Beat the B2B blues this weekend

Let’s face it, Bay to Breakers isn’t what it used to be, and it hasn’t been for quite some time.

Most locals would rather not deal with all the drunken young people from out of town, half-passed out and puking on nearly every street corner in The City come midday. But with so many ways to get your culture on in SF this weekend, you can gleefully tell those foolish, booze (and eventually urine) laden foot-racing friends of yours to take a long hike.

First off, The City is hosting three major contemporary art fairs this weekend, bringing together close to 200 prominent galleries from all over the Bay Area, and the rest of the world:

ArtPad SF; Friday – Sunday; The Phoenix Hotel; $15 and up.

Perhaps the coolest way to skip out on that B2B pre-party is ArtPad SF. The super hip Phoenix Hotel in the TL has transformed all of its rooms (more than 40) into an incredible interactive art experience.

Just like last year’s inaugural event, the folks behind ArtPad SF have put together an impressive collection of provocative works from cutting-edge artists represented by close to 40 art houses from the Bay Area to Birmingham.

And, of course, everything is for sale.

The festival will also host a jam-packed schedule of events including poolside music from Noise Pop-sponsored performers, synchronized swimming, video/performance work and panel discussions.

ArtMRKT SF; Thursday – Sunday; Concourse Exhibition Center; $20 and up.

Also promising intriguing works from contemporary artists, ArtMRKT SF will feature offerings from 70 prominent galleries, as well as three bars, a cafe and a discussion theater. MRKTworks Auctions are currently being held in-person and online, featuring donated art and experience packages with benefits going to local beneficiaries like The Crucible and Visual Aid.

SF Fine Art Fair; Thursday – Sunday; Fort Mason Center; $25 and up.

Back for a third year, the SF Fine Art Fair will definitely have something for the art investor with prices ranging from $1,000 to $1 million. 16,500 people turned out last year, but organizers are saying this year will be the most “impactful,” offering 5,000 works from 400 artists presented by 73 galleries.

If you go on Friday eat dinner at Off the Grid, with their mobile food vendors with live music. Participating trucks will be outside Fort Mason from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and may include local favorites like Señor Sisig, AdoboHobo, Azalina’s Malaysian, Chaac Mool Yucatecan cuisine, Chairman Bao Bun Truck, Creme Brulee Cart, Curry Up Now, El Huarache Loco, El Porteno Empanadas, Global Soul, Gobba Gobba Hey, Hapa SF, Kung Fu Tacos, Onigilly and Seoul On Wheels Korean BBQ.

Asian Heritage Street Celebration; Saturday,  11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Larkin St., from Grove to Ellis; Free!

The largest gathering of Asian Pacific Americans in the nation is back in San Francisco on Saturday, and organizers boast that it’s going to be bigger and better.

In addition to an extravaganza of unique handmade products and artworks, a feast of pan-Asian foods will be available. And for the first time, cooking demonstrations from celebrity chef’s like Slanted Door’s Charles Phan, and the legendary Martin Yan – yep, as in “If Yan can cook, so can you” Martin Yan!

Activities will also include an opening blessing from the Thai monks of Wat Buddhapradeep, the Faces of Asia Cultural Procession, and performances by Asian American artists, DJs, and martial arts experts. Fairgoers can also enjoy free general admission to the Asian Art Museum.

Love Your Parks Day; Saturday; Throughout The City; Free!

Show your favorite park some love this Saturday! San Francisco Parks Alliance and their Park Partners are hosting several events throughout the city for Love Your Parks Day.

Activities will include kayaking, a basketball tournament, urban farming, habitat restoration, a climbing wall, herb gardening, bee keeping and more. Register for events online and get a free t-shirt, reserved space and volunteer lunch.