MAX upcoming events

Freekeh Out Night: A Middle Eastern Feast! (July 15, 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, July 15, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Freekeh Out Night: A Middle Eastern Feast!

Get ready to Freekeh Out with us at Freekeh, the vibrant Middle Eastern gem in the heart of the Mission that’s turning heads with its bold, soulful flavors!

Join event champions Elie Abijaoude and Jerry Tusan on Wednesday, July 15, for an unforgettable group dinner. Arrive early for a lively social from 6:00 to 6:30 PM; perfect for catching up with a glass of wine as we kick things off. Then settle in as the feast begins! Expect a delicious, family-style spread chosen by the chef:

A colorful collection of appetizers — think a vibrant mezze that includes Middle Eastern creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, crispy falafel.
A parade of savory main courses — juicy skewers, flavorful kofta, tender grilled meats, hearty vegetarian option, and fragrant freekeh grain dish bursting with herbs, spices, and Levantine soul.
A sweet finish with a choice of desserts.

We’ll be supplying the wine to keep the glasses flowing and the conversations sparkling.

This is more than just dinner — it’s a warm, lively celebration of great food, great company, and the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East in one of San Francisco’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Freekeh’s cozy, welcoming vibe (and that beautiful back patio) makes it the perfect spot for our group to connect and indulge.

This all-inclusive meal is only $65 for Members and $70 for guests. Limited to 20, however, a waitlist will be provided for possible cancellations. No cancellation refunds after July 10.

For more information, contact Elie Abijaoude at elie.abijaoude@maxsf.org or Jerry Tusan at Jerry.tusan@maxsf.org.

Freekeh is in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District. 16th St Mission BART station is nearby. Street parking is also available around the area.

Third Thursday AT THE ACADEMY! (July 16, 2026)

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Join us for for a special Third Thursday event this July 16 at The Academy, a vibrant LGBTQ+ social club! We are excited to gather in their welcoming main lobby space. Please note that for July, we will not be meeting at Beaux Bar.

The Academy has graciously invited our MAX group to join a unique Third Thursday celebration, making this evening even more memorable!

About The Academy

The Academy is the only brick-and-mortar institution of its kind, dedicated to promoting awareness of LGBTQ+ culture and history. They focus on creating a community-centered atmosphere as an alternative to traditional nightlife. The Academy warmly welcomes individuals of all genders and backgrounds, fostering connections and providing a safe space for self-expression and solidarity. It’s a place to forge meaningful friendships during challenging times.

Join us for an evening filled with laughter, camaraderie, and new friendships!

We can’t wait to see everyone there!

Max Goes to Bear Valley Music Festival (July 23, 2026)

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Max Goes to the Bear Valley Music Festival! Let Us Know You're Interested!

Join us for an unforgettable adventure to the Bear Valley Music Festival from July 23rd to July 26th, in the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains. We are excited to collaborate with the Black Tie Club of San Francisco to make this trip even more memorable! This year’s lineup features an incredible mix of performances, including:

-ELO tribute on July 23rd.

-Masterpieces by renowned composers such as John Williams and Aaron Copland and Aaron Copland on July 24th.

-Shigeru Umebayashi, known for his work on Ghost of Tsushima, Takashi Yoshimatsu with White Landscapes, and Keiko Abe featuring Chris Froh on marimba with Prism Rhapsody on July 25th.

- Experience the Extraordinary talent of Tony-nominated Norm Lewis, one of Broadway's most powerful and celebrated voices on July 26th.

With a welcoming atmosphere and breathtaking natural surroundings, this festival promises to deliver a magical experience for all. For more details on the complete lineup and schedule, check out the Bear Valley Music Festival calendar.

Our package will include three nights at the Bear Valley Lodge, conveniently located next to the festival tent, and tickets for all four concerts. Attendees can also look forward to an exclusive reception with Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate and the talented Norm Lewis. Additionally, there's an opportunity to explore the beautiful town of Murphys, where you can indulge in local offerings, including wine tastings at nearby wineries. The festival site is nestled at 7,400 feet, offering a unique blend of music, community, and natural beauty.

Whether you want to enjoy the full four-day experience or just join us for a couple of nights, this event is tailored to accommodate everyone. Bear Valley Music Festival has been a cherished cultural tradition since 1967, attracting music lovers from all walks of life. With stunning mountain views and a welcoming, intimate concert setting, this is not just a getaway; it's a chance to create lasting memories with your fellow Max group members. Don’t miss out; we can't wait to share this adventure with you!

Cost Summary: The total for the package is approximately $820 per person, which includes all four performances and 3 night accommodations at the lodge.

Breakdown of costs as follows:

The package includes four performances for approximately $265, with a possible group discount of 10–20%. For lodging, you can choose to stay at Bear Valley Lodge, which costs around $555 for three nights and offers a rustic atmosphere with limited services. Alternatively, you can stay in Murphys, a more lively area with wine tasting and restaurants, located 40 minutes away. Other lodging options include Arnold, Dorrington, or vacation rentals along Highway 4.

We anticipate possible event discounts depending on the number of attendees. We also understand that not everyone may be able to stay for all three nights, so we're happy to work with those who can only attend part of the event (2 night stay with 3 performances).

Please contact event champion Elie Abijaoude ASAP if you have questions or interested in joining us! Email address: elie.abijaoude@maxsf.org

In addition, please Register on the attached link to let us know that you will join the Max contingent at the event.

Help is On the Way-Broadway & Beyond-Beauty & The Beast (August 02, 2026)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 02:30:00 GMT

Join MAX at the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation's 32nd annual Help Is On The Way, Broadway & Beyond at the Marines' Memorial Theater, 609 Sutter, in San Francisco on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

One night only, will feature cast members from the Broadway touring production of "Beauty & The Beast" plus other stars from Broadway, TV and Film, performing some of their favorite songs of high energy, music and dance!

Tickets are available for the concert performance, and optionally for the performance and after VIP Party at the Beacon Grand Hotel (450 Powell)

Dues-paying members get a 20 % discount on Gala seats which include an orchestra seat and entrance to the VIP reception after party at The Beacon Grand Hotel.

You must book your ticket through REAF directly and use the web link below and apply the promo code "Maxer" for the Gala ticket discount.

Reserve your seats now https://Help32Gala.eventbrite.com

Richmond Ermet Aid Foundation (REAF) is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) that has supported HIV programs, food for the needy, homeless, and disenfranchised youth. The proceeds benefit Project Open Hand and REAF emergency fund. This year REAF is celebrating 31 years of its Help is on the Way benefit performance series!

Once you have purchased your tickets, please RSVP to MAX by registering on this page so we know you will be attending. If you have any question, contact jerry.tusan@maxsf.org If you book your ticket prior to June 10th we can seat the Max members together.

Dine in style with MAX at the University Club (August 05, 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Dine in style with MAX and the University Club!

Join MAX for a special Dinner at the University Club. Christopher Meza, the coordinator for the longstanding First Wednesday luncheons at the University Club, has graciously invited MAX to join the Gentleman's Luncheon Group for a delightful dinner at the historic University Club at a price of $90 per person. Price includes salad, entrée, dessert, and limited wine as well as tax and tip. Additional wine or other cocktails are extra. Entree consists of a fish, meat or vegetarian option. Folks convene at 6pm for about an hour of socializing and cocktails at the No Host bar before being seated around 7:00 pm. Dinner includes wine, but the No Host bar will remain open during dinner.

This is another of MAX's quarterly collaborations with the Gentleman's Luncheon Group.

Located at 800 Powell Street in Nob Hill, the University Club is a private club that welcomes guests to experience the formal dining of the University Club restaurant. Dating to 1909, the University Club is a historic gathering place for cultural and intellectual life.

The University Club suggests a sportscoat/suit, preferably with a tie.

Click the link below for reservation:

https://evite.me/P3UeBNfBAT

If you need additional inquiries, please contact Elie Abijaoude at elie.abijaoude@maxsf.org.

After you make your reservation, please Register at the link below, so we know who from MAX is attending and so we can keep attendees updated.

https://maxsf.org/event-6236601

If you elect to allow your name to be listed, other MAX members will be able to see that you plan to attend.

First Friday at Beaux Bar (August 07, 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Come socialize with friends, old and new! There is no entry or cover charge for this event. Happy hour prices apply as mixed drinks are buy one, get one free until 7pm.

We look forward to seeing you!

Bay History Cruise along Northern Shoreline (August 23, 2026)

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Please join MAX and the Black Tie Club on Sunday, August 23, for a shoreline cruise hosted by a super knowledgeable guide, historian and author, Chris Carlsson. This amazing and educational boat tour traverses the northern waterfront, and includes: exploring Yerba Buena Cove, Telegraph Hill, Fisherman's Wharf, Aquatic Park, Fort Mason, and the former Panama-Pacific International Exposition grounds; traveling beyond the Golden Gate Bridge before returning by a long-lost island, and; navigating Alcatraz close-up. The boat, Pacific Pearl, stops along various points, where Chris would discuss history or historic events of that particular place.

The boat is a refurbished 50-foot sports fishing vessel with restroom(s) and room to walk around. Snacks and drinks are allowed on board. The boat leaves from Emeryville Marina where it initially picks up passengers there. Then boat stops at Pier 52 in San Francisco where we would board at 4pm, and returns around 6:30pm. Please be punctual to avoid missing the boarding!

For information on Chris Carlsson, go to: https://chriscarlsson.com/

For information on the boat tour (Fish Emeryville), go to:

https://emeryville.fishingreservations.net/sales/?trip_filter[0]=1179

MAX has reserved 22 spots at $78 per person. To register, click on the LINK to the left.

This is an event not to be missed! We look forward to experiencing this informative and fun event with members of MAX and the Black Tie Club. For more information, contact Jim at: jim.tom@maxsf.org

Optional Post-cruise Dinner - An optional dinner at 7pm is planned at Che Fico Pizzeria at Chase Center after disembarkation. The restaurant offers water views and is about 2 blocks south of Pier 52. Link for Che Fico Pizzeria is: https://www.cheficopizzeria.com/

Dinner is limited to 20 people. Please note that reservations for the cruise and dinner require separate registrations. Deadline for the dinner is August 9. If you wish to join us for dinner, please pay $20 to reserve your spot by registering at: https://maxsf.org/event-6660035

Refunds and Waitlist - No refunds will be allowed after July 21 for the cruise, and after August 15 for the dinner unless we can fill your position. Waitlists will be available for cancellations or possible additional spaces for both.

Meeting Spot and Parking - Pier 52 and Chase Center are in Mission Bay along Terry A Francois Blvd. See map location below. The Pier 52 Boat Launch is situated approximately opposite the eastern terminus of Mission Bay Blvd North. Limited street parking is available in the area. A public surface lot called Pier 52 Parking Lot is situated just south of Pier 52 Boat Launch. Arrive early enough to familiarize yourself with the parking situation, get a parking ticket and walk to the boat launch area. The boat leaves at 4pm! As of mid-June, no events are scheduled at Chase Center and Oracle Arena that otherwise could complicate parking. Please recheck schedules later.

MAX's Fabulous Utah Road Trip, 6 days/5 nights Oct 6-11 (October 06, 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Let’s tour one of the most beautiful areas of the country, Southern Utah, home to incredible scenery and stunning national and state parks.

Our tour starts with a flight to Grand Junction, CO and a rental car drive to Moab, Utah where we will stay overnight at the Homewood Suites Hotel. In the morning we will head to Arches National Park and then to Canyonlands National Park, both stunning parks that will blow you away. At the end of the day, we will return to Moab for another night at the hotel.

On the morning of Day 3, we will drive from Moab to Hanksville, where we can see the Moonscape Overlook, Goblin Valley State Park, Little Wild Horse Canton, and The Dark Spire, all fascinating and memorable sights. We will then drive to Torrey where we will stay at the Capital Reef Resort.

On Day 4, we will visit the stunning Capital Reef National Park and then drive to Bryce Canyon City later in the day where we will stay at Ruby's Inn. On the morning of day 5, we will head to Bryce Canyon National Park to see the magnificent and strange landscape of hoodoos and red rock. We will return to the same hotel for the night.

Day 6 takes us to Zion National Park, one of the treasures of this country's national parks. Late in the day we will drive to nearby St. George Airport for our flight home.

A few logistical items about this trip.

Each traveler will be responsible for their own flight arrangements. The plan is to fly into Grand Junction in the afternoon of October 6, trying to coordinate our arrival times so that we can all head to Moab around the same time. We will fly out of St. George late in the day October 11, after touring Zion.
Land transportation will be in rental cars, with two or three men per car. One of the occupants of each car will be responsible for reserving and renting the car. The cost of renting and fueling the cars will be shared by the occupants. Everyone will be able to see who else is coming so that we can work out who's renting cars and making the rental reservations.
Your host will block off rooms at each of the three hotels, but each man will make his own reservations, referencing MAX to get any group discounts that might be available.
There is a $100 deposit to hold your place on the trip, which is limited to 16 people. No Refund after September 24.

For any questions, contact event champion Stephen Geisheker at

stephen.geisheker@maxsf.org .