5 WAYS TO EXPERIENCE SAN FRANCISCO’S SUMMER

Celebrate San Francisco’s 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, which unleashed a cultural revolution that prominently included queer liberation. But don’t just celebrate it–live the summer like the original free-lovin’ hippies, with these amazing events.

1. Be a Flower Child

The Summer Solstice celebration, Summer of Love Illumination, is open now at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park, through Oct. 21. Developed in partnership with San Francisco Recreation and Parks by Illuminate the Arts, the nonprofit arts group behind the famed Bay Lights, and Obscura Digital, a studio specializing in large scale light-based art, the installation uses gobo projectors to transform the all-white landmark with a series of illuminated scenes inspired by the rare tropical flowers within and the legacy of San Francisco’s flower children.

2. Love & Haight

Check out this exhibit at San Francisco Public Library every Sunday, showcasing photographs and films, rock posters, grassroots newspapers and flyers, record albums and manuscript materials from community groups and City of San Francisco collections, all documenting the upheaval of the Summer of Love. The opening event is a film screening of Revolution, followed by a panel discussion. July 16, Main Library, Koret Auditorium.

3. Sing, Sing, Sing

Attend the San Francisco Botanical Gardens Flower Piano “Summer of Love” sing-along on July 21. Choir director Billy Philadelphia will lead a sing-along featuring some of the greatest songs of 1967, including “Happy Together” (The Turtles), “Respect” (Aretha Franklin), “Somebody To Love” (Jefferson Airplane) and “All You Need Is Love” (The Beatles). Lyrics and chairs will be provided.

4. Be a Deadhead

Pick your Grateful Dead tribute–or enjoy both. There's San Francisco Giants Grateful Dead tribute night on Aug. 3 and Jerry Day on Aug. 6.

5. Jammin’ with Janis Joplin

American Conservatory Theater’s A Night With Janis Joplin honors both the sometimes-lesbian rock ’n’ roll singer with the powerful voice and those who influenced her: Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Bessie Smith, Nina Simone and Odetta. Through July 16 at the Geary Theater, 405 Geary St., San Francisco.