8 Can’t-Miss Outdoor Events In Northern CA As Summer Winds Down

Summer is winding down in Northern California, but there are still some good opportunities to make the most of warm days and long nights before cooler weather sets in and the calendar fills up with fall activities.

The “end-of-the-summer scaries” is a real term for the anxiety and dread that people may feel as the season comes to a close, and they realize they didn’t pack in as much fun as they intended.

As a prescription for end-of-summer malaise, we’ve rounded up eight things to do outside to enjoy the last bits of summer sunshine.

Are you planning an event this fall? Feature it so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Here are some upcoming outdoor events you shouldn’t miss:

• The Fern Alley Music Series Presents: Brad Nofal and Friends - noon Aug. 23 - 99 Fern St, San Francisco - An afternoon of live music in the heart of the Lower Polk includes a vibrant outdoor space for music, art, and community. The Fern Alley Music Series celebrates local talent, community, and the spirit of San Francisco. This edition features a performance by Brad Nofal and Friends.
• Jerry Crawl - 4 p.m. Aug. 23 - 1698 Haight St, San Francisco - Journey through the heart of Haight Street with drinks in hand and DJs in the background as part of the citywide 60th Anniversary celebration of The Grateful Dead.
• Island of Black & White Live @ LPV! - 6 p.m. Aug. 23 Las Positas Vineyards, 1828 Wetmore Rd, Livermore - Live outdoor music from 6-8:30 p.m. Wine by the bottle and glass, and full tapas menu available for purchase at the tasting room bar.
• Funestra's Comedy Night at Fenestra Winery - 7 p.m. Aug. 23 - 83 Vallecitos Rd, Livermore - Enjoy a night of comedy and award-winning wine at Livermore Valley. The event features onsite food trucks, including Your Taco Guy. No outside food is allowed.
• “The Taming of the Shrew” - Free Shakespeare in the Park - 4 p.m. Aug. 23-24 - John Hinkel Park, 41 Somerset Pl, Berkeley, CA, 94707 - See Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," a humorous yet challenging play exploring Kate and Petruchio's relationship. Bring pillows, blankets, or low lawn chairs for stone terraces. We accept reservations for those with limited mobility/hearing and wheelchair users.
• Pickleball Mixer for Single Professionals - 4 p.m. Aug. 24 - Pickleball Courts, Palo Alto - Mingle and meet single friends, 40-59, over pickleball and a social hour. All levels welcome, pros on hand. Stay until 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. to mingle on the patio.
• Summer Concert Series - Matt Jaffe- 5 p.m. Aug. 28 - Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake, Ross - Marin Art and Garden Center welcomes Matt Jaffe to perform at the Redwood Amphitheater. Discovered by Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads at 16, San Francisco songwriter Matt Jaffe has since released nine albums, co-written with Tom Higgenson (Plain White T's), and opened for Blues Traveler and Wilco. The Redwood Amphitheater offers rustic, bench-style seating; guests are encouraged to bring cushions. Drinks and snacks will be sold, and picnicking is permitted. A golf cart shuttle will be available from the main parking lot.
• 159th Scottish Highland Gathering and Games - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 30-31 - Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton - The 159th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games, a Bay Area tradition since 1866, offers thrilling competition, vibrant entertainment and rich cultural experiences. Highlights include special guest pipe and military bands, culminating in the Massed Pipe Bands finale.