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Best Bay Area Events for 8/1-8/7

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Through his beautifully insane character Pee-Wee Herman, Paul Reubens let a generation of us know it was not just ok to be weird, but something to revel in. And so we created this shirt to honor him. A percentage of every sale will go to Larkin Street Youth Services.

 

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By Jerucifer, Arts & Events Editor

Hope you’re ready for a heck of a week! It is STACKED with some really fun stuff. I know I will be getting out and about this week for sure for the Ghost concert!! Maybe I’ll see you there?
Here’s what I’m most excited about for the week of 8/1…

 

Partners’ Events

Outside Lands Music Festival
8/11-8/13 | Golden Gate Park, SF | 11 am | $215+

Outside Lands (formerly known as the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival) is a music, food and art festival held annually in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.  Outside Lands 2023 will mark the 15th anniversary of the festival, with a stacked lineup of performers as well as stellar food and drink offerings.


This Week’s Events

Tuesday, 8/1

Who’s That?
8/1 | Yoshi’s | 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland | 7:30 pm | $20-25

With witty wordplay & wild dance moves, Charlie “the pun king” Spink has been making waves on Comedy stages for multiple decades. The Pun king has partnered with the Who Is That? comedy campaign to film his first special in Oakland at Yoshi’s in front of his hometown ‘pun’ supporters.

Lime Cordiale
8/1 | The New Parish | 1743 San Pablo Ave, Oakland | 8 pm | $30

Lime Cordiale are an Australian pop rock group formed in 2009. It consists of brothers Oli and Louis Leimbach, with additional members James Jennings, Felix Bornholt and Nicholas Polovineo.

Killer Workout
8/1 | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema | 2550 Mission St, SF | 9:30 pm | $10

KILLER WORKOUT is unequivocally awesome. Ultra-cheap, immersed in continuity errors, and straining to make sense of events that require no explanation, the film is a benchmark of what passed for “entertainment” in 1986. Prior even forgets to show us how a few people get killed. They just disappear. The entire experience can be summarized thusly: women aerobicizing, kill scene, women aerobicizing, kill scene, bodybuilder brawl, locker room sex, women aerobicizing, kill scene, bodybuilder brawl, surprise ending, women aerobicizing. That is a lot of aerobicizing.

Pike Vs The Automaton
8/1 | Thee Stork Club | 23230 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 8:30 pm | $18

The Automaton, in Greek mythology, is the big robot that’s the guardian of the Gods, basically. It’s a soulless, big machine named Talos. The big machine that’s working against mankind at this moment. In ‘Jason and the Argonauts’, Jason and the Argonauts have to battle this big machine guy that protects the island.

Wednesday, 8/2


Silhouette
8/2 | The Hub RWC | 2650 Broadway, RWC | 7:30 pm | $20-25

The Bay Area is host to a bevy of scintillating stripteasers, larger-than-life drag artists, and gravity defying cirque performers … and we are bringing them to you in Redwood City!

The Batman
8/2-8/3 | Davies Symphony Hall | 201 Van Ness Ave, SF | 7:30 pm | $45-165

Two years of stalking the streets as the Batman, striking fear into the hearts of criminals, has led Bruce Wayne deep into the shadows of Gotham City. Experience the caped crusader like never before as the SF Symphony performs Michael Giacchino’s captivating score alongside the film.

Ghost Re-Imperatour U.S.A. Tour
8/2 | Concord Pavilion | 2000 Kirker Pass Rd, Concord | 7:30 pm | $30+

Ghost is the name of a devil worshipping ministry, that in order to spread its unholy gospels and, furthermore, trick mankind into believing the end is ultimately a good thing, have decided to use the ever so popular rock music medium as a way to achieve their ends. Standing motionless and anonymous beneath the painted faces, hoods and robes which their sect demand, the six nameless ghouls of Ghost deliver litanies of sexually pulsating heavy rock music and romantic lyrics, which glorify and glamorize the disgusting and sacrilegious, with the simple intention to communicate a message of pure evil via the most effective device they can find: Entertainment.


The Moth StorySLAM – BACK TO SCHOOL
8/2 | Freight & Salvage | 2020 Addison St, Berkeley | 7 pm | $15

Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has presented thousands of stories told live and without notes.

Moth shows are renowned for the great range of human experience they showcase. Each show starts with a theme, and the storytellers explore it, often in unexpected ways. Since each story is true and every voice authentic, the shows dance between documentary and theater, creating a unique, intimate, and often enlightening experience for the audience.

Thursday, 8/3

Roller Disco
8/3 | The Midway | 900 Marin St, SF | 7 pm | $23

Get ready to lace up your roller skates and groove to the rhythm as the iconic Church of 8 Wheels and Beats Drop Cancer join forces to present an electrifying Roller Disco Skate Night at The Midway! Skate rentals will be available on site! UNLEASH YOUR INNER SKATER! Step into a world where disco vibes meet the thrill of roller skating. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a newbie on wheels, this event promises an exhilarating experience for all. Glide across the dance floor, feel the wind in your hair, and let the rhythm guide your moves as you embark on a night of pure skating euphoria.

The Smashing Pumpkins w/ Stone Temple Pilots, Rival Sons
8/3 | Shoreline Ampitheater | 1 Ampitheater Pkwy, SJ | 6:30 pm | $40-150

Alt-rock icons The Smashing Pumpkins are recognized for their amalgam of progressive rock, heavy metal, goth, psychedelia, and dream pop; a layered, powerful style driven by swirling, distorted guitars that churned beneath lead singer/songwriter Billy Corgan’s angst-ridden lyrics. One of the most visible bands of ’90s, alongside grunge acts like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, the Smashing Pumpkins achieved mainstream success over the decade with classic releases Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.


ROYALES – Spaghetti Western Drag Show
8/3 | El Rio | 3158 Mission St, SF | 8 pm | $10-15

Let’s have a yeeeehawww to kick off August! Channel your inner Sergio Leone and grab that cowboy hat for this all-BIPOC Drag King Show at El Rio. You don’t want to miss this rootin’ and tootin’ gang of sharp-shooting kings! ROYALES is the only all-BIPOC Drag King Show in the Bay, here to showcase incredible Black, Indigenous, Latine, API drag kings.

MAMA TITS: Por Qué No?! Life is short!
8/3 | Oasis | 298 11th St, SF | 7 pm | $35-45

Mama Tits is the creation of singer, improvisational comedian and drag entertainer, Brian Peters. Since first hitting the stage at the young age of 5 this diva has been WERKing it professionally on the cabaret scene for the past 12 years. Originally hailing from Seattle Washington, Mama Tits has graced stages across the globe to the delight of her adoring fans! Known for her buttery smooth vocals and naughty yet witty humor, Mama T. also likes to inspire her audiences with a message reminding them that they are perfect just the way they are.

Movies on the Square: Minions: The Rise of Gru
8/3 | Redwood City Courthouse Square | 2200 Broadway, Redwood City | 6 pm | free

In the 1970s, 12-year-old Gru schemes and plots (with the help of the Minions) to become a member of the Vicious 6, an infamous group of supervillains. Chaos, adventure, and hilarity ensue after he manages to steal a valuable object from their headquarters.

 

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Friday, 8/4


STS9
8/4-8/5 | The Quarry Ampitheater | 1156 High St, Santa Cruz | 6 pm | $50+

STS9’s innate sense of innovation is grounded by the group’s desire to forge universal connections. Seamlessly integrating their exploratory and improvisation-based music with a fully immersive light show, each performance is a transcendent celebration of humanity. The group continues to find ways to build community, consistently spearheading charitable efforts and founding its own independent record label, 1320 Records.


Emo Night Brooklyn
8/4 | Social Hall | 1270 Sutter St, SF | 10 pm | $30

Emo Night Brooklyn was founded by two best friends, Ethan and Alex, who grew up listening to music, going to shows, and having some epic parties together. The first ENB was in a packed basement in local Williamsburg bar Cameo. The party proved to be one of the best nights of our lives, and it instantly grew to a New York monthly staple, moving the party to larger venues such as Brooklyn Bowl and Irving Plaza.

Titanic’s End Burning Man Pre-Party + Fundraiser
8/4 | The Great Northern | 119 Utah St, SF | 9:30 pm | $25+

Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of the playa with an evening filled with music, mesmerizing lasers, captivating art, special performances, and non-stop fun. Get ready to dance the night away to the incredible beats of DJ ORSO, DREVO, and Tergel. Marvel at the breathtaking aerialist performance on the hoop, and let your style shine with Titanic’s End flash tats to add an extra sparkle to your look. For the bold and daring, indulge in the opportunity to get a real tattoo of Titanic’s End, leaving a lasting mark of this unforgettable event. So, de-dust your most fabulous Burning Man outfits and bring your sexiest look as we get ready for the burn this year.

(G)I Dle
8/4 | Bill Graham Civic Auditorium | 99 Grove St, SF | 6:30 pm | $71+

K-pop group fusing international influences with strong individualist tendencies.

TOKiMONSTA
8/4 | 1015 Folsom | 1015 Folsom St, SF | 10 pm | $35+

Born and raised in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, TOKiMONSTA (Jennifer Lee) was an unfocused pupil of classical piano. However, she has come to use this background to create vast textural soundscapes by utilizing live instruments, percussion, digital manipulation, and dusty vinyl. Through the creation of beats, she is able to fuse vintage sounds with progressive styles into something unique.

Saturday, 8/5

Grand Opening!
8/5 | Enterprise Brewing | 1150 Howard St, SF | 1 pm | free

The grand opening will be celebrated throughout August. Events will feature beer and food pop-ups and collaborations, including: Outta Sight Pizza, Rize Up Bakery, Hapa’s Brewing, and Anchor Workers Union. Located in the vibrant SoMa neighborhood, Enterprise Brewing aims to recapture the spirit of the past while providing a welcoming space for people to connect and create together.

The Murder City Devils
8/5 | Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 9 pm | $29-33

The Murder City Devils are a Seattle-based punk band who like their music fierce, raw, and powerful, with a garage rock edge in the melodies and a muscular approach that recalls old-school punk favorites the Misfits and the Dead Boys, but with a dark edge that shakes off any accusations of hipster nostalgia-mongering.

50 First Dates
8/5 | The Cut Outdoor Cinema | 250 Main St, SF | 8:30 pm | $14-27

Henry Roth is a man afraid of commitment until he meets the beautiful Lucy.

Dance Party at the Paramount
8/5 | Paramount Theater | 2025 Broadway, Oakland | 8 pm | $25-45

We’re back for another season of Shiru Presents and kicking off our 2nd year in style! For this very special edition, we’re taking over the grand lobby of the iconic Paramount Theatre and transforming it into a never-been-done-before dance music experience with DJ sets by Space Ghost, GAHR and Lil Sur. We’re also excited to work with BASS again to bring a monster stack of Funktion Ones to the party.

Afro Rave
8/5 | The New Parish | 1743 San Pablo Ave, Oakland | 10 pm | $20

Oakland’s hottest monthly afropop event is touching down inside the New Parish Saturday August 5th. Join our resident djs – Juan G, KOKO, TieDye Trippin – as they take on a journey through the various genres of African dance music. With multiple rooms activated, come experience what Africa sounds like today.

Electric Feels: Indie Rock + Indie Dance Party
8/5 | Regency Ballroom | 1290 Sutter St, SF | 8:30 pm | $14-27

Electric Feels is an experiential party from Los Angeles that plays a ridiculously fun blend of Indie Rock + Indie Dance music. We promote the music we play and an emphasis on the experience you have while listening to it. We work hard to make this as unique, inclusive and fun as possible for everyone that attends with our stage production, awesome DJs, live elements, special guests & more. It’s a party with a festival feel. It’s not about who’s on stage. It’s about what you feel and who you’re with in the crowd. It’s made from the moments we get lost in. Bring a friend or make one here and just let loose. All are welcome. We’re excited to join you.

Sunday, 8/6

Thank You Come Again, Drainer, Grosero + More
8/6 | Kilowatt Bar | 3160 16th St, SF | 8 pm | free

Thank You Come Again – featuring Drainer, Grosero, Warp, and George Crustanza.

Philip Labes
8/6 | Bottom of the Hill | 1233 17th St, SF | 7 pm | $20

Philip Labes, Noah Libby, and Jane Symmes.


THE 27th ANNUAL SF DRAG KING CONTEST

8/6 | Oasis | 298 11th St, SF | 7 pm | $25-55

THE 27th ANNUAL SF DRAG KING CONTEST A BENEFIT for PAWS + ROCKET DOG RESCUE. Reach for the stars w this year’s theme: MANifest.
This fierce and fun-fueled competition is guaranteed to be filled with head-to-head, two-fisted tomfoolery complete with dazzling makeup and costumes, larger than life pulsating pelvises, crowns, gowns, clowns and hounds.

 

Zine Fest 9 featuring: Asher Belsky/ Old Growth/ Rachel Barton
8/6 | Neck of the Woods | 406 Clement St, SF | 7 pm | $12

The Listening Dolls Presents: Zine Show 9 Featuring Asher Belsky, Old Growth, Rachel Barton.

 

Monday, 8/7

CatVideoFest 2023
8/7 | Roxie Theater | 3117 16th St, SF | 6:45 pm | $5-21

CatVideoFest is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. Each year, across the country, they partner with a cat-focused charity near the theater, with proceeds from each show helping folks like us to keep looking out for our furry friends.

Dark Alleys
8/7 | Mission Bowling Club | 3176 Mission St, SF | 6-10 pm | $10

Join us for DARKWAVE BOWLING!

Regina Spektor
8/7 | The Mountain Winery | 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga | 7:30 pm | $39+

Regina Spektor is synonymous with New York City. The Russian-Jewish-American singer, songwriter and pianist got her own Sign on the Bronx Walk of Fame. Spektor has performed at The White House as well as on Broadway, “Saturday Night Live” and contributed to many projects spanning film, television, and music including The Hamilton Mixtape.

Road Strip Burlesque Tour
8/7 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF | 8 pm | $10-15

The Road Strip Burlesque Tour makes its first stop in The Bay Area at Monday Night Hubba! Don’t miss this special showcase of top talent outta-town tease!


 

Rad Upcoming Events


8/9 | Slate Bar | Summer Singles Mixer

 

Don’t forget to check out our Big Bad List of Rad Ongoing Events right here!

 

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jerucifer

jerucifer

Arts & Events Editor. Single parent. Lover of Star Trek, Satan, live shows, and queer community! Wicked RBF. Bookworm.