Film

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2006, the San Francisco International Film Festival (tel. 415/561-5000; www.sffs.org), held at the end of April, is one of America's longest-running film festivals. Entries include new films by new and established directors. Call or surf ahead for a schedule or information, and check out their website for more information on purchasing tickets, which are relatively inexpensive.

If you're not here in time for the festival, don't despair. The classic, independent, and mainstream cinemas in San Francisco are every bit as good as the city's other cultural offerings.