Excelsior families and neighbors have a new cultural offering this weekend: the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival’s free outdoor series arrives in the neighborhood for the first time. The festival, now in its 44th season, will present Shakespeare’s classic drama Antony and Cleopatra at two of the city’s beloved park venues.
Performance schedule and locations
The opening shows take place at McLaren Park’s Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, located off John F. Shelley Drive between Cambridge and Mansell streets. Two performances are scheduled:
- Saturday, Sept. 12, at 2 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m.
Later in the month the festival moves to Sue Bierman Park, just north of Embarcadero Plaza across from the Ferry Building. The park will host four shows:
- Saturday, Sept. 19, at 2 p.m. (preview)
- Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m. (opening day)
- Saturday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m.
All performances are free and run about 90 minutes without intermission, making them an accessible family outing on a sunny September afternoon.
About the production
Directed by Los Angeles‑based filmmaker and actor Katja Rivera, this year’s production marks the festival’s first staging of Antony and Cleopatra. The play explores the clash of love and political power, a timeless theme that resonates with today’s community values of family, faith, and civic responsibility.
Additional Excelsior events
While Shakespeare takes the stage, the Excelsior neighborhood continues its vibrant summer calendar. The Excelsior Night Market returns on Friday, Sept. 18, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the corner of Ocean Avenue and Mission Street, celebrating Latino culture with food, music, and crafts.
WFC Wrestling’s masked luchadores will perform as part of the nonprofit Wrestling For Charity, offering a high‑energy showcase for attendees. After the market, an after‑party will be held at Rocks Den (4753 Mission St.) featuring live music by local funk, soul, and R‑B group Rojai & The Pocket from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Community resources for heat safety
San Francisco’s summer heat can be intense, especially for residents without air‑conditioning. The city provides cooling centers at public library branches, with the nearest locations for Excelsior residents at the Glen Park branch (2825 Diamond St.) and the Portola branch (380 Bacon St.). Directories of public pools, water fountains, and additional cooling sites are available on the city’s heat‑relief resource page.
Upcoming cultural celebrations
Later in the fall, the Salvadoran Soul Encuentro returns from Oct. 14‑18, organized by the nonprofit Sunday Streets. Highlights include a panel discussion at the Excelsior Library (4400 Mission St.) on Oct. 18 and a “Salvi Soul Art‑Walk” on Oct. 19 featuring print‑making, poetry, and live dance throughout the neighborhood.
These events underscore the Excelsior’s commitment to providing free, family‑friendly cultural experiences that enrich the community while honoring the traditions that make San Francisco unique.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
