Best Bay Area Events 8/12-9/1

Too Sweet
by Vanessa Gil, Arts & Events Editor

Woke up Sunday morning to find that a friend had left me a miracle pass to Outside Lands! Highlight of the day was running into Zack Wickham from “The Valley”, immediately followed by dancing my ass off at Rebecca Black’s DJ set. I was hoping Taylor Swift would make a cameo during The Bleachers set, but she was apparently too busy getting ready to announce her 12th album… “The Life of a Showgirl”! What a great start to my week and it’s only Tuesday! Here’s what else I’m looking forward to this week of 8/12 and beyond.

Our Merch

FOGust is finally here! So don’t get caught without your official SF Summer gear! We’ve got a number of different designs. Check them all out right here.

Our Giveaways

Win a Pair of Tix to see Pixies at the Greek Theatre!

Pixies are returning to Berkeley at the Greek Theatre on August 28 with special guests Spoon and Fazerdaze! Last chance for tickets! Enter here for a chance to win a pair! 

Our Partners’ Events

Valencia LIVE FREE Clothing Swap!
8/14 | Valencia St | Valencia Street between Clarion and Sycamore Streets, SF | 5 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

Give and get a back-to-school fashion refresh at Valencia LIVE!

Bring lightly used clothing items to Valencia St. between Clarion and Sycamore Street. Drop off your gently used clothes + take home new treasures from 5 -9PM.

And then enjoy 3 stages of live music and family-friendly activities up and down Valencia Street!  

Hubba Hubba Revue: Flux Vertical Theatre
8/17 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF | 7 p.m. Doors | $15-$40, 18+

San Francisco’s world-famous burlesque & variety show welcomes the top talent superstars of the Bay Area’s premiere pole dance studio! Get your Seats now & join us in the main room at DNA Lounge! Get your tickets today!

UNSTAGED. Third Thursdays Live on Mid-Market
8/21 | Mid-Market | Market St between 5th & 6th, SF | 4 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

On August 21st the Mid-Market Entertainment Zone will be going off with Filipinx artists, musicians, DJs, dancers, makers, and performers thanks to the collaboration with our friends at Kultivate Labs. Join us in celebrating Filipinx art, artists, and community creativity from 4-7 PM on Market Street between 5th and 6th. RSVP today!

Zla Vila + Cila Puccadella: Carpathian Indie Folk
8/20 | The Lost Church San Francisco | 988 Columbus Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. Doors | $22

Zla Vila (“Bad Fairy”) plays music that would feel at home in the vampire-infested Hoia-Baciu forests of Transylvania.  Lyrics about werewolves and undersea creatures mix with traditional Balkan and Carpathian fiddle music.  Heart-rending violin, carnivalesque accordion, brilliant trombone, and the superstar musicianship of Leo on the bass. Cila Puccadella draws links between southern Italian, Balkan, French, Greek, Arabic, and other styles of music to create a fun, inspiring, and beautiful show. Get your tickets here.

This Week’s Events 8/12-8/18

Tuesday 8/12

Simple Plan
8/12 | Bill Graham Civic Auditorium | 99 Grove St, SF | 5:30 p.m. Doors | $79.25

For more than two decades, Simple Plan has been one of the most culturally and commercially successful bands in rock.  Their multi-platinum 2002 debut album, “No Pads, No Helmets Just Balls”, cemented their legacy as pop-punk legends.

Ferry Building & Ferry Plaza Market Food Tour
8/12 | Ferry Building | 1 Ferry Building, SF | 10 a.m. | $95

Join award-winning food & wine tour company Edible Excursions for a guided walking tour through one of San Francisco’s most beloved landmarks. Led by a local food industry expert, you’ll get insider access to the best bites from world-renowned artisans, all while learning about the city’s vibrant food culture and rich history. Every Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday.

Reel San Francisco Stories – A History of Film In SF
8/12 | Manny’s | 3092 16th St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $18.54

Part of our Illustrated SF History series with Christopher Pollock. Uncover the storied history of Film in the Bay!

Wednesday 8/13

Counting Crows at the Greek Theatre!
8/13 | Greek Theatre | 2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley | 6:30 p.m. | $64.75+

Bay Area, it’s almost time! One of Stuart’s favorite bands, Counting Crows are bringing The Complete Sweets! Tour to you at the Greek Theatre on August 13 with special guest The Gaslight Anthem. Grab your tickets before it’s too late. See you soon!

Kyle Mooney
8/13 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 6 p.m. Doors | $47.92, 21+

Kyle M (known to the world as former SNL cast member, comedian, actor, writer, and director Kyle Mooney) is a San Diego-born musician who writes, performs, and produces all of his songs. His debut album, The Real Me, is a singular artistic vision unbound by genre – you’ll find rock, country, dance, R&B, and more.

Jeopardy! Interactive
8/13 | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema | 2550 Mission St, SF | 7 p.m. | $16.99

This all-new interactive experience takes the Jeopardy! format you know and creates a fast-paced interactive intellectual competition against your fellow Alamo Theater patrons. Compete in real time, win fun prizes and see how you stack up on the leaderboard! You’ll play on your phone directly from your comfortable Alamo Drafthouse seat answering Clues written by the Jeopardy! team.

Chalk Talk, Christina’s Trip, Swell Foop
8/13 | Bottom of the Hill | 1233 17th St | 8 p.m. | $15, 21+

Come enjoy Chalk Talk (indie pop punk surf), Christina’s Trip (post-punk shoegaze), & Swell Foop (Alternative Indie rock)!

Thursday 8/14

Paint & Sip: Meteor Magic
8/14 | Chabot Space & Science Center | 10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland | 6:30 p.m. | $45, 21+

This unique Paint & Sip event invites guests to step outdoors and embrace the beauty of the August night sky through the art of spray painting. Under the guidance of our instructors, guests will create cosmic scenes inspired by shooting stars and celestial wonders.

Family Fun with Viva Parks
8/14 | Kelley Park | 1300 Senter Rd, San Jose | 6 p.m. | Free, All ages

Get ready for a fun-filled evening under the stars with Viva Parks! KQED will be on-site with a cool resource table to help get kids pumped up and prepared for an awesome new school year! Bring the whole family out for Family Movie Night, where kids can play, parents can relax and everyone can enjoy the magic of a movie together. The featured movie will be How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.

Mya Byrne + Wonderland Rejects
8/14 | Ivy Room | 860 San Pablo Ave, Albany | 7 p.m. Doors | $13.95, 21+

Mya Byrne is a celebrated Americana singer-songwriter and firecracker guitarist, combining influences from countrypolitan to glam-pop, blues, and ghostly incantations into a singular voice and vision. Like a crackling backyard fire outside of a city at dusk, stars on one side of the sky and light pollution on the other, Mya’s music is in the pocket of traditional country and Americana yet firmly rooted in the modern world.

Kokoroko
8/14 | Regency Ballroom | 1300 Van Ness Ave, SF | 8 p.m. | $44.85-$76.80

Kokoroko is a British London-based septet formed in 2014 by Sheila Maurice-Grey and Onome Edgeworth, known for their fusion of funk and highlife music.

Groove Outpost: August
8/14 | Public Works | 161 Erie St, SF | 6 p.m. | Free before 7 p.m. w/ RSVP, 21+

We come together to celebrate our community through the art of music. This is our Outpost, and in this space we are all equal, respected, and appreciated for our uniqueness. We dance, we sing, we play, we connect, we recharge. Brought to you by Jeff Straw and Major Trouble, this mission-driven and community-focused event is for the people, by the people!

Friday 8/15

Sina Bathaie
8/15 | The Midway | 900 Marin St, SF | $49.98+

Originally from Iran, Sina Bathaie is a Multi-instrumentalist, Producer and Composer who is known for his unique style of playing traditional instruments such as the oud and ukulele and bringing an eastern touch to his electronic music. 

The Laugh Session – Live at Music City SF – Comedy
8/15 | Music City San Francisco | 1355 Bush St, SF | 7 & 8:30 p.m. | $10-$15

Get ready for a night of hilarity with The Laugh Session, showcasing some of the hottest rising stars on the Bay Area comedy scene, including performers who’ve appeared at major nightclubs, comedy festivals and throughout the US. Prepare to rock and LOL!

Zach Bryan w/ Kings of Leon
8/15 | Golden Gate Park Polo Fields | 1232 John F Kennedy Dr, SF | 1:30 p.m. Doors | $199.70+, All ages

Join us for an epic day of music at the Golden Gate Park Polo Field! Get ready to rock out with Zach Bryan plus special guests Kings of Leon, Turnpike Troubadours, and Noeline Hofmann. Don’t miss out on this incredible lineup in the heart of San Francisco.

Yachtley Crew
8/15 | The Regency Ballroom | 1300 Van Ness Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. Doors | $48.72-$82.45

Yachtley Crew are a seven-piece SoCal band who burst onto the club scene in 2017, selling out countless local venues before starting a nationwide Yacht Rock craze and being noticed by the legendary Jimmy Buffett, who signed them to his own Mailboat label prior to their new deal with Earache/Universal Records.

Castro Night Market
8/15 | Castro District | 18th & Castro St, SF | 5 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP, All ages

The Castro Night Market features local food vendors, merchants, and live entertainment on the 3rd Friday of every month.

Saturday 8/16

Fresh Glass Uncorked: Wine Tasting and Conversation
8/16 | The Commons at KQED | 2601 Mariposa St, SF | 2 p.m. | $91.77

Join us for a live edition of Fresh Glass, the Emmy Award–winning series that celebrates flavor, culture and entrepreneurship. Host Cassandra Schaeg will maestro the conversation with special guests. Enjoy an evening of wine tastings, delicious Soul Box Supper Club bites, and rich conversations from the Bay Area’s most prominent wine industry figures. 

San Francisco Pizza, Bagel, and Beer Festival
8/16 | San Francisco Italian Athletic Club | 1630 Stockton St, SF | 12 p.m. | $90.49+, All ages

Tony Gemignani, 13-time World Pizza Champion and legendary restaurateur, in collaboration with the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club Foundation, is thrilled to announce the return of San Francisco’s Pizza, Bagel & Beer Festival in 2025. The third annual event will take place on Saturday, August 16 in San Francisco’s storied Italian neighborhood of North Beach, bringing together over 65 local pizzerias, bagelries, and breweries for a lively afternoon of food and community.

Welcome to the Future: San Francisco Street Photography by C Kemp
8/16 | Wave Collective | 663 Haight St, SF | 6 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

“Through my photography, I strive to capture the essence of a time and place—moments that reflect the atmosphere, culture, and fleeting details of the present. This series, shot in San Francisco between 2023 and 2025, offers a visual narrative of contemporary life in the city. While San Francisco has a storied past, my focus is on the present—the right now: images that define this current moment.” – C Kemp

Rhythm & Roots- Reggae Dance Party
8/16 | The Great Northern | 119 Utah St, SF | 7 p.m. | $13.63-$21.87, 21+

Get ready vibes, REGGAE tunes at The Great Northern – it’s gonna be a night to remember with DJ SEP, Christafari, Guidance, & Ay Que Linda.

Bass Brunch
8/16 | Public Works | 161 Erie St, SF | 1 p.m. | $31.67+, 21+

Bass Brunch is a vibrant, homegrown, HiFi production focused, underground extravaganza sure to inspire maximum fun in the sun! Complete with chicken & waffles, Bloody Mary’s, Mimosas, community art/performance, curated music, and brunch inspired decor, it’s going to be a cheeky day party for the ages!

Salesforce Park Rooftop Rhythms
8/16 | Salesforce Park | 425 Mission St, SF | 12 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP, All ages

Salesforce Park Rooftop Rhythms with Jazz Mafia, Michael Michael Motorcycle, Magic School Busk, and Grass Zeppelin. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy live music magic in the sun.

Sunday 8/17

Rainbow Grocery 50th Anniversary Block Party
8/17 | Rainbow Grocery Co-Op | 1745 Folsom St, SF | 12 p.m. | Free, All ages

Rainbow Grocery Cooperative celebrates 50 years of being in business in August 2025! This is all thanks to our amazing community’s support. We are throwing a party as a thank-you to the community and our customers. There will be live music, food, giveaways, vendors, art stations for kids, games, and more.

Spotlight Sundays: Rituals of Care Celebration with Artist Chelsea Ryoko Wong, Cut Fruit Collective, and Teaphile
8/17 | Oakland Museum of California | 1000 Oak St, Oakland | 1 p.m. | Free, All ages

This month, Spotlight Sundays welcomes guests to join artist Chelsea Ryoko Wong. Wong’s colorful paintings amplify the diversity of her Asian heritage and the vibrant family histories of the AAPI women depicted in them. Under her playful mural, titled Calling Home, this lively event will explore rituals of community care with Wong and OMCA’s community partners Cut Fruit Collective and Teaphile.

Men I Trust
8/17 | Frost Amphitheater | 351 Lausen St, Stanford | 6:30 p.m. | $59.06, All ages

With smooth, chin-bouncing rhythms & bass lines, warm guitars and alluringly subdued vocals, longevity – in all its forms – is an underlying theme in their craft. At its most spacious, listening to Men I Trust feels like you’re gliding on a never-ending wave; at its tightest, they still provide pockets of time to catch your breath.

Art in the Park 2025
8/17 | Susana Park | 701 Susana St, Martinez | 10 a.m. | Free, All ages

The 54th year promises to be another great community art event with lots of art, music, food and drink! This is Martinez Arts Association’s primary fund-raising event of the year which helps support community programs like teacher grants and student scholarships.

Monday 8/18

Hickoids
8/18 | Ivy Room | 860 San Pablo Ave, Albany | 7 p.m. Doors | $20, 21+

Hickoids are a Central Texas band that trace their roots to the early 80s Austin punk scene. From their cowpunk beginnings the band has morphed into something that contemporary listeners will recognize as “roadhouse punk.” The band combines a flair for showmanship, a never lost irreverent attitude and musical adeptness that allows them to fold a lot of different Southern American roots styles into a sound that is uniquely their own.

Avara
8/18 | Cafe du Nord | 2174 Market St, SF | 7 p.m. Doors | $27.27, 21+

Avara is an Indian-American singer, producer, and storyteller weaving R&B, soul, and experimental pop into something entirely her own. Her music feels like late-night conversations—intimate, cinematic, and achingly real.

The Week of 8/19-8/25

Tuesday 8/19

Poetic Tuesday
8/19 | Great Lawn, Yerba Buena Gardens | Mission St. between 3rd & 4th St, SF | 12:30 p.m. | Free

Lighting up Jessie Square with a fabulously curated line-up of poets and musicians, Poetic Tuesdays offer a vivifying midday breather for neighborhood groups, students, office workers on break and out-of-towners looking for respite from The City’s hustle and bustle.

Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms
8/19 | The Mountain Winery | 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga | 6:30 p.m. | $109.18+

Over an illustrious career Blues Traveler has played over 2,000 live shows in front of more than 30 million people, and, in “Run-Around,” had the longest-charting radio single in Billboard history, which earned them a Grammy® for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

TAP IN TUESDAYS
8/19 | The Valencia Room | 647 Valencia St, SF | 10 p.m. | Free

TAP IN TUESDAYS featuring Hip Hop, R&B, Afro Beats, and Reggaeton.


Wednesday 8/20

Sam Barber
8/20 | The Warfield | 982 Market St, SF | 8 p.m. | $52.40-$148

The 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Southeast Missouri has already seen his career begin on a meteoric rise, and his debut album, Restless Mind, is set to send him into orbit. The accompanying Restless Mind Tour will introduce tens of thousands of new fans to Barber’s energetic and emotional live show as well.

THIRST DRAFT: WRITE DRUNK, EDIT NEVER
8/20 | Madrone Art Bar |  500 Divisadero St, SF | 6 p.m. | No Cover

An event for writers — and for writing. Everyone gets the same prompt when they walk in the door. What ends up on the page is up to you. Here’s how it works: Write whatever you want — poem, song, short story, joke… anything works! Interpret the prompt however you like but try to incorporate it in some way Work alone or collaborate with friends/strangers — no word count or time limit.

Summer Happy Hour
8/20 | Two Embarcadero Center | Urban Patio entrance on Sacramento St, SF | 4 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

Celebrate the final Happy Hour of the season at Embarcadero Center. Wrap up summer with a night of great flavors, good company, and classic San Francisco energy.

Thursday 8/21

“I Saw but I Did Not See” – A Solo Exhibition by Winston Smith
8/21 | 111 Minna Gallery | 111 Minna St, SF | 5 p.m. | Free

From new works born of our chaotic times to rarely-seen classics, expect a journey from the nightmare of oppression to the surreal dreamscape of imagination. Don’t miss this chance to see—and collect—original art by one of punk’s most iconic voices.

Mae Powell
8/21 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 8 p.m. | $29.89, All ages

Mae Powell is a Bay Area based songstress and rainbow entity. Her debut album was released in 2021 and is an homage to love and friendship. Her sophomore album, “Making Room For the Light”, is set to come out on August 15th. Until then, you can find her singing jazz, spinning vinyl, or playing her original music with her 5-piece band made up of her very best friends.

LaRussell and Good Compenny Present: A Bay Area Music Showcase
8/21 | Suite Treatments 3729 Sonoma Blvd, Vallejo | 7 p.m. | $52.94-$115.76

KQED and artist collective Good Compenny come together in Vallejo for a night that’s more than a show — it’s a moment to showcase musical talent from the Bay Area. Five local artists will hit the stage for a live music showdown, judged by Vallejo star LaRussell and other local heavy hitters, including artist manager Tietta, videographer Splash, violinist Michael Prince, pianist and producer Hokage Simon, and videographer and photographer BGIGGZ.

This Paranormal Life
8/21 | Cornerstone | 2367 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley | 8 p.m. | $40.12

This Paranormal Life is a multi-award-winning comedy podcast! Every Tuesday, comedians Kit Grier Mulvenna and Rory Powers investigate a different paranormal case to try and find the truth inside the mystery. From investigating the Roswell UFO incident to more obscure topics like Bigfoot’s cousin the Skunk Ape, and Evil Furbies, listeners delight as hosts Kit & Rory dissect each case and come to the ultimate conclusion of whether it is truly paranormal or not.

Friday 8/22

17th Annual GLIDE Summer Gala: Love. Unite. Inspire. Dance.
8/22 | Phoenix Hotel | 601 Eddy St, SF | 8 p.m. | $85+

A benefit for GLIDE’s programs featuring music, celebration, and recognition of community champions. Hosted by and for the next generation of Bay Area philanthropists, changemakers, and creatives, the Summer Gala fuses party energy with progressive action, supporting GLIDE’s mission to break cycles of poverty and advance equity through unconditional love, radical inclusion, and social justice. 

My Morning Jacket
8/22 | Greek Theatre |  2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley | 6 p.m. Doors | $68.75+

MY MORNING JACKET is ON TOUR! Berkeley – see you at the Greek Theatre on Friday, August 22 to celebrate the release of our new album.

Lady Camden: The Peach Pit Cabaret
8/22 | Bimbo’s 365 Club | 1025 Columbus Ave, SF | 7 p.m. Doors | $48.93-$116.40, 21+

Lady Camden’s brand new, recurring cabaret show at Bimbo’s 365 Club brings together the worlds of drag, burlesque, performance art, live music, and beyond- with a vintage twist straight out of Moulin Rouge.

A. Deeplove
8/22 | Monarch | 101 6th St | 9 p.m. | $33.63, 21+

MGMT frontman Andrew VanWyngarden, AKA A. Deeplove, takes dancers on a genre-defying trip at his Standard Time debut.

itchy-O
8/22 | Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 8 p.m. Doors | $44.33

Itchy-O is a fifty-plus-strong experiential performance ensemble. Weaving a synergistic spell, itchy-O dismantles assumptions of traditional performance models to break down the barriers between audience and performer, administering a bombast of ceremonial chaos; baptizing the audience—body, mind, and collective spirit—in an elaborate, pan-sensorial ocean of music, mystery, and transcendental spectacle. 

Wreckless Stangers at San Francisco Zoo Sunset Fridays
8/22 | San Francisco Zoo | Sloat Blvd @ The Great Hwy, SF | 5 p.m. | $14

Wreckless Strangers is a collective of friends and musicians carrying the torch for San Francisco’s grand rock ‘n’ roll tradition. With soaring vocal harmonies and burning instrumental improvisation, framed in concise and poignant original songwriting, Wreckless Strangers seek to honor and carry forth the brand of free-spirited musical fun and adventure that defines the Bay Area.


Saturday 8/23

Electrify Expo 2025: San Francisco
8/23-8/24 | Alameda Point | 2151 Ferry Point, Alameda | 10 a.m. | $22.84-$65.29

Electrify Expo is the ultimate outdoor festival jammed with amazing experiences, thrill zones, multiple demo courses, kids demo tracks, live entertainment, the tastiest food trucks and endless fun for all ages. With multiple demo courses scattered around the show, you’ll be driving, riding, ripping and rocking out like never before.

Sorry Papi – The All Girl Rave
8/23 | August Hall | 420 Mason St, SF | 10 p.m. | $14.06-$39.75, 21+

The Sorry Papi EDM Tour is a groundbreaking event, celebrated as the first ALL-GIRL RAVE, it’s more than just a party—it’s a vibrant space designed specifically for women to connect, celebrate, and thrive.

RECLAMATION Opening Reception
8/23 | Heron Arts | 7 Heron St, SF | 6 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

Heron Arts is pleased to present RECLAMATION, a duo exhibition featuring about forty artworks by Augustine Kofie and Erik Otto.

Cultura Fest 2025: A Celebration of Salvadoran and Latin American Heritage, Creativity, and Community
8/23 | Downtown South San Francisco | 400 Grand Ave, SF | 11 a.m. | Free

Step into a world where vibrant Salvadoran and Latin American cultures come alive through music, art, food, and community spirit.

The Show at Oracle Park: Bay FC vs. Washington Spirit
8/23 | Oracle Park | 24 Willie Mays Plaza, SF | 1 p.m. | $20+

Bay FC will take their talent to the City’s waterfront venue, home to Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants and known for hosting iconic moments in Bay Area sports. The match, presented by Visa, will be a statement, a celebration, and another epic moment in Bay Area history. Experience a day of world-class soccer in the heart of San Francisco, where breathtaking views of the Bay meet the city skyline.

Summer Backyard Bash
8/23 | The Crossing at East Cut | 250 Main St, SF | 12 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

Sports and movies on jumbo screens, pickleball courts, soccer fields, cornhole and lawn games, a full bar and food court—The Crossing is Downtown’s Backyard, and what better way is there to celebrate summer than with an epic backyard party? Invite your friends and neighbors, and get ready for some family-friendly fun under the sun and among the palm trees.

Sunday 8/24

Mad Caddies
8/24 | Ivy Room | 860 San Pablo Ave, Albany | 8 p.m. | $30.18, 21+

Formed in Santa Barbara, California, in 1995, the Mad Caddies continue to be celebrated in the ska and punk music circles, known for their unique sound and exhilarating shows.

Cyndi Lauper
8/24 | Shoreline Amphitheatre | 1 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View | 7:30 p.m. | $56.50+

The Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour is the ongoing sixteenth concert tour by American musician Cyndi Lauper and has been described as her final major tour.

4th Annual Green Party
8/24 | The Midway | 900 Marin St, SF | 3 p.m. | $30.90-$43.26, 21+

Join us for the 4th annual Green Party and DJ Shellheart’s birthday at Midway SF! A high energy day party with DJs, green inspired vibes, and nonstop celebration. Dress in all green and pull up ready to party!

Monday 8/25

Toto, Christopher Cross + Men At Work
8/25 | Toyota Pavilion at Concord | 2000 Kirker Pass Rd, Concord | 6:45 p.m. | $44.50+

Get ready for the best rockin’ summer nights as TOTO, CHRISTOPHER CROSS, and MEN AT WORK join forces on tour. As these old friends come together for a night of the best rock music, fans old and new will surely enjoy their career-spanning setlists.

Japanese Breakfast
8/25 | The Lagunitas Brewing Company | 1280 North McDowell, Petaluma | 4:20 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

After a decade making the most of improvised recording spaces set in warehouses, trailers and lofts, Japanese Breakfast’s fourth album, For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), marks the band’s first proper studio release. The record sees frontwoman and songwriter Michelle Zauner pull back from the bright extroversion that defined its predecessor, Jubilee, to examine the darker waves that roil within, the moody, fecund field of melancholy, long held to be the psychic state of poets on the verge of inspiration. The result is an artistic statement of purpose: a mature, intricate, contemplative work that conjures the romantic thrill of a gothic novel.

The Week of 8/26-9/1

Tuesday 8/26

Yuno
8/26 | Popscene @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall | 1710 Mission St, SF | 7 p.m. Doors | $29.59

Imbued with elements of dream-pop, rock, trap, and psychedelia, Yuno’s eclectic songs serve as bids for love and connection, which especially in the fractured era of social media, have resonated with many listeners who find solace in his vulnerability.

Cyndi Lauper
8/26 |  Toyota Pavilion at Concord |  2000 Kirker Pass Rd, Concord | 7:30 p.m. | $40.50-$180.50

She bops; she has shown the world her true colours; and she enlightened the world to the fact that girls just wanna have fun. She’s so unusual, she has a hat full of stars, and she’s about to bring a night to remember to audiences all across North America!

Janeane Garofalo
8/26 & 8/27 |  Cobb’s Comedy Club |  915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $38.20+ , 18+

Alternative comedy pioneer, actor, political activist, and influential voice in 90s alt comedy scene.

Wednesday 8/27

Kyle Dion
8/27 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 7:30 p.m. Doors | $32.47, 18+

Kyle Dion is a boisterous rising star with a bright falsetto and golden pen. The proudly independent artist possesses a soul from another era and creates a sound refreshing to any generation. Dion’s new album, SASSY,s a bold and bright sonic landscape that promises an unfiltered sound while flaunting a no rules mission statement. It’s a joyous and exclamatory soundtrack to better times.

Tribal Seeds & The Movement
8/27 |  The Mountain Winery |  14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga | 7 p.m. | $47.18+

Based in San Diego, rock-reggae band TRIBAL SEEDS come at their music from a different angle, more influenced by bands like Steel Pulse and Aswad than the common touchstone of Sublime.

Chess Lecture at the Bernal Library
8/27 | Bernal Heights Branch Library | 500 Cortland Ave, SF | 6 p.m. | Free

Join us for a short chess presentation about a beautiful game from chess history, followed by time for casual combat for those who want to play. All levels and ages are welcome. Bring a chess set if you have one.

“Dear Aunt Antagony…” – A Comedy Show for Terrible Advice
8/27 | The Function | 1414 Market St, SF | 8:30 p.m. | $0-$7.18

Do you have a problem in life you can’t solve? Need some inspiration to get out of your rut? We are here to help. Bring your grievances and our panel of Aunt* Antagony, led by Elisha Tan, is here to give you terrible advice with motivational-speaker-level confidence.

Thursday 8/28

French 79
8/28 | Bimbo’s 365 Club |  1025 Columbus Ave, SF | 8 p.m. | $38.12, 21+

While the exploitation and touring of the TEENAGERS album came to an end in December 2024, and the artist began production of his fourth album, he felt the need to return for a few club dates in 2025.  A call to return to the roots of an unadorned live set, in order to prioritize proximity with audiences, return to places he particularly loves, glean a few ever-precious encounters and feed his inspiration for this next album.

SF Black Pride presents Ball Out
8/28 | 1015 Folsom | 1015 Folsom St, SF | 9 p.m. | $12.89+, 21+

SF Black Pride presents Ball Out, a high-energy dance party celebrating Black queer excellence through music, fashion, and liberation. Featuring top DJs, bold performances, and immersive visuals, this night will be a joyful, unapologetic takeover of one of SF’s most iconic venues. Come dressed to impress and ready to sweat—this is the official SF Black Pride dance floor moment.

The Worst Film Festival
8/28 | Mama Dog Studios | 700 26th St, Oakland | 6 p.m. | $17.85

TWFF is the usual film festival turned upside down – We showcase filmmakers’ self-submitted “worst work” and use the event to celebrate creative risk-taking to learn from each other’s experiences. Trying and failing is how we get better – let’s make it fun!

Profs & Pints San Francisco: Thinking in Comics
8/28 | Bartlett Hall | 242 O’ Farrell St, SF | 6 p.m. | $14.75+

Profs and Pints San Francisco presents: “Thinking in Comics,” a revolutionary discussion of the importance of visual thinking and the limitations of the written word, with Nick Sousanis, award-winning comics author, associate professor of interdisciplinary studies, and founder of the Comic Studies program at San Francisco State University.

JURASSIQ PARQ – A Musiqal Parody
8/28-8/30 | OASIS | 298 11th St, SF | 6:30 p.m. | $57.33-$82.95

Join Dr. Laura Dern, Jeff Ian Malcolm Goldblum and the rest of the gang as they venture to a mysterious island where dinosaurs are alive… and singing chart-topping hits of the 90s, 2000s and today. Featuring outrageous drag, fierce dance, over-the-top puppets, dino divas, and soaring pop vocals, Jurassiq Parq is the immersive campy queer sci-fi nostalgia of a millennial’s wet dreams. Audiences are encouraged to dress up and sing along in this original take on the 1993 film that shaped a generation.


Friday 8/29

Discovery Meadow w/ DJ Snake, RL Grime, Troyboi, Dr. Fresch + more
8/29-8/30 | Downtown San Jose | 180 Woz Way, San Jose | 3 p.m. | $86.72+

Join us for your end of Summer celebration at Discovery Meadow! Two days of music, food, vendors and more take over downtown San Jose for the inaugural year of the festival. 

Friday Nights at OMCA with NOODLES
8/29 | Oakland Museum of California |  1000 Oak St, Oakland | 5 p.m. | Free

Choose your vibe with two live DJ sets that bring intention and serious rhythm to the night. On the Garden Stage, NOODLES delivers a DJ set featuring a genre-bending mix of hip-hop, R&B, electronic, and global sounds.In the Amphitheater, DJ Sucia lights up the space with a high-energy fusion of Latin beats, house, EDM, and today’s hip-hop hits. 

Jerry Garcia In The Lower Mission: A Dead Origin Story
8/29 & 8/30 | Fort Mason Center | 2 Marina Blvd, SF | 8 p.m. | $50

Magic Theatre presents the first performances of Jerry Garcia In The Lower Mission by Richard Montoya. Join author and performer Montoya with live music by J. Raoul Brody and David Gans, and performances by Dena Martinez, Aidaa Peerzada, and Brian Rivera for this tribute play and origin story of the legendary San Francisco band, the Grateful Dead.

Sf Industrial Ball ’25
8/29 | Cat Club | 1190 Folsom St, SF | 9 p.m. | $10, 21+

Come walk The Black Carpet for a wonderful night of dancing to the world of Industrial music. 

Riff Rumble!
8/29 | 1769 15th St, SF | 6:45 p.m. | $10.38-$28.52

Riff Rumble is a hilarious combination of the Bay Area’s best comedians riffing and ranting about their (and your) fun ideas. There are 4 more comedians onstage and they each have their own microphone. Throughout the whole show they’re going to be tagging jokes, roasting the comic onstage and talking to the audience. With five comics onstage at the same time this is one of the most fast paced and hilarious shows in the Bay Area.


Saturday 8/30

Non Stop Bhangra: Crash An Indian Wedding Party
8/30 | Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 8 p.m. Doors | $31.96

Step into a vibrant world of swirling colors, joyful music, beautiful dancing, and contagious energy—reminiscent of the magic and mayhem of an Indian wedding celebration. From the moment doors open, you’re part of the family. Enjoy a mix of all the colorful festivities that make Indian wedding parties so unforgettable—from sangeet-style moments with live singing and instruments to delicious Indian snacks and sweets, henna art, vibrant visuals, photo booths, and more.

HUSSY: A Queer Day Party
8/30 | El Rio |  3158 Mission St, SF | 3 p.m. | $14.64, 21+

Meet us outside. HUSSY is taking over El Rio’s patio for a shamelessly sexy daytime dance party, serving house, techno, and filthy beats for you and the fam.

159th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games
8/30-8/31 | Alameda County Fairgrounds & Event Center | 2005 Valley Avenue, Gate 8 or 12, Pleasanton | $44.80

Witness world-class competitions, from the awe-inspiring feats of Scottish heavy athletes to the electrifying energy of Scottish dancing, piping, and musical performances. Immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich culture with traditional music, delicious food, and breathtaking performances that bring the spirit of the Scottish Highlands to life!

REGGAETON RAVE
8/30 | Phoenix Hotel | 601 Eddy St, SF | 1 p.m. | $21.99+, 21+

Reggaeton Rave is an electrifying fusion of pulsating rhythms, vibrant energy, and an immersive sensory journey where Latinx and Electronic music collide in an unforgettable dance celebration.

Free Creatures
8/30 | Brick & Mortar Music Hall | 1710 Mission St, SF | 8 p.m. Doors | $23.10

The Pacific Northwest brings us yet another new musical flavor in the alt hip hop power fusion trio, Free Creatures. The trio was born from emcee & producer Marv Ellis remixing original beats on an MPC live while rapping and freestyling in his beloved and charismatic style. This foundation provides the perfect pedestal for featuring the smooth, sweet swagger of upright bassist and singer Emily Turner, and the expansive effects of electric guitar layers and solos from upside-down leftie shredder Skyler Squglio.

Sunday 8/31

R&B and Ribs Block Party
8/31 | The Midway | 900 Marin St, SF | 2 p.m. | $80.34, 21+

A day party with good food & dope djs. We’re bringing an extra special Block Party Labor Day Sunday to the Midway! With performances by Ashanti & Trey Songz plus all your favorite RIBS resident DJs. 

Sunday Night Soul Roll
8/31 | Church of 8 Wheels | 554 Fillmore St, SF | 8 p.m. | $23.08

This is how you we spread rolligion!!! Come spend a Sunday night skating to some sweet soul music!!!

Crucial Reggae Sundays
8/31 | Golden Gate Bandshell | 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, SF | 4:20 p.m. | Free

Crucial Reggae Sundays: free, family-friendly reggae music in Golden Gate Parkhosted by Irie Dole, Guidance, and DJ Sep and featuring special guest Irie Rockerz.

Monday 9/1

Labor Day Kick Back
9/1 | Oeste – Bar | 722 Clay St, Oakland | 2 p.m. | $0-$65.87

Oakland Essence x Tropic Soul Summer is here. We’re bringing amazing vibes to great Venues in the SF/Bay Area.

Monday Night Trivia
9/1 | Magnolia SF – Haight | 1398 Haight St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | Free

Ready for a night of challenge and connection? Come ready to conquer with your team OR if you are on your own, opt for “Trivia Team Up” where we invite solo players to come and be matched with teammates for an unforgettable experience of meeting new people.

Hiero Day 2025 Street Festival
9/1 | Downtown Oakland | 1900 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 12 p.m. | $16.93+

A dope celebration of music, art, and community in the heart of the TOWN! Featuring Hieroglyphics!

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