San Francisco, CA – The upcoming weekend promises a blend of cultural and recreational opportunities for Bay Area residents and visitors, highlighted by legendary musician Paul Simon's return to the stage and the official opening of a significant new public space in the Presidio. As noted by local observer Mike Ege on social media, "It’s always nice to be on the downslope to the weekend, right? We’ve got some park and neighborhood festivals; music, like Paul Simon and others; a great new place to picnic at the Presidio, and more."
Paul Simon is set to perform a three-night series at Davies Symphony Hall, with shows scheduled for July 19, 21, and 22. These concerts are part of his "A Quiet Celebration Tour," marking his return to live performances after previously announcing his retirement in 2018 due to hearing loss. The tour features intimate arrangements and selections from his critically acclaimed 2023 album, Seven Psalms, alongside beloved classics from his extensive catalog.
Adding to the weekend's attractions, the Presidio Trust officially opened the new 1.5-acre Outpost Meadow picnic area on July 17. This expansion of the popular Presidio Tunnel Tops offers shaded, wheelchair-accessible picnic tables with a total seating capacity for up to 240 people. The site also includes BBQ grills, bike parking, and convenient access to Presidio Pop Up food trucks, all set against a scenic backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Outpost Meadow, funded by a $12 million grant from the California Natural Resources Agency, builds upon the success of Presidio Tunnel Tops, which has welcomed nearly five million visitors since its 2022 opening. Presidio Trust CEO Jean Fraser stated, "The public loves Presidio Tunnel Tops, and they’ve told us they want more." The new meadow aims to provide additional space for relaxation and family activities, further enhancing the park's appeal as a community hub.
Beyond these major highlights, San Francisco's weekend calendar is filled with diverse events. The Northern Nights California Music Festival is underway from July 18-20 in Northern California, while within the city, the SF Hip-Hop Festival is scheduled for July 19 at The Midway. Film enthusiasts can explore offerings from the San Francisco Frozen Film Festival, running through July 20 at the Roxie Theater, and the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, which began on July 17. Additionally, local neighborhood gatherings like the Castro Night Market on July 18 and Sunday Streets Mission on July 20 offer community-focused activities.