SF Culture Unpacked: Patti Smith, Tea, KAWS, and More
As the Bay Area settles into its indoor season following a recent atmospheric river, San Francisco’s cultural scene continues to buzz with activity. Our Fogcutter column has been tracking the city’s best events, creating a living archive of its vibrant life.
Patti Smith’s Electrifying 50-Year Celebration at The Masonic
Rock iconoclast Patti Smith recently delivered an electrifying performance at The Masonic, marking the 50th anniversary of her seminal album, “Horses.” Far from a nostalgic victory lap, Smith played with fierce conviction, snarling through classics like “Gloria” and reminding the rapt audience of the raw power of live music. Joined on stage by her children, Jackson and Jesse, for the final anthem “People Have the Power,” Smith shared a powerful, long-view perspective, declaring, “This city… you were great in 1975 and you’re still great now.”
Bay Area’s Brew Boom: Tea and Coffee Festivals Pack a Punch
San Francisco’s culinary event calendar has been vibrant, especially for beverage enthusiasts. Both tea and coffee culture are clearly on the rise, with sold-out festivals highlighting global trends and local innovation.
The San Francisco International Tea Festival
A few Sundays ago, the Ferry Building was packed for the sold-out San Francisco International Tea Festival. Attracting around 3,000 attendees, the event featured 33 vendors from California to Japan. Participants enjoyed endless samples of green, black, and white teas, including unique finds like a hojicha latte from Berkeley’s COBA Coffee & Tea and a smoky oolong from Taiwan. The festival was so popular it has already booked its return to the Ferry Building for May 2-3, 2026, with plans for another event in November 2026.
The San Francisco Coffee Festival
Fort Mason transformed into the most caffeinated place on the planet for the annual San Francisco Coffee Festival on November 8, 2025. Over 50 roasters, including local favorites like Ritual, Equator, and Sightglass, showcased their beans. The festival also offered a taste of up-and-coming roasters such as San Jose’s Cosmic Dust and Napa’s Naysayer, with England’s Routes Coffee even previewing its 2026 Bay Area launch. A major trend this year was co-fermenting beans with fruit, bringing new, intense flavors to the forefront, albeit with a premium price tag.
| Feature | SF International Tea Festival | San Francisco Coffee Festival |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Ferry Building | Fort Mason Pavilion |
| Attendance | ~3,000 (sold out) | Wildly popular (over 50 vendors) |
| Highlight | Global & local tea samples, rising tea culture | Co-fermented fruit beans, local & international roasters |
| Next Event | May 2-3, 2026 (Ferry Building) | Annual (next dates TBD) |
Shoegaze Revival: They Are Gutting a Body of Water at Rickshaw Stop
The Philadelphia shoegaze band They Are Gutting a Body of Water (TAGABOW) brought their acclaimed sound to the Rickshaw Stop on November 11, 2025. Playing from a platform on the floor, surrounded by a fervent crowd, the band unleashed a churn of sludge riffs and sampler chirps that turned the room into a jostle of shoulders and stage dives. As a celebrated act in the US shoegaze revival, their sold-out show attracted a diverse cross-section of the Bay Area music scene, solidifying their status as a “your favorite band’s favorite band” type of act.
KAWS’ Larger-Than-Life Art Takes Over SFMOMA
SFMOMA is currently hosting a captivating new exhibit featuring the work of Brian Donnelly, better known as KAWS. The “KAWS Family” exhibit greets visitors with massive bronze sculptures and showcases the artist’s career, from graffiti roots to pop culture riffs reminiscent of Andy Warhol, all with a playful, childlike aesthetic. Key highlights include meticulously detailed ink sketches, large abstract paintings, brand collaborations, and a full room dedicated to “The Kimpsons,” his cheeky spoofs of iconic “Simpsons” characters. Keep an eye out for an inflatable KAWS figure sometimes perched on the SFMOMA roof, visible from the street.
On Our Radar: Don’t Miss These Upcoming Local Events
- What local film is screening soon?
The 4 Star Theater is screening “The Game,” a 1997 Michael Douglas and Sean Penn film that takes place in San Francisco, this Wednesday. - Who is playing at the Regency Ballroom next weekend?
Khruangbin is scheduled to play two nights at the Regency Ballroom next weekend. - Are there any community history events coming up?
The city’s planning department is hosting a Castro history night this Tuesday. - How can I volunteer for environmental efforts in SF?
There will be a dune revegetation volunteer day at Ocean Beach this Wednesday.
With the Bay Area’s indoor season upon us, San Francisco’s cultural calendar is brimming with diverse and engaging events. Don’t let the weather keep you home—explore the city’s vibrant arts, music, and culinary scenes.
Patti Smith celebrates Horses fifty years in San Francisco
