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Golden Gate Park has seen many cultural celebrations unfold on its endless stretches of green. The park also allows people to indulge in their hobbies, including collecting objects of affection. This weekend, you can see what's happening at the San Francisco County Fair Building on Saturday or dance and be merry at the Ukrainian Day Concert on Sunday.

Ukrainian Day Concert

The Ukrainian Day Concert will take place at the Music Concourse Bandshell in Golden Gate Park on Sunday, August 29, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In celebration of the 19th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, Golden Gate Park will fill with local Ukrainian performers displaying traditional costumes and sharing folk dances with the public. Ukrainian songs and music will create a jubilant setting for locals looking to explore one of the many cultures residing in San Francisco.

Usually, people bring along a picnic to enjoy during the festivities. This event is sponsored by the Ukrainian-American Coordinating Council of Northern California in cooperation with the Ukrainian Heritage Club of Northern California. For more details, you can contact Maria Tscherepenko at uaccofnc@yahoo.com
 
License Plate Show

Looking for an event you don't see everyday? At the San Francisco County Fair Building, the ALPCA Gold Rush Region will meet on August 28, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to host the California License Plate Show. There will also be legislative plate awards for displays and single plates. Souvenir plates are also planned. For more information, contact Scott Broady at (415) 665-7297 or scott.broady@yahoo.com.

Just by walking through the many nooks and crannies of Golden Gate Park, you may encounter a personal spiritual awakening, but this Saturday, you may take advantage of a structured event centered on sacred energy, prayer, music and dance. The Center for Sacred Studies is hosting Spirit Rising – a fundraiser for the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers on August 21, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This event will take place at Fulton And Lincoln in Golden Gate Park, where participants will come in contact with some of the sacred energy associated with the internationally acclaimed Grandmothers Council.

The event will also honor Carole Hart, an Emmy and Peabody award-winning director who captured the story of the Grandmothers in a documentary film called For the Next 7 Generations. Inspirational speakers will also enlighten guests with uplifting words from Lynne Twist, Grandmother Agnes, Grandmother Flordemayo, Jyoti and Terces Engelhart.

Additional highlights of Spirit Rising include drumming and dance that represents a variety of Nations and cultures, including Native American, Haitian, Taiko Sisters, Turtle Women Rising, and Jaynie Lara. Jamaican reggae artist Ras Midas will share his message of social justice, love and unity. Other guests of the event include Native activist and First Nations artist Phillip Meshekey, indigenous soul performer Goodshield Aguilar, and members of Goddess Alchemy Project.

For more information, check out http://www.grandmotherscouncil.org/node/64. 


I'm still recovering from the mixture of last weekend's sensory overload experienced at the Outside Lands Festival, which took place at the always-impressive Golden Gate Park. The occasional cool breeze added to the already refreshing atmosphere. The combination of food, art, music, and education sent an undeniable energy throughout the flocks of locals and visitors that I'd like to share with you.

The Outside Lands Festival never ceases to impress me with the musical acts as red-hot collaborations, oldies but goodies, and upcoming superstars electrify the stages. Patiently, I took in sounds of performances – both familiar and new to me – from the powerful voice of Cat Power to the liveliness of Janelle Monae. Soulful crooner Al Green also proved that he still has the ability to groove a crowd. This year, acts were spaced out enough where I didn’t have to make the mad dash from one stage to another.

The presence of sustainability and green living was strong at Outside Lands. Garbage cans clearly marked Recycle, Trash, and Compost dotted the grounds. Where else will you find a popular event that offers a can solely designated for composting?

My stomach still craves the barbequed oysters from Anchor & Hope and taste of custom-crafted wines. This year, more wineries were represented at the festival and are said to have sold more vino than the two previous festivals put together. I wasn’t able to indulge cuisine from all of the nearly 35 food stalls, but was able to bring home a few goodies from the onsite farmer's market.

One thing is for sure, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and will definitely be in attendance next year.

Throughout the year, Golden Gate Park sees a great deal of events centered on music, art and food. The Outside Lands Festival is just one of the many examples of how the park allows you to continue an endless exploration of culture, different lifestyles, and entertainment. This popular San Francisco festival will be held August 14 and 15, 2010 in and around the Polo Field and Speedway Meadow.

A Sustainable Event

From the Panhandle Solar Stage to Gardening Workshops, there are plenty of opportunities to expand your knowledge about eco-initiatives taking place in your neck of the woods. Other sustainable features of the Outside Lands Festival include refillable water, waste diversion, valet bike parking, beach cleanup, a recycling store and cell phone recycling.

Power to the Music

No Outside Lands Festival is complete without an electrifying lineup of musicians. On Saturday, take in the sounds of The Strokes, Tokyo Police Club, People Under the Stairs, The Whigs, Pretty Lights, and Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars. Sunday brings the talents of Kings of Leon, Al Green, Nas and Bob Marley's son, Damien "Jr. 'Gong" Marley, Empire of the Sun, Phoenix, and Janelle Monae.

Eat Your Heart Out

Food is another big attraction of the Outside Lands Festival, where you can munch on tater tots and grilled sandwiches from Grumpy's, succulent oysters from Anchor & Hope, and guajilla beef short ribs from Tacolicious. Cap off your day with a scoop of refreshing Three Twins organic ice cream. Also, three more wineries will be on hand this year to quench your thirst.

Other highlights of the Outside Lands Festival include showcases of local art, the opportunity to purchase memorable keepsakes, entertaining demonstrations, and plenty of learning experiences and activities. For more information, check out the main website for the festival at http://www.sfoutsidelands.com.