This weekend, August 29 – September 1, San Francisco will be host to the first annual Slow Food Nation event.

Slow Food is a movement that began in Italy in the late 1980s in response to the growing prevalence of fast food. According to their mission statement, Slow Food “envisions a world in which all people have access to food that is good for them, good for the people who grow it and good for the planet.” Thus the movement seeks to preserve cultural cuisines and encourage responsible, sustainable and local food production.

Slow Food USA was founded by local culinary guru Alice Waters of Chez Panisse in Berkeley. This weekend’s event “is dedicated to creating a framework for deeper environmental connection to our food and aims to inspire and empower Americans to build a food system that is sustainable, healthy and delicious.”

Spanning four days, Slow Food Nation is literally all over the place with its ambition. Events range from inspirational talks at Herbst Theater by food policy big shots like Marion Nestle and Michael Pollan, to Taste Pavilions featuring local artisans at Fort Mason, to dining events at dozens of local restaurants, to a three day farmers’ market at Civic Center Plaza. There will also be a two-day outdoor music festival at Fort Mason, as well as organized art events, hikes and farm tours. All this is crowned by the Slow Food Nation Victory Garden that has been planted in front of City Hall.

Slow Food Nation’s city takeover is a bit overwhelming I admit, but it seems like there should be something for everyone. I will be attending several of the events and I hope to see many of you there!