Happy Friday Everyone! You've worked hard all week, and now it's time to have fun! Getting out and enjoying the beautiful Bay Area, as well as enjoying the company of friends old and new, is great for your mental health. So check out some of our favorite events from around the Bay that you can attend this weekend!
Click on any of the event titles for a link to the event.
Friday, October 20th
Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
7:30 PM, Ages: All
Free
Litquake returns for our eighth year to the fabulously gothic Grace Cathedral atop Nob Hill, for this special evening of exalted verse, celebrating the sacred and profane, domestic and divine, with poetry in the pews from a distinguished roster of poets. Curated and hosted by D.A. Powell and Preeti Vangani, the lineup features readings from Gillian Conoley, Jane Hirshfield, Vandana Khanna, J. Michael Martinez, and sam sax. FREE, $5-10 suggested donation
Gillian Conoley is a poet, editor, and translator. Her new collection is Notes from the Passenger (Nightboat Books, May 2023). The author of ten collections of poetry, Conoley received the Shelley Memorial Award from the Poetry Society of America, and was awarded the Jerome J. Shestack Poetry Prize, a National Endowment for the Arts grant, and a Fund for Poetry Award. A Little More Red Sun on the Human, also with Nightboat, won the 39th annual Northern California Book Award in 2020. Conoley’s translations of three books by Henri Michaux, Thousand Times Broken, appearing in English for the first time, is with City Lights.
Writing “some of the most important poetry in the world today” (The New York Times Magazine), Jane Hirshfield is the author most recently of The Asking: New & Selected Poems (Knopf, 2023); two collections of essays; and four books collecting and co-translating world poets from the deep past. Hirshfield’s honors include the Poetry Center Book Award, the California Book Award, and finalist selection for the National Book Critics Circle Award. Translated into seventeen languages, Hirshfield is a former chancellor of the Academy of American Poets and an elected member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.
Born in New Delhi, India, Vandana Khanna is a writer, educator, and editor. She is the author of three collections of poetry, Train to Agra, Afternoon Masala, and Burning Like Her Own Planet, as well as the chapbook, The Goddess Monologues. Her work has won the Crab Orchard Review First Book Prize, The Miller Williams Poetry Prize, the Diode Editions Chapbook Competition, and the Elinor Benedict Poetry Prize. She has been published widely in journals and anthologies such as The New Republic, Academy of American Poets’ Poem-a-Day, New England Review, Guernica, and The Penguin Book of Indian Poets.
J. Michael Martinez received the Walt Whitman Award from the Academy of American Poets for his first book, Heredities. His latest, In the Garden of the Bridehouse, is available from the University of Arizona Press. He is the poetry editor of NOEMI Press and his writings are anthologized in Ahsahta Press's The Arcadia Project: North American Postmodern Pastoral, Rescue Press's The New Census: 40 American Poets, and Counterpath Press's Angels of the Americlypse: New Latin@ Writing.
Sam Sax is a queer, Jewish writer and educator. They're the author of Madness, winner of the National Poetry Series, and Bury It, winner of the James Laughlin Award from the Academy of American Poets. Their next book of poetry is Pig (Simon & Schuster, 2023). A two-time Bay Area Grand Slam Champion, they have poems published in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Poetry Magazine, Granta, and elsewhere. Sam has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation, Yaddo, Lambda Lit, and MacDowell, and is currently serving as an ITALIC Lecturer at Stanford University.
Preeti Vangani grew up in Mumbai, India and is the author of the poetry collection Mother Tongue Apologize (2019), selected as winner of the RL Poetry Prize. Her work has appeared in Threepenny Review, Gulf Coast, and Hobart, among other journals. She is the recipient of the 2022 PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers. An alumni of the program, she currently teaches at the MFA program at University of San Francisco.
D. A. Powell's books include Repast (Graywolf, 2014) and Useless Landscape, or A Guide for Boys (Graywolf, 2012), the latter a recipient of the Northern California Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award in Poetry. His honors include fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation, the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Prize, and the Shelley Memorial Award from the Academy of American Poets. He teaches at University of San Francisco.
McSweeney's, San Francisco
7 PM, Ages: All
$20
As part of their 25th Anniversary Year, Bay Area institution McSweeney’s hosts a special evening highlighting McSweeney’s first two and half decades. Come have drinks beforehand, enjoy riveting readings, and stay afterward to continue the celebration. Doors at 6pm, show at 7pm. $20 adv / door
Tim Heidecker is a comedian, writer, director, actor, and musician. With Eric Wareheim, he is a member of the comedy duo Tim & Eric, and has appeared in numerous films, including Bridesmaids (2011), Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie (2012), The Comedy (2012), Mister America (2019), and Us (2019). He currently co-hosts the parodic film review web series On Cinema and stars in the comedy series Decker alongside Gregg Turkington. Tim also hosts a weekly call-in show, Office Hours Live with longtime collaborators DJ Douggpound and Vic Berger. His most recent musical album is titled High School (2022).
Saturday, October 21st
Stow Lake Boathouse, San Francisco
7:30 PM, Ages: All
$35
About Lakehouse Jazz
Indulge in a truly unique and immersive music experience at Lakehouse Jazz. Our intimate concert series, nestled within the iconic Golden Gate Park, offers the perfect setting to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As Karl the Fog sets in and illuminates the lake, join us inside for an evening of influenced jazz music from the Bay Area's finest musicians, paired with a glass of wine or beer.
Not only will you enjoy an unforgettable night of live jazz, but your attendance also supports the local art scene and its musicians.
Experience the thrill of the unknown with our secret concert series, featuring new bands every Friday and Saturday. Discover a wide range of jazz styles, from 1920s swing to latin, funk, fusion, hip-hop, bossa, and original compositions. This concert series is produced by Mellow Sessions, ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this exclusive and intimate concert, considered the best-reviewed worldwide. Secure your tickets now and elevate your music experience to new heights!
About the venue
Located in the heart of SF's famous Golden Gate Park, there’s a lovely boathouse known only by a few locals. Every Friday we transform this space into a non-conventional intimate music venue. Nearby you can start off your evening by visiting the best Gold Gate Park has to offer. Our top favorites are the De Young Museum, the Japanese Garden, the Academy of Science, and of course a cruise around the Stow Lake on a paddleboat, perfect for a group party or a date!
Experience a one-of-a-kind night of live music in a unique setting, and make lasting memories with friends and loved ones. Don't miss out on this local secret, purchase your tickets now and get ready to be transported to an unforgettable night of music and beauty in the heart of San Francisco.
Alcazar Theater, San Francisco
8 PM, Ages: 12+
$35
Welcome to The Monster Bash, a Hauntingly Glamorous Halloween Cabaret Show! Step into a world where darkness and enchantment intertwine, as we present an unforgettable night of spine-chilling entertainment. 'It's a dead man's party, who could ask for more,' as Oingo Boingo once said. Prepare to be mesmerized by a fusion of music, dance, and theatrical performances, all set in a bewitching atmosphere that will leave you breathless.
Ghost aerialists float above, their ethereal forms twisting and twirling in breathtaking acrobatic displays, defying gravity itself. The emcee, a mysterious and charismatic figure, welcomes the audience to a night of thrills and seduction.
Throughout the evening, you'll witness captivating performances that blend the art of burlesque, cabaret, and cirque. Puppets with a sinister charm come to life, their movement, both enchanting and unsettling, as they tell haunting stories of the supernatural world. A zombie jazzercise instructor emerges, leading the audience through a drag-tastic routine that fuses pop culture with undead flair, creating a uniquely eerie and hilarious experience.
During the intermission of The Monster Bash, we invite all attendees to participate in the thrilling Costume Contest! Show off your creativity and dress to impress as your favorite spooky character or in a mesmerizing original costume. 'It's a dead man's party, who could ask for more,' as you compete for the title of the most extraordinary and captivating costume of the night.
Misfit Cabaret is a splendiferous variety show centered around magical music with a rotating cast of eccentric performers. From burlesque to drag to circus to magic, you never know what you're going to see (or what you're getting yourself into)!
For each new Misfit Cabaret, emcee Kat Robichaud writes two original songs keeping with the theme of the evening and plays them with her Darling Misfit band, as well as a special medley to kick off the evening and welcome in the spirits of San Francisco's saucy past
Featuring Kat Robichaud and The Darling Misfits as your hosts! Robichaud (who was a top 10 finalist on The Voice) has incredible vocals that effortlessly balance everything from razor wit to raw emotion, and the Darling Misfits completely nail the nuances of bombastic, arena-sized rock n' roll that would make Queen proud.
Join us this October for the musical whirlwind sensation that is Misfit Cabaret!
Sunday, October 22nd
37th Between Ortega and Pacheco, San Francisco
9 AM, Ages: All
Free
A weekly market featuring farmers, ranchers, food artisans, live music, children’s activities, vendors, makers, merchants, artists, and local organizations. Explore all the amazing local businesses surrounding the farmers market at sunsetstrong.com.
You can find us every Sunday 9am-2pm year round on 37th avenue/Ortega and every Wednesday 3pm-7pm (June to August)
Getting There
Muni: Lines 7, 29, 48
Unlike most of San Francisco, street parking is usually fairly easy surrounding the market.
Every Sunday
Typically 25+ vendors
Seasonal tastings
Live Music
Kids Storytelling
Weekly activities and fun
The Wednesday and Sunday Outer Sunset Farmers Market & Mercantile features ranchers, local farm fresh produce, unique artisan foods, delicious pop-up eateries, talented makers, local merchants, live music and an extensive Fun Zone for all ages.
Eat, drink, shop, play, connect and be local at our Wednesday and Sunday markets under the trees! www.sunsetmercantilesf.com for more details.
Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito
1 PM, Ages: All
$15
Join us for the grand finale of our Summer BBQ Series, where we're bringing the spirit of Oktoberfest to life! Get ready to experience a feast of epic proportions as we celebrate Cavallo Point's own version of this iconic German tradition.
Upon arrival, be transported to the heart of Germany as the Barbara Deutsch Oktoberfest Trio treats you to the lively sounds of traditional German folk music. Sink your teeth into grilled bratwurst topped with tangy sauerkraut, succulent grilled chicken and savory German vegan meatballs for that authentic Oktoberfest experience. The celebration would not be complete without a side of German potato salad and other delicious sides, perfectly seasoned to complement the flavors of the grill. We’ll feature a fantastic selection of craft beer and wine available for purchase and for our younger guests, we’ll have a special kids' menu plus a pumpkin decorating activity to celebrate the Halloween spirit!
Embark on a local artisan marketplace adventure, where you can shop and support several talented local vendors, including Christina Choi Cosmetics, Caitlin Greene Jewelry, Ellie’s Essential Blends, 8 Days BotanicalBird of Virtue and more!
We hope you can join us at Cavallo Point as we close out the season with this truly unforgettable event!
Pumpkin Decorating Workshop
$20/child (12 & under); at the door. Space is limited
Please note that Valet Parking is available and Self-Parking is complimentary.
Menu
Mains (choice of one)
Grilled Bratwurst - stout gravy, sauerkraut
Grilled Organic Chicken - mustard glaze
German Vegan Meatballs - mushroom gravy
Sides (choice of two)
German Potato Salad - grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, herb
Macaroni Salad - olives and hard cooked eggs
Marinated Grilled Vegetables
Cucumber Salad - dill, fennel seed, vegan yogurt
Late Harvest Tomato and Baby Green Salad - red onion, beets, blue cheese, mustard dressing
Kid's Menu (choice of one)
BBQ Grilled Chicken Breast on a bun
Frankfurter on a bun
Includes watermelon, chips and fruit drink
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