Best Bay Area Events 8/5-8/25

This Life
 by Vanessa Gil, Arts & Events Editor

 Alright, Outside Lands attendees, I’m ready to live vicariously through your TikToks… so don’t let me down! Thank you. I’ll be catching Eureka Sound at Brentwood Emporium this Friday. If you like jazzy reggae, you should come make party with us. You won’t regret seeing them live. Here’s what else I’m looking forward to the week of 8/5 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 STRFKR at Fox Theater!

Oakland! Don’t miss STRFKR when they take the Fox Theater to Parallel Realms on Friday, August 15 with special guest Mamalarky. Get your tickets here or enter here for a chance to win a pair!

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! 

Win a Pair of Tix to see Mt. Joy at The Greek Theatre

Mt. Joy is bringing their ‘Hope We Have Fun’ Tour to the Greek Theatre Berkeley on Saturday, August 23!! Don’t miss it. Tickets are going fast. New album OUT NOW! Enter here for a chance to win a pair of tix!

Our Partners’ Events

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! 

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. Get your tickets today!

Valencia LIVE!
8/14 | Valencia St | Valencia Street between 16th & 19th St, SF | 5 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

The street party is going down on Valencia St between 16th and 19th Streets with 3 stages of live music and family friendly activities up and down the block PLUS don’t miss out on all of the free fun inside and specials from local eateries and bars throughout the neighborhood. RSVP (for FREE) for specials at local brick and mortars and giveaways on the street.

This Week’s Events 8/5-8/11

Tuesday 8/5

The Lumineers
8/5 | Chase Center | 1 Warriors Way, SF | 7 p.m. | $92.50

The upcoming tour celebrates the arrival of The Lumineers’ hugely anticipated new album, Automatic. After twenty years of musical partnership, Automatic finds Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites traveling new sonic and thematic terrain with their most raw and personal collection thus far. Both men, now dads, fully embraced the life-altering, unromantic challenges and rewards of family life. 

Empanada Showdown
8/5 | The Commons at KQED | 2601 Mariposa St, SF | 7 p.m. | $24.38

From Chile to Argentina to the Philippines, empanadas are a staple; but how did each region come up with their own version? Discover the various forms of empanadas with three locally rooted Bay Area chefs and taste their comforting creations as you learn how different cultures make their own deliciously filled concoction of vegetables, spices, proteins and flour. 

Odd Salon SF: COUNTERFEIT
8/5 | Public Works | 161 Erie St, SF | 6:30 p.m. | $28.52+, 21+

Odd Salon is an independent, community-based project, dedicated to bringing together curious minds in pursuit of stories from history’s odd and overlooked corners, the joys of research, and the craft of storytelling. Help us support our community of storytellers and give them the tools and the stage to find the next great strange tale.

maye
8/5 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 8 p.m. | $29.38

Blending Latin American musical traditions with an indie sensibility, maye’s intimate vocals and casual poetry echo the timeless romance of boleros, effortlessly swaying between New Wave, Caribbean rhythms, and everything that bumps in between.

Laney Jones and the Spirits
8/5 | Brick & Mortar Music Hall | 1710 Mission St, SF | 8 p.m. Doors | $21.86

Laney Jones and the Spirits have big f*cking heart. It’s undeniable watching Jones, who usually performs on her gnarly 1960s Sears Roebuck Silvertone guitar with her life and musical partner (Brian Dowd) holding the heartbeat on the drums. They’re “everything that’s good about rock and roll” says GRAMMY-winning icon Lucinda Williams.


Wednesday 8/6

Nine Inch Nails – Peel It Back Tour 2025
8/6 | Oakland Arena | 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland | 7:30 p.m. | $58.91+

The Peel It Back Tour is an ongoing concert tour by the American industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails, consisting of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross and joined by longtime touring members Robin Finck, Alessandro Cortini, and Ilan Rubin. 

The Moth StorySLAM – CHILDISH
8/6 | The Freight | 2020 Addison St, Berkeley | 6 p.m. Doors | $20

Tonight’s theme is… CHILDISH: Prepare a five-minute story about feeling young. Ditching second period or calling out “sick” from work. Middle school crushes or puppy love that had you feeling 16 again. Chasing ice cream trucks, building pillow forts, and losing stuffed animals. Whether it’s temper tantrums, tattle tales, or tumultuous inner-toddlers…it’s time to grow up. Tag! (no take backs times infinity).

Los Train Wreck’s All Star Jam
8/6 | El Rio | 3158 Mission St, SF | 8 p.m. | Free

Come out and listen to local heros jam! Or sign up to jam yourself! Every first Wednesday in the front room!

80 Years of Nuclear Devestation- A Rally and Protest at Livermore Lab
8/6 | Livermore Nuclear Weapons Lab | Westgate Entrance, Livermore | 9 a.m. | Free

JOIN US at the Westgate entrance to Livermore Lab on this historic 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to support global nuclear abolition at the location where horrific new warheads are being designed today.

HubCraft: Collage Club + Book Swap
8/6 | Dogpatch Hub | 1278 Minnesota St | 6 p.m. | Free

Join us for a crafty evening of cutting, pasting, and connecting with Our Mutual Friend, a creative community group that hosts free collaging sessions across San Francisco. Bring your own craft to work on, or help yourself to our collection of collaging supplies to make something fun. No experience necessary, just a willingness to get creative and meet new people!

Thursday 8/7

Downtown Hoedown on Front St.
8/7 | Front St. | Front St. between California & Sacramento St, SF | 4 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP, All ages

Giddy up and get down with line dancing, live bluegrass and country music, a mechanical bull, a giant disco bison, great bars and more surprises! It’s city-scene meets country-scene a the Downtown Hoedown. Live music and variety show by Black Banjo Reclamation Project. Free Line Dancing Lessons with Lower Haight Line Dancing. Country-Western Fashion Extravaganza from Mario Benton. Live Band Country Karaoke with No Clue. 

Ezra Furman
8/7 | Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 7 p.m. Doors | $31.96

Ezra Furman is a boundary-breaking artist whose fearless creativity and emotional honesty have made her one of the most compelling voices in modern music. Blending punk energy, heartfelt lyricism and genre-defying innovation, Furman’s work is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Fcukers
8/7 | Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell St, SF | 8 p.m. | $37.25

Fronted by the energetic and enigmatic Shanny Wise (previously of The Shacks) and backed by producer/night life DJ Jackson Walker Lewis. Fcukers have discovered their own new frequency where a history of playing together and in other projects has led them to syncing on a singular vision built around 90s/00s house music, tasteful trip hop, big beat, indie rock and everything in between.

NightLife: BAIDDF Pre-Party
8/7 | California Academy of Sciences | 55 Music Concourse Dr, SF | 6 p.m. | $25, 21+

Kick off this year’s Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival with a celebration at NightLife featuring live dance performances and more. 

Ben Folds & A Piano Tour
8/7 | The Guild Theatre | 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park | 8 p.m. | $110+

The Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter-composer has created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records.

Friday 8/8

Outside Lands 2025
8/8-8/10 | Golden Gate Park | 501 Stanyan St, SF | 11 a.m. | $235+

Don’t miss Tyler, the Creator, Doja Cat, Hozier, John Summit, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Glass Animals, Vampire Weekend, Doechii, Gracie Abrams, Jamie xx & more in Golden Gate Park! 

Eureka Sound
8/8 | Brentwood Emporium | 561 1st St, Brentwood | 7 p.m. | $15

My brother’s band!!! Based out of Southern California, the group’s sound consists of luscious harmonic compositions combined with the syncopated, heavy rhythms of roots reggae. The band’s name “Eureka Sound” takes on the meaning of finding spiritual enlightenment and epiphany through conscious music. 

Jillith Fair – Loving Jill Sobule
8/8 | Ivy Room | 860 San Pablo Ave, Albany | 8 p.m. | $25, 21+

A celebration of Jill’s life benefiting the It Was A Good Life Foundation feat. Julie Wolf & Vicki Randle plus very special guests.

Paul Reiser
8/8 & 8/9 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $43.80+, 18+

As a seasoned actor, writer, musician, and stand-up comedian, Paul Reiser continues to add to his list of accomplishments. In addition to co-creating and starring in the critically acclaimed NBC series, “Mad About You,” his successes also include his most recent book, Familyhood, the long-awaited follow-up to Babyhood and Couplehood, his first book, which sold over two million copies and reached the number one spot on The New York Times bestseller list.

MINTED SF
8/8 | Mint Plaza | 1 Mint Plz, SF | 5 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP, All ages

MINTED SF is San Francisco’s new Friday night Happy Hour experience – a free, all-ages celebration of music, food, and community lighting up Downtown San Francisco’s historic Mint Plaza all Summer long.

Chinatown Night Market
8/8 | Chinatown | Grant Ave & Sacramento St, SF | 5 p.m. | Free, All ages

Join us the 2nd Friday of the month (May through October) for the Chinatown Night Market. This event helps support local businesses and and restore San Francisco’s Chinatown as a premiere nightlife destination. Join us to ensure that this community keeps thriving for generations to come!

Saturday 8/9

Submerged w/ WonkyWilla
8/9 | Public Works | 161 Erie St, SF | 9:30 p.m. | $20-$37, 21+

Join us for Submerged, an immersive night of forward-thinking bass music curated by Same Same But Different and Public Works. Headlined by the innovative WonkyWilla, this event brings together boundary-pushing artists for a deep dive into underground sound. Come experience the pulse beneath the surface.

32nd Annual Pistahan Parade & Festival
8/9 & 8/10 | Great Lawn, Yerba Buena Gardens | Mission St. between 3rd & 4th St, SF | 11 a.m. | Free, All ages

The 32nd annual Pistahan is the region’s premiere showcase of Filipino and Filipino-American arts and culture, with pavilions and stages presenting both traditional and contemporary music, dance, art, crafts, cuisine and artifacts. 

311
8/9 | The Mountain Winery | 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga | 7 p.m. | $78.78+

311 was formed in 1990 in Omaha, Nebraska by five friends. 31 years later, they’re still rocking together. Widely regarded as one of the most entertaining & dynamic live bands in the U.S., 311 mixes rock, rap, reggae, and funk into their own unique, hybrid sound.

Summer Daze Festival
8/9 | North Beach | Grant Ave between Vallejo & Filbert, SF | 3 p.m. | Free, All ages

The North Beach Business Association is excited to announce the North Beach Night Market series! Featuring the participation of local restaurants, art vendors, gift shops, entertainment, games, and much more.

Community Art Market
8/9 | Heron Arts | 7 Heron St, SF | 12 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

Celebrate local art at the Community Art Market, a one day, pop up marketplace featuring 20+ artists, ceramicists, jewelry artisans and more! The vendors will be selling small to medium pieces of art at accessible prices; this is the perfect opportunity if you are looking to start or add to your art collection.

Endless Summer Market
8/9 | Maker’s Row | 1919 Fourth St, Berkeley | 11 a.m. | Free, All ages

Celebrate the season’s sunny finale at the Endless Summer Market! Join us for a vibrant day filled with live music, local makers, and a festive atmosphere that’s family- and pet-friendly. 


Sunday 8/10

BRIMS, BEATS & STOGIES
8/10 | The Midway | 900 Marin St, SF | 2 p.m. | $55.62+, 21+

Join us at the iconic MIDWAYSF Terrace in San Francisco, CA, for an unforgettable evening celebrating our shared love of cigars. This must-attend event will showcase special guests from various industries, including cigars, music, acting, sports, and politics. Prepare for fantastic performances from our special guest DJs and artists!

Jerry’s Middle Finger
8/10 | Cornerstone | 2367 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley | 8 p.m. | $29.50-$35

It’s no longer a secret that California-based Jerry’s Middle Finger (JMF) delivers the best Jerry Garcia Band tribute experience in the world – performing and celebrating the music of JGB with unparalleled sound and energy.

Brian Copeland’s THE WAITING PERIOD
8/10 | The Marsh – Berkeley | 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley | 12 p.m. | $0-$100

This show is an unrelenting look at a ten-day period in Copeland’s life—the mandatory ten-day waiting period before he could lay his hands on the newly purchased gun with which he planned to take his own life. Even in the midst of this tragedy, however, his wonderful sense of the comedy of life does not desert him. Copeland hopes this very personal, and ultimately redemptive, story will reach people who struggle with depression—often called the last stigmatized disease—as well as their families and loved ones.

Fiesta en el Parque
8/10 | Presidio Tunnel Tops | 210 Lincoln Blvd, SF | 1 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP, All ages

Join us at Presidio Tunnel Tops for a family-friendly celebration of Latin culture, dance, music, and community, all with breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Move to the rhythm with Salsa, Merengue, and Cumbia dance classes led by the talented team from Santos Lopez & Amanda Marquez Productions, and don’t miss the energy of interactive Zumba sessions!

Monday 8/11

TEARS & GEARZ, Bentley Robles, Zee Machine, LEXXE
8/11 | Cafe du Nord | 2174 Market St, SF | 8 p.m. | $22.65, 21+

TEARS & GEARZ is what happens when two of indie pop’s boldest voices stop flirting with a good idea and finally go for it. Real-life best friends Bentley Robles and ZEE MACHINE first teamed up on their viral hit “See Me Naked,” a certified gay anthem that sparked drag performances around the world and cemented their shared knack for big, campy bangers with undeniable hooks.

Mirthquake: Monday Live Comedy in the Richmond
8/11 | The Abbey Tavern | 4100 Geary Blvd, SF | 8 p.m. | Free, 21+

Featuring a hand picked rotating cast of top comedians from the Bay Area and beyond with credits like HBO, Netflix, Late Night, and more, Mirthquake offers a night of non-stop laughter that will leave you feeling uplifted and refreshed. Hosted by the hilarious trio of Ben Kolina (Doug Loves Movies podcast, SF Sketchfest), Andrew Holmgren (VICELAND, SF Weekly best comedian winner), and Jesse Hett (Cobb’s Comedy Club, Punch Line Comedy Club), each show promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience.

The Week of 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


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

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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