Fourth of July: Events Around the Bay

There are plenty of options for Bay Area goers for this July 4 that last far into the summer.
Fourth of July: Events Around the Bay
The highly anticipated 34th America’s Cup inaugurates its Summer of Racing in San Francisco Bay, a natural sailing arena, with AC72 wing sail catamarans. The oldest, and one of the most sought-after trophies in all of international sports, the fiercely competitive America’s Cup was first raced in 1851, 45 years before the modern Olympics. (The America's Cup)
7/3/2013
Updated:
6/28/2015

Summer of Racing

San Francisco: July 4 through September 21, 2013

Let the sail competition begin! The highly anticipated 34th America’s Cup inaugurates its Summer of Racing in San Francisco Bay, a natural sailing arena, with AC72 wing sail catamarans. The oldest, and one of the most sought-after trophies in all of international sports, the fiercely competitive America’s Cup was first raced in 1851, 45 years before the modern Olympics. The U.S. yacht “America” won that year, giving the international sailing competition its name. Enjoy the days by the bay as the defender, ORACLE TEAM USA, is challenged by racing teams from Sweden, New Zealand, and Italy as it strives for a repeat of its 2012 championship. For a list of activities and races, visit www.americascup.com.

“In the Moment”

Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
Through September 22, 2013

Coinciding with the 2013 America’s Cup Challenger Series, the Asian Art Museum presents an extraordinary and rarely seen exhibition of Japanese art from the private collection of Larry Ellison, Oracle CEO and owner of ORACLE TEAM USA, defender of the 2013 America’s Cup. With more than 60 exceptional artworks spanning over 1,000 years, “In the Moment” explores the dynamic nature of art selection and display in a traditional Japanese setting, beautifully and expertly presented by the museum’s curators. Four of the magnificent screens in this exhibition will be replaced with new works in August. Visitors are encouraged to plan a return visit. For additional information, call 415-581-3500 or visit www.asianart.org.

Built for Speed

California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
Through Sept. 29, 2013

The America’s Cup boats are not the only speed demons on display this summer in San Francisco. Sailfish, tuna, sharks, and other swift swimmers—some of which can top even the fastest sailboats—are part of the Built for Speed exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences, among the largest museums of natural history in the world. Built for Speed encourages visitors to explore some of the ocean’s fastest animals. The sailfish is one of the world’s fastest fishes, capable of short sprints over 60 mph with the help of its streamlined body, retractable dorsal fin, pointed bill, and stiff, crescent-shaped tail. The Academy will offer racing enthusiasts a chance to examine a 45-foot-long catamaran and wingmast from ORACLE TEAM USA displayed at the museum and explore the links between fast animals and fast boats—between nature’s design in the wild and design optimization in the lab.

The Bridge Builders Photo Exhibit

San Francisco City Hall Gallery

Fascination with the busy activities related to the 2013 America’s Cup international sailing race will definitely encompass views from San Francisco’s esteemed bridges. So let’s examine the inspired work of Joseph Blum, the local photographer who exposes the Bay Bridge’s east span construction, slated for completion sometime this year. Presented by the San Francisco Arts Commission Galleries, the exhibit features 80 of Blum’s large-format color photographs that give viewers an all-access, dizzying look at the making of the new bridge. Currently on view through September 27, 2013, at the San Francisco City Hall Gallery on the ground floor, the public is invited—free!—to the opening reception Thursday, July 11, 5:30–7:30 p.m. For more information: sfartscommission.org/gallery.