Tag: party
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!
ABCey’s Weekend Lineup: 1.29.16 – 1.31.16
The last weekend of January is here and we’re seriously wondering, where did the time go? If you’re not into the hype of Superbowl events (or just don’t want to deal with the madness that is Superbowl City), ABCey has compiled a list of our top 5 fave events happening in the SF/Bay Area this weekend. And guess what? They have nothing to do with sports. From beer parties to Chinese New Year celebrations, you’re sure to end off the month with a BANG!
1. BEER FRIDAY
Friday, January 29th, 2016 | 4pm-11pm | Devil’s Canyon, San Carlos, CA | FREE*
Looking to have a good ‘ole family-friendly time this weekend? Well, head on down to the Peninsula’s own Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company in San Carlos, CA. Enjoy a night filled with food trucks and live music with sustainable hand-crafted beer (for the adults) and root beer (for the kiddos). One dollar from each pint of beer sold will be donated to the Redwood City Animal Shelter – Pets in Need program, so be sure to drink up! For more info, check out their website.
2. JAZZ PIANIST: MAX CHANOWITZ
Friday, January 29th, 2016 | 6pm-8pm | PianoFight | FREE
After a stressful week, there’s no better way to relax than listening to the smooth sounds of jazz with a cocktail in hand. PianoFight, a full service restaurant and bar in the Tenderloin district, will be featuring renowned jazz pianist Max Chanowitz. Admission is free, but be sure to RSVP in advance.
3. 2016 CHINESE NEW YEAR FLOWER FAIR
Saturday, January 30th, 2016 | 10am – 8pm | Chinatown | FREE
Kick-off the celebration for the Year of The Red Monkey at the 2016 Chinese New Year Flower Fair. Hosted on the weekend before Lunar New Year, the flower fair is a chance for families to purchase the traditional flowers, plants and fruit for the holiday. While you’re shopping, enjoy traditional Chinese dances, music, art and cultural displays. The kiddos can enjoy the festivities too at the Children’s Play Area, where there will be a petting zoo, photo booth and other fun activities!
4. FREE ICE CREAM SANDWICH DAY
Saturday, January 30th, 2016 | Noon – 4pm | Stonestown Galleria | FREE*
I-scream! You-scream! We-all-scream for ICE CREAM! And you know what’s even better than ice cream? Free ice cream! C.R.E.A.M. (Cookies Rule Everything Around Me) is celebrating their grand opening at Stonestown Galleria Mall by giving away free mini ice cream sandwiches. There’s no official rsvp for this event, but you must like the CREAM Facebook page or sign up for Five Stars.
5. TREASURE ISLAND FLEA
Sunday, January 31st, 2016 | 10am – 4pm | Treasure Island | FREE
Say farewell to January with a Sunday Funday. Head over to the beautiful Treasure Island for their monthly open-air flea market. Located on the west side of the island on the Great Lawn, you’ll get a chance to support numerous local vendors such as indie designers, handmakers, bakers and up-cyclers. Not interested in doing any shopping? No problem! You can enjoy outdoor exhibits and live music, participate in scavenger hunts, and satisfy your hunger with gourmet food trucks.
Which events are getting you most excited about the weekend? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
#TECHTUESDAY: SKIDDLE- Weekend’s Matter
#TechTuesday highlights the best and brightest ideas in the tech world. ABCey would like to recognize these up and coming technologies for their innovative ideas and impact on the event world!
“A small fish in a big pond” is how any person can feel living in a large city, especially San Francisco! The “Things to do” lists extends for miles, but still some remain unaware of the events and excitement occurring a few steps from their door. Skiddle recognized this detachment and brought a resolution with their Weekends Matter app! Before we even go into the deets, this event library includes more than 100,000 events at any given time! Combining that stealthy number with the additional features, it’s no question why this app is featured on this week’s #TechTuesday!
It’s a Friday night and there’s nothing to do- until you open up your Skiddle app and find all of the events occurring within your location! Events range from anything as large as a music festival to something as simple as an art exhibit. The beauty of this app is that it identifies with all interests, which is why it has such an extensive gallery. Don’t feel like scrolling through an entire archive? That’s okay! You can search events by date, location, category, what’s trending, and even Skiddle’s recommendations!
Every once in awhile there’s an event that’s so good it requires you to pack your things for a few days and explore a new territory! However, planning the housing and transportation can be a little strenuous especially when it’s a group. If you’re looking for simplicity, Skiddle has a search feature to scope out the nearest hotels to your event venue. Still confused on how you’ll get to the actual event? If you’re looking for a lift, Skiddle is integrated with the Uber app (first ride is free for the newbies!) or if you’re within walking distance and choose to sightsee it offers directions to your event location!
Looking for some new music to listen to? This app has access to music clips via Spotify to give you a taste of an artist before purchasing any tickets! Once you find your new favorite artist, you can track them and receive alerts when new events are announced. When your event is finally available and you’re ready to purchase tickets, don’t worry! There are no booking fees with this app and ticket delivery is instantaneous!
Why we love Skiddle Weekend’s Matter: Learning new things is what keeps us young! This progressive app introduces users to a range of events that extends beyond their regular “going out” vocabulary. Discovering new music is as easy as a click, which can inevitably lead to a random night on the town to experience something different! It’s exciting to see how many avenues and options are literally at the tip of our fingers, and how simplistic it’s been made for our convenience. This database was made for enjoyment and that statement is clear with the ease of it’s accessibility!
So, where are you headed next? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
ABCey’s Weekend Lineup: 1.15.16 – 1.17.16
The weekend is here! *cue applause* And ABCey is back with our weekend lineup. We’ve compiled a list of our 5 favorites things happening in the Bay Area this weekend. In the mood to laugh, dance, or even play in some clay? We’ve got you covered. So get out and take advantage of all that the beautiful Bay Area has to offer!
1. SAN JOSE BIKE PARTY: 100TH RIDE
Friday, January 15, 2016 | 7:30pm | Secret San Jose Location, San Jose, CA | FREE
What better way to relieve some of that work week stress than a nighttime bike ride. Join the San Jose Bike Party this Friday as they celebrate their 100th ride in the streets of the largest city in the Bay Area. This is a great chance to build community and explore the various local treasures the city has to offer. The exact meeting location and route is posted 24 hours before the event so be sure to check out their website before heading down.
2. BATS IMPROV: FRIDAY NIGHT THEATER SPORTS
Friday, January 15, 2016 | 8pm | Bayfront Theater | $8.50- $20
BATS Improv has been named the Bay Area’s Best Theater Company and this Friday they are having their weekly Friday Night Theatersports. It’s a face-paced, exciting and interactive theater competition. Tix can be purchased here for a discounted price or on their website. Be prepared for the unexpected and get ready to laugh until you cry!
3. 2016 FAMILY TECH FAIRE
Saturday, January 16, 2016 | 10am – 2pm | Avenidas, Palo Alto, CA | FREE
Kick off your Saturday with a family fun day at the Avenidas Tech Faire. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed tech genius or merely looking to explore new technologies, there’s something for everyone here. Enjoy food trucks, interactive presentations, tech talks with industry experts, and some cool exhibitions featuring robots, 3D printers, and more! Check out their website for the complete list of all the exciting events they have to offer. 
4. NEW WAVE DANCE PARTY: DEPECHE MODE NIGHT
Saturday January 16, 2016 | 9pm – 3am | The Cat Club | $7 before 10pm/$12 after
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to party all night long! Join New Wave City at The Cat Club this Saturday for a night of socializing and dancing to the best of New Wave music. The front room will feature fan favorite music and videos, while the back room will be featuring the music and videos of Depeche Mode. Click here for more info.
5. POTTERY CLASS – CLAY + COFFEE
Sunday, January 17, 2016 | 9:30 – 11:30am | SMAart Gallery & Studio | $55
Wind down your weekend with a morning pottery class at SMAart Gallery & Studio. You’ll be provided with coffee and a pastry to get your mind and body energized and then the instructors will teach you the art of wheel throwing. These classes are small and spaces fill up quick so be sure to RSVP asap! Don’t worry if the tickets get sold out, they offer the same class every Saturday and Sunday morning so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to to explore your creative side.
Planning on heading out to any of these events this weekend? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter and Facebook!
6 Creative Adult Party Activities
Not all “kid themed” activities have to be just for kids. ABCey found a way to make some of the most childish of activities the most fun for you and your friends and family. From an adult goodie filled piñata to a “boozy popsicle,” we promise you’ll have more fun than any child would with these adult party activities.
1. Slip n Slide
Don’t just have some friends over for a pool day, have an all out water party! Break out those swim suits, rent an inflatable slip n slide, fill up water balloons, and get out those water guns. Fill the day with different water games to get the competive juices flowing. We promise it’s way more fun as an adult. 
2. Paint Twister
Get messy and add paint to your twister board. Have everyone come in white clothes and get colorful with paint on this classic childhood game. And hey, we won’t judge you if you make it a drinking game too. 
3. Piñata
Piñatas aren’t just for kids and candy. Buy a pretty party piñata and instead fill it with adult goodies like mini alcohol bottles, lottery scratchers, LED sunglasses, gift cards, and anything else inappropriate you can think of! Everyone will have a blast hitting the piñata and will be fighting to see who can collect the most Jose Cuervo bottles! 
4. Giant Jenga
If your looking for a fun DIY project and party activity, giant jenga is just for you! Get out those power tools and sharpies. After constructing the blocks, write questions or activities on each block! It will be a blast for your guests, and it is sure to get them laughing. 
5. Hamster Balls
Rent and jump into these inflatable balls! You have to admit, these look like the most fun thing you’ve seen in your adult life. Be the actual bowling ball in a game of bowling or challenge your friend to a sumo match. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of protection, but we can’t promise your competitor won’t pout if you beat them.
6. Boozy Popsicles
Popsicles aren’t just a kid favorite, give them an adult twist and serve them at your next summer party! With flavors like strawberry champagne, tequila mango with chile, and blackberry chèvre bourdon, they are sure to get everyone’s taste buds singing and the party going! For a full list of flavor options and recipes click here! 
Will you be including one of these activities at your next party? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!
3 Unique Food Bar Ideas for Your Next Party
Ever get tired of the same old menu for parties? ABCey has three food bar ideas that are sure to put a new spin on party food and make your taste buds scream “thank you”! The first two ideas are especially great for any event where little ones are invited!
1. Waffle Bar
Waffles are a fan favorite. For your next brunch event, make things easy on yourself by having your own waffle bar! The batter can be made a day ahead and you can just leave a waffle-maker plugged in so guests can help themselves. This is sure to be a delicious crowd pleaser!
2. Mac-n-Cheese Bar
Who doesn’t love mac-n-cheese? There are so many fun things to add to the cheesy goodness, the possibilities are endless! Our favorites are truffle shavings and some crispy bread crumbs!
3. Oyster Bar
For those who are having a fancier affair, or just love these little guys, an oyster bar can be a big hit! This one does require a bit more planning, but it will be worth it! These refreshing bites are perfect for those summer get togethers!
Tweet us or find us on Facebook and let us know what you think of these ideas!
Three Easy Tips to Make Planning Your Next Party a Breeze
Planning a party can be difficult. But don’t worry, ABCey Events is here with three easy tips! Whether you are planning a small dinner party or a family reunion for 50, here our some great ideas to keep the party planning simple!
1. Planning Early
Always allow more time than you think for an event. With everything that needs to get done, its always better to have extra time on your hands than to be rushing to get everything finalized. How far in advance you should plan really depends on the size and complexity of the event. Also keep in mind that venues and entertainment get booked far in advance, so if you want to snag a great venue or band for your party, you may have to think ahead.
2. Stay on Budget
Budget is a key component to a party. Make sure you are very honest with yourself, or your event planner on how much you are willing to spend. Make a list of everything you will need and keep track of receipts and purchases. By being organized and staying on top of things, you can keep tabs on spending and make sure to not go over budget. Drinks, food and venue are usually the bigger ticket items. You can often save on things like decor and invitations using DIY tips and finding unique items at vintage and second hand stores.
3. Leverage the Experts
Your event planning experts can take a lot of the stress off of your plate to make your party more enjoyable for you. Event coordinators are trained to stay within a budget, and work with you to create your perfect event. Don’t assume it will cost you more to bring in help. Professionals are more knowledgeable about hidden treasures and can save you valuable time in your planning process. Not to mention their creative ideas and will be sure to bring your vision to life.
Was this post helpful for planning your next party? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook!
5 Easy Decor Ideas for an In-Office Holiday Party
Looking to plan the perfect in-office holiday party for you and your co-workers? ABCey Events is here to help with 5 easy decor ideas to make this holiday season extra festive, without breaking the bank!
1. Christmas Garland
Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like reading it out in bold letters, and Paper Source does it in style with this fun and festive piece priced at $15.95.
2. Holiday Photo Booth
Want to add a bit more fun to your in-office party this Christmas? Why not use a photo booth? with a backdrop made by Minted (230.00)and props courtesy of Paper Source (14.95), this year you can have a bit more fun and create memories that will last forever!
3. Push-Pop Confetti
Add a little sparkle to the office this Holiday. What better way to welcome your co-workers into the office with Thimble Press’s All That Glitters Push-Pop Confetti (8.50).
4. 3D Advent Calendar
Throw out your boring old advent calendar and opt for this eye catching countdown, courtesy of Paper Source (18.95), to your holiday festivities.
5. Reindeer Stickers
What’s a party without some refreshments? Decorate your holiday drinkware with these waterproof reindeer decals by Oh Goodie Design & Events.
What will you be doing for your in-office holiday party? Share with us in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
5 Spine-Chilling Halloween Event Ideas to Spook-ify your Night
Happy October! At ABCey, we are so excited to start October because that means Halloween is right around the corner. We’ve collected a list of our 5 favorite hair-raising Halloween event ideas for you to start planning now!
Host a Murder Mystery Party
Send out invitations in creepy-crawly font and plan the meal to revolve around Halloween-inspired food (think: Bloody Mary potatoes, Vampire Delight Martini, and Turtle Caramel Apples).
Throw a Scary Movie Marathon
Make some popcorn, light some candles, and get ready to scream! In need of some scary movie ideas? Put on Hellraiser, Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and, obviously, Halloween!
Hold a Pumpkin Carving Party
With a spooky playlist and plenty of templates, hold a pumpkin carving party to get in touch with your artsy crafty side. Bonus: You can roast the pumpkin seeds for a healthy, delicious snack when you’re done!
Entertain a Haunted House
While this event might call for the most work, the quality you put in will most certainly correlate with the number of screams. Don’t forget to add plenty of cobwebs and maybe even a chainsaw or two.
Throw a Costume Party
Of course, for all of the events above, costumes should be involved, but have a specific party that recognizes each person’s unique outfit! Vote on “Most Creative,” “Scariest Couple,” “Naughtiest Costume,” and “Best Dressed!” Eat, Drink, and Be Scary!
What are your plans this Halloween? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
ABCey’s Weekend Line-Up: 8.14.14 – 8.17.14
It’s that time of the week again! Start planning your weekend with the help of ABCey Events to maximize fun to its’ fullest potential on your precious days off. From boat parties and and food festivals to baseball games and flavor tripping parties(??), read on to discover what this weekend has in store!
Featured Event: Sunset Sound System Summer Boat Party | Sunday, August 17th | 5pm-11pm | Pier 3 | $55-60 | The Sunset Summer series is coming back to the Bay, but this time it’s on a boat! While a San Francisco August can make a ‘summer boat party’ seem like a bit of a joke when you’re wearing your bathing suit under tens of jackets, the feelings of summertime freedom and dance are still kickin’ when you are aboard! Included in the lineup is an array of San Francisco’s most well-recognized musical residents, including Galen, Solar and J-Bird as well as Honey Soundsystem star Jason Kendig, a man who is sure to bring in a fun crowd. Dance, lounge and mingle on the beautiful Bay as the boat rides off into the sunset!
1. James Zabiela at Mighty | Friday, August 15th | 9pm | The Mighty (119 Utah St, San Francisco, CA) | English-bred James Zabiela has been a path-forger of deep emotional house music around the world for over a decade. He has recently taken a shift in his musical production, steering away from super-dance and moving towards more personal tracks! The blonde cutie will be sure to deliver all of the emotion and personality that he is known for when he comes onto the massive soundsystem at The Mighty on Friday. And, one of our pals, Birthday boy Darren Grayson of DISTRIKT will be opening. This is a night not to miss!!
2. Flavor Tripping Party | Friday, August 15th | 7:30pm-9:30pm | Drake SF (508 4th St, San Francisco, CA) | $20 | This is the ultimate food tasting party! Flavor Tripping is a natural fruit that contains an enzyme that makes all sour tasting foods sweet! So eat lemons, limes, vinegar and other sour foods! They’ll temporarily taste surprisingly sweet. Trays of sour tasting foods will be passed around and all you have to do is put the berry tablet on your tongue and make sour lemons taste like lemonade! Unique flavor tripping cocktails will be included, so make sure you go check out this unique party!
3. San Francisco Street Food Festival | Saturday, August 16th | 11am-7pm | Folsom and 24th Street, San Francisco, CA | It is FINALLY that time of year again! The SF Food Festival is back and ready to go! With over 80 local vendors, this day is a celebration of the diverse population we live in in this great city! Cancel all your plans and head over to Folsom Street for a day you won’t regret!
4. BAVBB Presents 2014 Cal Cup Championship | Saturday, August 16th – Game 1: 12:30pm & Game 2: 3:30pm| Sunday, August 17th – Game 3: 12:30pm, Game 4 (Championship game): 3:30pm | Big Rec Field (Golden Gate Park 7th and Lincoln Ave. San Francisco, CA) | Tired of paying the Giants exuberantly priced tickets but still want to go to a baseball game this side of the bridge? This game is really cool, the three oldest vintage baseball teams in California take each other on this weekend in the Bay Area Vintage Baseball (BAVBB). Admissions are free so grab your kids or friends and head over to the Big Rec field and watch some baseball!
5.Urban Air Market in Dogpatch | Sunday, August 17th | 11am-6pm | Esprit Park, Minnesota and 19th Streets | The Bay Area’s favorite sustainable shopping event is prepping for their summer pop-up show in San Francisco’s historic Dogpatch neighborhood. The market will feature 100+ emerging designers and established brands, in addition to talented artists and musicians from our local creative community. Urban Air Market provides the Bay Area with a unique shopping experience that allows consumers to meet the designers and artisans of their favorite products, while making sustainable, eco-friendly and locally produced goods accessible to the public.
What will you be doing this weekend? Eating fantastic food on Folsom, or going boating with the Sunset crew? Let us know what we missed in the comments below or on Facebook & Twitter!