GG Park’s “Whale Tail” Pop-up Beer & Wine Garden is Back (Memorial Day Weekend 2025)

Now in its fourth season, the family- and dog-friendly space transforms the JFK Promenade’s Golden Mile into a vibrant weekend destination filled with drinks, lawn games, public art, and curated local food trucks. Located just west of the Rose Garden near 14th Avenue East Meadow, the Whale’s Tail is open every Saturday and Sunday afternoon (noon to 6pm) through October 2025, plus select holiday Mondays.

Starting Memorial Day Weekend 2025, park-goers can enjoy their favorite brunch cocktails as The Whale’s Tail makes a splash on the JFK Promenade, located right next to the 49-foot-long humpback whale “swimming” down the center of Golden Gate Park’s JFK Promenade. Street Whale is made almost completely of reclaimed and up cycled materials, including the paint. 

Pull together a few Adirondack chairs or grab one of the picnic tables and take a breather from exploring The Golden Mile.

2025 brings even more to love: a rotating calendar of live local music, DJs, family-friendly interactive events such as yoga, paint & sips, and photobooths, plus delicious food and beverage offerings.

Visitors can even enjoy a bit of whale watching, thanks to the vibrant Street Whale mural by Reuben Rude just outside the garden. This colorful 3D installation and other public art along The Golden Mile channel the creative energy that adds to the whimsy of Golden Gate Park.

The Whale’s Tail
Golden Gate Park Beer & Wine Garden
Open Saturday & Sundays (& Holidays) All Summer | Noon to 6pm
Starting Memorial Day Weekend, May 24, 2025
JFK Promenade, 14th Avenue East Meadow, Golden Gate Park

For 2025 The Whale‘s Tail will be open from noon to 6 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, plus select holiday Mondays from May through October.

View the bar menu

Learn More at goldenmileproject.org

Where can I find this beer garden? – 14th Avenue East Meadow on JFK Promenade, just west of the Rose Garden and situated across from a community favorite: Street Whale.

Opening Weekend 2025

Highlights of the special three-day opening weekend include an interactive animal experience hosted by Tree Frog Treks, immersive photo booths by SnapFiesta, paint & sip classes, a Pride Month kickoff on Memorial Day, and much more. The project is a collaborative effort from the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, Illuminate, and Non Plus Ultra, all committed to creating an inclusive and joyful gathering space.

Saturday May 24, noon – 6:30 p.m.

Ongoing:
– Interactive Animal Exhibit by Tree Frog Treks
– Photo Booth by SnapFiesta
– Food Truck: El Alambre

Performing Artists:
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Manos Lindas
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. LOUIZA
2:45 – 3:45 p.m. DJ Kinki
4 – 5 p.m. R-E
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Jubilee

Sunday May 25, noon- 6:30 p.m.

Ongoing:
– Interactive Animal Exhibit by Tree Frog Treks
– Photo Booth by SnapFiesta
– Food Truck: Borschmobile

Performing Artists:
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Three Flower Jam
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Jin the Queen
2:45 – 3:45 p.m. DJ ZayBae
4 – 5 p.m. The Junior
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. The Fibonacci

Monday May 26, noon- 6 p.m. (Memorial Day)

Ongoing:
– Photo Booth by SnapFiesta
– Face Painting
– Fashion Showcase
– Balloon Art by Alex the Balloon Artist
– Food Truck: Tacos El Cowboy

Performing Artists:
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. DJ FLPN
1:15 – 2:15 p.m. DJ Pap
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. SweetFeep
3:30 – 3:45 p.m. Drag Show Featuring Sicaria + Goyo, Kris Shein, Mark Savant
3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Vega
4:45 – 6:00 p.m. Castaway

Formerly known as the Beer and Wine Garden, this beloved spot for al fresco fun will now include brunch cocktails on its menu alongside its traditional beer and wine offerings.

The Whale’s Tail—a new name inspired by the nearby Street Whale art installation, is child-friendly, dog-friendly, and bike-friendly. It will feature a revolving schedule of live music, as well as food trucks, street art and games. The seasonal destination is a collaboration between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, Non Plus Ultra, Illuminate, and SFLive.

The Whale’s Tail will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and select holidays (including this coming Monday) all summer. It is located at the 14th Avenue East Meadow just west of the Rose Garden on the JFK Promenade.

 

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