Balenciaga and Spain, the exhibit of timeless, dazzling dresses, clothing and hats by the Spanish master couturier, closes at the de Young on July 4. It is a must-see for anyone who likes fashion--after all, this is the guy whom Christian Dior declared "the master of us all." He developed many shapes and styles that have been copied by countless designers. Here's a preview of what you'll see.

Visiting Balenciaga is also a wonderful way to escape the heat outside.

If you go on Monday, by the time you finish at the de Young, you won't have long to wait for the next dazzling event: Independence Day fireworks. Find out the best viewing spots and which Bay Area cities are shooting off pyrotechnics in our guide to July 4 events.

Photo courtesy of Asian Art Museum

Fingers will be flying Thursday evening at the Asian Art Museum.

The fingers are those of I Wayan Balawan, widely regarded as the fastest guitarist in Indonesia. His music mixes classical Balinese melodies with jazz, and he plays a double-neck guitar.

A gamelan will give demonstrations and hands-on lessons on how to play Balinese musical instruments.

The Thursday session is part of the museum's Matcha series, in which the Asian stays open late and hosts special performances and activities complementing its exhibitions. Admission to the special exhibit Bali: Art, Ritual, Performance is included, and docents will be leading tours. Free raffle prizes, a cash bar and a tasting menu at the museum café are also offered.

The Asian Art Museum was one of the earliest museums in San Francisco to launch a nightlife program. Now nearly all of the major museums have them. Check our guide to museum nights, and try a museum instead of a bar after work.

With movie tickets around $12, what's not to like about a free movie?

Plenty are being offered this summer in San Francisco and the Bay Area, ranging from Toy Story 3 to Casablanca to locally made, never-seen-before indies. Most of them are screened at dusk in parks and public squares. Check our guide to free summer movies, and then pack a blanket or chair, and several layers.

Celebrate summer solstice and America's Cup coming to San Francisco at Saturday's Summer Sailstice in Alameda.

The celebration of water, sailing and sailors includes educational seminars, sailboat rides, live music, Coast Guard demonstrations and tours of boats. The popular annual boat-building contest has six trios working for about seven hours, trying to turn $150 worth of construction materials into something that can be raced in the Oakland Estuary.

USA 76, the yacht raced by Oracle Racing in Valencia, will sail to Encinal Yacht Club. The sleek, more-than-80'-long boat will be available for viewing from about 1-4 pm. A representative from the America's Cup Event Authority will give updates on the upcoming America's Cup on San Francisco Bay.

Summer Sailstice 2011

June 18, at 10 am-8 pm
Encinal Yacht Club, 1251 Pacific Marina, Alameda

Free.