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Summer is nearly upon us (or at least, the shuddering glimpse of summer we can expect here in the Bay) and with it comes all the trappings of the season – namely: PARTIES. Be they concerts, shows, festivals, neighborhood barbecues, or Memorial Day celebrations, you can party harder than Andrew W.K. this week – regardless of how YOU choose to party! Here’s what we’re most excited about for the week of 5/24/22….

This Week’s Giveaways

We Wanna Send You to See DIVA or Die!

We Wanna Send You to the 2022 US Air Guitar Regional Championship!

We Wanna Give You Roundtrip SF/Oakland Ferry Tix!

We Wanna Send You and a Friend to See Belle & Sebastian!

We Wanna Send You to the Ruckus & Rumpus Revival Block Party!

This Week’s Events

Wednesday, 5/25

Book Launch: gossypiin, by Ra Malika Imhotep
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission Street | Free with museum admission

A porch sit is a lyrical dialogue with loved ones and the environment you call home, a good ol’ Southern tradition of intimate talk and storytelling. Commemorating the publication of Ra Malika Imhotep’s gossypiin, this Bay Area porch sit will feature Imhotep along with Rev. Marvin K. White and Alan Peleaz Lopez for an evening of poetry, laughter, and healing gossip.

Down n’ Dirty with Flux Vertical Theatre

Doors at 8:00 pm, show at 9:00 pm | DNA Lounge, 375 11th Street | $10

Y’all trust me, right? Well listen up – you DO NOT WANT TO MISS this special, midweek showcase by the Bay Area’s premier pole-dance company, Flux Vertical Theatre! Thrill to the skills of these stunning performers as they bring dance, gymnastics, theater and circus arts to the pole, upstairs in the DNA’s swanky second-story clubhouse! Starring one of my favorite performers in the world, the sultry, Ms. K, along with a bevy of captivating talent, this intimate show is a must-see!

Psychadelic Porn Crumpets

8:00 pm | The Independent, 628 Divisadero Street | $18

Just like buying a bottle of wine based on the label art, checking out a band based on their ridiculous name has NEVER steered me wrong. Psychedelic Porn Crumpets offer some of the dankest soul-trance, rock-n-roll, jam-band vibes I never knew I wanted. With song titles like “Found God in a Tomato” and “Hymn for a Droid,” you know this show will be a good time – see them live tonight at The Independent!

Thursday, 5/26

Shut it Down: Protest for Abortion Rights!

1:00 pm | Intersection of 24th Street and Mission Street | Free

Overturn Roe? HELL NO! Join a nationwide walkout and protest in support of abortion rights today by leaving work at noon and meeting for a rally at 24th and Mission. Make your voice heard!

Friday, 5/27

Fun Stuff 

7:00 pm | Raining Chainsaws, 1789 Egbert Avenue, Second Floor | Free w/ registration

Fun Stuff is an evening of surprise! Whether it’s theater, storytelling, dance, or art, the curated show lineup is guaranteed to please. With the goal of bringing people together, this community-minded show is a great way to ease yourself back into the arts scene post-pandemic (IF you’re ready – no shame to those of us who still aren’t!)

Joya Night

Doors at 8:00 pm, show at 9:00 pm | Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 1710 Mission Street | $20

Yes, it’s yet another Burning Man fundraiser party! I can NEVER get enough of these, and I know you can’t either. Featuring Meet Matter, Orbital Gaucho, Ale Vizio, and Juan Catalano, you’ll be entertained and inspired to move to the beat all night long!

Saturday, 5/28

44th Annual Carnaval San Francisco

Today and Tomorrow, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm | Harrison Street, between 16th and 24th Street | Free

The beloved Carnaval SF is back, baby! This free, two–day festival covers 17 blocks in the Mission District, with five main stages, 50 local performing artists, and 400 vendors. The festival includes international food, dancing, sampling sites and entertainment for families, couples and friends of all ethnic, social and economic backgrounds.

Y2K Divas’ Ball

9:30 pm | The Great Northern, 119 Utah Street | $5-15

Dust off those platforms and grab your fuzzy boa – it’s time to live out your y2k DIVA fantasy. Get ready for a night of iconic tunes by the pop queens you know and love including Mariah, Christina, Rhianna, Britney, JLo, Lady Gaga and more. Come early and stay late because there’ll be themed drag performances, aerialists, a photo booth, and more surprises in store!

Sunday, 5/29

Sunday Matinee: Maya Songbird, Matias Anaya, Lu Coy, Mirza Phool

2:00 pm – 6:00 pm | The Golden Bull, 412 14th Street, Oakland | $12

BFF.FM & BAQVAS present an afternoon of music celebrating experimental pop, electronic, and folk! With a  focus on queer and trans artists, you owe it to yourself to experience this joyful explosion of sound!

Polyglamorous Memorial Day Weekend

9:00 pm | Public Works, 161 Erie Street | $15-25

Polyglamorous is back at Public Works for another full house of festivities! Taking over both floors with two powerhouse talents – Leonce and Brown Amy – there’s no better way to spend your Memorial Day Weekend!

Monday, 5/30

Summer of Darkness: The Films of John Carpenter

10:00 pm | Alamo Drafthouse New Mission Theatre, 2550 Mission Street | $16.75

The sky is blue, water is wet, and John Carpenter is the greatest American genre stylist of the past 50 years. His oft-bleak, wry, and impeccably-crafted pop gems ran through an increasingly conservative 1980s, leaving a trail of cinematic carnage in its wake. This year, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, celebrate some of his finest in grand fashion at the New Mission. Tonight kicks the whole thing off with Carpenter’s very first feature film, Dark Star!

Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, 6/2 – The Ruckus and Rumpus Revival Block Party

And don’t forget to check out our Big Bad List of Rad ongoing events right here!