6 Haute Happenings Not To Miss This May

Wondering what’s happening in May in the Bay Area? Besides BottleRock Napa Valley, here are six events that should be on your radar.

If you’ve never been to the Donum Estate, now’s your chance to check out Carneros’ most stunning winery. On Saturday, May 12, from 12 to 4 p.m., Donum is opening its doors to the public with a first of its kind special event. At Discover Donum, A Place for Wine & Art, guests will enjoy the brand’s sensational single vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay while roaming the spacious properties grounds. Donum is home to a magnificent sculpture collection with pieces like Ai Weiwei’s Circle of Animals amongst the vines. There will be food and live music from Sabor di mi Cuba.

Broadway fans should get tickets for the San Francisco Symphony’s May 18 performance. Six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald will be joining the orchestra for an exclusive one-night-only show. Conductor Andy Einhorn will lead the acclaimed soprano through a series of classic and contemporary musical theater works.

Over in Lafayette at the Jennifer Permutter Gallery, a collection of Patrick King’s work is being exhibited from now until May 12. The show is called Chasing Angels and features a series of abstract oil paintings from the SF-based artist. King’s work brings to light overlooked corners and decayed areas of urban environments—specifically the Dogpatch neighborhood where King’s studio is located. Note that the gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday, from noon to 6 p.m. and requires an appointment to view the show.

Photo Credit: Susana Bates for Drew Altizer Photography

On May 23, the San Francisco Ballet is hosting its 25th annual student showcase. The event includes a performance of the next generation of ballerinas. The show, which takes place at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater downtown, is followed by a celebratory meal at the nearby Four Seasons Hotel.

Two restaurants are celebrating milestone birthdays. Copita, Joanne Weir’s popular Sausalito restaurant, is throwing a six-year anniversary party to coincide with Cinco de Mayo. From May 1 to May 6, guests can enjoy food and drink specials like lobster tacos and an ultra-premium margarita made with Tequilana Weber Blue Agave. Coi, Daniel Patterson’s three Michelin-star North Beach restaurant is turning 12. In honor of the occasion, Coi is throwing two dinners on May 21 and May 22. Each night ten different chefs—all of whom have worked at Coi in the past—will create 10 different courses. Notable chefs include Jake Godby, Bill Corbett, Evan and Sarah Rich, and James Syhabout.