Best Bay Area Events 12.10-12.30
Look What You Made Me Do
by Vanessa Gil, Arts & Events Editor
For the second year in a row Taylor Swift is my number one artist on Spotify. (Atmosphere moved down to the #5 spot!) I never really listened to Taylor before last year, but then the Gaylors started finding their way into my TikTok algorithm. They drew me into their theories and I started listening to her songs from a sapphic point of view. I became hooked. Now look at me… Gaylor turned proud Swiftie. I’m sad to have missed The Eras Tour, but I will console myself with these events that I’m looking forward to the week of 12/10 and beyond. (Tay’s birthday week!)
Our Partner’s Events
12/15 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF | 7 p.m. Doors | $19.50-$39, 18+‘Twas the night of big Hubba and all through the house, the showgirls were shaking their shimmy belts out! Their stockings were fastened to garters with care, in hopes San Francisco soon would be there! Get your tickets here.
Get Up to 50% Off Tickets to MEAN GIRLS
12/19-12/22 | Golden Gate Theatre | 1 Taylor St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $39-$158
Score 50% off tickets to MEAN GIRLS, coming to SF’s Golden Gate Theatre Dec. 19–22. Act fast! Offer expires on 12/18 at 11:59pm. Direct from Broadway, MEAN GIRLS is the hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including book writer TINA FEY (“30 Rock”), composer JEFF RICHMOND (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), lyricist NELL BENJAMIN (Legally Blonde) and original director and choreographer CASEY NICHOLAW (The Book of Mormon). Get your tickets here.
KQED Holiday Night Market
12/13 | The Commons, KQED Headquarters | 2601 Mariposa St, SF | 5 p.m. | $11.50
Want to get in the holiday mood by supporting Bay Area creators? Local food and craft vendors take over KQED’s headquarters at this seasonal night market. Chocolatiers, jewelry makers, ceramicists, bakers and more highlight their hidden gems and niche finds for shoppers of all ages — and they are ready to help you to find great gifts for your loved ones. Get your tickets 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 12/10-12/16
Tuesday 12/10
Dating with Dhaya Game Show – 55+ Edition
12/10 | The Commons, KQED Headquarters | 2601 Mariposa St, SF | 7 p.m. | $23
Looking for love in the digital age is tricky, especially for love-seekers over 55! This edition of Dating with Dhaya is here to help. Comedian Dhaya Lakshminarayanan plays matchmaker for one lucky person while subjecting local contestants to hilarious rounds of revealing questions (and some gentle roasting) as they search for a date. Will Cupid’s arrow hit a target? Will it even matter when you’re laughing so hard? Before the show, we’ll host trivia happy hour at 6pm for those looking to make platonic connections.
Red Light Lit
12/10 | SHACK15 | 1 Ferry Building #Suite 201, SF | 6 p.m. | $28.52-$39.19, 21+
Join Red Light Lit for an intimate evening where photography, poetry, and live music converge to delve into themes of love, relationships, and sexuality. Discover the evocative work of photographer Kate Shearer, stunning dance performances by Tristan Ching Hartmann and ArVejon Jones, compelling readings by local writers Peter Bullen, Giovanna Lomanto, Christine No, Brontez Purnell, and Kelechi Ubozoh, alongside a musical score by Flying Mountains. With special musical guest Mary Simich.
Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard And Soft: The Tour
12/10 & 12/11 | SAP Center | 525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose | 7 p.m. | $55.50-$495.50
Billie Eilish will continue her long-standing partnership with environmental nonprofit REVERB on this tour. Building on the success of previous sustainability efforts, this tour will focus on reducing greenhouse gas pollution, decreasing single-use plastic waste, supporting climate action, and updating concession offerings to promote and encourage plant-based food options with Support+Feed and other not-for-profit organizations.
Sixpence None the Richer
12/10 | Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 8 p.m. | $35-$40
The We Are Love Tour is a 25th anniversary tour that features all four original members: Leigh Nash, Matt Slocum, Dale Baker, and Justin Cary. The band is celebrating the anniversary of their self-titled album, also known as Kiss Me.
Mission: Comics Holiday Party & Sale!
12/10 | Mission: Comics & Art | 2250 Mission St, SF | 5 p.m. | Free
Celebrate the holidays with us and get a jump on your holiday shopping! SNACKS! BEVERAGES! COMICS! FUN! Find out more here.
Wednesday 12/11
Well-Crafted: Ornament Decorating at Saluhall
12/11 | Saluhall SF | 945 Market St #Suite 102, SF | 5:30 p.m. | Free
Come join us at Saluhall for for an art-filled evening of ornament decorating! Our friends at Workshop SF and Sequoia Fabrica have everything you need: materials & inspiration. Grab a drink or a snack, socialize with fellow crafters, and leave with a one-of-a-kind DIY holiday gift or a self-made masterpiece that shows off your new skills.
Sketch Wednesday ft. Jay Howell
12/11 | 111 Minna Gallery | 111 Minna St, SF | 5 p.m. | Free, 21+
Both our currently exhibiting artists, Jay Howell and Attaboy will be in attendance. Jay Howell will be here drawing LIVE PORTRAITS of the attendees of Sketch Wednesday! Also in attendance doing live drawing will be: Annie Owens, Jessica Tagami, Micah LeBrun, Skinner, Kelly Tunstall, f0nem, Ryan De La Hoz, Robert Bowen, Josh Thurman, SEEDSONLINE, Chris Farris, Misia Farris, Parry Pablo, Eli Wild, John Casey, Daryll Peirce, Joshua Ellingson, Brandon Joseph Baker… and MORE to be announced!
Ferry Building Holiday Open House + Wine Tasting
12/11 | Ferry Building | 1 Ferry Building, SF | 5:30 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP
Sip and shop locally, decorate cookies, enjoy music from the Awesome Orchestra Jazz Band, make a holiday gnome, and snap a holiday portrait inside the Marketplace from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.
We Own the Laughs
12/11 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $20.50-$28.50, 18+
We Own The Laughs allows you to laugh at life with friends while witnessing amazing stand-up comedy from some of the biggest comedians in the country. Host: Corde Snell. Featuring Comedians: Mario Castillo, Wally Hipolito, Audacious, Jonny Rios, Karla Garcia , and Tyson Paul.
12/11 | El Rio | 3158 Mission St, SF | 6 p.m. | $35 donationThe word on the street is that we’re throwing a PARTY! JOIN US for a night of stories from Street Sheet Alumni and our Veteran Vendors. All Donations will go towards a year-long Fundraising goal of $90,000! We want to ensure Street Sheet remains a San Francisco staple for years!
Thursday 12/12
Echosmith
12/12 | Brick & Mortar Music Hall | 1710 Mission St, SF | 8:30 p.m. | $31.84 – $60.68, All ages
Echosmith is back on the road for their Cool Kids: The Decade Tour! You wont want to miss this amazing show! Multi-platinum alt-pop trio Echosmith—siblings Sydney (vocals, keys), Noah (bass, vocals,production), and Graham Sierota (drums)—share vulnerable and vibrant alternative pop anthems that immediately brighten the heart.
The Muppet Christmas Carol—In Concert
12/12 & 12/14 | Davies Symphony Hall | 201 Van Ness Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. respectively | $41.50-$248
Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Michael Caine stars as penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge who learns the true meaning of Christmas. Watch this beloved holiday classic on the big screen as the Symphony performs the score live with Conductor Susie Benchasil Seiter.
12/12 & 12/13 | The Masonic | 1111 California St, SF | 8 p.m. | $63.50-$97Matteo Lane is a multifaceted talent known for his unique blend of stand-up comedy, musical prowess and artistic versatility. Previously named as one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” and described by Advocate as “bold and unflinchingly genuine,” Lane tackles a wide range of topics from his experiences as a gay man to hilarious insights into everyday life.
12/12 | Monarch | 101 6th St, SF | 9 p.m. | $7.74, 21+In the rave cave, our regular Amatric will team up with the local legends DJ Cira and Arashism to make you dance to a cosmic blend of italo, synth pop, disco, and house music. Meanwhile, in the lounge, some of our favorite selectors John Glass, On the Rocks and Rafa S. will provide a superb soundtrack to your night out. Dress to express! Holiday or space-themed attire is encouraged, but not required!
Friday 12/13
The Nutcracker Nightmare Fantasy
12/13-12/15 | Flux Vertical Theatre | 811 University Ave, Berkeley | 7 p.m. | $39, 21+
This mesmerizing pole, aerial and dance performance promises to be an electrifying journey, combining tradition with a tantalizing twist. Our cast of talented dancers will captivate your senses and transport you to a world where Clara dreams of Nutcrackers, sugar plums and sweets while fighting off mice and making friends with Krampus. Don’t miss an evening of debauchery with this childhood favorite and a twist! Join us in making this holiday season exxxtraordinary!
Murals of the Tenderloin Walking Tour “I Love TL Day” Edition
12/13 | Tenderloin Museum | 399 Eddy St, SF | 2:30 p.m. | Sliding Scale
To mark the December 2024 “I Love Tenderloin Day,” Tenderloin Museum offers a walking tour of the neighborhood that highlights some of the neighborhood’s iconic murals as well as less obvious public artworks hidden in plain sight. Led by TLM Program Director Alex Spoto, this celebratory survey explores how the neighborhood’s built environment serves as a canvas for resident artists and neighborhood advocates to tell the story of the Tenderloin, its community, and its culture.
Winter Walk 2024
12/13-12/22 | Union Square | Geary, Powell, Post, & Stockton St, SF | 10 a.m. | Free, All ages
Winter Walk, a 10-day holiday street fair on Stockton Street, will feature a two- block lively walk, transformed into a winter holiday plaza adorned with turf, featuring an array of food trucks and bar options, a marketplace of local merchants curated by Sunset Mercantile, specialty desserts exclusive only to Winter Walk created by One65 and Flour & Branch, visually captivating experiences featuring contemporary Arctic décor, and various exciting performances.
Circus Bella Presents: Kaleidoscope – Winter Big Top Holiday Spectacular
12/13-1/5 | The Crossing at East Cut | 250 Main St, SF | 4 p.m. | $55 – $75, All ages
“Kaleidoscope” is the perfect show for families and children of all ages, looking for a joyous holiday event that will stay with you all season long and beyond! Performed in the round in a 350-seat Circus Tent, the beauty of “Kaleidoscope” is the intimacy and immediacy of the one-ring circus. A diverse cast of 12 perform thrilling feats of balance and strength, demonstrations of grace and poise, outrageous humor, and slapstick antics. Original music is performed live by our beloved 6-piece Circus Bella All-Star Band. Let yourself be dazzled and join in the celebration.
Glow on Front: A Neon Block Party
12/13 | Front Street Entertaiment Zone | Front St between California & Sacramento, SF | 5 p.m. | Free, All ages
Glow on Front: A Neon Block Party is part of Let’s Glow SF, San Francisco’s FREE outdoor holiday projection arts festival. This FREE all-ages block party is taking place on Front Street Entertainment Zone, home to iconic downtown bars such as Harrington’s Bar and Grill, Schroeder’s, and Royal Exchange. Enjoy LED glow performers from Circosphere, glow face painters, a 360 photo booth, a black light community mural, and a live DJ with an LED dance floor at the block party!
Festivus Fest! Hosted By Chaki The Funk Wizard
12/13 | Thee Stork Club | 2330 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 8 p.m. | $10, 21+
Mosswood Meltdown presents… A Festivus Fest for the Restivus. Holiday Fundraiser for Oakland’s Punks with Lunch hosted by Chaki the Funk Wizard, Diesel Dudes performing the Feats of Strength, George Crustanza performing the Airing of Grievances, and Punk Rock Karaoke!
Saturday 12/14
Mini Art Mart
12/14-12/15 | Japan Center Kinokuniya Building | 1825A Post St, SF | 11 a.m. | Free
Mini Art Mart is a monthly market where local, Japanese inspired artist can sell their work in San Francisco Japantown Mall.
Harlan Holiday Block Party
12/14 | Harlan Records | 18 Harlan Pl, SF | 12 p.m. Doors | $10, 21+
The holiday season is here, and we’re decking the block at Harlan Records with music, food, and holiday vibes! Join Noise Pop, Harlan Records, and Irish Bank for the ultimate holiday block party featuring: Live Performances by Orchestra Gold, Analog Dog, and Cardboard People. DJ Sets from the iconic Chulita Vinyl Club. Free After Party featuring DJ set from DJ Goldie. Holiday Cocktails to keep your spirits bright. Delicious Local Eats to fuel your holiday cheer.
SANTACON 2024 @ Rick & Roxy’s
12/14 | Rick & Roxy’s | 2131 Lombard St, SF | 10 a.m. | Free
Get ready for the most festive, fabulous, and downright fun holiday bash of the year—Santacon 2024! Dust off your Santa suits, rock that elf costume, or strut your stuff in a hilariously raunchy ugly sweater—it’s time to go all out! Non-stop vibes: The best DJs spinning all day and night to keep the party alive. Epic drinks: Signature holiday cocktails and your favorites flowing like Santa’s sleigh. Festive fun: A dance floor buzzing with holiday cheer, and some disco glam.
Santa Beer Crawl
12/14 | Downtown Martinez | Main St, Martinez | 1 p.m. | $50, 21+
Spread the holiday cheer, sip on some seasonal brews, and make memories with friends and fellow Santas. The Santa Beer Crawl in Downtown Martinez is where the joy of the season meets the spirit of craft beer. Don’t miss out on the festivities – it’s time to clink your glasses and celebrate in style!
Harajuku Market & Lumpia Fest Pasko Edition
12/14 | Cow Palace | 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City | 10 a.m. | $5.58-$17.85
Get ready for some of the Bay’s tastiest food selections!!! Featuring everyone’s favorite… LUMPIA! We will have amazing food you won’t find anvwhere else along with all your favorite iconic cute characters that will be showcased plus photo opportunities with some of your favorite cute characters! You definitely don’t want to miss out on all the cute exclusive merch that our Harajuku Vendors will be bringing out just in time for the HOLIDAYS!!!
BERTHA: Grateful Drag
12/14 | The UC Theatre | 2036 University Ave, Berkeley | 8 p.m. | $38.50-$293.50
The world’s first Grateful Drag band, BERTHA is an all-star collective of queer and allied East Nashville talent coming together in wigs and full face for a good cause. Fronted by a harmony trio of Berthas and backed by a rocking all-Bertha band, they are bringing the good times to Berkeley!
Annual Krampus Pageant
12/14 | El Rio | 3158 Mission St, SF | 3 p.m. | Donation
Join San Francisco Krampus and The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence as they honor the scary side of the holiday season with their annual Krampus Pageant, raising funds to support LGBTQ+ youth. The pageant will feature spooky drag performances, DJs, amazing costumes, and live music throughout the evening. The winner will take home a special effects makeup gift package, while other top contestants will receive unique prizes to help them through the holiday season—if you catch our drift…
Shadow Circus Voidville: Void to the World
12/14 | Ocean Room SF | 350 Ocean Ave, SF | 8 p.m. | $25
The Bay Area’s belligerent puppet-hosted variety show returns with a chaotic celebration of the holidays with ‘Shadow Circus Voidville: Void to the World!’ Watch as our long-suffering host Jade tries to hold a holiday show together despite a troublesome little brother, a scheming Deinonychus, a boozed up Sasquatch, and a diabolical lab monkey! With a menagerie of hand-crafted puppets from Shadow Circus Creature Theatre (as seen in Peaches Christ’s Terror Vault, Kat Robichaud’s Misfit Cabaret, Pop Culture Immersive’s Sunnydale Prom and Creepy KOFY Movie Time) this is the most outlandish and unique holiday show you’ll see this year!
Princess: A ‘WICKED’ Experience!
12/14 | OASIS | 298 11th St, SF | 10 p.m. | $16.89
A DISCO-POP DANCE PARTY, DRAG SPECTACULAR+ TRIBUTE TO ALL THE HITS FROM “WICKED”! Come dressed in your favorite OZ look, and watch our drag stars recreate all your favorite musical numbers from the hit Broadway musical/movie! We have a huge cast for this one doing almost the whole show, do not miss it!
Sunday 12/15
Social Distortion: 5th Show Added!
12/15 | The Fillmore | 1805 Geary Blvd, SF | 8 p.m. | $58.50
Social Distortion’s musical style began as decidedly hardcore punk when the band formed in the late 1970s. They are thought to be one of the pioneering bands of the original Southern California punk rock movement out of Orange County, California, and their style closely associated with the Adolescents, Agent Orange, the Germs, and other bands from that place and time.
12/15 | Freight & Salvage | 2020 Addison St, Berkeley | 7 p.m. | $26.50-$49Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton is a masterful multi-instrumentalist and captivating storyteller, renowned for his ability to transport audiences back to the 1920s with his rich blend of blues, jazz, and folk. Known as “The American Songster®,” Dom Flemons is a versatile musician whose repertoire spans over a century of American roots music, including country, folk, bluegrass, Americana, and blues. Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz, better known by his stage name Fantastic Negrito, is an American singer-songwriter whose music spans blues, R&B, and roots music.
12/15 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 8 p.m. | $27.27-$48.90, 21+Nat’s panoramic songwriting and baritone vocals play a defining role in Hot Buttered Rum’s sound. Since founding HBR in 1999, Nat has played thousands of shows all over the world and written hundreds of songs. For 19 years now, Nat has produced and presented the Nat Keefe Concert Carnival, a holiday cabaret variety show, with cast and crew of 25+, at the Independent. This has become a cherished San Francisco tradition.
12/16 | Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 4 p.m. Doors | Free
It’s that time again— come join us for our annual Holiday bazaar, featuring arts, crafts, and music from our super talented staff & local vendors, enjoy a full service bar, and check out live performances!
12/16 | Cornerstone | 2367 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley | 8 p.m. | $59.16-$68.93Formed in 1977, X quickly established themselves as one of the best bands in the first wave of LA’s flourishing punk scene; becoming legendary leaders of a punk generation.
18th Annual Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration
12/16 | The Lost Church SF | 988 Columbus Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. Doors | $40.05
Celtic music, championship Irish step dance. Making his Winterdance debut on guitar, mandolin and vocals, we’re honored to share the stage this year with Wake the Dead’s Paul Kotapish. This year’s show welcomes back the soaring vocals of Amelia Hogan, Molly’s Revenge/New World String Project fiddler, John Weed, and the banjo and mandolin artistry of rising Carmel artist Tyler Weed. All Ireland Irish step dancers Marisa Gilman and Cameron Carson Riddle will bring a percussive and visually stunning element to this 18th year of Celtic Christmas Celebration.
The Week of 12/17-12/23
Tuesday, 12/17
The Moth SF StorySLAM: REUNION 2024
12/17 | Public Works | 161 Erie St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $17.50, 21+
The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, 5-minute story on the night’s theme. Tonight’s theme is…REUNION. Prepare a five-minute story about coming together. Rekindling old connections, finding familiar faces, or avoiding your old high school nemesis. Reuniting with a long-lost pet, your long distance BFF at the airport, or the remote that was buried in the couch cushions. Step into the realm of nostalgia, where memories, people, and places are lost and found. Reunited, and it feels so good.
School Of Rock – The Adultz
12/17 | Ivy Room | 860 San Pablo Ave, Albany | 8 p.m. | $10, 21+
School of Rock provides students of all ages an exciting and engaging music lesson experience, which includes guitar lessons, singing lessons, drum lessons and piano lessons. Drawing from all styles of rock and roll, School of Rock students learn theory and techniques via songs from legendary artists such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Frank Zappa.
Wednesday, 12/18
Science Is A Piece of Cake: California Forests
12/18 | The Commons, KQED Headquarters | 2601 Mariposa St, SF | 7 p.m. | $23
Learn about California’s beautiful forests via cake! KQED Check, Please! producer Cecilia Phillips hosts a cake bake-off, where California’s rich forests will serve as our visual prompt. Each cake will be inspired by trees and their surrounding ecosystems, depicting a rich canopy of flora and fauna. Enter the competition as a beginner, intermediate or advanced baker or join in the audience to learn about this important habitat — and eat delicious cake!
Queer Rebels Winter Fundraiser
12/18 | El Rio | 3158 Mission St, SF | 8 p.m. | Sliding Scale Donations @ Door
Queer Rebels Winter Fundraiser! Featuring performances by: comedians Baruch Porras-Hernandez and Kristee Ono. Drag king King Lotus Boy. Music by KB Boyce and YNG GMA.
Art Battle San Francisco
12/18 | The Great Northern | 119 Utah St, SF | 7 p.m. | $21–$26.26
Be a part of the electrifying energy as skilled artists engage in a high-speed showdown, flinging paint with every stroke. Cast your vote and crown the champion in three pulse-pounding rounds. And as the night unfolds, snag a one-of-a-kind masterpiece as every piece created goes up for auction. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of live art!
Thursday, 12/19
The Faint (Dj Set)
12/19 | Popscene @ Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell St, SF | 8 p.m. | $22.37
Dance to Y2K indie bangers, electronic, bloghaus, dance-punk, 2000s indie sleaze and more AND hear brand new tracks off the forthcoming 2025 album from The Faint!
The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along
12/19 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $15-$35, 18+
Join us for a holiday spooktacular as we watch Henry Selick’s 1993 classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas! We will be screening a version of the film that has a karaoke subtitle track during the musical numbers, to make it easy for you to sing along with your favorite ditties from Halloweentown! Following the film, we will segue into a spooky holiday dance party. Costumes encouraged! There’s a costume contest at 11pm. Dress as your favorite character from the film, or anything holiday-themed.
Film w/ Live Orchestra: Elf —In Concert
12/19-12/21 | Davies Symphony Hall | 201 Van Ness Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $43-$259
Experience your favorite Christmas film transformed with the music of a live symphony orchestra in Elf™ in Concert! For the first time ever, audiences can rediscover the magic of this holiday classic while a live symphony orchestra performs John Debney’s wonderful score and Santa Claus soars across the big screen in high-definition.
Grateful Holiday w/ the Terrapin Family Band
12/19 | The Guild Theatre | 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park | 8 p.m. | $62.57-$144.85
2nd Annual Grateful Holiday w/ the Terrapin Family Band & Special Guest, Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz, a six-string slinger and singer known for his one of a kind versatility, deft songcraft, and irresistible charm.
Friday, 12/20
Wreckless Strangers “Wreck the Halls” Live
12/20 | Lucca Bar & Grill | 439 1st St, Benicia | 5:30 p.m.| Free
Fresh off the release of their acclaimed new EP Blue Sky Fantasy, Wreckless Strangers returns to Lucca for a special, free “Wreck the Halls” holiday show. The band will perform a mix of fan favorites alongside tracks from their latest EP.
Ralph Barbosa
12/20 | Fox Theater | 1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 6 p.m. Doors | $60
One of the shyest attention hogs to ever do comedy, Ralph Barbosa’s disarming and laid-back style has made him a stand-out on stage, on TV and online.
SATISFACTION: 2010-2017 EDM Bangers
12/20 | Public Works | 161 Erie St, SF | 9:30 p.m. | Free before 10:30 W/ RSVP – $25.96, 21+
Playing the biggest and most iconic bangers from 2010-2017, from artists like Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Afrojack, Avicii, and more. You’ll dance the night away to unforgettable hits like “Levels,” “Titanium,” “Don’t You Worry Child,” and “Summer!” This is the party you won’t want to miss, so grab your tickets now and get ready to relive the unforgettable moments of EDM’s golden era!
FEAR
12/20 | The Regency Ballroom | 1300 Van Ness Ave, SF | 8 p.m. | $49.75-$72.68
Fear, stylized as FEAR, is an American punk rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1977. The band is credited for helping to shape the sound and style of Californian hardcore punk.
Saturday, 12/21
Digable Planets
12/21 | The Warfield | 982 Market St, SF | 8 p.m. | $67-$122
Digable Planets, the alternative hip-hop trio comprised of Mary Ann “Ladybug Mecca” Vieira, Craig “Doodlebug” Irving, and Ishmael “Butterfly” Butler have finally reunited!! Digable’s music is one of the guaranteed sounds in hip-hop to “put on and enjoy and vibe out to, with a rich undercurrent of history and thought.” A proper reunion for Digable Planets has been a long time coming and fans are ready.
Waka Flocka Flame
12/21 | Temple | 540 Howard St, SF | 10 p.m. | $25.18-$94.16, 21+
Waka Flocka Flame is an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. Currently the CEO of his own record label (Brick Squad Monopoly). Waka Flocka Flame is an early influencer of Trap music, inspiring many artists of today with his extensive mixtape catalog consisting of over 30 projects.
Mariachi El Bronx
12/21 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 9 p.m. | $34.99, 21+
Born out of a collective love for Mexican folk music over a decade ago, the members of the acclaimed LA punk band The Bronx were tasked with creating an acoustic set for a tv show they were asked to perform on. From there, this exciting new, and creatively fulfilling, endeavor began to take shape, which led to the release of the band’s eponymous debut album, Mariachi El Bronx (I), in September of 2009. The album would lead to praise by both critics and fans alike due to the band’s precise attention to detail and musically authentic take on the form.
Espionage Escape on the USS Hornet
12/21 | USS Hornet | 707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda | 1 p.m. | $25
ONE SPY. ONE HOUR. ONE CHANCE.
It’s 1957 aboard USS Hornet. We’re in the height of the Cold War between America and the USSR. Hornet’s about to dock at NAS Alameda and we’re looking forward to familiar soil but news just got out that confidential information was stolen from us here in Combat Information Center, or CIC. Gather your team; your best and brightest. We’re going to need all the help you can get. Espionage Escape is a tabletop escape experience designed for 4-6 players for an optimum experience and chance at beating the clock!
Sunday, 12/22
A 20th-Anniversary Celebration of Music, Peace, and Love
12/22 | Mission Santa Clara – Santa Clara Univeristy | 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara | 7:30 p.m. | $15-40
WINTER’S GIFTS: WISH brings together a rich tapestry of music that speaks to our deep, universal longing for peace, love, and hope. The program will honor and celebrate the diverse faith traditions and cultures throughout the Bay Area, offering a message of unity and shared humanity.
Laff Baked: SF’s Pop-up Cannabis Club Comedy Show
12/22 | Mission Cannabis Club | 2441 Mission St, SF | 7 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP, $25 minimum purchase required
Spend Sunday night getting high (and laughing) with us.San Francisco’s Mission Cannabis Club features a beautiful lounge that is safe and clean for people to consume cannabis flower, pre-rolls, vapes, and edibles. Consume in comfort and sink into their dreamy leather booths or find a spot at the “Bud Bar.”It’s one of the few comedy shows in San Francisco where you can (legally in California) get high during the show.You’ll see a killer comedy show with a handpicked lineup of 4-5 comics who normally perform at SF Sketchfest, Cobb’s Comedy Club, Punchline and Thrive City.
Monday, 12/23
Christy’s Nightmare Before Christmas
12/23 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF | 8 p.m. | $10-$20
Monday Night Hubba is the perfect way to start your week sexy: with cocktails, tease, comedy and a more intimate experience than Hubba’s big monthly extravaganzas! Each Monday night is a fun-filled, shimmering showcase of local, national and international burlesque and variety talent — and a chance to see the most dazzling debuts before they hit it big!
The Week of 12/24-12/30
12/24 | Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. | $22 ADV, $25 DOOR
The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir weaves together a family of more than 55 singers from a wide range of faiths, races, and cultures– joined in the mission to inspire joy and unity in all people through Negro spirituals and black gospel music. No matter the venue, whether it’s the Paramount Theatre, San Quentin State Prison, Mercy Retirement Center, or even a small church in Selma, Alabama, the choir sings with the same passion and precision. And when the choir starts singing, audiences can’t help but jump to their feet, lift their hands, and allow the glory of the music to uplift them.
12/24 | F8SF | 1192 Folsom St, SF | 10 p.m | $5-$10, 21+Yes, we return this year, keeping the holiday tradition alive. Room 1: Solar, Mozhgan,& Tyrel. Room 2 Interzone: Hex Embrace, Impirumcrypt, &Echoic. Free w/ RSVP before 11 p.m.
Christmas Eve Farmers Market
12/24 | Ferry Plaza | 1 Ferry Building, SF | 10 a.m. | Free
Satisfy your last-minute holiday feast and gift-giving needs at our special Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Tuesday, December 24. You’ll find everything you need to make for a unique, delicious, and truly local winter feast. Stock up on fresh produce, handcrafted treats and sweets, and delicious and unique gifts, and grab lunch while you’re here.
12/25-1/2 | Union Square | Geary, Powell, Post, & Stockton St, SF | 3:30 p.m. | Free, All ages
A local miracle happened in San Francisco in 1975 when community leaders joined together to create the first big public menorah and celebration of Chanukah outside of Israel. The San Francisco “Mama Menorah” public celebration has now become a global phenomenon with large menorahs lit annually in over 15000 cities worldwide.
Kung Pao Kosher Comedy
12/24-12/26 | Imperial Palace Restaurant | 818 Washington St, SF | 5 p.m. | $35-$117
Kung Pao Kosher Comedy™ is celebrating its 32nd Annual Jewish-Comedy-on-Christmas-in-a-Chinese-Restaurant extravaganza on December 24-26, 2024. This San Francisco institution returns to San Francisco’s Chinatown this year to its new home, the Imperial Palace Restaurant, just steps away from the new Chinatown-Rose Pak MUNI Station.
X-Mess Night
12/25 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF 9 p.m. | $8
Death Guild is the oldest weekly goth/industrial dance night in the world! Every Monday, six DJs in two rooms play a mix of gothic, industrial, synthpop, noise, ambient, and weird stuff for those who love the darker side of things.
Christmas Party
12/25 | Question Mark Bar | 312 Harriet St, SF | 10 a.m. | Free
Celebrate Christmas Day at Question Mark Bar! Join us on December 25th for a festive day filled with: Music, Karaoke, Movies, Sports, and Delicious food. Don’t miss the Happy, Drunk Santa vibes!
Thursday 12/26
THROTTLE THURSDAY: Fatima Hajji
12/26 | 1015 Folsom | 1015 Folsom St, SF | 9 p.m. | $15-$20, 21+
Young DJ, composer and entrepreneur girl. Fátima, Spanish by birth but with Arab origins is a confessed lover of nature and animals, as well as striking colours… and of course, she’s in steadfast love of a fireproof music genre like Techno. From its analogue and classical roots through the most contemporary sounds combining all with ancestral sounds – she’s specialist in bringing up her deep African origins-. She stands for freshness, audacity and ruthless grooves, ideal medicine for having fun.
Get It?! Gameshow
12/26 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $18.50-$26.50, 18+
Get It?! A Stand-Up Comedy Game Show with host Joe Klocek! Test how well you understood a stand-up-comic’s set in real time! A comic performs. Then three participants are picked from the audience and asked questions about what they just laughed at. Whoever gets five questions first wins the round! After two rounds, the winners face off in a third and final Speed Round to decide who will be the champion of Get it?! Game Show!
Friday 12/27
12/27 | Audio SF | 316 11th St, SF | 12 p.m. | $24.72-$37.08, 21+The legendary duo, CHROMEO, are playing a day party at Audio on Saturday, December 28th! This will be an event to remember as we open the skylights and bring in all the special effects for this daytime disco.
Luenell: Live at the Paramount
12/27 | Paramount Theatre | 2025 Broadway, Oakland | 7:30 p.m. | $35.50-$125.50
Luenell, the “Original Bad Girl of Comedy,” has thrilled audiences for over 30 years with her bold humor and infectious energy. Born in Arkansas and raised in Oakland, she is currently headlining her “Fresh Out of Favors” comedy tour and holding a residency at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas.
Misfit Cabaret: Divine Decadence
12/27 | Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 8 p.m. | $30-$600, 21+
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! 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.
The Christmas Meltdown
12/27 | Monarch | 101 6th St, SF | 9 p.m. | $13.63-$37.18
Strap in for a night of holiday cheer with Sleevin Records! Tune in to the sounds of the UK with UK Bassline, Garage, DnB, and more. DJs: IZUK, J9, SIMO, MYCHØ, SOL & MANCUB, DYLL, YUKA YU, & COLONEL MC.
Saturday 12/28
Sarah Silverman
12/28 | The Masonic | 1111 California St, SF | 8 p.m. | $45-$95
Sarah Silverman is a comedian, writer, and actress who is best known for producing and starring in the comedy series “The Sarah Silverman Project.” Sarah was born and raised in New Hampshire with her three older siblings and attended college at New York University. She began her stand-up career in New York City, gigging at local venues before receiving national recognition in the early nineties as a writer and featured player on “Saturday Night Live.”
Shaq’s Bass All-Stars Block Party
12/28 | The Midway | 900 Marin St, SF | 4 p.m. | $45-$129
SHAQ’S MAIN STAGE LINEUP: Diesel, Troyboi, Layz, Vastive, Kliptic, & Downlo. VITAL EVENTS TOXIC STAGE LINEUP: Eliminate, YDG, Sanzu, Ayvo, & Ecka.
Chuck Prophet and his Cumbia Shoes
12/28 | The Chapel | 777 Valencia St, SF | 9 p.m. | $28-$33
“I was going through a tunnel,” he recalls. “It was dark. But I had music: music to play, music to listen to, music to get me out of my head. Music was my savior.” That much is plain to hear on Wake The Dead, Prophet’s extraordinary new album. Recorded with band of brothers ¿Qiensave?, the collection explores the world of Cumbia music, which consumed and comforted Prophet during his illness and subsequent recovery. The songs are intoxicatingly rhythmic, all but demanding you move your body, with arrangements that blur the lines between tradition and innovation. There are flashes of rock and roll, punk, surf, and soul, all filtered through the streets of San Francisco and wrapped up in the rich legacy of a genre that traces its roots back to the jungles of South America.
PLAN 9 – Misfits Tribute
12/28 | Ivy Room | 860 San Pablo Ave, Albany | 9 p.m. | $15-$20, 21+
Plan 9 was started in Oakland, CA as a Misfits tribute band. Years later, this tribute band has grown into a full-fledged horror punk band with acclaimed albums of original songs including one featuring Jerry Only (“8 Hits from Hell”).
Sunday 12/29
Lindy in the Park
12/29 | Golden Gate Park | JFK Dr. btwn 8th and 10th, behind the De Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, SF | 11 am. | Free
Lindy in the Park is a perfect way to get the heart rate going by moving those muscles (legs, arms, and even face — cause you’ll be smiling!) to great swing dance(able) music spun by friendly DJ’s.
Cyber Sunday
12/29 | Cat Club | 1190 Folsom St, SF | 10 p.m. | No Cover, 21+
Calling all Cyborgs and Androids to UNPLUG from the Matrix to fight Brain Rot!!! Join us off the grid every Sunday for UNPLUG, (aka Cyber Sunday). New name, same party. Still FREE to enter! We specialize in many forms of dark and heavy electronic music. If you’re in the mood to power down instead of dancing, we will also have a variety of video games set up on 3 TVs, as well as a big stack of board games.
Pink Talking Fish
12/28 & 12/29 | Sweetwater Music Hall | 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley | 8 p.m. | $41.75
Pink Talking Fish is a Hybrid Tribute Fusion Act that takes the music from three of the worlds most beloved bands and creates a special treat for fans of the music. Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish are all more than just bands they are phenomenons. Their creations have artistically inspired people and their mind-blowing live performances have brought people together to form a special sense of community around the love for their favorite band.
Monday 12/30
Primus
12/30 & 12/31 | Fox Theater | 1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 7 p.m. Doors | $78.15+
Primus is responsible for some of the most cutting edge and original rock music of the 1990’s. And now, the definitive Primus line-up – singer/bassist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry LaLonde, and drummer Tim Alexander – is back together and planning on getting the worldwide masses bobbing up and down in unison once more.
Greg Proops: Live Album Recording
12/30 & 12/31 | Punch Line SF | 444 Battery St, SF | 7 p.m. | $40.20-$52.05, 18+
Greg Proops is a stand up comic from San Francisco. He lives in Hollywood. It’s not that bad. Really. The Proopdog is best known for his unpredictable appearances on Whose Line is it Anyway? Both US and UK.
Don’t forget to check out our Big Bad List of Rad Ongoing Events right here!
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