The Great Outdoors

Japanese Beer Garden to 'Pop-Up' at Nice 3rd Story Outdoor Patio

— By Kevin Montgomery (@kevinmonty) |

Wix Lounge, an admittedly rad patio/terrace hangout spot of sorts on the 3rd floor of the US Bank Building, is temporarily turning into an elevated Japanese-themed Zeitgeist next week.  Eater has the details:

It's largely known for sake, but Nombe hosts its first Japanese beer garden of the summer with snacks like hand-rolled sushi and grilled Kurobuta pork belly from 5-9 p.m. on June 29 at Wix Lounge.

The whole “first of the summer” line seems to indicate this will be happening again.  But should it not, be sure to head over next Friday for hella beer and a solid vantage point of 22nd and Capp.

Previously on Uptown Almanac: 

Anyone Up For Some Downward Dog on the Corner of 16th and Mission?

— By Kevin Montgomery (@kevinmonty) |

The weather sure has been nice lately, but bringing your yoga mats out into the festering sore that is the 16th and Mission BART plaza?  I'm not sure that's the best idea ever.  The sights, sounds, and smells of a hazmat zone are not exactly the peaceful environs one expects to be immersed in.  And I cannot even imagine what kind of chemical bath you have to give yourself afterwards.

[Photo by Eddie Codel]

Another Reason to Stare Directly At The Sun Today

— By Erika Kali |

Apparently the Universe has been feeling neglected over the last 20 years, so it's decided to put on another show today with the Transit of Venus, less than a month after that crazy partial eclipse that everyone seemed so fond of on the internets. Here in San Francisco, between the hours of 3 - 9pm today, you'll be able to catch a glimpse Venus in the form of a tiny black dot — a dot you wont see again until 2117. 

Instead of burning your retinas in the name of science, make sure to pick up some special viewing devices outlined below, one of which is DEFINITELY NOT candy wrappers:

But no matter what, do not use “filters” such as smoked glass, stacked sunglasses, polarized filters, camera filters, candy wrappers, or compact discs. They might reduce the Sun’s glare, but enough harmful radiation can sneak through to damage your eyes. Only use materials specifically manufactured for safe solar viewing, or #14 arcwelders glasses

Judging from the amount of photos/Instagrams that came out of the patio area at Zeitgeist during the May 20th eclipse, it seems to be that this is the only legitimate spot to catch this astronomical phemonenom. So grab all of your cameras and welding glasses and head to the place where, the only time you're allowed to take photos, is apparently during weird Universe/end of days shit.

(For more info on the Transit of Venus, visit here and be amazed)

[Photo by Mollie C]

Valencia Sidewalk Sale Returns Saturday!

— By Kevin Montgomery (@kevinmonty) |

The Valencia Corridor Merchants Association is bringing back their annual sidewalk sale this weekend, promising a hot mess of cheap and free booze and food, music, art openings, discounted goods, and associated shenanigans.  There's even a “pop-up bar” by everyone love-it-or-hate-it bar Dear Mom.

From Weston Wear's Bridget Moore, who is helping put on the event:

We feel this to be a strong and well-received event, despite certain businesses suffering setbacks from the Valencia Street Riots that took place on April 30th. We are going to show everyone we can take a beating and still throw a party.

Okay!  So, everyone go support your local (vandalized) businesses by opening your wallets and getting some rad goods in return.  Below, a list of some of Saturday's highlights:

Room 4: Vintage toy trunk show with bargain prices. Featuring lots of Pee-Wee Herman, Simpsons, and Nightmare Before Christmas. 904 Valencia

Lost Weekend Video: All day sidewalk event featuring $5 DVDs and music. 1034 Valencia

Weston Wear: Inside: Pop-Up Bar hosted by Dear Mom Bartenders Outside: Matt Marcus of The Front Porch and fellow staff serving a bevy of hot sauces, fried chicken and whoopie pie samples outside 4 prize raffle as well as 15% off all of our new summer arrivals. 569 Valencia

Candystore Collective: Vintage Goodies Sidewalk Sale. Big Discounts on a bevy of vintage treasures from the vault. Noon to 5pm, 3153 16th (Btwn Valencia and Guerro)

Dema: Pop-up Vintage from Golden Collective on the sidewalk from noon to 5pm and 15% off the entire store! 1038 Valencia

Hangr 16: Live DJ 11-7pm and Mimosas served up till 2pm. 3128 16th (Btwn Valencia and Albion)

Venga Empanadas: Menu Specials and Food Samples. All day long, 443 Valencia

Good Vibrations: All day sale & giveaway! 603 Valencia [Free dildos???!!!!]

Five & Diamond: Music and all day sidewalk sale event! 510 Valencia

Silver Sprocket Bicycle Club: Sidewalk Event. 1057 Valencia

Curiosity Shoppe: Little Paper Planes book launch party and gallery opening. 855 Valencia

Carte Blanche Gallery: Live music and discount prices on a selection of framed collector prints and photo books. 973 Valencia

Dog Eared Books: Discounted Books and serving up treats from 10a-6pm. 900 Valencia

Casanova Lounge: Opening up early at 3pm! Live DJ set and $1 off drinks till 7pm. 527 Valencia

The Front Porch:  Executive Chef Matt Marcus and staff will be serving up a bevy of award winning hot sauces, new chiptole bbq sauce, fried chicken and whoopie pie samples 12-5 in front of Weston Wear (569 Valencia) Then all night long menu specials at their own spot. 5-11pm, 65A 29th Street

ArtZone 461 Gallery: Ryan M. Reynolds “Continuum” and Paul Morin “Modern Portraits”. 12-6pm, 461 Valencia

Community Thrift: 25% off all furniture! 623 Valencia

Belljar: Discount and and drinks all afternoon. 3187 16th (Btwn Valencia and Guerro)

Mira Mira: All day sale, in store event and serving up munchies. Noon to 7pm, 3292 22nd (at Valencia)

Hazel and Gerties: Sale and Adoption Event. 3385 22nd Street (Bwtn Valencia and Guerro) [Puppies!]

Dolores Park's New Country Club Appeal to Wow Children, Hipsters, and Geriatrics Alike

— By Kevin Montgomery (@kevinmonty) |

Despite all the nasty, excitable shit I've said about the Dolores Park Renovations, there's one change coming to the park I can absolutely get behind: fields of soft, fluffy new grass.  That's not to say I don't love Dolores Park the way it is now, because I do.  But it'll be oh-so-nice to not have to hunt for that lone patch of healthy turf in a park that presently looks like it's been accosted by flamethrowers and generations of dog shit.

Croquet league anyone?

Previously on Uptown Almanac: 

Meet Lucy The Playground Iguana, Blood Relative of Lil Wayne

— By Alissa |

Hello internet please meet my new bff Lucy the Playground Iguana. We found each other in South Park yesterday and now we are friends 4 life.

When I found Lucy she started running* towards me and not gonna lie, I was a lil scared because iguanas are modern day dinosaurs. But then everything was cool. We have a lot in common, namely the fact that both our tummies drag on the ground when we walk.

Here is another picture of my new bro from a different angle:

Lucy's owner told me that she is a blood relative of Lil Wayne and I was like oh yah, makes total sense. 

*waddling

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