I gamed. Not extensively, not intensely, but I knew my way around a console. One Friday night at Blockbuster, I picked up Final Fantasy IX with the understanding zero karts were involved but didn’t expect much else. My mind was blown.
From narrative to world building to truly cinematic cutscenes, Final Fantasy proved video games were an art form all to themselves. Skeptical? Take it up with SFMoMA, who sold out their upcoming Indie Games Showcase.
Also, who doesn’t love an excuse for pi(e)?
Day of The Devs
Category: Art (Video Games)
Date: Sunday, March 17th @ 3pm (Add to Google Calendar)
Location: The Midway
Price Range: Free to enter
Why I Care: One of my many talented sisters is a video game writer. Our professional paths contrasted most acutely when a partnership dumpster fire coincided with her required viewing of “A Never Ending Story”. I plan to ponder my life choices while checking out the program’s 50+ indie games and accompanying festivities.
SF Ballet’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream Family Dance-Along
(& Performance - 3/23 @ 8pm)
Category: Family Friendly + Ballet
Date: Sunday, March 17th @ 10:30am (Add to Google Calendar)
Location: San Francisco Ballet
Price Range: $25
Why I Care: This production’s first opening night was its last due to COVID, but 2024’s rendition will not disappoint. Costumes have been flown in from Paris and after a sneak peek, I know the set is equally magnificent. The family dance-along honors the production’s magic without chancing your 4 year old’s attention span.
Not to be confused with the less family-friendly Midsommar.
Taipei Story
Category: Film
Date: Tuesday, March 12th @ 8:50pm (Add to Google Calendar)
Location: Roxie Theater
Price Range: $14
Why I Care: My friend Jocelyn would light up when she spoke about visiting her grandmother in Taiwan. Hazy plans to accompany her never materialized, making Taipei Story all the more alluring. Retrospectives at both The Roxie and BAMPFA are celebrating director Edward Yang’s cinematic genius and his “profound legacy as one of Taiwan’s most visionary filmmakers.”
Umami Mart x Casa De Kei Takeover
Category: Culinary
Date: Thursday, March 14th @ 4pm (Add to Google Calendar)
Location: Bar Sardine (@ Bartavelle Cafe)
Price Range: Subject to Menu
Why I Care: “A takeover wrapped in a pop-up inside a café” - Churchill. Or that’d be the gist of his review. Umami Mart is a neighborhood favorite with acclaim both near and far. Enjoy Yoko & Koyoko’s sake expertise with bites from Casa De Kei at Bar Sardine, a Bartavelle Cafe a pop-up with its own swagger. Spot me here:
Pi (π) Day @ Exploratorium + After Dark
Category: Science & Art (Museum)
Date: Thursday, March 14th @ 1:59pm (Add to Google Calendar)
Location: Exploratorium
Price Range: $20-$40
Why I Care: What do the Oscars and Pi Day have in common? The Oppenheimer brothers. Frank Oppenheimer founded the Exploratorium, and curator Larry Shaw concocted Pi Day for staff members to reflect and find joy after Oppenheimer’s passing. Celebrate this national yet native holiday at ground zero.
Math Club swag highly recommended.
Takeout Tuesdays: Lunchtime Conversations About Art
Category: Art (Virtual)
Date: Tuesday, March 12th @ 12pm (Add to Google Calendar)
Location: Asian Art Museum - Online Zoom
Price Range: Free
Why I Care: Pulling off sweatpants and an ambiguous bra situation in a museum can be dicey at best. So while I’m grateful for the depth, community, and intimacy of museums, the Asian Art Museum’s online talks anchor on cozy with minimal (no?) clothing requirements. Zoom fatigue is real, but so are traffic and zippers.
Head West Marketplace
Category: Fair
Date: Sunday, March 17th @ 11am (Add to Google Calendar)
Location: St. George Spirits
Price Range: Free to enter
Why I Care: Tucked away in Oakland’s kangaroo pouch, Alameda has beaches, views, and homegrown distilleries like St. George Gin. Head West hops around the bay, but it consistently creates a vibrant space for local vendors galore.
Browse for vintage low rise jeans while snacking on a mochi doughnut. Or if the accompanying 90s flashbacks give you a panic attack, just snack on the doughnut.
Next Drop: Thursday, March 21st