Culture Groups San Francisco

Discover SF -- Carnival @ Mission

A feast of colors, a sea of joy -- **Carnaval.** One of the **top 3** SF festivals, **500k** people, **Grand parade** on Sun., from 10 am - 2pm, a **60–contingent** lineup, over **5,500 artists** from 10+ countries , televised by CBS. The Grand Parade covers **20**blocks in San Francisco’s historic Latino Cultural District in the Mission. [https://carnavalsanfrancisco.org/](https://carnavalsanfrancisco.org/) Have you made up your Memorial day long weekend plan yet? If not, welcome to join TownFlame's another **Discover SF series** -- **Carnaval @ Mission district**, come to see the massive festive crowd, and enjoy a full day event on Memorial Day weekend, optional afternoon detour to the SF **landmark** -- **Dolores Park** in Mission. **WhatsApp**: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JPFzio2O8fPIuNsb5hkV87](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JPFzio2O8fPIuNsb5hkV87) The parade is long, the festival would be crowded, we use whatsapp for in-event communication, so we don't lose each other. Staging **Location**: Stable Cafe, *2128 Folsom Street, at 17th,* Mission, SF Schedule: **9:45 – 10:15 AM Meet** **10:15 AM \| Walk to the parade viewing area** **10:25 -- 1PM Watch the parade** **1:30 PM \| Lunch regroup at Southern Pacific Brewing** *620 Treat Avenue, at 19th* **Afternoon (optional)** the famous **Dolores Park** or **Festival** Evening (very optional) regroup, group coffee / crappy festival meals We have VolunteerSF festival volunteer team joining us, as in: [https://www.meetup.com/social-volunteering-crew-community-events/events/314210119](https://www.meetup.com/social-volunteering-crew-community-events/events/314210119) TL;DR ---------- **🎪 What's at Carnaval** The festival runs along Harrison Street between 16th and 24th — 17 blocks, 5 main stages, 4 DJ block parties, 400 vendors, 50 food stalls, designated beer/wine gardens, a Soccer Arena activation at 20th & Harrison (this year's theme), Kids Zone, and the Mission Health & Wellness Pavilion. The 2026 headliner is **Su Majestad Mi Banda El Mexicano de Casimiro**, performing at 5 PM on the main stage. \*\*\* **🌳 About Mission Dolores Park** If you're visiting San Francisco, Dolores Park is one of the city's iconic anchors — the social heart of the Mission, with sweeping views of downtown framed through palm trees. On Memorial Day weekend Sunday afternoon, expect peak SF energy: families on blankets, dogs running, music from every direction, the legendary Bi-Rite Creamery line two blocks away. It's a different vibe from the festival — outdoor party that happens to be on grass. The Dolores spoke is especially recommended for first-time visitors to SF. Pair it with burritos from Mission Street's taquería row (La Taqueria, El Farolito, or Pancho Villa) for the canonical SF Sunday combo. \*\*\* **🚇 Getting There** **BART (best option for SF and East Bay):** Get off at **16th St Mission** or **24th St Mission**. Both are a 5–10 minute walk to our meeting spot at Stable Cafe. **Caltrain (from South Bay):** Take the **Caltrain** Train 605, weekend service). Arrives at 4th & King station at 9:15 AM. From there, take Muni **22 Fillmore** bus east to 16th & Folsom (about 20 min total) or walk through SoMa (about 30 min). Stable Cafe is one block north of the bus stop. **Driving:** Strongly discouraged. The festival corridor and parade route are closed to vehicles all weekend, and Mission District parking on Carnaval Sunday is essentially impossible. **Out-of-town visitors:** If you're staying anywhere downtown, in SoMa, or in the central neighborhoods, BART or Muni will get you to the Mission in 15–20 minutes. Rideshare into the Mission on Carnaval Sunday is slow — public transit is faster. \*\*\* **👟 What to Bring** * **Comfortable shoes** — you'll be standing 2+ hours before our lunch sit-down * **Water and sun protection** — the parade route gets hot, and Dolores has no shade * **Small foldable stool or sit-pad** if you have one — the curb and the park grass are both your friend * **Cash** for festival food vendors (cards work most places but cash is faster) * **A small blanket** if you're doing the Dolores spoke * **A friend** who'd enjoy the day **🤝 The Vibe** This is a long flexible day, not a rigid tour. Our only structured time is the morning hosting train game during the parade. After that, you're with new friends choosing your own adventure. You can show up late, leave early, find us again at lunch, or do the whole arc through dinner. The goal is connection, not coverage. If you came at 11:30 and only stayed for the parade tail, that's a good day. If you stayed until the 5 PM headliner and then dinner on Valencia, that's also a good day. For visitors to SF: this day is designed to give you both the headline cultural celebration and the iconic Mission Sunday experience in a single arc. Come open, leave with a few new friends. Bring openness. Bring curiosity. Leave the agenda at home. **Join [TownFlame](https://townflame.org): Make Things Happen** **Liability Waiver:** Participation in TownFlame events is voluntary and involves social interaction in public spaces. Activities are designed to be inclusive and respectful. Participants assume all risks and release TownFlame, its organizers, volunteers, and affiliates from liability for injury, illness, or damages, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. By attending, participants acknowledge that photographs, audio, and video recordings may be taken during events, and grant TownFlame the right to use such media for promotional and marketing purposes, in any format or platform, without further consent or compensation.

🎈🎈Language and Cultural Exchange Event! Berkeley! May 23@ El Mono

Welcome! Participate with us on Saturday for a cultural and language exchange. This event will be hosted by native Spanish speakers, however, all languages are welcome! Spend your Saturday afternoon connecting with international friends and fun interactions. Look for the table with the Red balloons 🎈

Caminata y conversación en Español alrededor del lago Merritt

Vamos a una caminata en Domingo por la tarde alrededor del Lago Merritt. Practiquemos Español mientras también hacemos ejercicio disfrutando del atardecer y el aire libre. La distancia no está definida aún, decidimos ese día. Encuentro 3:00PM Caminata 3:20pm- Hasta que el cuerpo aguante. PM Nuestro punto de encuentro será enfrente del restaurante Lake Chalet. Para que nos ubiques tendremos los globos rojos 🎈🎈 ¡Hasta entonces!

Contemporary Filipino Cuisine @ Abaca ($20 Deposit Required)

**Details:** Wrapping up AAPI heritage month with a celebration of island flavors at Abaca. Overview Courtesy of Google AI: "Abacá is a critically acclaimed, family-owned Filipino-Californian restaurant located inside the Kimpton Alton Hotel in San Francisco's Fisherman’s Wharf. Led by Chef Francis Ang and Dian Ang, it offers creative, modern Filipino cuisine, including favorites like pork belly adobo, lumpia, and ube specialties. " For those with more adventurous tastebuds and seeking traditional Filipino street food -inquire about Abaca's Secret Menu rooted from Ang's heritage and family recipes, this is where you may find balut and isaw. **Administrative Trivia:** Limited open RSVP for this event. Deposit of $20 Required to move from Waitlist to "Going" due to reservation policy. Please manage your RSVP before Tuesday, May 26th 10 PM. **Cancellations or no-shows or after this date may be subject to NO REFUND and forfeit $20 deposit due to the restaurant cancellation policy (reservation guaranteed w/my CC).** Dinner pricing averages $50 per person which covers individual meal, tax 8.625%, tip 20%, + mandate. Beverages of course are extra and will increase the total due for the individual. Each diner is fully responsible for the total cost of what they order. Calculate each item then take raw bill x1.36=what you owe the organizer. Please plan on **one singular bill,** your deposit will be applied towards your total balance due, be prepared to pay the organizer by Cash, Venmo, AppleCash, Zelle. **Transportation:** Located at 2700 Jones St within Kimpton Alton Hotel. valet parking for $20 plus tax for 3 hours. Street parking Jones and Beach. Muni bus 30 (Caltrain Line) F-Trolley Line @ Jones & Beach

SF Social Language Lovers Meet Up!

Hello SF Social Language Lovers! **LOCATION:** **Sutter Station Tavern** **554 Market St** **San Francisco, CA 94104** (Please note that the venue can be also accessed at **25 Sutter St**!) Once arrived grab one of the name tags from the Host and write down your Name and the Languages that you: (want to) speak, are learning, are interested to learn or...all of the above! Then find fellow language-exchange partners and/or share your native language and culture with others. • ONE DRINK MINIMUM - This is a free group, which is great, but we do have to keep our venues welcoming us back. This means your minimum contribution is to buy yourself one drink or appetizer. • Also, please do not forget to leave a TIP for the bartenders (typically a couple $$ per drink). • Please remember that the bar is a public place and you're responsible for your personal possessions. • ***The Goal of this Meetup is to help people practice languages and make friends in a comfortable environment. If something or someone makes you feel uncomfortable please do tell the Host.*** *Most importantly: have fun!* We look forward to seeing you all soon! Giovanni PS: this Meetup is scheduled for every 3rd Wednesday of the month so...save the date! **DISCLAIMER: By participating in this social event, you acknowledge and agree that the event Host/Organizer is not responsible for any injuries, damages, or economic losses that may occur. You fully accept all risks associated with your participation and hereby release the Host/Organizer from any and all liability.**

Stern Grove Music Festival -- Bomba Estéreo

This is more an info post, if we get a good size for one of the summer music series, we may do active organize for it. If you don't know yet, Stern Grove Festival is a **free summer** music festival that has been going on since **1938**, 88 years in San Francisco. It is an establishment in SF's cultural & music scene. https://www.sterngrove.org/ Stern grove festival would hold free music series in Stern Grove, a red wood park in SF, from June to Aug., about 10 scheduled this year. There are two ways to attend it, win a **lottery** to get a ticket, said 1 out of 4 chances, or **volunteer** in and get free tickets for two shows. The lottery for June 14th show has ended. Yes, you could still try to volunteer in it by signing up at: https://www.sterngrove.org/volunteer The lottery for the June 21st is open now, for Bomba Estéreo With La Misa Negra & KEXP DJ Albina Cabrera. Book your ticket at: https://www.sterngrove.org/lineup2026 By our own experience, the best seats to enjoy the music is not at the expensive front row picnic tables or the valley, but up in the hills. You get an **amphitheater experience** above the chaos. Great music experience. We would provide an in event communication channel for festival goers that want to socialize together. If you go volunteering, better to go with a group, or find one. Invite your fellow volunteers to join us, for volunteering social. **Join [TownFlame](http://www.townflame.org/), make life happen.** **Liability Waiver:** Participation in TownFlame events is voluntary and involves social interaction in public spaces. Activities are designed to be inclusive and respectful. Participants assume all risks and release TownFlame, its organizers, volunteers, and affiliates from liability for injury, illness, or damages, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. By attending, participants acknowledge that photographs, audio, and video recordings may be taken during events, and grant TownFlame the right to use such media for promotional and marketing purposes, in any format or platform, without further consent or compensation.

Sirenland Book Release Party w/ Live Music by Duo Pizzicato

Round Table Book Discussion June Meeting

Join us for an in-person, open discussion on the fiction or non-fiction book or podcast/movie/news article/cultural event that most engaged you. Give a brief summary of a book or article that interested you, and we will discuss it, along with the issues other participants select. Or just come to check it out. Find us by the Roundtable sign on the table. Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 6:30 pm **We are at our warm-weather outdoor location:** [Caffe Strada](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=37.869286%2C%20-122.254616), 2300 College Avenue · Berkeley, CA

Bollywood Nights at Salesforce Park - Free

**Bollywood Nights at Salesforce Park 🎉** Join Rang De Bollywood for some high-energy, outdoor, bollywood fun! This event is sure to leave you feeling loved, lighter, and delighted in excitement after every session. 🌈 Open to all ages, all levels, all backgrounds. ✨ Come casual or dressed, no pressure! 🎁 Free to attend – just bring your joy, your people, and your dancing feet! 🚶🏼‍♂️‍➡️Register for free so we can prepare at rang.eventbrite.com 🕔 5:30 – 7:00 PM – we’ll start with a beginner friendly dance lesson, followed by an open dance party! 💫 This is a repeating event, happening every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, May through October and you can register for as many dates as you like. Register now: [rang.eventbrite.com](http://rang.eventbrite.com) **About Rang De Bollywood** Hailing from the dream dance city of Mumbai and Amritsar, which is also home to Bollywood and Holy Vibes, our energetic, charismatic, and fun dance instructors-performers-entertainers, Manpreet (Certified in Indian Folk by India's Best and also an author) and Amit (percussionist, actor, dancer), have spread Indian dance music and moves across the length and breadth of India, USA, and Europe. Their recent performances were at National Center of Performing Arts in Mumbai and Herbst Theater in San Francisco. **Important Notes:** * Enter through transit center building and take the elevator to rooftop. We will be close to the elevator. * No solicitors allowed. * Classes might be video taped for marketing purposes. * All choreographies are Copyrighted and Original Works of Manpreet Komal/Rang De Bollywood. *"I recently had the pleasure of attending Manpreet’s Bollywood dance class, and I must say, it was an absolute blast! Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced dancer, this class caters to everyone's skill level. The highlight of the class was undoubtedly her teaching style. With a knack for breaking down complex steps into manageable chunks, even the most intricate routines felt attainable. The pacing was just right, ensuring that beginners didn't feel overwhelmed while keeping experts engaged. Highly recommend!" — Kavneet Bindra* **We can't wait to dance together, see you soon!**

Costa Rica Eco Adventure: Waterfalls, Snorkeling, Zip lines, Rafting, Volcanoes!

***¡¡¡ Pura Vida !!!*** Come alone, leave with friends! This is what Meetup is all about. Being able to join and do what you wanted to do . . just not alone. We are going to Costa Rica for 9 nights/10 days of exploration and tropical adventures. . . . **Best Meetup ever!**! To see how fun it is . . . Here are photos from when we did go before [https://photos.app.goo.gl/cswRyeNZp1r6WW9t9](https://photos.app.goo.gl/cswRyeNZp1r6WW9t9) Costa Rica is a playground for the adventurous and an eco-tourist's dream! It is an unspoiled tropical paradise. * Beautiful beaches * Rainforest biodiversity * Misty volcanoes * Roaring rivers * Lush jungles * Exotic flora and fauna * And more!! **And we are going there to enjoy it, learn about it and make memories of a lifetime!** This event is a true Meetup. We are creating it from scratch, and bringing like-minded people together on this adventure. Along the way making lifelong memories and friendships. Together . . . let’s make a Meetup to remember! * Hike around the base of the Arenal Volcano * Selvatura Zip Line Canopy Tour * Guided visit to Finca Luna Nueva Farm * Caño Negro Refuge Tour/Visit * Rio Frio Wildlife Refuge Boat Tour * Hanging Bridges Walking Tour * Ecotermales Hot Springs * Monteverde Night Walk Tour * Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Tour (daytime) * River Floating Tour * Tamarindo Beach * Sunset Sailing * Snorkeling Tour * And more! For a detailed Day By Day itinerary **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) **Land Tour cost $3350 per person, double occupancy** (we match roommates for those traveling solo, and most of us are doing just that). If you want your own room: **Solo occupancy additional $950** The only way to secure your spot for this meetup is a $300 deposit that is refundable up to 90 days before departure. **[Click here for secure deposit link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/24X2UREP9XPKC)** When you make a deposit be sure to fill out this [ATTENDEES FORM](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11uywUNCIB5ONrpZ-gU_4mk3bvpc4p_nhhL3ewsbkC5A/edit)**.** As we mentioned, . . . the cost is $3350. This is for the "Land" portion only. Airfare is not included. This gives you the flexibility to have a flight with timing that works best for you. Or to use points/miles. I can also help arranging your airfare. To receive an offer, **[CLICK HERE and send me a message.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=14363992)** **What is Included in this trip:** * **9 Nights hotel accommodation** * **9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners.** * **Meet & Greet at the airport.** * **Pick-up from airport to our hotel, and hotel to airport at the end of the trip** * **Transportation throughout the trip** * **Private naturalist English speaking tour guide** * **All entrance fees and tours mentioned in the itinerary day-by-day description** * **Daily water bottles for the group** * **Hotel and Added Value Tax** Does not include: ***x*** *International Airfare* ***x*** *Meals other than specified* ***x*** *Optional Tours* ***x*** *All items of personal nature (telephone calls, Laundry, room service, etc.)* ***x*** *Tipping for tour guides and drivers* **Want more info?** **[Click Here to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)** **OR** **RSVP to the event with your email to receive additional info.** **OR** **[CLICK HERE to send me a message](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=14363992)** Whatever is easiest for you! *Still have questions?* **We do a Q & A Zoom once a month.** **[CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/)** for our Q & A Zoom. RSVP on that event to get a reminder for the zoom. [Click here for the ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/305233138/)**[MAIN ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/288444641/)[location of this event on Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/305233138/)** RSVP there to post any discussion and to get notice of any comments and discussions. As well as any updates and reminders **We believe in good decent social.** **SOT 2000318-10** **[Click Here to see all our other events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events)**

Kurosawa’s RASHOMON (1950) film @5, discussion after in JAPANTOWN

It’s hard to rank the films of Akira Kurosawa, who gave us Ikiru, Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood, Hidden Fortress, Yojimbo, Sanjuro, High & Low, and Ran among his stunning 30-film career. But “Rashomon” (1950) makes most film lovers’ Kurosawa Top Ten and often Top Five - it’s the pivotal moment when multi-perspective storytelling entered mainstream cinema. Of course you might see this entirely differently…. To attend this event, you have to BUY a TICKET (HERE: https://roxie.com/series/nippon-vibes-japanese-cinema-weekend-at-new-people/), come to the event, and come to the discussion afterward (at a local Japantown restaurant or pub TBD). Please only RSVP if you’re planning to buy a ticket, see the film, and come discuss it afterwards! Save spots for those who are coming.

Noche de Español: Cultura, Juegos Y Buena Vibra. May 28th

Bienvenidos a Noche de Español! Un meet-up relajado y divertido donde la cultura, los juegos y la conversación en Español se combinan para crear una experiencia única.
Aquí no importa tu nivel de español, desde principiantes hasta hablantes nativos, todos son bienvenidos. Jugamos, practicamos, nos reímos y compartimos en un ambiente amigable, mientras descubrimos nuevas formas de conectar con la lengua y la cultura hispana. para que nos encuentres fácilmente busca la mesa con los globos a rojos 🎈 🎈