In honor of what would have been Harvey Milk’s 95th birthday on May 22, communities across San Francisco are coming together to celebrate Harvey Milk Day with a series of events that reflect the gay Jewish icon’s enduring legacy of courage, inclusion and activism. From marches and educational talks to art exhibits and musical performances, these commemorations pay tribute to Milk’s trailblazing work as a champion for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice while remembering the tragic act of hate that ended his life early and working to fight violence against the queer community.
Ongoing
Harvey Milk Exhibit — Commemorative display featuring rarely seen personal artifacts, campaign materials and historic photographs from Milk’s life. In tandem with “Harvey Milk Reimagined.” Presented by the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and the GLBT Historical Society. At Blue Shield of California Theater Lobby, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard St., S.F. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.
Wednesday, May 21
“Harvey Milk’s Legacy: A Night of Reflection and Song” — Event honoring Milk’s legacy with live music, archival KQED footage and panel discussion led by journalist Scott Shafer featuring David Campos, Gwenn Craig and Honey Mahogany. With preview of “Harvey Milk Reimagined.” Presented by KQED Live and Opera Parallèle. At the Commons at KQED, 2601 Mariposa St., S.F. 7 p.m. In-person $30, livestream free.
Thursday, May 22
“Harvey Milk Day: A Protest of Joy” — Community rally including hands-on placard-making session led by local queer artists, speeches, performances by the San Francisco Pride Band and the cast of “Harvey Milk Reimagined,” and a march to the Roxie Theater. Presented by Castro LGBTQ+ Cultural District, Castro Merchants, Castro & Upper Market CBD, Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club and Opera Parallèle. At Jane Warner Plaza, corner of Castro and Market Streets, S.F. 4:30 p.m.
Harvey Milk Day Happy Hour — Casual happy hour event for queer and ally professionals in the design, construction and real estate industries to honor Milk’s legacy. Presented by the SF chapter of Build Out Alliance. At Mother, 3079 16th St., S.F. 6-8 p.m. Free, registration required.
“The Times of Harvey Milk” — 40th anniversary screening of the 1984 documentary that chronicles the career and assassination of Milk through archival footage and heartfelt interviews. Co-presented by Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza and Opera Parallèle. At the Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., S.F. 7 p.m. $12.62-$16.62.
Milk Club Gayla — Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club’s 49th annual gala featuring progressive local politicians, community activists and grassroots organizers showcasing civic engagement and commitment to progressive and LGBTQ causes. At the Bayview Opera House, 4705 3rd St., S.F. 7-11:30 p.m. $100 general admission, $125 includes afterparty.
Saturday, May 31
“Harvey Milk Reimagined” — Opera about the life and death of Harvey Milk, a Jewish, closeted gay man from New York who moved to San Francisco and became the first openly gay elected official in California. Through June 7. At Blue Shield of California Theater at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard St., S.F. $50-188, “creatives” 30 and under $35. Times vary. Content advisory from production: Opera includes “explicit language, implied sexual situations, and scenes of physical violence against LGBTQ+ individuals.”
Saturday, May 24
Harvey Milk Memorial Library Open House — Harvey Milk birthday celebration and open house with clown show, choral performance by New Voices Bay Area TIGQ Chorus, face painting, party hat making, art activities, refreshments, birthday cake and free book giveaway featuring stories celebrating Harvey Milk’s life and legacy. At Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library, 1 Jose Sarria Ct., S.F. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.
Tuesday, June 3
“Opera and Activism” — Stewart Wallace, composer of “Harvey Milk Reimagined,” and opera dramaturg Kip Cranna discuss the life and legacy of Milk through the lens of opera and how his story is reimagined for the stage, blending history, activism and music while also highlighting Milk’s Jewish identity and its influence on his vision for justice and equality. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 1-2 p.m. Free, registration required.