Happy New Hijri Year!! May this be the year of peace and justice, amen.

HAPPY SUMMER

I’m once again determined to have a summer of love, unity, compassion, joy, and fun!

We’ve got a strong local group that attempts to do just that throughout the Bay Area as much as possible. Especially with how hot this summer is already looking to be, climate change is real! So check out the Let’s Go! calendar and join the fun!

On July 6th, we’ll head out to the Fillmore Jazz Festival in the most iconic neighborhood in the city! Local and renowned musicians, including Fillmore Slim and Tammy Hall, will hitting one of the five stages. The largest jazz festival on the West Coast is held across 12 blocks along Fillmore Street from Jackson to Eddy. The festival admission is free but bring cash or card to support local eateries and art vendors.

And if you know me, you know I love a good museum! There are so many good exhibits going on, I’m hoping I can get to them all. One that’s captured my attention is Isaac Julien’s I Dream a World. The pioneering artist and filmmaker has created immersive video installations celebrating his poetic and visual narratives. The exhibition’s last day at the de Young Museum is July 13th, so join me won’t you?

TOWN HAPPENINGS

Here are just a few of the summer’s musical and cultural festivities I think you won’t want to miss out on:

• Fillmore Jazz Festival, Lift Every Voice | July 5 & 6, 10am-6pm | Fillmore District, San Francisco | Free admission
• Tamasha, Extravaganza of Desi Fusion | July 12, 5pm | Bing Concert Hall, Stanford | Tickets start at $50
• Hayes Valley Carnival, 114th Anniversary | July 19, 12-4pm | Hayes at Octavia Street, San Francisco | Free admission
• Mosswood Meltdown | July 19 & 20 | Mosswood Park, Webster Street, Oakland | Passes still available online
• Fremont Festival of the Arts | August 2 & 3, 10am-6pm | Downtown Area, Fremont | Free admission
• Napa Town & Country Fair | August 7-10 | 575 3rd St, Napa | Tickets sold online only
• 35th Annual San Jose Jazz Summer Fest | August 8-10 | Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, San Jose | Multi-day ticket and pass options sold online
• Outside Lands, Music & Arts Festival | August 8-10 | Golden Gate Park, San Francisco | Tickets sold online
• 35th Annual King Tut Festival, Taste of Egypt in the Bay | August 22-24 | Coptic Youth Center (CYC), Hayward | Free admission
• Palo Alto Festival of the Arts | August 23 & 24, 10am-6pm | University Avenue, Palo Alto | Free Admission
• 15th Annual Lebanese Festival | August 23, 12-10pm | Courthouse Square, Redwood City | Free Admission

LET’S EAT

Now I’m not big on restaurant chains but I have to give props where props are due. If you haven’t already, head out to the East Bay and get your hands on an iniBurger!

Locations throughout the East Bay offer a 100% halal and vegetarian variety of burgers, wings, and loaded fries. I mean, this is where I go on my cheat meal days, that’s how good it is! OK, I wasn’t cheating the other day but the lettuce wrap Malibu Bae grilled chicken is basically a handheld salad. That’s my story and I’m sticking with it!

Best part, if you can’t decide which burger you want to try first, go for the “M’inis” and try two or three options. That’s what I did my first couple of visits and figured out which of the burgers I liked best. My favorites so far are the Mushroom Swiss and Malibu Bae. My only grip with the M’inis is the latest bun rendition, it’s just not as good as a few months ago. I’m holding out hope the older recipe/supplier/baker will bring it back.

iniBurger is a community driven franchise, one that supports local business owners thrive within their town. Every location is supported with the tools they need to succeed. So although a local chain, you’re also supporting a local small business.

And it’s 100% halal so you know your meats are ethically sourced. Which makes it all the more delicious!

Disclaimer: This post was not sponsored or paid for by any of the mentioned entities unless otherwise noted. Sponsored posts are based on actual experiences and/or interests. If you’d like me to attend a local event or experience an eatery to write about, please email me (hala@mshala.co).