This weekend, a temporary, garden bar is opening for the summer in Golden Gate Park. The pop-up bar will take over a scenic meadow in the park, just off JFK Promenade. San Franciscans can enjoy a selection of drinks and food, and even listen to live music, in the park this summer, starting this Saturday.
Whale’s Tail Bar
The bar, named Whale’s Tail after the sculpture on JFK Promenade, is opening this Saturday, May 23, from 12 to 6 pm. The garden bar will be open every Saturday and Sunday, including Memorial Day, until October. The bar acts as an open-air gathering space, offering live music, food, and even events like yoga and other activities.
While drinks are available for those 21 and over, the area is family-friendly and open to all. You can also bring your dogs and a picnic blanket to enjoy the park while sipping on a drink. The Whale’s Tail first debuted several years ago and has since become a summer staple for the park.
“Over the last few years, The Whale’s Tail has really found its place in Golden Gate Park,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Sarah Madland. “People have made it part of their weekends, stopping by after a walk or bike ride, bringing dogs and kids, listening to live music, or just spending time outside. It’s a good example of how our parks can bring people together in a way that feels easy and distinctly San Francisco.”
The pop-up bar is hosted by NPU Live, Illuminate, and San Francisco Recreation and Parks. Illuminate is an arts nonprofit known for hosting major activations in the city, including The Bay Lights, as well as free concerts at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell.
The bar is located at 14th Avenue East Meadow near the Rose Garden on JFK Promenade. You can learn more about the Whale’s Tail here.
