Quick Hits: This Weekend’s Not to Be Missed SF Events

Alonzo King Lines Ballet is hosting its spring gala on Saturday, May 6 and actress Ashley Judd is the honorary chair.  “This world is truly a bit brighter due to the significant contribution Lines Ballet makes not only to ballet, but to the world,” Judd said in a statement. “I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this beautiful group of artists and educators.” The evening starts with a reception, is followed by a world premiere of a ballet, and concludes with dinner and a live auction. The performance is a piece by Alonzo King in collaboration with poet Bob Holman and it investigates how language relates to cultural identity though dance. The gala starts at 6 p.m. and takes place at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

If watching the Kentucky Derby is on your agenda, Comstock Saloon is hosting their annual derby day event tomorrow, from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be a miniature horse in the house, themed cocktail specials including Sazerac shots and classic mint juleps, and a live stream of the three-minute long horse race. Guests are invited to come in their best derby-inspired outfits and there will be a contest for the best hat and dandiest fellow with unique prizes. Live race betting proceeds will benefit the SF-Marin Food Bank.

This Sunday, May 7 is the first annual Wine, Women, and Shoes event at the Ritz-Carlton. The wine tasting and fashion show is a benefit for the Saint Francis Foundation and their Tenderloin Health Improvement Partnership. It’s from 2 to 6 p.m. and will be a fancy and fabulous high tea with delicious bites, silent auction, and raffle prizes. Designers Karen Caldwell and Vasily Vein will be showing their latest collections and the following local labels will be selling their goods: Christina Choi Cosmetics, Josa Tulum/RoseRoss, Love Thirteen, Nuraxi, Rocks with Soul, Rodan and Fields, Toss Designs, and Tart.