Bay Area entertainment lineup promises a fun-filled summer

By Aitor Zabalegui

You get out of your vacation what you put into it, and this summer there are no better opportunities for social investment than in the Bay Area.

True, you will probably still have to find a job, or even take summer classes, but for those who will be spending their summer in the Bay Area, the entertainment opportunities are plentiful.

Here's just a peek at what you can expect to make out of the coming months in the Bay Area.

Recreation

Pro-Am Beach Soccer Championships

This annual tournament will be played on the main beach below the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz on May 30-31. Grab a funnel cake and come watch people who are in much better shape than you.

Santa Cruz Longboard Club Invitational

This classic competitive surfing tournament is the only one of its kind on the west coast. There's never a bad time to learn how to surf yourself, either. May 23-24.

Wharf-to-Wharf Race

Not exactly Bay to Breakers, but definitely worth a look. On July 26, this scenic, six-mile run starts at the Municipal Wharf in Santa Cruz, with 40 live bands and a breezy afternoon waiting at the finish line.

Gilroy Garlic Festival

Come celebrate the famed rose either roasted, sautéed, pan-fried or on top of Gilroy's famous fries. There will be food, live music and cook-offs, all for $6-12 from July 24-26 at Christmas Hill Park in Gilroy.

Music

BFD

The Yeah Yeah Yeah's and Crystal Castles may be the only real attractions for this annual festival at the Shoreline Amphitheater, but for only $25, who wouldn't want to see The Offspring and 311. Plus, Karen O is worth the price of the ticket alone this June 6.

Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival

This second-annual festival is back. Pearl Jam, Beastie Boys and Dave Matthews Band will headline the festival at Golden Gate Park August 28-30. Other notable bands include M.I.A., TV on the Radio, The National, Built to Spill and The Dodos.

Art & Culture

S.J. Institute of Contemporary Art

The local museum will feature "It's Not Us, It's You," a clever showcase of Bay Area artists focusing on the pain and possibilities of rejection which runs through June 20.

Also, "Christel Dillbohner: Ice Floe" will be on display from August 8 to September 30, featuring an exhibit intricately designed to imitate an arctic landscape.

Sunnyvale Art and Wine Festival

This annual event held in downtown Sunnyvale provides local flavor, featuring work from artists in the area and wine tasting from regional wineries. There will also be beer, food and craft booths at the free festival, June 6-7.

San Jose Gay Pride Festival

This two-day festival June 13-14 celebrates the LGBT community and promotes diversity in the San Jose area. The festival will also feature live entertainment and a parade through downtown.

Sports

Major League Baseball

The San Francisco Giants are currently in second place in the NL West division, and tickets start as low as $12 at AT&T Park. The Giants will host inter-division rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three game series, August 10-12. Across the Bay, the Oakland Athletics are selling tickets to all Wednesday home games for just $2, with hot dogs going for $1. When the Athletics take on the Toronto Blue Jays on Aug. 1, the team will be giving out replica Ricky Henderson jerseys to the first 10,000 fans in attendance.

Contact Aitor Zabalegui at azabalegui@scu.edu or (408) 551-1918.

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