by the El Reportero staff
October brings music, film, neighborhood celebrations and community activities throughout the Bay Area. From a Mission District street celebration and a benefit concert in San Francisco to independent cinema in Santa Cruz and a major Daly City festival, residents have plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the region.
Valencia LIVE! returns to the Mission
Music, dancing and neighborhood activities fill Valencia Street
Valencia LIVE! returns with an evening street celebration featuring live music, salsa lessons, DJs, shopping, outdoor dining and family activities. Performers include Carnaval SF, Sambaxe Dance, Chavalos Danzas Nicaragua and Los Kimberos. A clothing swap, silent disco and other activities are also planned along the corridor.
Thursday, Oct. 8, 5–10 p.m., Valencia Street between 18th and 21st streets, San Francisco.
SERENADE raises funds through music
Breast Cancer Awareness benefit brings performers together
Dee’s Keys joins SERENADE: Unity in Song for a special Breast Cancer Awareness Month open mic benefiting Shanti Project. Pianist Dr. Dee Spencer will accompany an evening welcoming singers and instrumentalists to perform while helping support the community. Admission is free. Imperial Council of San Francisco
Thursday, Oct. 15, 5–8 p.m., Beaux, 2344 Market St., San Francisco.
Santa Cruz Film Festival returns
Five days celebrate independent cinema and filmmakers
The 26th annual Santa Cruz Film Festival brings five days of independent films, filmmaker conversations and special events to venues throughout Santa Cruz. This year’s program includes narrative features, documentaries and shorts, along with gatherings bringing audiences and filmmakers together. Santa Cruz Film Festival
Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 14–18, at several Santa Cruz venues.
Top of the Hill celebrates Daly City
Music, culture and community take over Mission Street
Daly City’s third annual Top of the Hill Festival returns with live performances, food, community organizations, family activities and a car show. Scheduled performers include J Boog, The Stylistics, Digital Underground and Kamaiyah. The free, all-ages street festival celebrates the businesses and cultures of the Top of the Hill neighborhood. Daly City
Saturday, Oct. 17, noon–6 p.m., Mission Street and John Daly Boulevard, Daly City. Free.
The Green Between welcomes volunteers
Portola neighbors come together to care for community garden
The Green Between invites residents to help plant, weed, mulch and maintain the Portola neighborhood’s community green space. Volunteers of all experience levels are welcome to participate while meeting neighbors and helping keep the garden accessible and beautiful.
First Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Green Between gates on Burrows Street at San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco.
