Blog written by: Linx staff member, Michael Norman
Even though summer has yet to officially start, the Bay area social scene is already hot with options for shaking up the status quo. Whether you want to step out with someone special or just grab a friend and step out of your comfort zone, the month of May is ripe with opportunities for making new memories. Check out ten of our favorites below: 
Save the Bay… and Save Room for Dessert
Oysters have long been thought an aphrodisiac, so taking your date to the Bubbles and Bivalves benefit on Thursday, May 8th could make you seem sexier in more ways than one. Enjoy offerings from Epic Roasthouse, Domaine Chandon, Lusk 25, Speakeasy Brewery and others while you support the Watershed Project and its Living Shoreline program.
Sail Away, Sail Away, Sail Away…
If your preferred Friday night activities involve a DJ and a dance floor, but you’re still looking for a bit of variety, consider a Midnight Cruise from SF Nightlife on May 9th. Depart from Pier 40, boogie the night away on a luxury yacht with a crowd of strangers dressed in their Friday night finest, and spend Saturday reliving the dream (and recovering).
Hurray for Bollywood!
Take advantage of the Bay area’s multicultural flavor by spending May 10th at the Nonstop Bhangra dance party at Public Works. After months of headliners and big name talent, this month is a “Back to Basics” event, with lessons and instruction that make it perfect for beginners and Bollywood buffs alike.
Get Over Hump Day with… a Blunt?
On Wednesday, May 14th, recording artist James Blunt will be performing live at the legendary Fillmore in SF. The British recording artist and heartbreaker will be singing songs from his latest international smash album, Moon Landing, as well as other highlights from the past decade of his career.
Get to Know a Gallerina…
Slated for May 15-18 at the Fort Mason Center, this year’s ArtMarketSF promises to deliver the best of the contemporary Bay area art scene in the confines of one historic building. Along with local standouts, galleries from London, New York, Idaho (yes, Idaho) and even Tel Aviv will be present. With so many options in one place, something (or someone) is bound to get your attention.
Dress for Excess…
Surprisingly, Bay to Breakers is actually the oldest consecutively run annual footrace in the world, and the 102nd edition will take place on the morning of May 18th. Participants have been known to dress up (and down) in all sorts of ways for this 12k race, so while we can’t guarantee that your date will only have eyes for you, we can safely say that the dress code for this is event is No Jacket Required.
Exercise Your Eye for Fashion…
On the evening of May 18th, check out Midnight Metropolis at Ruby Skye where students from the Fashion Department of City College of SF showcase their creations while competing for a scholarship to attend the Academy of Art. This year’s inspirations include Braveheart and Burning Man, among others, so consider this a glimpse of life on the Playa.
Set Some GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLS!
From May 23-25, take part in Carnaval, the largest multi-cultural celebration held on the West coast. This year’s theme is a celebration of the World Cup, so be part of the fun as the spirits of soccer and samba take over eight full blocks of Harrison St. in San Francisco. More than 400,000 visitors are expected; you may want to bring your own ball.
Look Out For Giants…
On May 24th and 25th (and most weekends over the coming months) take a ride aboard the Salty Lady to the Farallon Islands where you can participate in hunger, seasickness, and whale watching! Warning: the hunger and seasickness are actually optional(plan ahead for both cases) but the seafaring and tight quarters are not.
Spin the Bottle at Bottle Rock…
A great fit for the culinarily curious and the culturally omnivorous, the annual BottleRock festival in Napa takes places May 30-June 1. More than sixty acts (from Smash Mouth to Howie Day, Outkast to LL Cool J) provide the entertainment while restaurants and wineries like Morimoto, Il Posto, Rombauer, and Clos Du Val provide nearly everything else. Pick a day of preferred entertainment, take a date, and make a toast to bon appetit… for two!
Linx Line 