April 21, 2014 – San Francisco will be the setting for traditional Memorial Day commemorative ceremonies May 23-26, 2014. It is also the final weekend to see “Yoga” The Art of Transformation” at the Asian Art Museum and an installation of eight massive sculptures by Mark di Suvero at Crissy Field before they close. For a complete calendar of events, visit www.sanfrancisco.travel.

Public transit is the best option to reach many of these events; for routing and scheduling, call 511 (within the nine Bay Area counties) or 510-893-8729 or visit www.511.org.

Through May 25, 2014

Yoga: The Art of Transformation
“Yoga: The Art of Transformation” closes on May 25, 2014. Borrowed from 25 museums and private collections in Europe, the U.S. and India, the artworks featured in the exhibition date back to the second century. Images ranging from benevolent deities and gurus to Tantric goddesses and sinister yogis reveal how yoga practices — and perceptions of them — have transformed over time and across communities. Exhibition highlights include stunning masterpieces of Indian sculpture and painting; pages from the first illustrated book of yoga postures (asanas); and a Thomas Edison film, Hindoo Fakir (1902), the first American movie ever produced about India. The Asian Art Museum is the only U.S. West Coast venue for this exhibition. For information visit www.asianart.org.

Admission: Exhibition tickets are $17.

Location: 200 Larkin St.

Through May 26, 2014

Mark di Suvero at Crissy Field 22, 2013 - May 26, 2014
Presented by SFMOMA in partnership with the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, eight monumentally scaled sculptures by Mark di Suvero have been installed at historic Crissy Field for the past year. Set against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge, a structure that has inspired the artist throughout his career, di Suvero's dynamic steel sculptures frame and reframe the surrounding landscape in surprising new ways. The exhibition which closes on May 26 brings together works from across the country, dating from 1967 to 2012. For information visit www.sfmoma.org.

Location: Crissy Field

May 23-25, 2014

Carnaval
Bursting with soccer, international music, dance, global cuisine and arts & crafts from the many countries that celebrate Carnaval, Carnaval San Francisco will be celebrated in San Francisco's Mission District on the Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, 2014. This year's theme is “La Rumba de la Copa Mundial – Celebration of the World Cup.” Carnaval San Francisco kicks off at AT&T Park with the San Francisco Giants on May 23; the pre-game party includes a ticket to the game, collector's edition Carnaval-themed Giants item. Partial proceeds benefit community non-profits. A free two-day family festival in the Mission District as part of festivities on May 24-25 on Harrison Street between 16th and 24th Streets. The Grand Parade on Sunday, May 25, starts at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of 24th and Bryant streets, where it will proceed west to Mission Street. From there, the parade heads north on Mission down to 17th Street, where it will turn east and flow into the festival area. BART offers easy access to all events.

Admission: Festival and parade are free; grandstand parade seating ($30) is available. For tickets and information visit www.carnavalsanfrancisco.org or call 415-206-0577.

May 23-28, 2014

San Francisco Giants
The Giants compete against the Minnesota Twins, May 23-25. Special ticketed pre-game events include Carnaval at the Park (May 23) and Wine Fest (May 24). The giveaways for the first 20,000 fans on May 24 are Giants caps and on May 25 a Giants BBQ apron. The Chicago Cubs are in town May 26-28; on May 26 the first 20,000 fans get a Giants beach towel. May 27 is Autism Awareness Day; proceeds from every ticket sold will be donated to non-profits in the autism community. For information and tickets visit www.sfgiants.com.

Admission: Varies

Location: AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza

May 24, 2014

San Francisco International Beer Festival
Sample more than 300 incredible beers from some of the best craft brewers in the world as well as a variety of offerings from some of San Francisco's best restaurants. Must be 21 or over to enter. For information and tickets visit www.sfbeerfest.com

Location: Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion

May 24, 2014

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
While you're picking up something fresh and yummy for your barbeque or Memorial Day weekend picnic, take in seasonal cooking demonstrations. At 11 a.m. it's Stephanie Rosenbaum, local food writer, author and chef, followed at noon by Sue Conley and Peggy Smith, Cowgirl Creamery. For information visit www.cuesa.org.

Admission: All demos take place in the CUESA Classroom (under the white tents in front of the Ferry Building) at 11 a.m. and are free to the public, with recipes and samples for all.

Location: Ferry Building, foot of Market Street.

May 24-25, 2014

Treasure Island Flea Marketplace
Treasure Island Flea debuted three years ago on Treasure Island, renowned as the site of the 1939 World's Fair. On the final weekend of every month co-founders Angie and Charles Ansanelli offer a showcase for more than 300 exhibitors selling one-of-kind items and 15-plus top food trucks and stands. Specialty food provisions include whole roast pigs, drink specials from the full bar and more than a dozen California wineries to peruse and taste. This dog-friendly, open-air market open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. also offers a blend of local entertainment and special events. This weekend it's everything from scavenger hunts, half a dozen workshops in “Maker's Square,” and a commemorative “Treasure Island Flea Turns 3” tote bag for the first 500 on Saturday and Sunday. For information visit www.treasureislandflea.com or call 415-898-0245.

Admission:  $3, under 12 free. Free parking.

Location: Treasure Island, Avenue of the Palms

May 25, 2014

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival: Baba Ken Okulolo & Kotoja
African super-group Kotoja is comprised of a heady mix of top Nigerian and American musicians that excites audiences with their infectious mix of African highlife, juju, jazz and world music. Bandleader Babá Ken is known for his work with King Sunny Ade, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and the seminal Afro-rock group Monomono.  For information visit www.ybgfestival.org or call 415-543-1718.

Admission: Free concert, 1-2:30 p.m.

Location: Yerba Buena Gardens, Esplanade, Fourth and Mission streets. Pack a picnic and remember the sunscreen, hats and shades.

May 25, 2014

Off-the-Grid's Picnic at the Presidio
In this re-invention of the outdoor picnic, some of San Francisco's top restaurants serve your favorite dishes family style to create a “mix and match” brunch that includes fresh from the farm produce, and “blanket-side” Mimosa service from the Bubble Bar or a Bloody Mary “kit” for up to five concoctions from the Picnic Bar. Kids, in the meantime, can enjoy classic lawn games such as bocce ball and kite-flying. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Main Post Lawn (Main Parade Ground) adjacent to the Walt Disney Family Museum which is open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m., except Tuesday.  Currently on view: “Magic, Color, Flair: The World of Mary Blair.” A free exhibit, “Crown Jewels: Five Great National Parks and the Challenges They Face,” is also open at the Presidio Trust Headquarters, 103 Montgomery St. For information visit www.offthegridsf.com or www.presidio.gov.

Location: Main Parade Ground, Presidio of San Francisco

May 25, 2014

USS San Francisco Memorial
An annual event since 1950, the USS San Francisco Memorial Foundation's ceremony is at noon. Built at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, the USS San Francisco (CA-38) participated in almost every Pacific battle from Pearl Harbor to the end of WWII, earning 17 battle stars.

Admission: Free

Location: The USS San Francisco Memorial Park, Lands End off Camino del Mar in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. For directions and information visit www.usssanfrancisco.org or call 415-334-0263; public transit options include Muni 38-Geary to 48th Avenue and walk two blocks north.  

May 26, 2014

Presidio Memorial Day Commemoration
The official San Francisco Memorial Day commemoration will take place on Monday, May 26 at the San Francisco National Cemetery in the Presidio, 1 Lincoln Blvd. This year's ceremony will pay tribute to Vietnam Veterans. The annual commemoration begins with a parade of the 191st Army Band, veterans organizations and distinguished guests. The parade starts at 10:30 am at the Main Post (near Sheridan and Lincoln Boulevard), and ends at the San Francisco National Cemetery. At noon, a 21-gun salute by the U.S. Army's 75th Pacific Division signals the end of the program. The formal program begins at 11 am. It includes music and remarks by military and civilian dignitaries.

Admission: Free

Location:  Free shuttle service will be available from parking areas around the Main Post to the National Cemetery from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For information visit www.presidio.gov or call 415-561-5300.

May 26, 2014

Submarine “Lost Boat” Ceremony
At 10 a.m. join submarine veterans in the "Lost Boat" ceremony aboard the USS Pampanito, honoring comrades and submarines lost at sea. This moving ceremony features 52 bell tolls for each boat and crew on "eternal patrol."

Admission: The ceremony is free and open to the public.

Location: The USS Pampanito is located at Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 45, Taylor Street and The Embarcadero. For information visit www.maritime.org or call 415-775-1943 ext. 13 to RSVP.

The San Francisco Travel Association is the official tourism marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. For information on reservations, activities and more, visit www.sanfrancisco.travel or call 415-391-2000.  The Visitor Information Center is located at 900 Market St. in Hallidie Plaza, lower level, near the Powell Street cable car turnaround.

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