Afternoon Activities San Francisco

Golden Gate Park Swing Dance & Picnic

**RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/QV9bbzZf1bksuq62uk7v **Early Bird Discounts | More $ Later** Hey vintage jazz fans, Grab your most comfortable dancing shoes and join me this morning to catch the fresh breeze off the promenade while moving to some classic big band tunes. We'll spend the first bit of the morning using the app for quick, paired chats to meet fellow swing lovers, then pick a small group to actually jump into the beginner lesson and share a picnic on the grass together. During the first hour, the Gist IRL app takes the guesswork out of mingling by setting up short, focused conversations for us. It's a fantastic way to figure out who shares your passion for vintage rhythms and outdoor dancing. Once the rounds wrap up, you'll pick the people you vibed with most. From there, we'll gather into small groups and head straight to the promenade for the free beginner swing dance lesson, followed by lounging on the grass with whatever snacks you brought. By the end of the hour, you are laughing through swing footwork and sharing picnic snacks on the lawn with a fun new crew. Whether these folks become your regular Sunday swing dance crew or it just turns out to be a beautifully sunny morning out, I promise it's going to be a blast. The Plan: - 11:00AM: Check-In. Follow the link to set up your quick profile on your phone. - 11:05AM - 12:25PM: One-on-One Rounds. The app pairs you for focused chats. Find out who shares your love for vintage jazz, swing music, and outdoor dancing. - 12:25PM+: Form Groups & head over to the promenade to join the swing dance lesson together. Reconnect with your favorite matches, form groups of 4-6, and head over to the promenade to join the swing dance lesson together — your group leaves together today. Instead of just talking about wanting to try swing dancing but never actually hitting the dance floor together, we're going to dive right in to take a swing dance lesson and picnic. You might just walk away with your go-to group for future swing dance socials, live jazz nights, and park picnics. To keep things super easy, you can keep in touch with everyone you met directly through the app later on, completely skipping the awkwardness of asking for personal phone numbers. I'm so ready to enjoy the morning sunshine and some great music with you all on the dance floor. A few favorite spots nearby: Lindy in the Park - This long-running Sunday gathering on the JFK Promenade features a vibrant open-air dance floor and a free noon beginner swing lesson open to everyone. de Young Cafe - Located right off the concourse, this cafe offers fresh seasonal salads, sandwiches, and espresso drinks that you can grab to go or enjoy on the serene sculpture garden patio. Japanese Tea Garden Tea House - Perched just steps from the concourse, this historic open-air pavilion serves steaming pots of sencha, iced matcha, and traditional Japanese sweets surrounded by calming koi ponds. Arizmendi Bakery - Just a short walk south on 9th Avenue, this worker-owned cooperative turns out incredible sourdough focaccia, daily vegetarian pizza slices, and fresh pastries built for a lawn picnic. The Yellow Submarine - An old-school Inner Sunset staple on Irving Street, this cash-only corner shop specializes in hearty, toasted sub sandwiches wrapped up and ready for an afternoon in the park. **RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/QV9bbzZf1bksuq62uk7v **Early Bird Discounts | More $ Later**

SF Bay Area Interactive Fiction Group Meetup

We'll talk about what we're playing and what we're working on, and discuss our plans for world domination. (This agenda is tentative. If you have suggestions for what to play or talk about at the meetup, please post a comment!) For the foreseeable future, we're operating as a hybrid event, where you can meet us in person and online! (Please attend wearing a mask. If wearing a mask is an issue for you, you can always attend via Zoom!) https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97894693608

Buns, Basking & Beholding

Protest Merck's Puppy Torture

Merck is one of the greatest culprits in the animal testing industry. They are actively subjecting dogs to horrific experiments. In the past, they have induced beagles with rabies, killed them to extract their organs, and pumped them full of experimental drugs. Please join us for this nonviolent demonstration. **WHEN:** Friday, October 13 at 3:00 pm **WHERE:** Merck Research Laboratories: 213 E Grand Ave., South San Francisco, CA 94080. Parking is sparse so please allow time to get a spot if driving. **WHO:** Everyone is welcome! \-\-\- Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) is a grassroots network of animal rights activists. Through open rescue, demonstration, and disruption, we help build a world where every animal is safe, happy and free. DxE cultivates a welcoming and supportive community. We ask that all those who attend our events (online and offline) respect our Code of Conduct which can be reviewed at [dxe.io/conduct](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdxe.io%2Fconduct%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgFicmlkETE2MzBFNDJYUTRGcVpHSEdDc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrcj95F2mCDd1dFzUmVODD5dGRd0gCe0fTHsYAfGRGceAiZAi56zA9_Tori3_aem_b5f1KcoXsf1cCqnPR2POvg&h=AUDmsfPSbEoc4-ySmpTmTDqdnH_koRSkde7qVA2sTHsTtCRo-CKwgeGK0gyx_tylQTQUKiJtOENH4izB0kYLHlykhEzRuEDlIhUwk-ndd_03HmCTiLn5s8oGuO1uRph_jCSMuvM2LOnRoaRFKVgg-Sr37sAXNFJr&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AUC1Rbu-YhGmHKtNI-CirhY_9w1wFYVwMXcSNKAyT3d5znw5IvIkN38gUpkIEoMfBetEnqYFWNnP1OQO1Ohp3OZ2nsFlqJSsvZSfUBWKM2tKuY5SmcdeEntYCvDYpE_c_FHAVjtewYB89fNDzmWepAUA30gnClMFIPA). To learn about our vision, goals, strategy and more check out the San Francisco Bay Area chapter Activist Handbook here: [dxe.io/handbook](http://dxe.io/handbook?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgFicmlkETE2MzBFNDJYUTRGcVpHSEdDc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqkr-kl8FbUw5JdUOcd5P0K6JfuuR4-85w8Hbt80CU6HS3N3FAO6kJySSlvR_aem_xIsXyOQNwET9RIkie3ml2w)

Flower Market, Lunch & A Cupcake!

Meetup: A Conversation With Melanie Kaplan, author of Lab Dog

Journalist Melanie Kaplan, author of Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research, will be in conversation with Dane4Dogs founder Rebekah Robinson, discussing Hammy, the former lab beagle who inspired Melanie’s book; the closing of Envigo and Ridglan, two of the three biggest breeders of research beagles in the United States; the current state of animal testing and government requirements for dog use; and the promising non-animal alternatives that give us reasons to be optimistic. Former lab beagles will be in attendance! Follow and support Melanie's work here: Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/melanie.d.kaplan/](https://www.facebook.com/melanie.d.kaplan?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZjvokZvKdRkdT_-6OrqvqYQKysQsGMoNfBmwTSZjaK0msGNaQtyfST99zMZEvj4kw1JH_0wKoryWivZXiuxN91hTnvTgkDPQ2YyJYA08ZkxGcvG6Ektf5unvf-Dd5rJiqJf&__tn__=q) Instagram: @labdoghammy and @melaniedgkaplan.ista Fresh coffee, tea, and a delicious plant-based brunch will be provided at the Meetup as well! **Where:** Berkeley Animal Rights Center West (2414 6th St, Berkeley) **When:** Saturday, November 14th 11am-12:30pm **What:** Hangout and presentation \- ARC West is a 30 minute walk from North Berkeley BART and only a 10 minute walk from the 51B bus stop at University and 6th St\. \- Dogs that like other dogs are welcome at this event\! \- There will be plant\-based brunch and coffee\, donations accepted \- If you cannot join in person\, you can join at 11:15am on Zoom at this link: [dxe.io/meetupzoom](http://dxe.io/meetupzoom?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgFicmlkETFQRWo3TGUyMlI1RXZYT1hBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiSErHzXPw_WgDnzJEFQ5P9AkLsJ9j6-6CLkr6686Nhi_y4ZGTzuFZL1IRq9_aem_b4QEhhkCSMES96-PhMD8yA) Every Saturday at 11am we have Meetups for everyone and anyone who cares about animals and making the world a better place! Learn more about our values here: [dxe.io/values](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdxe.io%2Fvalues%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgFicmlkETFQRWo3TGUyMlI1RXZYT1hBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHql7L4voPyOmOna-xuSdCaJw2N4mY99F9x6tRv4oe6FrxSe9VJgZ5l2xIc4R_aem_-oCieBVrI5XLmBZf3S350Q&h=AUDk0cQlga7qL09UVCV--ztHUeIRr_AaeWacd37c7HfJNt1SvWixyUbG-9TfT3tNKZGefos3d3D3f54if5CE4EtolUNW2mg09hwzEl-xcE4kPH9vGkHY-h4az1FatJ6rdX2RL2uBE7jZ12mVaT7IIG4tAU8BSTIL&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AUCd8k1aw0P0rqWzmwiNPOCpSJuZvdmdUnPMX9uWUoSXrA1_b5uAfyf7dXtsc3CRnHNRt5MaBtC-iAbNuKyMILpffhbFzi4La_9nWxFQcY3HP0ElMLtlt4xSbnL3rQTaK9VhvZW8DGE_uQoseYQuYOKULxJ--V3uEPo) \-\-\- Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) is a grassroots network of animal rights activists. Through open rescue, demonstration, and disruption, we are creating a world where every animal is safe, happy and free. DxE cultivates a welcoming and supportive community. We ask that all those who attend our events (online and offline) respect our Code of Conduct which can be reviewed at [dxe.io/conduct](http://dxe.io/conduct?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgFicmlkETFQRWo3TGUyMlI1RXZYT1hBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlJgsNTVYIfYQ_1Fjvbq63yiY49T_3Cvp5eaLbe0JFzn3T6T_1wMCi4kyuaF_aem__CysdS8NhSEAbXhDS13Y_A) To learn about our vision, goals, strategy and more check out the San Francisco Bay Area chapter Activist Handbook here [dxe.io/handbook](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdxe.io%2Fhandbook%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgFicmlkETFQRWo3TGUyMlI1RXZYT1hBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiSErHzXPw_WgDnzJEFQ5P9AkLsJ9j6-6CLkr6686Nhi_y4ZGTzuFZL1IRq9_aem_b4QEhhkCSMES96-PhMD8yA&h=AUBuLCQ2QD6QT-uRNQSmKB135zctn9dv7jerXuuhMi-1ZwYHGbMn8LFf40WHKuZ_PozxI4dUvO-q7yaG8EynUQVGEksjgwE8NKHSIfNzC5yyu_rXOsLqnSBBlOuNUFhBsFkxsXpe2tsefm6uYOKb5-kmDywwGhlP&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AUCd8k1aw0P0rqWzmwiNPOCpSJuZvdmdUnPMX9uWUoSXrA1_b5uAfyf7dXtsc3CRnHNRt5MaBtC-iAbNuKyMILpffhbFzi4La_9nWxFQcY3HP0ElMLtlt4xSbnL3rQTaK9VhvZW8DGE_uQoseYQuYOKULxJ--V3uEPo) If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail sfbay@directactioneverywhere.com

Come Play Gaga (Dodgeball variation) - or just hangout @ Alameda Gaga Court

Gaga is a fast-paced, low-impact version of dodgeball played in an enclosed pit. It's easy to learn, quick to play, and a great way to meet people. **Never played or even heard of the game before? No problem!** Most people pick it up in just a game or two, and we'll explain the rules when you arrive. **No experience, athletic ability, or prior knowledge required!** Just come ready to have fun! The location of the court on Alameda island is here: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/VeqmD6oz6AbAksYB8 ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/VeqmD6oz6AbAksYB8) The rules of Gaga are super simple and as follows: * *All players start with one hand touching a wall of the pit.* * *The game begins with a referee throwing the ball into the center of the pit.* * *Once the ball is in play, any player can hit the ball with an open or closed hand.* * *If a ball touches a player below the knee (even if the player hits himself or herself) they are out and they leave the pit. If a player is hit above the knees, they are still in.* * *Players cannot hold or throw the ball* We will go over the rules when we start so no need to memorize these! **Not sure if you want to play? Come anyway!** Whether you want to jump into every game, give it a try and see how it goes, or hang out on the sidelines and socialize, you're absolutely welcome. There's no pressure to play, and you don't need to know anyone beforehand. The goal is to have fun and meet people! If you have any other games like spike ball, cornhole, or soccer or volleyballs, please feel free to bring them as well! Depending on the number of attendees, we can set up additional activities on the side for people to play in between rounds of gaga

Lake Merritt Loop: East Bay Morning Walk + Coffee ☕🌳

Hey hey, so thought it be dope to start a Saturday with an easy loop around Lake Merritt and some good company. No alarm stress and no gear needed 🌳 We'll meet near the Children's Fairyland sign at Lake Merritt (I'll post a photo of the exact spot in the event chat the day of). There's parking nearby, and BART is close for anyone coming from farther out. It's a chill 2 to 3 mile walk at an easy pace, think catching up on life, not chasing a PR. After the loop we'll grab coffee (or breakfast burritos, no judgment) at Equator Coffees, right across from the lake next to Whole Foods. Come solo or bring a friend, you'll fit right in. These walks are just as fun with 5 people as with 25, no awkward standing around, just moving and chatting. 🐕 Dog friendly 👟 All fitness levels welcome, walkers and joggers mix just fine ⏱️ About 2 to 3 miles, 1.5 hours total including the coffee hang 🅿️ Free parking nearby, and walk ups are always welcome RSVP so we have a rough headcount. See you there 👋

Tea Festival

Sunday Kickball @ Bushrod Park!

BASS presents our favorite event, kickball! We will be at our normal spot in the East Bay at Bushrod Park in Oakland! Bring your soccer cleats (for better grip on the field), sunscreen, and athletic wear and water for a fun time out! For those who haven't played kickball before, the rules will be explained and demonstrated before we start. Depending on the attendance, we'll either have 2 teams facing off or a rotation of 3 teams all together. Then after we may hit the local pizza/bar scene if everyone still wants to hang out. We have a HARD START at 1pm, so please be sure to show up on time for warmups! (We also nearly lost the field previously because not enough people were there on time) See you there soon! 🔴 Note: Please, please, please don’t no show. 🙏 It makes these events really difficult to plan. If you no show once, you will be given lower priority for future events. The second time, you will be removed from the event list for any attendee limited event we host.

Mahjong Happy Hour

Annual Fort Mason Craft Friends Social

**RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/w9fjjqcpWDl2rf44fDWa **Early Bird Discounts | More $ Later** Hello New Friends, This event is like no other - you'll meet at least 10 new friends here with our rotating 1-1 conversations! Come spend the afternoon surrounded by beautiful handmade goods, discovering independent makers alongside people who share your eye for art at the Renegade Craft Fair. We'll start with an hour of quick, app-paired chats to break the ice, and then we'll break into small groups to explore the bustling artisan pavilions together. We're going to kick things off by chatting one-on-one. The Gist IRL app takes the guesswork out of mingling by pairing you up, so you can easily figure out who shares your taste in ceramics, textiles, and independent art. Once the rounds wrap up, the real fun begins. You'll choose a few folks you really hit it off with, form a little squad, and walk through the Renegade Craft Fair to explore the artisan booths together. By the time the fair closes at 5pm, you'll have found some favorite new makers and shared the afternoon with people who love local design as much as you do. Whether this small group becomes your go-to crew for artisan markets and craft fairs, or you just head home with a unique souvenir and a great memory, it's going to be a wonderful Saturday. The Plan: - 3:00PM: Check-In. Follow the link to set up your quick profile on your phone. - 3:05PM - 4:25PM: One-on-One Rounds. The app pairs you for focused chats. Find out who shares your appreciation for independent makers, thoughtful design, and handcrafted goods. - 4:25PM+: Form Groups & head into the fair pavilion. Reconnect with your favorite matches, form groups of 3-5, and head into the fair pavilion to check out the booths together — your group leaves together today. Let's skip the usual routine of wandering the aisles solo and collecting business cards you never look at again, and instead actually explore the craft fair side-by-side with folks who might just become your regular crew for future craft fairs, makers markets, and design walks to explore together. Plus, if you want to swap notes on what you bought after the fair wraps up, you can easily stay in touch through the app without ever needing to hand out your phone number. I can't wait to discover some amazing local art with you all this afternoon. A few favorite spots nearby: The Interval at Long Now - Housed right inside Fort Mason, this conversational cafe and salon serves artisan coffee, fine teas, and light bites surrounded by kinetic clockwork and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Equator Coffees - Situated at Fort Mason's historic entrance gatehouse, this breezy cafe pairs specialty espresso drinks and fresh pastries with outdoor seating facing the bay. Dandelion Chocolate - Located a short stroll away on Chestnut Street, this inviting cafe specializes in bean-to-bar hot chocolates, specialty coffee, and decadent house-baked chocolate treats. Over the Moon Creamery - A neighborhood staple on Chestnut Street, this charming dessert shop is known for its small-batch ice cream scoops tucked into warm, freshly baked cookies. The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop - A scenic walk along the waterfront into Ghirardelli Square, this iconic spot offers plenty of seating to share classic hot fudge sundaes and thick shakes. **RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/w9fjjqcpWDl2rf44fDWa **Early Bird Discounts | More $ Later**