green orchids from around our neighborhood

swan found at the Palace of Fine Arts

And Sometimes the Most Lost and Wasted Attract the Most Balanced and Sane by Thomas Hawk on Flickr

This weekend will be an eventful one - Chinese New Year’s celebrations everywhere! I think we’ll be spending the whole weekend in Chinatown.

Update: Crap! It’s supposed to start pouring Saturday afternoon before the parade - hopefully it won’t be too bad…

Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt:

Celebrate the Year of the Rat, discover the city’s secrets and win a cake at this 18th annual game of urban exploration on the streets of San Francisco. There’s a Beginners’ Hunt for first-timers, a Regular Hunt for those with some experience and a Masters’ Hunt for seasoned veterans and past winners. Follow the clues, puns and puzzles provided to find the treasure. Sat. 2/23, Check in at 3:30 p.m.

Alcatraz Civil War Living History Day:

Demonstrations of artillery operations, medical procedures and the general activities of a soldier’s life. Sat. 2/23 9 am - 4 pm

The Art of Penjing:

A rare display of elaborate Chinese miniature plant landscapes. now - 4/26, Conservatory of Flowers, $1.50-$5

Balboa Birthday Bash:

The Balboa Theatre celebrates its 81st birthday with a screening of Douglas Fairbanks’ “The Black Pirate,” featuring a live original musical accompaniment by Frederick Hodges. Also featuring a screening classic shorts, a live vaudeville show with Kitten on the Keys and a magic show by James Hamilton. Audience members are encouraged to come dressed in clothing of the Roaring ’20s or as pirates. Wed. 2/27 7 pm $9-12

Chinese New Year Parade and Festival:

Celebrating the Year of the Rat; Lunar Year 4706. Parade route begins at Market and Second and ends on Kearny. Sat. 2/23 5:30 pm

Anybody else know of anything cool going on around sf this weekend?