating death at the San Francisco Symphony’s Día de los Muertos concert. Yes, death — not the scary, grim reaper kind, but the kind you can dance with, laugh at, and honor.
I never know how to grieve. I don’t cry or say the right things to loved ones, and maybe that’s why a celebration of life — loud, bright, and unapologetic — makes more sense to me. It felt nice to attend a chill afternoon with SF Symphony, one with an explosion of marigolds, skulls, costumes, and dancing.
Read the latest by Saul Sugarman
How Weird ends its 25-year run
The producers of How Weird Street Faire, San Francisco’s yearly outdoor electronic music festival, just announced that they will not be seeking a city permit for 2025, due to skyrocketing costs.
“We created one of the most anticipated and beloved street fairs in San Francisco,” said Brad Olsen, founder and co-producer of the event, which had its first year in 2000, back when it was a small, grassroots block party at the corner of 12th & Howard, hence the wordplay of its name: “How Weird.”
“But the personal financial risk going forward does not pencil out,” Olsen said.
Read the latest by Adriana Roberts
What we’re doing this week
Union Square Ice Rink returns
The ice rink in Union Square returns for its 17th season, offering a cherished San Francisco holiday tradition. From November 6, 2024, through January 20, 2025, skaters of all ages can glide on the outdoor rink amidst the festive ambiance of Union Square. Operating daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with a special early closure at 9:30 PM on December 31, the rink provides 60-minute sessions starting every 90 minutes. Tickets are priced at $20 for adults and $15 for children 8 and under, including skate rentals.
Special events this season include "Drag on Ice" on December 5, "Silent Skate" on December 12, and the "Polar Bear Skate" on January 1. Additionally, free "Learn to Skate" lessons are available on weekends for beginners, with advance registration required.
WHEN: November 6, 2024, to January 20, 2025; daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
WHERE: Union Square, 333 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Booty Call Wednesday returns at Q Bar — for one Wednesday, at least
Booty Call Wednesdays, led by drag queen Juanita MORE! and featuring Cabure’s iconic photo booths, is back to electrify the Castro. Now that Q Bar has reopened, this midweek party is ready to reignite the magic with music, dancing, and unforgettable vibes.
It looks very much like this will be a one-off and not necessarily Wednesdays going forward — as it once was. But this was the place to be midweek for many Castro Bunnies in the 2010s. In town for Thanksgiving? It’s a good escape.
WHEN: November 27th, 9 PM
WHERE: Q Bar, 456 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA
More details on its Facebook event:
ISOKNOCK plays at Bill Graham
ISOKNOCK, the dynamic collaboration between electronic artists ISOxo and Knock2, is set to perform at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. This event is part of their "BAY AREA 4EVR" series, marking their final shows of 2024. Known for blending punk rock aesthetics with underground electronic music, ISOKNOCK delivers performances rich in attitude and energy. The duo's debut album, "4EVR," encapsulates their rebellious spirit and commitment to redefining dance music.
It runs three days but only has Wednesday tickets on sale — that we can see. Anyone reading this interested in a ticket giveaway for Wednesday? We haven’t done those yet but would be interested in your feedback. Send a message to info@thebolditalic.com
WHEN: Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 8:00 PM
WHERE: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 99 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
FLUX SF launch party at Tenderloin Museum
Flux SF is a new community organization creating events about fun, connection, and celebrating the vibrant tapestry of the Bay Area’s amazing trans and nonbinary community. This Thursday is their launch party at the Tenderloin Museum.
November is Transgender Awareness Month, an opportunity to celebrate, honor, and stand up for our transgender, non-binary, and/or gender-expansive community. At the Tenderloin Museum, you can read about the Tenderloin district's role as a center of LGBTQ activism, including the 1966 Compton's Cafeteria Riot, the first recorded militant uprising by the queer community against police harassment in US history.
This is a free event.
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
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.
Say hello to the Solar Arch, Golden Gate Park’s latest LED attraction
Golden Gate Park has a new glow: the "Solar Arch," a 13-foot-tall, solar-powered LED installation by San Francisco artist fnnch. Originally showcased at Burning Man, the arch now illuminates the JFK Promenade near Conservatory Drive East—the former site of the "Entwined" light-up tree.
The Solar Arch is part of the Golden Mile project, a collaboration between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and the nonprofit arts organization Illuminate. It features two-minute “shows” comprising different patterns of LED light, and solar panels on the outside provide enough energy to keep it glowing all night — even through extended periods of fog and rain.
JFK Promenade has been wildly successful since transforming into a pedestrian-friendly park two years ago. We're excited to check out this dazzling new addition!
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