Best Bay Area Events 7/16-8/5
This Literary Magazine Release Party Will be Epic!
In case you haven’t heard, we just put out an incredible literary magazine called The Dreams I Dreamt: Letters to San Francisco. We’re giving out FREE copies plus, we’re buying beer for the first 200 people. Find out more and RSVP right here.
Tash Sultana Live
by Vanessa Gil, Arts & Events Editor
You guys. I went to my first show at the outdoor venue at Meritage Resort in Napa. Not only is the venue amazing, (think music festival vibes without the chaos of moving through the crowds), but I got to see Tash Sultana! They are an amazing musician and a must-see in person. So happy I got to experience a magical show in a great atmosphere. But that was last week… Here’s what I’m excited for the week of 7/16 and beyond.
Our Partners Events
Hubba Hubba Revue: Super Action Burlesque!
7/21 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF | 7 p.m. | $15-$30
Buckle up and hang on tight, ‘cuz San Francisco’s world-famous burlesque & variety show is taking you on an explosive, heart-pounding, top speed, high caliber thrill-ride of tease! And this time… it’s personal! Get your tickets here.
Paws for Pinot
7/21 | EPIC Steak | 369 The Embarcadero, SF | 12 p.m. | $103.22
Come Join us for what is essentially a big party on the Embarcadero on the Patio in front of Epic Steak. Featuring delicious food, Fantastic wines (especially pinots), beer, cocktails, live music , games and much much more! Proceeds go to Guide Dogs for the Blind. Tickets are all inclusive: all you can eat all you can drink. Find out more here.
UNICORN, Bi/Pan Femme Comedy – By Safe Words Queer Comedy Showcase
7/24 | SF Eagle | 398 12th St, SF | 7 p.m. Doors | Pay what you can/$15-$25 suggested
Join us this July for UNICORN, bisexual femme comedy! We’re welcoming back the incredible Emily Van Dyke, headlining for the first time since releasing her hour-long special Feeling Myself. Our lineup also features the hilarious Ashley Monique, the sharp-witted Adrianna McCain, the delightful Ivy Vasquez, and the ever-entertaining Natasha Vinik. Find out more here.
Listen to This Week’s Spotify Playlist
Listen to this week’s playlist so you can sample upcoming bands and comedians listed in this newsletter.
This Week’s Events 7/16-7/22
Tuesday 7/16
James Vincent McMorrow
7/16 | The Chapel | 777 Valencia St, SF | 8 p.m. | $32-$35, All ages
Irish singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, James Vincent McMorrow, returns with his seventh full-length album Wide Open, Horses. The opener and single “Never Gone” hinges on finger-picked guitar, soft tambourine, and steady handclaps as he wonders, “Cuz what the fuck are any of us really doing here? Do we even exist at all?”
Talib Kweli + Skyzoo
7/16 | The Ritz | 400 S 1st St, San Jose | 7 p.m. | $35-$40
After nearly 20 years of releasing mesmerizing music, The Brooklyn-based MC earned his stripes as one of the most lyrically-gifted, socially aware and politically insightful rappers.
Wednesday 7/17
The Rolling Stones
7/17 | Levi’s Stadium | 4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara | 7:30 p.m. | $31.50-$592
Fans can expect to experience Mick, Keith and Ronnie play their most popular hits ranging from “Start Me Up,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Satisfaction” and more, as well as fan favorite deep cuts and music from their new album HACKNEY DIAMONDS.
Hootie & the Blowfish
7/17 | Shoreine Amphitheatre | One Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View | 7 p.m. | $39.75-$179.75
Iconic pop-rock band Hootie & the Blowfish return to the road in 2024, as the foursome sets out on the Summer Camp with Trucks Tour featuring special guests Collective Soul and Edwin McCain.
Thursday 7/18
SF Art Book Fair 2024
7/18-7/21 | Minnesota Street Project | 1275 Minnesota St, SF | 10 a.m. | Free, All ages
The San Francisco Art Book Fair (SFABF) is pleased to announce its seventh year at Minnesota Street Project’s contemporary art campus. Open July 19 through July 21, 2024, with a preview the evening of July 18, the SFABF is a free annual multi-day exhibition and celebration of printed material from independent publishers, artists, designers, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world.
Classical Mystery Tour: A Symphonic Tribute To The Beatles
7/18 | Davies Symphony Hall | 201 Van Ness Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $29-$129
Relive the magic with an evening of The Beatles’ greatest hits, transcribed note-for-note and performed as originally recorded, with four musicians who look and sound just like the original Fab Four! This special show features the set played by The Beatles on their first North American tour in 1964 (which launched at San Francisco’s Cow Palace), in addition to selected favorites alongside the San Francisco Symphony.
Aries Spears
7/18-7/20 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $30.25
Ever since New York native Aries Spears was 14 years old, he has been a force to be reckoned with in the comedy scene throughout America. His quick wit, charisma and ferociously aggressive style of comedy have earned him critical acclaim, high accolades, and above all, a busy schedule.
Friday 7/19
Taylor Tomlinson
7/19-7/20 | Punch Line SF | 444 Battery St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $40.25, 18+
New York Magazine says, “Watching Tomlinson gives you the same comfort as a Swift concert or a Broadway show that’s been on for years. This is a professional. This performance will be ultraproduced. You do not need to be anxious,” and the Los Angeles Times observes, “Even when she’s navigating painful waters, she can’t help but find the humor… her wit and pinpoint delivery reveal both an incisive writer and also a talented actor.”
Illenium
7/19-7/20 & 7/26-7/27 | Bill Grahm Civic Auditorium | 99 Grove St, SF | 7 p.m. Doors | $69.50, 18+
Nick Miller’s 10-year run as dance producer ILLENIUM has been nothing short of astounding. From humble bass beginnings to chart-topping crossover success and more than 8 billion global streams, the ILLENIUM sound has been honed into an adrenaline-rush style that fits heartfelt ballads, growling drops, emotional acoustic moments and ecstatic explosions alike.
Katchafire
7/19 | The UC Theatre | 2036 University Ave, Berkeley | 8 p.m. | $37.50
Hailing from New Zealand, KATCHAFIRE have crafted a universal vibe within their music building off the foundations of classic roots reggae, R’n’B, funk and modern dancehall whilst fusing it together with catchy pop, infectious grooves and uplifting vibes.
Saturday 7/20
Sunny War w/ Diana Gameros
7/20 | Radium Runway | 2151 Ferry Point, Alameda | 2 p.m. Doors | $20-$49, All Ages
Discover Radium Runway, Alameda Point’s captivating open-air arts hub, where intimate concerts, eclectic festivals, and one-of-a-kind events come to life. Set against a stunning waterfront backdrop, this vibrant destination promises an unforgettable experience.
Nico Santos
7/20 | The Independent | 628 Divisdero St, SF | 8 p.m. | $27.50-$40
Born and raised in the Philippines, Actor and Comedian Nico Santos began his entertainment career performing stand-up in San Francisco, becoming a popular fixture in the Bay Area comedy scene. He is best known for portraying “Oliver T’sien” in the film Crazy Rich Asians, as well “Mateo” on Superstore. Nico can be currently seen stress eating carbs on his couch watching trashy TV while contemplating the delicate nature of our existence.
Ellen’s Last Stand… Up
7/20 & 7/21 | The Masonic | 111 California St, SF | 8 p.m. | $82-$359
As a beloved television icon and entertainment pioneer, Ellen DeGeneres has a distinctive comedic voice that has resonated with audiences from her first stand-up comedy appearance through her work today on television, in film, and in the literary world. Ellen is best known for hosting 19 seasons of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which earned 64 Daytime Emmy® Awards, including 12 for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show, crowning it the record holder in this category.
Sunday 7/21
3rd Annual Fiesta Alameda
7/21 | Radium Runway | 2151 Ferry Point, Alameda | 12 p.m. | Free-$75
Alameda-based arts organization, West End Arts District, is thrilled to announce the third annual Fiesta Alameda, a free one-day festival celebrating Latin music, dance, culture, food, and drinks. Taking place at the Radium Runway (Alameda Point) with its unique views of the San Francisco Bay, the crowd will be jumping to the beats of regional Latin performers.
Monday 7/22
Vansire
7/22 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 8 p.m. | $25/advance, $30/door
Vansire is the chillwave-inspired project of multi-instrumentalists Sam Winemiller and Josh Augustin. Their music, inspired by the driftless region of Minnesota and travels across America, features dance-imbued earworms, vintage synthesizers, and ambient soundscapes.
The Week of 7/23-7/29
Tuesday, 7/23
John Legend: A Night Of Songs & Stories w/ The SF Symphony
7/23 & 7/24 | Davies Symphony Hall | 201 Van Ness Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $199-$599
This special performance will feature songs and stories with 12-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend, alongside the San Francisco Symphony. Experience intimate reimaginings of his greatest hits, unexpected stories from Legend’s life and career, and selections from his most recent release LEGEND.
Wednesday, 7/24
Chelsea F.C. vs. Wrexham AFC
7/24 | Levi’s Stadium | 4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara | 7 p.m. | $66+
Chelsea F.C. is one of the most successful and storied soccer teams in the world. Nicknamed “The Blues,” the West London based club has captured 6 Premier League titles and won the UEFA Champions League trophy twice, most recently in 2021. Chelsea F.C. has a star-studded roster including midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer, Forward Raheem Sterling, and Defender Reece James.
Thursday, 7/25
2024 DIVA Extravaganza
7/25-7/27 | Lost Church SF | 988 Coumbus Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. Doors | $28.52+
It’s time to heat up San Francisco with some delectable DIVAs during the 2024 DIVA Extravaganza! Join us at The Lost Church on July 25, 26 and 27 for fun and flirty evenings with three uniquely themed shows at the Lost Church’s sultriest festival!
Barbie The Movie: In Concert™
7/25 | Shoreline Amphitheatre | One Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View | 8 p.m. | $25-$99.50
Barbie The Movie: In Concert™ is a live-to-film concert experience produced by Overture Global Entertainment that will bring Warner Bros. Pictures’ feature film Barbie—Mattel Film’s first theatrical production—to life with live music from The Barbie Land Sinfonietta, a special presentation from Orchestrator and Executive Producer Macy Schmidt’s all-women and majority women-of-color orchestra.
Flow World Tour – Anime Shibari 2024-2025
7/25 | San Jose Civic Center | 135 W San Carlos St, San Jose | 8 p.m. | $50
Japanese rock band Flow, known for countless anime song contributions, has announced the band’s largest-ever and first five-continent tour in its history: “Flow World Tour – Anime Shibari 2024-2025”. The tour title “Anime Shibari”, meaning “Anime-only” in Japanese, denotes that they will only perform the numerous songs that Flow has contributed to Japanese animation. Many of Flow’s most popular songs will be performed, including songs from “Naruto,” “Code Geass,” “Dragon Ball Z” and more.
Greg Koch ft. Koch Marshall Trio
7/25 | Cornerstone | 2367 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley | 8 p.m. | $21-$25, All ages
Guitar great Steve Vai, who released Koch’s 2001 album The Grip on his own Favored Nations label, heaped praise on his fellow guitarist: “Greg Koch is one of those rare guitarists that can blend various styles with a light-hearted approach and a tremendous amount of technique. Hearing him play is inspiring to a guitar player to try to achieve greatness on the instrument.”
Kinky Dirty Talk w/ Tina Horn
7/25 | Good Vibrations Polk | 1620 Polk St, SF | 5 p.m. | $20
Join professional smack talker Tina Horn as we share basic tools for great dirty talk and discuss the importance of desire and boundary communication for kinky play. You will gain something from this class whether or not you identify as kinky and/or queer, and regardless of your gender.
65th Ever Bay Area Pun-Off
7/25 | Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $25
The Bay Area Pun-Off is a bi-monthly sold-out San Francisco comedy staple: holding together a diverse community of wordplayers and countless unfortunate bystanders (and sitters). Bolstered by groans, eye rolls, and the ever-sought-after double-handed facepalm, we enter our 7th year with equal parts ironic triumph and gleeful apology.
Friday, 7/26
Sasha
7/26 | The Great Northern | 119 Utah St, SF | 9:30 p.m. | $30, 21+
North Wales native Sasha became one of the world’s most renowned and popular DJs, known for populist fusions of house, techno, and trance.
Pretty In Kink
7/26 | Public Works | 161 Erie St, SF | 10 p.m. | $25-$55
Kick off your Dore Weekend with the GlamCocks at Public Works for another edition of Pretty in Kink, where glam meets kink in an electrifying blend of queer joy, sexy beats, and untamed creativity!
Friday Nights at OMCA w/ The Whoadees
7/26 | Oakland Museum of California | 1000 Oak St, Oakland | 4 p.m. | Free
July’s final addition to Friday Nights at OMCA brings The Whoadees to the Garden stage! Self-described as “a gumbo of styles and sounds from around the globe including roots sounds of world music, Hip Hop, funk, and jazz,” the Whoadees stay true to their Bay Area roots by bringing a fusion of multiple genres to the mix inspiring you to dance or simply close your eyes and be filled with soulful sounds.
Saturday, 7/27
Gorgon City Block Party
7/27 | The Midway | 900 Marin St, SF | 3 p.m. | $50-$149.95, 21+
Gorgon City Block Party at The Midway with special guest Bob Moses (Club Set) + Ross From Friends, Shermanology, Azzecca, Riordan, Jackie Hollander, + more.
Parks4All: Brewfest 2024
7/27 | Civil War Parade Ground – Presidio | Graham St, SF | 12 p.m. | $50
Step into an afternoon of joy at the Presidio of San Francisco, where you’re invited to savor delightful brews from local breweries while supporting outdoor recreation right on the Civil War Parade Grounds, nestled next to the scenic Presidio Tunnel Tops.
SF Live: Sudan Archives
7/27 | Crane Cove Park | 18th St & Illinois St, SF | 12 p.m. | Free, All ages
As Sudan Archives, Brittney Parks has combined left-field strains of R&B, hip-hop, and experimental electronic music with hypnotic string loops and the fiddling style of West Africa, as heard on her critically acclaimed album Natural Brown Prom Queen (2022).
J. Espinosa
7/27 | Temple | 540 Howard St, SF | 10 p.m. | Free before 11 w/ RSVP, 21+
J. Espinosa is a highly skilled DJ known for his party-rocking style and unwavering dedication to his craft. In addition to his impressive list of accomplishments, J. Espinosa remains the Red Bull 3Style World Champion. With his diverse musical repertoire and precision mixing skills, J. Espinosa never fails to leave the dance floor shaking. Whether it’s hip-hop, R&B, dance music, or any other genre, J. Espinosa’s champion sound is sure to get the party started.
History of the Bay Podcast
7/27 | Brick & Mortar Music Hall | 1710 Mission St, SF | 8 p.m. | $15-$100
Welcome to ‘History of the Bay,’ the ultimate podcast delving into the vibrant world of Bay Area culture, hosted by rapper and graffiti artist Dregs One. Dregs explores the Bay’s roots through conversations with rappers, DJs, producers, street artists, journalists, designers, photographers, activists and more. ‘History of the Bay’ shines a spotlight on the people who have made a global impact from San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Richmond, and beyond.
Sunday, 7/28
Lake Street Dive
7/28 | Greek Theatre | 2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley | 5:30 p.m. Doors | $49.50-$59.50, All ages
As a band, Lake Street Dive epitomizes democracy in action: the group, expanded into a quintet since touring keyboardist Akie Bermiss officially joined in 2017, share writing and arrangement duties. Their personalities, skills, and wide-ranging taste in pop, rock, R&B, and jazz have long blended together to make an impressively cohesive sound, both sophisticated and playful, combining retro influences with contemporary attitude.
Monday, 7/29
Gossip
7/29 | The UC Theatre | 2036 University Ave, Berkeley |8 p.m. | $52.02
Real Power, pioneering Northwest trio Gossip’s first album since 2012, finds Beth Ditto, Nathan Howdeshell and Hannah Blilie back together and reunited with super producer Rick Rubin, who helmed their 2009 opus Music For Men.The result is a comeback of magnum force that celebrates the galvanizing might of music, the joy of creative expression, and the power of chosen family in the aftermath of collective and personal trauma.
The Week of 7/30-8/5
Tuesday 7/30Arushi Jain
7/30 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 8 p.m. | $25/advance, $28/doorArushi Jain is a modular synthesist, singer, producer, radio host and engineer with an unorthodox vision of a centuries-old tradition – one that’s electronic and resolutely DIY. Her compositions are inspired by Hindustani classical ragas, explored in an aesthetic that is contemporary and current.
7/30 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7 p.m. | $30.25Binchtopia podcast hosts Julia Hava and Eliza McLamb guide you through our current cultural hellscape, share sociological and psychological perspectives on pop culture, and deconstruct everything you’ve ever loved. Come have a laugh with us through the end times of late stage capitalism!
7/31 | El Rio | 3158 Mission St, SF | 8 p.m. | $15 suggested donationJoin us to experience the extraordinary power of music, raise vibrations, and change our City together. VIBE SHIFT with performances by indie rock icon, Kelley Stoltz, and with jammin’ cover band, The Barney’s.
Thursday 8/1
Patton Oswalt
8/1-8/3 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7 p.m. | $50.25
A comedian, actor, and writer, Patton Oswalt continues to find success in all areas of entertainment. From his Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated comedy specials to his many memorable film roles and guest appearances on his favorite TV shows, Oswalt continues to choose work that inspires him and entertain audiences.
DJ Qbert
8/1 | Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 8 p.m. | $27-$30
DJ QBert, born Richard Quitevis, is widely regarded as the most highly skilled skratching dj that has walked this planet. His long-standing career of innovating the DJ culture has set off a worldwide generation of DJs who are now regarded as musicians and not just DJs that play records, from A-Trak to C2C to Z-Trip; they would testify to DJ QBert’s influence in their sound and successful careers.
The Trailblazing Music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, & Carly Simon
8/1 | Davies Symphony Hall | 201 Van Ness Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $35-$275
Experience the unforgettable songs of three of the most influential and iconic artists of the last 50 years as the SF Symphony performs the music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon, curated by Ted Sperling. Together with guest vocalists, the Symphony presents a journey through the heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies that have shaped generations.
Friday 8/2
Ben Schwartz & Friends
8/2 | The Masonic | 1111 California St, SF | 8 p.m. | $49.50-$74.50
Ben Schwartz & Friends is an improv comedy show that features Ben Schwartz and other improvisers, including Eugene Cordero, Brandon Scott Jones, and Jess McKenna. At the start of each show, Schwartz asks an audience member a question to inspire an hour of improv.
Olivia Rodrigo – GUTS world tour
8/2 & 8/3 | Chase Center | 1 Warriors Way, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $49.50-$199.50
Multi-platinum, three-time Grammy award-winning artist Olivia Rodrigo announced her highly anticipated GUTS world tour. Following the incredible success of her 2022 debut tour The SOUR Tour, the GUTS world tour will be Olivia’s first arena tour.
Yeah, Whatever – Smooth Comedy for a Rough Era
8/2 | Gilman Brewing Company | 912 Gilman St, Berkeley | 7:30 p.m. Doors | $10
Join host Micheal Foulk (Queer Film Theory 101) for a monthly stand-up comedy night to take the edge off. Things are bad, but comedy and beer are good so join us at Gilman Brewing in Berkeley for a little relief.
Saturday 8/3
Salesforce Park Rooftop Rhythms with Christian Kuria
8/3 | Salesforce Park | 425 Mission St, SF | 1 p.m. | $20, All ages
Noise Pop and TJPA present Rooftop Rhythms at Salesforce Park, featuring Christian Kuria and special guests! A Vallejo, California native, Christian is a celebrated producer, songwriter, and recording artist whose music has garnered over 180 million streams globally.
The Aquabats!
8/3 | The UC Theatre | 2036 Univeristy Ave, Berkeley | 7 p.m. | $38.50
Since their formation in 1994 in Orange County, The Aquabats have been punk rock’s superheroes, dedicated to injecting harmless fun into a music scene that often took itself too seriously. The band was established with a unique vision that includes their iconic Paul Frank-designed “power belts,” trademark rash guards, black eye masks, and “anti-negativity” helmets, along with entertaining onstage antics. This distinctive approach quickly gained traction, earning The Aquabats a fiercely loyal following that spans multiple generations.
SF Bondage Ball
8/3 | Public Works | 161 Erie St, SF | 9:30 p.m. | $25-$40, 21+
Prepare to lose your inhibitions and be completely immersed in this palace of guilty pleasures.
Jack London Brewing District Block Party 2024
8/3 | 5th St between Harrison & Alice St, Oakland | 12 p.m. | $40-60, 21+
Swing by the Brewing District of Jack London for a taste of the action! It’s indie breweries galore, all packed into one waterfront neighborhood. Join the crews from Dokkæbier, Oakland United, Original Pattern, Hella Coastal, Shapeshifters, and Cellarmaker Brewing for an epic celebration of Oakland’s craft beer culture. This isn’t a typical beer festival: it’s a collaboration and celebration of all the breweries in the neighborhood that only features beer made here in Oakland.
Monster Jam
8/3 & 8/4| Oakland Arena | 7000 S Coliseum Way,Oakland | 1 p.m. & 7 p.m. | $29.50+
Enjoy big-time family fun at Monster Jam®, where the world’s best drivers and their 12,000-pound monster trucks tear up the dirt in wide-open competitions of speed and skill. Witness massive stunts, big-air, backflips and fierce head-to-head battles for the Event Championship. You’ll be on the edge of your seat watching the world’s most popular trucks like Grave Digger®, Max-D™, Megalodon® and more push the limits in Freestyle, Skills and Racing competitions.
Sunday 8/4
Dweezil Zappa
8/4 | The Warfield | 982 Market St, SF | 8 p.m. | $39.95-$99.95
A Grammy-winning guitarist, Dweezil has left an indelible mark on the music industry with over 2000 concerts performed worldwide. Known for his masterful performances and deep connection to his father’s music, he’s returning to concert stages in 2024 for the first time since the 2020 Hot Ratz Live! Tour, continuing to guide fans through the thrilling and sophisticated world of his father’s music.
Monday 8/5
Jhené Aiko
8/5 | Chse Center | 1 Warriors Way, SF | 7 p.m. | $151+
A Los Angeles native, Jhené Aiko has remained at the forefront of a new wave of contemporary R&B for more than a decade. She is known for experimenting with a range of styles – incorporating sound healing, modern mantra, and the use of crystal alchemy sound bowls in her music.
Don’t forget to check out our Big Bad List of Rad Ongoing Events right here!
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