I apologize for lagging behind on my SF Sundays rants over the last several weeks. I hadn’t realized until recently that it’s one of my most read rant series! I’m so glad my peeps are really interested in the happenings around town. As a thank you, I have something special for you all so keep reading.

Spring is in the air! The rains may subsided but Karl is still overlooking the city. The flowers are in full bloom, pollen is in the air and my antihistamines have gone up in price. Ha! Like that’s going to stop us from enjoying this nice change of weather and all the happenings that come with it.

This is my favorite time of year in the city because so much is going on and we are truly spoiled for choice. From local art galleries and festivals to international races and eats, you have no excuse to not come outside and play!

HAPPENING AROUND TOWN

Next week on May 6th, Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is expected to begin. This is the month where Muslims around the world fast from dawn till dusk, reflecting on their faith and spirituality. During this time, there will be several activities happening across the Bay Area, such as “Fast-athons” and banquet iftars, where all are welcome to join, learn and participate.

The Bay Area Grand Iftar, hosted by the Islamic Relief USA, is happening May 12th in Fremont. A four star charitable organization I hold near and dear for the amazing work they do around the world as well as here at home. They were on the scene during last years devastating California wild fires, supporting victims in need. Ticket sales benefit the organization’s charitable programs while bringing the community together for a great cause. Speakers for the evening banquet will include Imam Khalid Latif and activist Linda Sarsour.

You know, our city is home to some of the largest and most beautiful museums. Sometimes though, it’s the small galleries featuring local artists that grab my attention the most. In search for a local gallery to check out, I came across a San Francisco Examiner story on local artist Kurt Schwartzmann.

Kurt, who is visually impaired in his left eye, dedicates his most recent series of sketches, Yellow Line, to the kindness he found with an SF MUNI bus driver when he found himself homeless back in 2008. Spending some time sketching other MUNI drivers, Kurt’s collection is now being exhibited at the Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired through May 2019.

Time to get your groove on, peeps! Bay Area Dance Week by ODC is happening now through May 5th. Celebrate dance in all it’s glory with the local community of dance artists. Take free classes in Rhythm and Motion, Afro-Haitian, and Contemporary. Events are free but pre-registration is required. So what are you waiting for?

And if you’ve got your allergies at bay, this summer’s Free Outdoor Movie Screenings has already started. Woohoo! Running through September 5th, movies on the roster to be screened include Bohemian Rhapsody and Crazy Rich Asians. Yes it’s free but you best reserve your spots because they go so fast.

A few more fun things to consider planning ahead for:

• On your mark, get set, sail! The second annual SailGP in San Francisco races May 4th and 5th, with spectator tickets still available at varying prices.
• Broadway’s all time favorite Hamilton is still happening now in San Francisco through September. Get your tickets before it’s too late.

• The 41st annual Carnaval San Francisco festival is on Memorial Day weekend with Los Tigres del Norte headlining May 25th. Themed “La Cultura Cura” (“Culture Heals”) this year, expect the festival to be colorful, beautiful and joyfully loud!
• The line up for the free 82nd Stern Grove Festival starting June 16 through Aug 18th have been announced. Seriously, what a line up! Even though it’s free, you can reserve your picnic tables now.

THANK YOU!

I have recently revamped my humble boutique, adding some beautiful new products and even gave it a fresh logo. Seeing that my readers here love this rant series where I get to show off my hometown and to celebrate the return of Game of Thrones, thought what better way than to have my first ever blog giveaway*? Yaaay!

I’ll be giving away three beautiful necklaces inspired by the GOT house sigils that I found during my time in Europe. Pendants such as the Lannister’s golden lion, Stark’s dire wolf or the Targaryen’s three headed dragon, are made to look medieval, Gothic and vintage in dark silver and bronze colors.

To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is comment below on what your most favorite thing to do or see or eat in San Francisco. Not in San Francisco? Comment below on what’s your San Francisco wish list for when you do visit. I’ll randomly pick three individuals and announce the winners right here on May 12th.

Spring is here, so let’s celebrate!

*Terms and Conditions: No purchase required to enter, one necklace per winner thus three winners total. Must be 18 or older and a resident of the US . Entries must be made by May 10th with a valid email/account. Comments with no images/profiles, multiple entries or spammers are disqualified. Winners will be announced on the next upcoming post May 12th as well as on the social media handles of Ms. Hala’s Boutique (@mshalasboutique).

Disclaimer: This rant was not sponsored or paid for by the events or restaurants listed. If you’d like me to check out a happening around town or a yummy eatery to rant about, please email ha@mshala.co.