Enjoy an Artistic Autumn in the Presidio

Presidio of San Francisco (August 11, 2016) – Surround yourself in art this autumn at the Presidio. Whether indoors or out, there is something to appeal to each member of your family.

Launching the fall arts season, the FOR-SITE Foundation brings a new series of art installations to the Presidio with the Home Land Security exhibition. Curated by FOR-SITE Foundation Executive Director Cheryl Haines, the thematic, site-responsive exhibition will be installed in former military structures in the Presidio overlooking the San Francisco Bay (Sept. 10 – Dec. 18).

Outside, take in the free Shakespeare in the Park performances​ of The Winter’s Tale from September 3-18 on Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day Monday at 2 p.m. on the Civil War Parade Ground on the Presidio’s Main Post. Enjoy the fall weather by hiking through 1,500 acres of open space, or seeking out Andy Goldsworthy’s world-renowned installations along the Presidio’s 24 miles of scenic trails and overlooks. Finally, create art with the whole family during the Creative Family Fun fall programming at the Presidio Officers’ Club — just part of the cultural menu of activities to enjoy all season long. The Presidio offers something for everyone: enjoy a delicious meal, learn about history, watch the sunset, view the stars, or create something new. For more information, visit www.presidio.gov.​

SEE WHAT’S NEW

Home Land Security Exhibition
September 10 – December 18

The FOR-SITE Foundation, which partnered with the Presidio Trust to bring four Goldsworthy sculptures to the Presidio, has created a group show on the human costs of war and nationalism. The exhibition will be installed in former military structures overlooking the San Francisco Bay, some open to the public for the first time. It brings together work by 16 contemporary artists and collectives from around the globe to reflect on the human dimensions and increasing complexity of national security, including the physical and psychological borders we create, protect, and cross in its name.

Shakespeare in the Park
September 3 -18

Join Shakespeare in the Park for The Winter’s Tale this September at the Civil War Parade Ground Lawn in the Presidio. Marking its 33rd season, it is one of the major free Shakespeare programs in the U.S. taking place September 3-18 on Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day Monday at 2 p.m.

Film in the Fog: Featuring Pinocchio
Friday, October 1

Grab a blanket and come on out for the Presidio’s 14th annual outdoor movie night. Before the screening, enjoy food from Off the Grid and free activities for kids. Co-sponsored by the Walt Disney Family Museum at the Civil War Parade Lawn, Main Post. Food 5:30 p.m.; classic cartoon shorts 6:30 p.m.; movie 7 p.m.

After Hours at the Presidio Officers’ Club
Wednesday, September 14 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Join us for the highly anticipated return of After Hours! This mid-week happy hour gathering is where young professionals meet and mingle. Enjoy tasty drinks and light bites from Arguello restaurant, test your trivia knowledge, move to DJ-spun tunes, and participate in live comedy by members of BATS Improv. Cash bar. 21+ with ID required.

International Archeology Day
Saturday, October 15

Dig into International Archaeology Day by helping Presidio Trust archaeologists commemorate the National Park Service Centennial! Visit the excavations of
El Presidio de San Francisco. Tours of the Presidio Archaeology Lab will also be offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Live Archeology Dig is open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. through October 15 at the Archaeology Field Station. Guided Tours of the Presidio Archeology Lab occur each Wednesday at 1 p.m. and start at the Welcome Desk inside the Presidio Officers’ Club.

Halloween Dance: The Masquerade Ball
Saturday, October 29

Celebrate the ghostliest night of the year in the haunted splendor of the Presidio Officers’ Club. Bewitch the dance floor to the spellbinding swing of Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums featuring Miss Carmen Get it and twirls by the San Francisco Jitterbugs. Divine your future with our resident Fortune Tellers, and savor diabolical specialty spirits whipped up by our acclaimed Arguello restaurant. For ages 18+. Dance lessons at 6:30 p.m.; dance from 7 to 10 p.m.

Docent-Led Heritage Exhibition Tours

Each Saturday from 11 a.m. – noon, knowledgeable and friendly docent-led tours of the heritage exhibitions are available for free throughout the historic Officers’ Club. Explore American history from a distinctly West Coast perspective, and return often, as each docent has a unique story to share. Drop-ins welcome. Meet in Moraga Hall.

ART IN NATURE

Andy Goldsworthy Art Tour

The Presidio’s best known natural sculptures are from the brilliant mind of British artist Andy Goldsworthy, renowned for using natural materials to create works that capture the essence of the places they were made. Fascinated by the Presidio’s interplay of city and nature, people and place, the built environment and wild open spaces, he created four installations between 2008 and 2014: Spire, Wood Line, Tree Fall, and Earth Wall​ in the park. The Presidio is now home to the largest collection of his works on public view in North America. Pick up the Goldsworthy in the Presidio​ brochure for a self-guided tour. Guided tours are available Saturday’s at noon through the Presidio Officers’ Club. No reservation required. Meet at welcome desk.

Presidio Nature Lab
April 21 – Dec 31, 2016

The Presidio Officers’ Club Heritage Gallery houses Presidio Nature Lab, an all-ages, hands-on exhibition where visitors learn about the Presidio’s ever-changing landscape while testing out new tools designed to support exploration of the park’s natural heritage. Delight your senses, engage your imagination, and spark your curiosity while learning how nature and art reflect one another.

COMMEMORATE HISTORY

Korean War Memorial

Honor the service of Korean War veterans at this new memorial, opened August 1, 2016. Located at San Francisco National Cemetery, where Sheridan Avenue meets Lincoln Boulevard, overlooking the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.

The Giant Race

Take part in the Giants’ Enterprises Half Marathon (10K or 5K) on Patriot’s Day, September 11, 2016, beginning at 7 a.m. for the half marathon (which extends into the Presidio) and 10K, and 10:50 a.m. for the 5K. The Kids Race and the Family Relay/races takes place on September 10. The race begins at AT&T Park.

ONGOING PROGRAMMING

Presidio Dialogues
Thursdays at 6 p.m.

Notable authors and artists explore ancient history to current events through interactive dialogues, panels, performances and films each Thursday at the Presidio Officers’ Club. On September 8, Mark Bittner, author of The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, presents his second book, Street Song, about his journey through North Beach and the parrots who saved him during his talk, “Tales from an Urban Jungle.” In commemoration of the National Park Service Centennial this year, National Park Service Ranger Allan Blank guides us from cowboys to nuclear missiles, sharing little-known stories of the GGNRA lands that changed our history in his talk, entitled “Surprising History of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area,” on September 22.

November 3, take a walk back in time as authors Ren and Helen Davis share the story and extraordinary images of George Alexander Grant, the first chief photographer of the National Park Service. Presented in association with the
Living New Deal on November 3 during “Landscapes for the People.”

Presidio Sessions
Fridays at 6 p.m.

In the intimate atmosphere of a house concert, Presidio Sessions in partnership with the San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music presents jazz, contemporary, and classical music. On Friday, September 16, Black Cedar creates, discovers, and re-imagines works for the unusual combination of flute, cello, and guitar. On September 23, experience a delicious variety of international musical flavors with a vocalist and jazz band that mix infectious traditions including salsa, bolero, samba, and funk with charismatic vocalist Alexa Weber Morales’ Boca Mundial. The Sunset Duo’s long friendship shines through in the warmth and intimacy of their spirited violin and piano performances on October 7. Acknowledged as one of the finest young quartets in the country, the Bauer String Quartet, quickly distinguishing itself among audiences and critics for their technical finesse, warmth of expression, and cutting-edge performances, play at Sessions on October 21.

Creative Family Fun
Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Families are welcome to drop in for imaginative craft-making based on the Presidio’s natural and cultural heritage. Featuring different crafts every weekend, highlights are below. There is no creative family fun on Nov. 26-27 or December 24-25:

• September 10 + 11: All Hands on Deck for Cute Crustaceans
• October 22 + 23:  Pumpkin Carving from noon to 5 p.m. on the Main Parade Ground. Create your own Halloween décor! Basic tools and pumpkins are provided. Bring your own stencils and stickers.
• November 5 + 6: Picturing the Presidio!
• December 10 + 11: Light up the Night with Paper Lanterns
• December 17 + 18: Holiday Wreaths Family Event

Presidio Picnic continues through October 9 on Sundays at the Main Parade Ground, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Throw out a blanket and enjoy a culinary extravaganza featuring food trucks with local and artisanal fare, wine and beer, games, retail and yoga.

Presidio Twilight occurs on Thursday nights through October 6 from 5 – 9 p.m. Evenings include lantern-lit cabanas, blanket-side cocktail service, live music and fire pits to keep warm. Come early to ensure parking and bring a blanket or chairs while enjoying the views. Co-sponsored by the Presidio Trust and Off the Grid.

Guided Shuttle Tours of the Presidio
First Wednesday of Each Month; Noon to 1 p.m.

Explore the Presidio’s historic areas, wild open spaces, and hidden nooks, and learn about projects around the park. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Tunnel Tops Project Lab: Presidio Trust Gallery

As sections of the highway to the Golden Gate Bridge move underground, a new landscape will connect the Presidio’s Chrissy Field and Main Post, featuring trails, vistas, gathering spaces, a visitor center plaza, and learning spaces.

ABOUT ​THE PRESIDIO AND THE PRESIDIO TRUST

The Presidio is a new kind of national park located at San Francisco’s Golden Gate. Once a legendary U.S. Army post, the park now offers world-class museums and restaurants, 24 miles of hiking trails and scenic overlooks with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco’s city skyline, the Pacific Ocean, and the San Francisco Bay. The Presidio offers free public programs and events, a public golf course, the world-class Inn at the Presidio and the Presidio Officers’ Club, San Francisco’s most historic building. A wide range of recreation, wellness, and dining options are also provided by the Presidio’s 200 tenants. The Presidio is managed by the Presidio Trust (Trust), a unique federal agency created in 1998 to save the Presidio and transform it into a national park. The Trust generates revenue for the park through rehabilitating and leasing historic buildings, and now operates the Presidio without taxpayer support. In 2015 The Presidio was recognized as a top destination by National Geographic Traveler’s magazine “Best of the World” list. To learn more please visit www.presidio.gov.

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