Author: Amanda Cey
Aydin Lands Bat Mitzvah: Behind the Scenes
Oh, what a night!
Welcome to Aydin Lands, a festival themed Bat Mitzvah celebration on November 30th, 2019. Come take a peek at this oh-so-special eve, culminating from months and months of studying and hard work!
The Highlights
The St. Regis San Francisco set the stage for an incredible night filled with a most momentous ceremony, Havdalah and Hamotzi blessings and candle lighting, hula hoop lessons, LED arcade games, a crazy team of emcees, motivational dancers and Dj’s, and a montage video featuring surprise guest Trevor Noah.
There’s More…
For those of you old school Roots fans, along came Rahzel beatboxing the night away. Guests were also treated to airbrushing, glitter tattoo’s, a Merch station with lots of LED swag, lots of delish food and desserts, custom cocktails, and more!
Thank You!
Most importantly, a huge thank you to the many partners and vendors who came together to make this event happen. You guys and gals rock!
Event Design, Production & Management: ABCey Events
Aside from producing and managing, we had so much fun creating and making lots of fun things for this event, such as the custom grass butterfly wall for Registration with Aydin Lands cut out logo. We love this fun LED Cinema Light Box which comes with interchangeable emoji’s!
Lighting: Got Light
The tables were adorned with album covers on wood plaques from Aydin’s favorite artists which we had custom made from Plak That. Gorgeous pink and purple lighting filled the ballroom and foyer, and a fun pattern wash for the ceiling during the ceremony.
Venue: The St. Regis San Francisco
Our special guest gets lifted up on a chair during the “HORA” in the main ballroom. Also, some delicious specialty cocktails by the St. Regis “Here Comes the Sun” w/ custom Aydin Lands napkins, designed by ABCey x Zazzle!
Team of emcees, motivational dancers, and DJ’s: Aaron David Productions
Aaron David and his team gets the crowd “energized” all night long on the fun festival stage, also bringing the awesome LED dance floor, and LED DJ booth.
Photography: Michele Walker Photography
Everything you see here is Michelle’s work. She did an incredible job of capturing the best moments of the night!
LED Arcade: Video Amusement
Jumbo LED Foosball, Hoop It Up, and LED Cornhole kept guests busy during the cocktail hour in the tented terrace.
Airbrushing/ Glitter Tattoos: Catalyst Arts
The talented Audette Sophia of Catalyst Arts showcased a customized “GLAM” station with face painting, airbrushing, glitter tattoos, henna, hair braiding and more!
Performer / Beatboxer: Beatbox University/ Rahzel Brown (The Roots)
Literally one of the greatest beatboxers of all time, Razhel Brown from the Roots joins us onstage, and kills it with his beatboxin’ skillz! See the video below and you’ll know why he’s called the “Godfather of Sound.”
Hoop Lessons and Performances: Shreddertainment/ Erin Shredder
Erin Shredder is a former firefighter, professional circus artist and a member of the elite Vau De Vire Society. This girl has some sick talent on the hoops, lyra, aerial and more! Now she’s got Shreddertainment up and running, so she’s ready to entertain at your next event!
Florals/ Design: Hunt Littlefield
Amazing pampas and wild flowers flanked the Bimah and hundreds of hanging butterflies adorned the stage. In the main ballroom, manzanita branches entwined with fairy lights and more butterflies adorned the kids tables, with beautiful morrocan lanterns. Adult tables had a mix of high and low wildflower centerpieces carrying through the same theme!
Photo booths: Studio Booths
The best hosts and clients, playfully fighting over a rose prop! Studio booths was amazing to work with and have some of the best custom backdrops I’ve seen!
Rentals: Blueprint Rentals + Found Rentals
Faux grass backdrops and inflatable donut and flower props by Blueprint Studios. Merch backdrop with custom Aydin Lands sunglasses and LED by ABCey x Blueprint Studios. Boho lounge by Found Rentals.
Hebrew Teacher/ Ceremony Officiants & Cantor: Alli Darrow/ Jory Gwasdoff
Aydin’s Hebrew Teacher Alli Darrow facilitates the service and Cantor Jory Gwasdoff on guitar!
Donut Wall: Dynamo Donuts
This is thankfully a trend that just doesn’t get old. Probably because it’s the most logical way to hold a large quantity of donuts (duh)! There were YUMMY flavors like Sweet Potato Marshmallow and Persimmon, with a few gluten free and vegan options of course!
Videography/ Montage: Video Madness
Ok, so this montage was ridic. Such cute pics and videos of our guests life to date, as well as appearances by family and friends. To top it all off, surprise guest Trevor Noah ends it by wishing her Mazel Tov. Stellar job by Bob Farnsworth, the Bat Mitzvah montage guru!
Stage Banner/ Large Format Printing: Vivas Banners
We were super happy with our large format printing needs for this event, and our first time working with Vivas did not disappoint. We created a large vinyl banner for the festival stage, and also got logo cutouts and a large canvas mural done by them too!
Save the Dates/ Logo Design/Mural: Amanda Lynn Paint
If you don’t know Amanda Lynn, she’s an acclaimed Bay Area based muralist and installation artist. She hand painted the logo, and did all of the artwork for the Save the Dates, along with this fun canvas print that served as a guest book!
Booklets/ Name cards/ Menu’s: Ram Print
The colorful “escort” wall with adult names and tables printed by Ram in Mill Valley, CA. They also helped with the beautiful ceremony booklets, and printed bar menu’s!
Iridescent Tote Gift Bags: PC Nametag
You gotta have something to hold all of your festival merch, right? We struggled getting a 2 color logo on the iridescent bags, but they seemed to come out just fine!
Sound Activated LED Wristbands: 4imprint
Upon registering, “festival” guests received custom Aydin Lands sound activated LED wristbands. I’d say that maybe these plastic and not eco friendly (sigh!) were not super necessary, but they played into the theme quite nicely!
Linens: La Tavola
Bedazzled Grey for the kiddos and Wavering Citrine for the adults, by the acclaimed La Tavola. Always the best high quality selections!
Event Website: Sterling Visuals
Mila from Sterling Visuals did a great job creating a Squarespace site for Aydin Lands, which linked directly to Eventbrite for registration. A great paperless way to go!
The End!
In conclusion, we hope you enjoyed our event recap of Aydin Lands 2019! We had so much fun producing this Bat Mitzvah, and it was truly an honor to be a part of this special day. Now, we’re ready for YOUR next event in 2020!
Happy New Year from ABCey Events…sending lots of love, peace, and good vibes to all.
MOIC x ABCey Events
You scream, we scream, we all scream for Ice Cream! We’re super excited to announce that ABCey has P A R T N E R E D U P with the Museum of Ice Cream San Francisco to exclusively produce their private events, and to introduce San Francisco’s hottest (err coldest?) new event venue! We’ll create a larger-than-life journey through your wildest dreams, with surreal worlds and delicious treats. It is sure to enchant your guests, and show them a time they will never forget!
This iconic venue is available now and welcomes all types of celebrations including birthday parties, weddings, conferences, meetings, launch parties, hospitality suites and more! ABCey will be offering full service event planning along with our preferred partners Foxtail Catering & Tonic Beverage Catering.
You get unlimited treats, sweets and a customized experience from the amazing #TEAMMOIC guides, and we do the rest! Above all, don’t you just wanna jump in the sprinkle pool?!
Sprinkle Pool at San Francisco Museum of Ice Cream
Museum of Ice Cream San Francisco has welcomed over a million visitors through its doors – spreading magic, joy, and ice cream across the Bay Area! Since opening in 2017, the location has captivated a global audience, drawing visitors from around the world to Union Square.
ABCey’s here to plan your next event and make it extra special, where anything is possible! For private and corporate event inquiries, availability and pricing, please contact Amanda Cey at sfevents@museumoficecream.com.
Event Recap: Behind the Scenes SFSY Harvest Party 2018!
including a DIY Bloody Mary Bar and Mimosa Bar.
Behind the Scenes: UpStart 10x Event
On Wednesday, May 10th, 2017 nearly 250 people turned out to the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco to honor UpStart Founder Toby Rubin for the UpStart 10x Event, and celebrate the future of Jewish innovation! ABCey Events had the honor of producing this exciting evening filled with live art, important discussions, yummy food, interesting people, projection mapping, amazing music, and much more! Here’s our Top 10 countdown of all of the amazing things that contributed to this successful San Francisco event!
1. The Question of the Night: How Will We Build The Jewish Community We Want To See In 2027?
2. Live Artwork/ Visual Thinking by Melinda Walker of One Squiggly line, asking the question of the night!
3. The gifts for attendees, An UpStart flipbook & seeds generously donated by Urban Adamah.
4. UpStart Founder and Honoree Toby Rubin takes the stage and gives a heartfelt speech!
5. UpStarter talking about his experience and tossing around a Catchbox microphone!
6. Illuminated bars by Blueprint Studios honoring the evenings sponsors.
7. Projection Mapping with the company’s vision, timeline, goals, history, and more! Artwork created by Melinda Walker of One Squiggly Line, and animated and projections from Immersive Pro.
8. Music and Beats provided by DJ Chris Clouse and Sax Player from M83.
9. Yummy Desserts by Tout Sweet, Choux Bakery, and 49 Square Catering.
10. Photobooth by The Bosco and our fabulous custom props!
On behalf of ABCey Events, we’d like to extend a huge thank you to Jaime Rappaport Barry, Aaron Katler, and the whole UpStart Team for working so hard along side us to make this event a successful one! What was your favorite part of UpStart 10x? Leave us a comment here or find us on Facebook or Twitter!
Hands And Hearts Across America January 20th, 2017
HANDS AND HEARTS ACROSS AMERICA
Like many of you who are struggling to make sense of this election, we have been searching for organizations to get involved with that are for the greater good. ABCey is super excited to take part in an amazing grassroots movement, Hands And Hearts Across America. And, it will be happening all over the nation on Inauguration Day, January 20th, 2017!
The app will be available soon, and we’ll be sure to share it when it’s ready. Hands And Hearts Across America just won the audience vote for their app development at Dave McClure‘s 500 Startups Reboot Democracy Hackathon!!!!!!!!! And let’s be honest, we’re going to need to do a lot of hand holding on the 20th and likely for the next 4 (gasp) years!
Inspired by the 1986 Hands Across America, Hands And Hearts Across America will connect humanity through modern technology united in the bi-partisan shared common values of Kindness, Respect and Inclusion.
At Noon EST on Inauguration Day, local grassroots organizers will unite unbroken connections of hands in their communities with the help of the Hands & Hearts app. As participants gather in all 50 states around major US landmarks, bodies of water, schools, homes and offices, a powerful message through social media is sent to our children, Washington and the world of our shared core decent values.
Millions of dollars will be raised with 100% of all donations going directly to charities selected by the individual participants. After Hands And Hearts, local organizers now have captured local action groups and are encouraged to continue good works within these grassroots groups.
HOW IT WORKS:
Hands And Hearts Across America provides the tools for anyone to become a local organizer and to quickly create and share their own connection to this historic event. Through the Hands And Hearts app, a participant can choose a local location or landmark.
The app will automatically start a Hands And Hearts chain which can grow as more participants are added. Each participant can share with friends and family their location in the chain encouraging others to join, allowing for greater organic growth. Chains can be as small as two people or grow to tens of thousands.
EXAMPLES OF LOCATIONS:
Hands And Hearts around Central Park in Manhattan, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington DC, Gateway Arch of St. Louis, the San Francisco Bay, or just a family of four in front of their home in Alaska.
REFERENCE: Hands Across America 1986
Want to get involved? Become a local organizer? Leave us a comment below, or on our Facebook and Twitter. To contact Hands And Hearts America call 949.967.1234 or email letsdothis@handsheartsamerica.org!
Top 15 Conferences 2017
With so many options out there, choosing which conferences to devote your time to can be challenging. For big companies, entrepreneurs, and investors alike, it’s essential to stay ahead of fast-breaking trends. Hear inspiring talks from thought leaders, or network with industry influencers. Whatever your industry or budget, you’re sure to find something in ABCey’s Top 15 Conferences 2017.
Top 15 Conferences 2017
1. World Economic Forum Annual Meeting January 17-20, 2017 Davos-Klosters, Switzerland
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters remains the foremost creative force for engaging the world’s top leaders in collaborative activities to shape the global, regional and industry agendas at the beginning of each year.
2. Wisdom 2.0 February 17-19, 2017 San Francisco, CA
Wired describes it, this gathering for heavy-hitters is: “Where the technology and contemplative communities … hash out the best ways to incorporate these tools into our lives…” The event attracts a good mix of male and female speakers, this past year including spiritual leader Ram Dass and clothing tycoon Eileen Fisher. Later in the year, watch for Wisdom 2.0 Asia, upcoming in Singapore.
http://https://youtu.be/aP9DsTP0sNg
3. Near Future Summit: March 15-17, 2017, La Jolla, CA
Near Future brings together inventors, entrepreneurs, media and investors with a passion for being a metamorphic force, and the tools and insights to tackle crucial challenges! We haven’t been to this one yet, but have heard it’s NOT TO MISS!
4. SXSW March 10-19, 2017 Austin, TX
South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference & Festivals celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. A major convergence of the tech, media, design, gaming and entertainment fields, this event is a must-attend for any women connected even tangentially to those disciplines. It is also a respected music and film festival with important niche sidebars such as Startup Village.
5. Vanity Fair Founders Fair April 20, 2017 New York City, NY
Vanity Fair will launch its first Founders Fair for entrepreneurial women and their business partners next year in New York City. The Founders Fair will bring together inspiring entrepreneurs, founders, and risk-takers to share their stories of the rewards and challenges of starting and running a business.
6. TED April 24th-28th, 2017 Vancouver, BC
Another important annual conference for international movers and shakers, TED is all about the exchange of new ideas. A week to explore the deepest scientific and psychological insights, the latest medical advances, the coolest inventions, all mixed with a whole lot of ancient wisdom.
7. 2017 Forbes Women’s Summit May 11-13, 2017 New York City, NY
Leaders today recognize that lasting success comes when you align passion and power with a higher purpose. How do organizations infuse their work with a sense of mission and what are the new ways to leverage influence and forge transformative partnerships? Attend this conference and learn why!
8. WOBI May 31- June 1, 2017 Sydney, Australia
In 2017 the World Business Forum will highlight that in a world where new technologies emerge at pace, those who anticipate change and are quickly able to adapt will flourish. Organizations and individuals alike must reinvent themselves constantly; experiment and learn; identify new opportunities, exploit them fast, and move on.
9. 99U June 7-9, 2017 New York City, NY
The 99U Conference is a one-of-a-kind live experience that inspires creative professionals to bring their ideas to life and shape the future of the industry. Learn from the world’s top thinkers and doers in a series of main stage talks over two days. 99U speakers offer pragmatic, real-world insights that transcend creative sectors.
10. Fortune Brainstorm Tech July 17-19, 2017, Aspen, CO
Fortune Brainstorm TECH is an annual by-invitation-only summer retreat for leaders from Fortune 500 companies, the top emerging entrepreneurs of the tech world, and the most important investors who finance them. For many, attending Brainstorm TECH can make the difference between finding a competitive edge or being disrupted into oblivion.
11. Inc 5000 October 10-12, 2017 Palm Springs, CA
The main conference program runs from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon. It features: Keynote Presentations by founders and CEOs of prominent companies, notable entrepreneur personalities featured in Inc., and business celebrities Concurrent sessions organized by themes, featuring expert speakers and more intimate settings in which to exchange ideas and experiences with other business leaders in the audience.
12. Vanity Fair New Establishment Summit October 18-20, 2017 San Francisco, CA
The V.F. Summit (now in its third year) was inspired by the Vanity Fair New Establishment list, Vanity Fair’s annual must-read ranking of those figures who are setting the global agenda and leading the Age of Innovation.
13. TEDWomen October 26-28, 2017 San Francisco, CA
TEDWomen is a three-day conference about the power of women and girls to be creators and change-makers. The program of speakers, workshops, events — and daring discussions — has sparked some of TED’s most iconic moments yet.
14. Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit October 17-19, 2017 Laguna Niguel, CA
Hosted by Fortune, this gathering is driven by its annual list of most powerful women. It attracts a stellar lineup of speakers (including Michelle Obama in 2015) and a diverse mix of the esoteric (linking purpose to profit) and the practical (make-overs). Watch for sister events, MPW Internationals in Hong Kong and London, England.
15. Summit 2017 November 3-6, 2017 Los Angeles, CA
Summit 2017 will (sadly) not be on a boat, but it will push the cutting-edge of immersive experiences, interactive programming, lively exhibits, intimate intellectual environments, open-air performances, site-specific artist activations, and so much more. Working within and throughout the existing interplay between the urban and natural environment in downtown LA, they’ll be creating an intimate and walkable campus.
Now that you have our list of Top 15 Conferences 2017, which ones will you be attending? And of course… if you need help planning, we’re here for you! Are there any we missed?! Let us know in the comments below, or on Facebook and Twitter!
Behind The Scenes: SGN at GDC16
On March 14-18, 2016, developers and gamers from across the country took the Bay area by storm for this year’s Game Developers Conference. Some of the most brilliant minds in the gaming industry took to the streets of downtown San Francisco for GDC16. While other shows are about the fans, GDC determines the future of this industry: it’s the world’s largest gaming conference attended by a record breaking 27K professionals in its 30th year. Nearly half of developers here are building mobile + tablet games!
ABCey Events paired with SGN to showcase their newest game Genies and Gems, and also had a great time bringing awareness to their biggest game Cookie Jam. Between the moments that brought laughs in between sessions and the surprising and exciting moments that changed an attendees day, a powerful question was also addressed to the gaming community, #WHYDOYOUPLAY?!
TOP 5 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EVENT
- THE GENIE OF SF
SGN, the fastest growing growing major mobile games studio in the U.S., has just released it’s newest match-3 puzzle game. Genies & Gems is a spellbinding adventure that takes its players on a magic ride. Famous Youtuber Jesse Wellens from Prank vs. Prank brought this game to life in downtown SF with his motorized magic carpet. For those that spotted our magic genie, they were in for a lucky surprise!
2. (REAL!) GEMS
If you’ve gotten the chance to play, then you already know Genies & Gems is a game that’s true to it’s name. As the players cross through the magical worlds they recover lost relics, collect gold bars, and are taken on a journey with their enchanted keys. To celebrate the game’s launch SGN brought the game’s realities to life! Lucky San Franciscan’s scored some major gems from our genie that included- $20/$50 bills, silver coins, silver cufflinks, and (real!) gemstone rings!
3. COOKIE JAMMERS
With more than 70 million downloads, SGN’s top grossing game Cookie Jam showed it’s followers some serious entertainment for GDC16. Rocking out in front of the Moscone Center were our very own Cookie Jammers. If the outfits didn’t scream cookies, their lyrics surely would. San Francisco’s favorite cover band Pop Rocks twisted some of your most favored songs into actual cookie-filled jams (Just Eat It, Eat It, Eat It)! These life-sized cookies fueled up GDC16 attendees as they were headed to their next session!
4. COOKIES
We couldn’t promote a cookie game without thousands of FREE cookies! SGN provided attendees with a yummy snack to keep them going throughout the day. Who doesn’t love free cookies?
5. WHY DO YOU PLAY?
GDC16 determines the future of this industry, and because of this they are capable of bringing together a global community to attend their annual conference. It was the people in attendance that play a significant role in the creation and lifespan of games, and SGN had a thought provoking question to ask attendees- Why Do You Play? We can get lost in a game, but we can forget what really motivates us to play. We interviewed hundreds of people and received a variety of answers ranging from fun, stress relief, escaping reality, and interacting with friends or family. Our favorite answer may have been to “Escape From Trump!”
So, the question we have for you today is- Why Do YOU Play? Let us know in the comments below or find us on Facebook and Twitter!
3 Event Networking Apps to Upgrade Your Experience
Over 40 million Americans attend a convention, trade show, or a conference each year. For the attendee, one of the greatest benefits of a business conference is the unlimited access to networking. This is an excellent way to create lasting business relationships, while maximizing on career opportunities and potential. However, in an ocean full of people, how are you supposed to network with the RIGHT ones and how do you sustain these relationships? In the year of tech, there is always a solution, and this solution can be found right at your fingerprints. These 3 networking apps are the greatest new addition to your cellular device and your networking career!
1. SUMMITSYNC
For all of our LinkedIn readers you will be very pleased, SummitSync utilizes your LinkedIn login as it’s backbone to connect you to your conference. Once you’re logged in, select your conference and merely swipe left or right across the attendee list to connect with fellow participants who you are interested in networking with. Once a mutual connection is made you are offered a platform of capabilities like in-house messaging, email accessibility, and calendaring tools! Enterprise customer relationship management (CRM) tools also become available and ensure company productivity by recording clientele data to optimize interactions. Oh, and once April hits Google maps and location services will be accessible with the app to cover all grounds!
2. CAMCARD
For all of our earth friendly readers, this is the app for you! There’s no longer a need to bring 20+ business cards to your next networking event when CamCard is just a click a way. Allow CamCard to store your business card so you can go paperless to events while you virtually exchange information at your next meeting, trade show, and/or seminar. Contact cards are quickly and easily stored into the database and provide management efficiency with features like notes, reminders, quick searches, tagging and sharing, and most importantly productivity. Enjoy the convenience of accessing this information anytime and anywhere with iCloud on all of your database platforms.
3. CHARLIE
While attempting to impress a prospective business relation or employer, you may have competition with the 3 other individuals who are just as prepared and just as interested. However, what your competitors may not have is Charlie, which literally will put you two steps ahead of the game. The Charlie app provides virtual insight prior to any interaction that will enable you to make a lasting impression. Forgot you scheduled a meeting in the midst of the weekend? No worries. This app understands the hectic agenda of a professional and will send you email reminders with pertinent research to ensure you’re fully prepared to present yourself to the best of your ability. Charlie ensures that you’re maximizing all possible opportunities, without you even having to ask!
Which one of these networking apps will you be using at your upcoming conference this year? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!
ABCey’s Weekend Lineup: 2/26/16-2/28/16
With the weekend just around the corner, I hope you decide to trade in your business suit for some jeans and shades! The Bay area has been warming up, and it’s the perfect weather to open up the windows and take a walk around the park. For this week’s weekend lineup ABCey wanted to take advantage of the forecast and give you some great outdoor events to choose from!
Friday February 26th, 2016 | 5:00pm – 9:30pm |2460 Sutter St. | $12 Adults $8 Students (Seniors & Kids under 12 free)
If you’re looking to travel the globe without the baggage fees, step out to Pacific Heights Friday night and experience a taste of Russia! The festival will host an array of events that are triggered to entice all senses. So if you’re looking to indulge your tastebuds with some authentic Russian food or admire the art of traditional dance, this event is the place to be!
THE COMEDY ROAST OF DONALD TRUMP
Friday, February 26th, 2016 | 8pm | Pappy’s, Berkeley | $10
One of the most debated candidates for this year’s election has been nominated as the guest of honor for this month’s comedy roast hosted by RoastSF! Mr. Trump will not be in attendance for this event, however, his impersonator is KNOWN for his class act impression, and will be severely roasted by 8 improv comics. Regardless if you love him or you hate him, it’s no question that you won’t have a hurt stomach from laughing at this event!
HOMELESS HOMES POP UP WORKSHOP
Saturday, February 27th, 2016 | 11am – 6pm | Nimby, Oakland | FREE
Want to make a difference in your community? Homelessness in The Bay area has been the topic of discussion, especially with the growing tents that are vacating the streets. This Saturday and Sunday, this pop up workshop is uniting people within the community to take a hands-on-approach by creating micro-homes for the homeless. Start off your Saturday the right way by giving back to those in need!
Saturday, February 27th, 2016 | 1pm-4 pm | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara | $79-$125
For all of the bacon lovers (we know how many of you there are), this is an event you don’t want to miss! Enjoy the VIP treatment of walking the field while enjoying a brew and a slice of bacon. Guests will be able to indulge in 50+ bacon infused dishes and proceed to wash them down with a choice of 100+ craft beers and cider samples, all of which are from some of the best local vendors and breweries! Enjoy games, some fun in the sun, and if you’re feeling brave, sign up for the bacon eating contest, which is sure to leave you full for days!
MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION TREASURE ISLAND FLEA
Sunday, February 28th, 2016 | All Day | Great Lawn, Ave of the Palms, Treasure Island | $3
If you can’t make it out to New Orleans this year to celebrate Mardi Gras, the Treasure Island Flea has the solution! This Sunday, local street musicians and New Orleans menus will be fused together to make this event come to life. Choose to shop from the 400+ curated vendors while trying a 2-fo-1 TI Flea Hurricane Cocktail as you watch the city transform, this is a great way to kick back and relax before Monday! 
A GATHERING OF ROYALS- ACADEMY OF FRIENDS 2016 GALA
Saturday, February 28th, 2016 | 5pm-10 pm | San Francisco Design Center, San Francisco | $225.39-&757.95
Are you planning to watch The Oscar’s Sunday night? If so, and you’re looking for a change of scenery, head down to the San Francisco Design Center for a great cause! Not only does this gala give you the opportunity to dress up as if you were at The Oscar’s, but 100% of the proceeds are directed towards HIV/AIDS services in the Bay area. Enjoy complimentary food, wine, and champagne, and if you’re feeling up to it keep partying at the after party at SF Oasis!
What event(s) are you placing on your calendar for this upcoming weekend? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
ABCey’s Weekend Lineup: 2.19.16 – 2.21.16
The work week is finally over and the weekend is here once again! Hooray! And because the Bay Area winter season has been exceptionally pleasant, there’s a myriad of outdoor events to take advantage of this weekend. ABCey is back with our top 5 fave events to help you toast to the weekend (because every weekend is a celebration).
1.SF BAY FLYWAY FESTIVAL: WILDLIFE & BIRDING CELEBRATION
Friday February 19th, 2016 | 5pm – 8pm | Mare Island, Vallejo | FREE
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, this is the perfect weekend for you. The Flyway Festival is an exciting event full of guided hikes, tours and workshops celebrating the migration of more than 1 million shorebirds through the San Francisco Bay. They will be serving hot soup and rolls, junk food (Yes!), and coffee. Check out this PDF for the full schedule of events.
2.SAN JOSE BIKE PARTY: THE SUPERHERO RIDE
Friday, February 19th, 2016 | 8pm | Children’s Discovery Museum Parking Lot | FREE
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s the San Jose Bike Party! Grab your bikes, capes and super-powers because this is going to be one hero-tastic night. Ride Superhero-style in your favorite costume down the streets of San Jose. The Start/Finish meeting location is the Children’s Discovery Museum parking lot. For more info, check out their website.
3.CHINATOWN STREET FAIR
Saturday, February 20th, 2016 | 10am – 4:30pm | Portsmouth Square, Chinatown | FREE
This Saturday and Sunday, explore the unique San Francisco neighborhood that is Chinatown. Held the same weekend as the Chinese New Year Parade, the Chinatown Community Street Fair is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the Chinese culture. This jam-packed event will have lantern and kite making, calligraphy, fine art demonstrations, folk dance and puppet shows. With traditional and modern entertainment, this is one festival you and your family do not want to miss. Check out the full offerings here.
4.BON JOVI & CHEAP TRICK TRIBUTE CONCERT
Saturday, February 20th, 2016 | 8pm | Club Fox, Redwood City | $14/$16
Rock out on a Saturday night to the sounds of Bon Jovi, Cheap Trick and more with some of the Bay Area’s best tribute bands. Not only will you be able to hear some great music but you’ll also be able to contribute to a great cause. The money from each ticket will go to Wonder Dog Rescue Group, a charity that saves hundreds of dogs each year from getting euthanized. Check out their website for more details.
5.TULIPMANIA
Sunday, February 21st, 2016 | All Day | Pier 39 | FREE
Spring is almost here! To celebrate its impending arrival, head down to the San Francisco tourists’ paradise, Pier 39, for the final day of Tulipmania. Soak in the sights and vibrant colors of more than 39,000 tulips and seasonal garden florals. Embark on either a self-guided or guided tour to learn helpful gardening tips and to just enjoy the beautiful flowers. The free guided tours depart at 10am from the Pier 39 entrance and you’ll also receive a complimentary snack from Trish’s Mini Donuts, some of the best donuts in town. Click here for more info.
Planning on heading to any of these events this weekend? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!