Eight Things To Do with Dad this Father's Day

Father’s Day advertisements would like us to believe that all dads are male models who enjoy barbecuing in madras shorts and frolicking in sunny fields with kites. Now I don’t know about you, but I am confident that my father has never worn madras shorts, and I am certain that he has no plans to frolic this Father’s Day. Luckily, the Bay Area offers a wide range of activities that any father can enjoy this Sunday, June 17 — no matter what kind of shorts he’s wearing.

StoryCorps
Sunday, June 17, 11am – 4pm
San Francisco Contemporary Jewish Museum
Every family has their own stories and many fathers hold a mythic status in these sagas. What better day to share your stories than on Father’s Day? StoryCorps believes that every voice matters. As one of the largest oral history projects in America, StoryCorps is dedicated to recording and compiling an archive of stories told by Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs. There are six interview slots available this Sunday, which you can reserve for free at storycorps.org or by calling (415) 655 7869. After you and dad record your conversation, it will be archived at the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress and you will receive your own CD to share with friends and family.

Jeffery Brown’s Darth Vader and Son
Exhibition runs through August 5, 2012
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 11am to 5pm
Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco
“Luke I am your father,” is no longer a dramatic revelation but a stern parental warning from Jeffery Brown’s re-imagined Darth Vader. Although he may be the most notorious dad in science fiction history, Brown preferred to draw the Dark Lord with a softer side. In this cartoon, Darth Vader is just like any other dad facing the trials of fatherhood — except for maybe his interests in intergalactic domination. This is the perfect exhibit for any dad who loves Star Wars and has a good sense of humor about fatherhood. For more information visit cartoonart.org.

The 4th Annual World Music Day Festival
Sunday, June 12, 3pm – 7:30pm
University Ave and King Plaza, Palo Alto
This free music festival is part of the Fête de la Musique, a worldwide music festival that coincides with the summer solstice. As you walk along University Avenue between Cowper and High Streets you are bound to hear music from all over the world. This year there will be public dancing on King Plaza, so you and your dad can really get down to the music. For more information visit pamusicday.org.

Free Yoga Workshop
Sunday, June 17, 1-2pm
Yoga Garden, San Francisco
Do you think your dad needs to be a little more flexible? Remind him that it never hurts to try new things, especially at such a painless price. Yoga Garden provides everything you need; all you have to do is reserve your spots by June 16 and arrive wearing comfortable clothing. For more information visit sf.funcheap.com.

DIY Design: Booze Bottle Lamps Workshop
Sunday, June 17, 1pm
Workshop, San Francisco
Sip whisky with Dad while constructing your own lamp out of the bottle. Not only will you come away with a rustic novelty lamp fit for any man-cave but you will also learn basic electrical engineering and get to play with power tools. What could be manlier? For more information visit workshopsf.org.

Cowboys & Aliens at Bad Movie Night
Sunday, June 17, 8pm
The Dark Room, San Francisco
While they may not appreciate rotten tomatoes in their theater, The Dark Room does encourage its audience to hurl insults at the screen during their weekly “Bad Movie Night.” This week’s movie is Cowboys & Aliens, a combination of Western and Science Fiction genres that went haywire according to many viewers. Whether it’s your first or second viewing, the $6.99 movie ticket is sure to bring out the film critic in both you and your dad. For more information visit darkroomsf.com.

The Northern California Pirate Festival
June 16 & 17, 10am-6pm
Vallejo, CA
Johnny Depp claims that he continues to make the Pirates of the Caribbean movies because his children love to watch him as Captain Jack Sparrow. Perhaps you father would also like to try on a new hat this Father’s Day and join the ranks of thousands of Bay Area pirates. And while Dad is going rogue, the whole family can enjoy music, performances, crafts, food and general merriment. For more information visit norcalpiratefestival.com.

Father’s Day Kite Fly
Sunday, June 17, 12-4pm
Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley, CA
After presenting all these options, if your dad really wants to don madras shorts and fly a kite for Father’s Day then this is the perfect event for him. Bring your own high flier to Kite Hill at Cesar Chavez Park and enjoy the colorful air show. Who knows, maybe your dad is a male model! For more information visit sf.funcheap.com.