On October 15, 2005, the de Young museum re-opened in Golden Gate Park to worldwide acclaim. One year and over 1.6 million visitors later, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco wants to thank the Bay Area for its tremendous support. With the help of sponsors Bon Appetit, KFOG, and Wells Fargo, the celebration will kick off on Friday evening, October 13, from 5 pm to midnight with a $5 admission fee. Following the Friday festivities, the de Young will host a community-wide Free Day on Saturday, October 14.

Activities scheduled for Friday evening and the Saturday free day are influenced by the de Young’s permanent collections as well as by the popular special exhibition, Chicano, currently on view at the de Young. Featured artists and activities will include spoken word performances curated by Marc Pinate, an array of musicians including the Salvador Santana Band, the Stairwell Sisters, The Marcus Shelby Jazz Trio, Brazilian Jazz by Sandy Cressman and Homenagem Brasileira, Voices of Latin Rock All Stars, Xaguia Jurá music and dance of Ancient MesoAmerica, the West African Highlife Band, and Vinyl Funk, and a book signing by Ron Sansoe and performing artists, all celebrating the diversity of the de Young’s collections. KFOG and Chuy Varela will serve as emcees for these events.

FAMSF Charter Members: Don't miss the Members-only Starlight Evening on Saturday, October 14. Tickets are still available. See schedule below for more information.

Schedule of events

Friday, October 13
Friday Night at the de Young like you’ve never seen it before! The party lasts until midnight with an admission fee of only $5 – the lowest cover charge in San Francisco. All galleries and special exhibitions will be open, accompanied by a no-host bar, café dining and the events below. 

Headliners
Special exhibitions and 25,000 permanent collection works on view
6 pm: Xicanopolooza: Spoken word performances curated by Marc Pinate of Galeria de la Raza
8 – 10 pm: Voices of Latin Rock book signing with author Ron Sansoe and artists

Dance Party
9 pm – midnight
Hosted by Chuy Varela and KFOG Radio
Featuring the Salvador Santana Band, Drum Circle, and the Voices of Latin Rock All Stars with Jorge Santana of Malo; Arcelio Garcia, leader of Malo; Richard Bean, writer and vocalist of “Suavecito,” Lydia Pense of Cold Blood; and Donnie Baldwin of Jefferson Starship, and others.
No host bar, Café dining

Saturday, October 14
Free Community Day
The de Young is pleased to offer free admission to all galleries during its normal operating hours (9:30 am – 5 pm) on Saturday, October 14.

Noon: Welcoming remarks by Mayor Gavin Newsom, President Board of Trustees for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Diane B. Wilsey, and Director Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco John E. Buchanan Jr.
12:30 pm: Serving of the birthday cake
10:30 am – 5 pm: Performers for the de Young’s one year celebration include the West African Highlife Band, Tahitian music of Manuia, Marcus Shelby Jazz Trio, Old time music with the Stairwell Sisters, Brazilian jazz by Sandy Cressman and Homenagem Brasileira, Xaguia Jurá music and dance of Ancient MesoAmerica, and the Vinyl Funk Band.

Wilsey Court
10:30 am – noon: West African Highlife Band
noon – 12:15 pm: Mayoral welcome/birthday cake
12:30 pm – 2 pm: Old time music with the Stairwell Sisters
3 – 5 pm: Vinyl funk band

Café Terrace
12:30 – 2 pm: Brazilian jazz by Sandy Cressman and Homenagem Brasileira
3 – 4:30 pm: Marcus Shelby Trio

Sculpture Garden
10 am – 4:30 pm: Hands-on art making

Piazzoni Mural Room
2 – 3 pm: Artists signing with Rupert Garcia, Mel Ramos, Art Rogers

Museum main entrance
10:30 am – 4:30 pm: Hands-on art-making activities for the whole family
12:30 – 2 pm: Tahitian music and dance performance by Manuia
2:30 – 4 pm: Xaguia Jurá music and dance of Ancient MesoAmerica

Koret Auditorium
10 – 11 am: Slide lecture with author Vanessa Drake Moraga, Animal Myth + Magic: Images from Pre-Columbian Textiles, presented by the Textile Arts Council

Saturday, October 14
7 – 10 pm
Starlight Evening for Charter Members

• Sip champagne, sample hors d’oeuvres, and swing to the big band sound of the San Francisco Starlight Orchestra
• Take part in dance lessons and exhibition tours.
• Buy beer, wine, and the Starlight Cocktail at the bar.
• Seek out five gifts in honor of the first anniversary of the new de Young from the Jolika Collection of New Guinea Art. These works are located in the Marcia and John Friede Gallery (gallery 30 on the upper level).
• Go to the Osher Sculpture Garden and discover James Turrell’s Three Gems and the unique qualities it presents at night.
• Enjoy evening vistas from the Nancy B. and Jake L. Hamon Tower.