Events Around the Bay

By Lina Broydo

Monet Brings Venice to the de Young Museum in San Francisco

More than 20 of Monet’s paintings of the Italian city are reunited with select works from across his career, including his iconic “Water Lilies.” Ahh, Venice! My most favorite city in the world! Monet and Venice is the first major international loan exhibition devoted to Claude Monet’s luminous paintings of La Serenissima.

Co-organized by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the Brooklyn Museum, Monet and Venice runs now through July 26, 2026, at the de Young museum in San Francisco, following its presentation in Brooklyn.

In October 1908, at the age of 68, Monet and his second wife, Alice, made their one and only trip to Venice, which was Monet’s last significant international trip and his final engagement with architectural subject matter. With more than 100 artworks on view in the exhibition galleries, Monet and Venice will reveal how transformative Monet’s sojourn to Venice was by situating these paintings within the context.

Don’t wait till you are 68 years old to visit this magical city or to view these dazzling masterpieces at the de Young!

Information: The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, comprising the de Young in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park, is the largest public arts institution in San Francisco. For tickets and additional information call 415-750-3600.

de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco

Photos courtesy of the de Young Museum

Virtuoso Violinist Joshua Bell Performs in a Recital at Davies Symphony Concert Hall in San Francisco

April 19, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

Joshua Bell is celebrated globally as one of classical music’s most distinguished violinists. Known for his captivating stage presence and profound musicality, Bell’s performances consistently draw critical acclaim. His extensive repertoire includes works from the Baroque era to contemporary pieces, showcasing his versatility and technical brilliance. A Grammy Award winner, Bell’s career highlights include numerous recordings and collaborations with leading orchestras and conductors worldwide.

It is always a priceless treat to hear Joshua Bell perform live at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. Pianist Shai Wosner will accompany Bell. Program: compositions by Schubert, Grieg, Prokofiev and Ravel.

And I hope he will play Paganini if you applaud loudly!

Welcome back to the Bay Area Joshua!

Information: sfsymphony.com

Davies Symphony Hall

201 Van Ness Ave in San Francisco

Photos courtesy of SF Symphony

San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers Unleash the “Stravaig” Spring Concert Series

May 8 (7:00 pm) – Veterans Memorial Theatre, Davis;

May 9 (7:00 pm) – The Freight, Berkeley;

May 10 (2:00 pm) – Crocker Theater, Aptos

The joy of Scottish and Irish music springs to life as Caroline McCaskey and the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers unleash the Stravaig Spring Concert Series. “Stravaig” a Scottish word meaning to wander, digress, and stray beyond limits, perfectly captures the essence of this musical adventure. More than 65 musicians—fiddles, cellos, guitars, piano, and percussion—will fill the stage, Stravaig will be a musical journey through Scotland and beyond, infused with a spirit of community, joy, and the timeless power of Celtic tradition.

The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers formed in 1986 has grown into an inclusive community of 200 musicians who celebrate Scottish and Celtic traditions. Expect soul-stirring moments with standout solo performances by seasoned virtuosos and rising talents, whose passion and ambition bring an unmatched energy to the stage. comes each spring, now under Caroline McCaskey’s direction as the new Music Director.

She is the 2019 U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion and a two-time International Musical Saw Champion.

Information:

Tickets: $32–$35 |

Kids under 12 free (accompanied by an adult)

https://sfscottishfiddlers.org;

Photos courtesy of SF Scottish Fiddlers

U.S. Olympic Gold Medalists Headline the “Stars on Ice 2026 Tour” in San Jose

May 17 at 4 p.m.

Rejoice! U.S. Figure Skating Team returns from Milan with one of the most decorated American teams in Winter Olympic history – and now you can see them LIVE on the ice during the 2026 Stifel Stars on Ice tour with a stop over at the SAP Center in San Jose.

Headlining this year’s star-studded lineup is Olympic Champion Alysa Liu, alongside Olympic Team Gold and Ice Dance Silver Medalists Madison Chock & Evan Bates and Olympic Team Gold Medalist, two-time World Champion and “Quad God” Ilia Malinin. Joining them are fellow Olympic Team Gold Medalists Amber Glenn and pair team Ellie Kam & Danny O’Shea, plus World Silver Medalist Isabeau Levito, Olympic Team Medalist Jason Brown, 2026 Olympians Andrew Torgashev, Emily Chan & Spencer Howe and more of the nation’s top skaters! What a priceless treat!