It’s springtime, and the entire world seems to be blooming. But flowers and trees don’t have to be the only ones spreading their leaves! In this final push before the end of the semester, take some time out of your schedule to do the activities that allow you to bloom. Head outside, read some poetry, make art and self-cultivate.
Tuesday: Free Admission Day at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens
Delight in springtime sun and scents while taking a walk through the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. The gardens are home to more than 8,000 different kinds of plants spread across 55 acres of land. Stroll through the park with a friend, read your favorite book or luxuriate in the sun. If you’re looking for a new profile pic, head over to the Moon Viewing Garden, where you can snap some choice photos among the stone pagodas. Enjoy the added bonus of free admission, offered on the second Tuesday of each month, to make this day even sweeter.
Wednesday: Acroyoga at the Sports Basement
You may have seen students practicing acroyoga — the mesmerizing blend of yoga and acrobatics — on Memorial Glade. Get your yogi on this Wednesday at Sports Basement Berkeley with a free acroyoga class. Prior experience is not needed, nor is a partner! Stretch your body and your mind while enjoying the restorative qualities of acroyoga.
Thursday: “The Wizard of Oz” at Orinda Theatre
When you’re forced to take test after test, it gets hard to believe in the power of imagination. Get back in touch with your inner child with a free showing of “The Wizard of Oz” at Orinda Theatre at 7:00 p.m. Recharge and refresh yourself with popcorn and candy before finals so you’re not left feeling like the scarecrow — that is, with a head full of straw!
Friday: Free Annie Leibovitz exhibition at the Presidio
Do you love art? Do you love women? If one or both of these is the case, take some time to check out Annie Leibovitz’s “WOMEN: New Portraits” at the Presidio in San Francisco. Leibovitz, former chief photographer at “Rolling Stone,” is one of America’s most famous living photographers and is best known for her striking portrait photography. “WOMEN” includes portraits of Queen Elizabeth, Michelle Obama, Jane Goodall, Amy Winehouse and more. Get there before it’s too late — the exhibition only lasts until April 17!
Saturday: Free Admission Day at Muir Woods
The National Park Service is turning 100 years old in 2016. To kick off its second century, the National Park Service is offering free admission to its parks on the 16th day of each month this year. Take advantage of this free day and take a trip to Marin County’s Muir Woods. The park is home to an old-growth redwood forest — one of the last few in the entire San Francisco Bay Area.
Contact Sarah Coduto at scoduto@dailycal.org.