Best Bay Area Events 2/25-3/17

Bad Blood
by Vanessa Gil, Arts & Events Editor

The sun and crowds both turned out for the SF Beer Week kick off party at the Salesforce Rooftop park. It was the perfect day for day drinking delicious brews. Beautiful enough to take my mind off this past week’s episode of Traitors… am I right?! I was rooting for Carolyn, but now I’m all about Miss Guided himself, Dylan Efron. Ugh… Traitors aside, here’s what I am excited for the week of 2/25 and beyond. 

Our Merch

Possibly the Best Shirt We’ve Ever Made

I like thinking about how people will look at the wearer and think, “Wait…is this on purpose or is this person an idiot.” But let’s be honest, who knew irony could be so cute? Get yours right here.

Our Partners’ Events

Pictures at an Exhibition and Dvorak Cello Concerto with Amos Yang
3/1 | Herbst Theatre | 401 Van Ness Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $35

Join the San Francisco Philharmonic for a thrilling program of classical music! Amos Yang, assistant principal cello with the San Francisco Symphony, will perform Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, which is often called “The King of the Cello Concertos.” Also on the program is Mussorgsky’s iconic Pictures at an Exhibition, a colorful orchestral suite that transports listeners to an art exhibition. Use code “sfphilharmonic24” at checkout for $30 tickets!

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 2/25-3/3

Tuesday 2/25

Earl Sweatshirt
2/25 & 2/26 | Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 7 p.m. Doors | $55

Known for a creatively languid style that swings lyrically from highly personal alt-rap to morbid horror-core, Earl Sweatshirt helped launch Odd Future into hip-hop prominence around the turn of the 2010s and soon became one of the most unique rapper/producers around. 

Fulton Lee: Groove With Me Tour
2/25 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 8 p.m. | $38.08-$86.49

Leave your burdens at the door and understand one thing: There’s a curly headed man in a blue suit who wants to groove. And he wants to groove with YOU. So prepare to be STRUCK by the Funk. OVERCOME by the Vibes. And MARKED by the Boogie. Prepare to lose control of your hips and your heart at the same time, swept away in the universal language of music. And who knows, you might even end up on stage playing keys for Fulton Lee. Either way, leave with your shirt sweaty and your soul nourished.


Wednesday 2/26

Blue Bear’s DJ Popup
2/26 | Yerba Buena Center for the Arts | 701 Mission St, SF | 4 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

As a part of SF Music Week, Blue Bear School of Music presents a fun, hands-on DJ workshop. Join us at YBCA for this free DJ experience! The workshop is run by Blue Bear’s Outreach Director and creator of our DJ & Electronic Music program, Cole Odin (who’s also a renowned local and national DJ and producer). There is no experience required, just a curious interest in learning more about the art form of DJing!

BYOBook — the Books Not Bans Happy Hour!
2/26 | ANINA | 482 Hayes St, SF | 7 p.m. | Free

Join a whole lot of queer-friendly lit people who support our sending free LGBTQIA+ books to queer community groups throughout the U.S. Books can be life affirming, and reading them, acts of power. Be with people who love books! Socialize with others or read by yourself—have fun with others who celebrate what books are and what they can do. Last Wednesday of every month, 7:00-9:00 PM

Make-A-Wish Comedy Night w/ Emily Catalano
2/26 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $49, 18+

Join Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area’s Young Professional Advisory Council for the eighth annual Comedy Night at the legendary Cobb’s Comedy Club in San Francisco! You can expect an evening of belly laughs while enjoying tasty food and drinks, and a silent auction, all while helping grant wishes for children with critical illnesses in the greater Bay Area.

Midheaven
2/26 | Music City SF | 1355 Bush St, SF | 7 p.m. | Free

Midheaven is a San Francisco-based Laurel Canyon-inspired indie acoustic duo drawing from the songwriting prowess of Joni Mitchell, John Prine, and Gillian Welch, combined with the timeless feelings captured by modern artists like Big Thief and Kacy & Clayton. Their debut EP, Portals, is set to release this Spring.

Arion Press Craft Talk With Steph Rue
2/26 | Fort Mason Center | 2 Marina Blvd, SF | 5:30 p.m. | $12.51

Arion Press’ new series of craft talks draws from the local Northern California creative community to highlight the joy and artistry of various handcrafts. Steph Rue is an artist working primarily with handmade paper and books as her medium. She is a 2023 Living Cultures Grant Recipient through the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and a 2023 Individual Artist Fellow through the California Arts Council.

A R I Z O N A: Victory Lap Tour
2/26 | Fox Theater | 1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 6:30 p.m. Doors | $50.60-$186

With over one billion worldwide streams and counting, the New Jersey trio A R I Z O N A – Nathan Esquite [guitar], David Labuguen [keys], and Zachary Charles [lead vocals]– has proven a true planetary phenomenon, creating worldwide waves with a stunning torrent of genre-traversing ideas and a boundless sense of style.

Improv(e) Your Dating Life
2/26 & 3/2 | Endgames Improv Theater | 2965 Mission St, SF | $40, 18+

Want to have more fun and success with dating? Explore your dating tendencies, expand your dating pool, and live in the moment in this improv-based dating course with dating coaches Dylan and Mia. What: Workshop designed to provide a fun and informative experience where participants practice skills, build confidence, and expand their mindset around dating.

13th Floor Presents: The Lost Inn – Immersive Dark Faerie Noir
2/26 | The San Francisco Mint | 88 5th St, SF | 7:30 p.m. Doors | $60-$75

In 1937, the last gold piece in the Old SF Mint is removed, the lights doused, the doors shuttered. Unburdened by the weight of currency or purpose, the building cracks and shifts; vines and dirt and other things from forgotten realms creep in through steel and stone. Two Fae sisters unfurl their enchanted Inn to fill the empty rooms and vaults, welcoming fugitives from both sides of the veil. A mysterious Trickster’s Carnival rolls in, hawking odd games and restless stories. An undercover detective stumbles through the door, searching for a stolen item that can’t possibly exist… Welcome to The Lost Inn where rooms wander and stories escape before they’re finished; but don’t worry, you’ll catch up with them eventually.

Phantogram
2/26 | The Masonic | 1111 California St, SF | 8 p.m. | $55-$225.40
Legendary synth pop duo Phantogram are bringing their Running Through Colors Tour to The Masonic in San Francisco on February 26^th with special guests Open Mike Eagle and Ginger & The Peppers! 


Thursday 2/27

Ballyhoo! with Seranation and The Harbor Boys
2/27 | Cornerstone | 2367 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley | 8 p.m. | $31.37-$34.46

Through 25 years and eight independent albums, the last four on their own Right Coast Records, Ballyhoo! have earned the exclamation point which marks their name. The group’s eighth and most recent studio album, the breezy, ska-fueled, hook filled “Message to the World”, on their own Right Coast Records, finds the self declared “beach-rockers,” having grown up in public, accepting the responsibilities of adulthood while still hanging on to their dreams of world domination. Stylistically, their music ranges from the hard-edged punk of 2018’s Detonate, which captured the feelings of anger and depression from dealing with personal loss and the exhaustion generated by over a decade on the road to the island reggae beats of the follow-up, Message to the World. 

Magic City Hippies
2/27 | The Fillmore | 1805 Geary Blvd, SF | 8:30 p.m. | $38.50-$120.95

Magic City Hippies deliver a rare blend of musical talent and touring tenacity, with an uniquely cool and pastel fashion sense offering up funky sweaty smiles aplenty. 

Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2 Tour
2/27 | Palace of Fine Arts | 3301 Lyon St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $39.50-$89.50

Formed in 1993 at the world-renowned Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland, Apocalyptica began life as a loving, lo-fi nod to Metallica from four classically-trained musicians with no greater ambition than to explore their favourite band’s music with their chosen instrument.

Friday 2/28

Punching Judy
2/28-3/2 | Church of Clown | 2400 Bayshore Blvd, SF | 8 p.m. | $20-$40

Wickedly funny and unapologetically raw, Punching Judy blends physical theatre, dance, mime, and clown to tackle tough subjects with bold humor and razor-sharp insight. Isadora Sharon’s darkly comedic solo performance shines a light on patriarchal brutality, systemic violence, and domestic abuse, inviting you to laugh, squirm, and reflect. With its dynamic storytelling and fearless physicality, Punching Judy turns uncomfortable truths into a mesmerizing, thought-provoking experience. 

Miguel Gutierrez: Super Nothing
2/28-3/2 | ODC Theater | 3153 17th St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $0-$80

“In ‘Super Nothing,’ Miguel Gutierrez asks how dance can confront life’s steady stream of grief. How can relationships, relying on one another, help us through? The relationships here, rife with both tenderness and struggle, play out among a cast of four dancers — Jay Carlon, Justin Faircloth, Wendell Gray II and Evelyn Lilian Sanchez Narvaez — who give themselves completely to the evening’s demands. At different times, they could be lovers, family, friends or strangers. While Gutierrez, whose work cuts across disciplines of writing, music and dance, often makes text-heavy pieces, ‘Super Nothing’ communicates almost entirely through movement, driven by the thumping beats of Rosana Cabán’s immersive sound design.” — The New York Times

Doll Fest 2025 Pre-Party
2/28 | Ivy Room | 860 San Pablo Ave, Albany | 8 p.m. | $25

Doll Fest is a celebration of the feminine energy, friendship, and gathering together of a community in support of one another. We recognize that femme-dom is a powerhouse feeling, emotion, and revolution in action. Following the footsteps of previous incarnations of feminine fests such as Lilith Fair and She Shreds, Doll Fest aims to be the next femme music and arts festival showcasing two full days of all femme-fronted bands and artists, including pioneering bands that brought the Riot Grrl movement to life and active bands today that are paving the legacy of grrl power.

Sharpie Smile, Deon Brown, Gem 777
2/28 | Bottom of the Hill | 1233 17th St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $21.91

Shape-shifting from Kamikaze Palm Tree to Sharpie Smile, the duo are creating a new world for themselves, merging their nostalgic melodies with their electronic side, embodying a sound which is the true essence of being “distant”. Deon Brown is redefining what it means to be an artist in the 21st century. As a producer, singer/songwriter, and visionary, his work captures the magnetic pull of innovation and intimacy. Raised in church, hailing from Pasadena, CA, he fuses R&B, gospel, hip-hop, and house into a sound that transcends genre, delivering stories of blackness, queerness, survival, and freedom. GEM777 is an experimental dance/electronic producer, vocalist and performer based in the Bay Area. 

Goapele
2/28 & 3/1 | Blue Note Napa | 1030 Main St, Napa | 6:30 p.m. | $61.71-$119.91

She is a singer/songwriter, entrepreneur, actor, and activist who has solidified her position amongst the most prolific R&B and soulful visionaries and creators of our time. And now, Goapele is back with her sixth and most introspective album yet, COLOURS. The seven-track gem is as sensual as it is unforgettable. There is no denying that her songwriting prowess is heavily on display on this latest album, as well as her uncanny ability to create an atmospheric, mesmerizing world within her music.

Somos Cumbia
2/28 | The New Parish | 474 24th St, Oakland |9 p.m. | $31.12-$49.15, 21+

Hosted By Chuy Gomez, DJ Hugo, & Kool Kyle. Live performances by Mina La Voz D’ La Cumbia (performing all of La Sonora Dinamita hits).

Bender’s Happy Hour w/ Loco Tranquilo, Badvril, Same Girls
2/28 | Bender’s Bar & Grill |  806 S Van Ness Ave, SF | 5:30 p.m. | Free, 21+

Bender’s Happy Hour w/ Loco Tranquilo, Badvril, Same Girls, @ Bender’s Bar and Grill. Julián Armando Gervasi, known as Loco Tranquilo, is a singer-songwriter, composer and lyricist human from Buenos Aires, now enchanting audiences in San Francisco. 

Saturday 3/1

SF Ballet Presents: RAYMONDA
3/1-3/8 | War Memorial Opera House | 301 Van Ness Ave, SF | 8 p.m. | $35-$525

Raymonda, a woman ahead of her time, embodies the resilience and compassion reminiscent of Florence Nightingale. Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century Crimean War, this adaptation redefines the role of women in both wartime and society. Tamara Rojo’s bold reimagining of Petipa’s timeless classic highlights its heroic and elegant qualities, set to Alexander Glazunov’s soaring score performed by the Grammy Award-winning SF Ballet Orchestra.

Rezz
3/1 | Cow Palace | 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City | 8 p.m. | $106+

At just 24 years old, REZZ stands with the best of her peers, but she has a sound that’s all her own. Propelled by her boundary-pushing artistry, REZZ has racked up tens of millions of streams, sold out legendary venues like Red Rocks, headlined top festivals around the world, and graced the cover of Billboard. She oozes originality and produces genre-bending electronic works, striking a sharp balance between bass-heavy and minimal tech compositions.

Alex Tatarsky: MATERIAL
3/1 | The Lab | 2948 16th St, SF | 7:30 p.m. Doors | $17-$20

As part of the arcane transmissions performance series, cloaca projects and The Lab present Alex Tatarsky’s MATERIAL, with live music by Shane Riley. A trained clown, Alex Tatarsky makes performances that are highly responsive to venue and audience, blurring disciplinary categories as they careen between scripted sequences and unfettered improvisation.

Adventure Cabaret: Opening Night Performance
3/1 | Phoenix Theatre | 414 Mason St, SF | 7 p.m. | $34

In an age of utter corruption and cynicism, Adventure Cabaret embodies the highest ideals of free inquiry, courage and genuine morality, combined with creativity and humor.  Our production includes everything: deep drama, original music, mysterious and profound questions, multimedia design, collaboration and confrontation with the audience, and plentiful absurdity that contains hidden deep meanings. Our goal is a massive cultural breakthrough-in theater, in deep content, and in community.  We know our production will become a cultural phenomenon, and we want you to be part of creating that phenomenon.

2025 PSO Golden Gate Pole Championships
3/1 | Brava Theater | 2781 24th St, SF | 6:30 p.m. | $39

Be inspired by the athleticism, grace, mobility, and fluidity of dance – on a pole. Join Pole Sport Organization, the world’s largest professional and amateur pole dance competition, where over 150 dancers will perform at this regional event. Cheer for beginners taking the stage for the first time, to seasoned professionals sharing their art.

Sunday 3/2

First Sundays – OMCA
3/2 | Oakland Museum of California | 1000 Oak St, Oakland | 11 a.m. | Free 

Walk through OMCA’s landmark building and gardens with members of the Council on Architecture, and learn about the history, design, and evolution of this award-winning structure with guides who are passionate about OMCA and Oakland.

Alameda Rock ‘n Roll Flea Market
3/2 | Faction Brewing | 2501 Monarch St, Alameda | 11 a.m. | $5

Featuring 75 vendors indoor & outdoor, selling records, music memorabilia, musical instruments, vintage clothing, tiki/Hawaiiana, handmade jewelry & gifts, books, videos, and much more! LIVE MUSIC by Par Avion, The Starhoppers, Frankie & The Pool Boys, The Crab Shack Shakers, and The NovaRays.

The Klituation Day Party
3/2 | El Rio | 3158 MIssion St, SF | 3 p.m. | $17.85

Come celebrate Women’s Month with us at The Klituation Day Party! Join us for a day filled with music, dancing, and good vibes. This event is all about empowering women and having a great time together. Get ready to groove to awesome beats and connect with amazing women. Let’s make this Women’s Month one to remember at The Klituation Day Party!

Monday 3/3

Abby Holliday
3/3 | Bottom of the Hill | 1233 17th St, SF | 8 p.m. | $17-$20

There comes a time in every artist’s career when the art form transcends a mere outlet for self-expression and becomes a universal gift to mankind laced with the necessary genius of its creator. For some it takes years, for 27-year-old Abby Holliday it was there from the start, her vulnerable introspection and brutal lyricism combined with mind-bending sonic sensibilities and a distinct production style that immediately fused a bond between her and her loyal fan base that grows stronger every day. 

Dark Alleys
3/3 | Mission Bowling Club | 3176 17th St, SF | 6 p.m. | $10-$12, 21+

DJs Tom Axe, Zlaya, Polly Eurethane & friends play all your favorite dark alt jams of the past & present while you enjoy an evening of free bowling with your Ghoulfriends! Goth/Industrial/Electro/Synth/Wave. After Party at Death Guild!

The Week of 3/4-3/10

Tuesday 3/4

Grace Cathedral Carnivale 2025
3/4 | Grace Cathedral | 1100 California St, SF | 6 p.m. | $100+

Step into the enchanted world of Carnivale at Grace Cathedral, an evening of love, connection and hope. Inspired by the lush, vibrant Mardi Gras festivals in New Orleans, you’ll be immersed in a colorful celebration, filled with joy and unexpected delights.

Oakland Mardi Gras Party
3/4 | The New Parish | 1743 San Pablo Ave, Oakland | 7 p.m. | $26.12

Come out for our MARDI GRAS Party at The New Parish! Experience the infectious beats of MJ’s Brass Boppers, an authentic New Orleans singing and swinging Second Line brass band fusing traditional NOLA standards, funk, jazz, modern pop & more with a second line twist!

Deftones
3/4 | Chase Center | 1 Warriors Way, SF | 7 p.m. | $39.50-$144.50

The legendary band from Sacramento. Originally, the band was often associated with the nu metal movement in the press. However, Moreno has emphatically rejected the application of that label to the band. Asked about their connection with bands such as Korn, Moreno has also stated that their commonality came down to only the shared influence of Faith No More, especially the percussive approach to vocals by Mike Patton.Following the release of Deftones’ third album, White Pony (2000), they were acknowledged by many critics to have moved beyond that label.


Wednesday 3/5

Maruja
3/5 | Brick & Mortar Music Hall | 1710 Mission St, SF | 8 p.m. | $10

Maruja is a Manchester-based band that plays a mix of jazz, punk, and hardcore. The band is known for their energetic live shows and improvisational style. 

G. Love & Special Sauce
3/5 | August Hall | 420 Mason St, SF | 8 p.m. | $49.51

G. Love & Special Sauce is an American Hip-Hop Blues band known for its unique fusion of hip-hop, blues, funk, and soul. Formed in 1993 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the band originally featured Garrett Dutton, aka G. Love, as the lead vocalist and guitarist, Jeffrey Clemens on drums, and Jim Prescott on bass. The trio quickly gained attention for their laid-back, groovy style and G. Love’s unique vocal delivery, blending rap-like spoken word with bluesy singing.

Little Stranger
3/5 | Cornerstone | 2367 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley | 8 p.m. | $33.43-195.50

Hailing from Philadelphia and now based in the vibrant city of Charleston, SC, alt indie hip-hop duo Little Stranger (Kevin and John Shields) have spent years honing their signature sound and perfecting their version of the “organized chaos” that a Little Stranger live show entails. In an era where genre is increasingly irrelevant, Little Stranger delivers a fresh take on melodic hip-hop garnering comparisons to newer artists like Remi Wolf, Still Woozy, and Marc Rebillet but also the golden age of hip hop running into pop epitomized by early 2000s Timberland, Gorillaz and NERD. Between John’s melodic singer-songwriter magnetism, Kevin’s in-your-face delivery, and an overall undeniable groove the duo has become known for their unique sound.


Thursday 3/6

Xena: Warrior Parody!
3/6-3/8 & 3/13-3/15 | Eclectic Box SF | 446 Valencia St, SF | 7 p.m. | $23.18

A drag send-up of the classic TV series starring one of the Greatest Queer Heroes of all time!

Vibras Latinas: Telenovelas Trivia y Puro Party
3/6 | El Rio | 3158 Mission St, SF | 7 p.m. | $12.96

Telenovelas play a major role in Latin American to Caribbean households and across borders. From the dramatization of La Rosa De Guadalupe teaching us lessons to stay out of trouble at a young age, to Rebelde helping the young queers feel seen, and Yo Soy Betty, La Fea showing us to embrace our uniqueness and independent attitudes. Test your knowledge of your favorite telenovelas in this trivia night! Featuring an opening drag performance by Per Sia and Dulce de Leche, and vibes kept high all night by DJs Dreams and Wonway Posibul. Once we wrap up, continue the party with Dulce de Leche’s weekly karaoke night at El Rio.

Giada De Laurentiis – Super-Italian
3/6 | Curran Theatre | 445 Geary Blvd, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $75-$150 (ticket includes book)

In this one-night-only event, Emmy Award-winning television personality, chef, restauranteur, and 9x New York Times bestselling author Giada De Laurentiis will discuss her new cookbook, Super-Italian: More Than 110 Indulgent Recipes Using Italy’s Healthiest Foods. Giada De Laurentiis has defined Italian cooking for over two decades, introducing the vibrancy and nutrition of Mediterranean staples into millions of American homes. Now, the acclaimed and beloved chef turns her hand to Italian superfoods with Super-Italian, offering delicious, superfood-packed recipes that promote wellness, longevity, and joy.

Friday 3/7

Let’s Dance (Bowie Dance Party)
3/7 | Cat Club | 1190 Folsom St, SF | 9 p.m. | $0-$17.85, 21+

Calling all you Rebel Rebels, Diamond Dogs and Young Americans – come join us for a very special night as we pay tribute to the Thin White Duke himself… DJ Daniel Sant plays plenty of Bowie, plus plenty of 70s & 80s dance rock with lots of by the likes of Talking Heads, Blondie, Iggy Pop & The Stooges, Rolling Stones, Queen, T Rex, Pink Floyd, Roxy Music, Prince, The Clash, Chic etc.

Rebecca Black
3/7 | Bimbo’s 365 Club | 1025 Columbus Ave, SF | 8 p.m. | $27.50 – $127.50, 21+

Rebecca Black is an artist who defines her own path. An undisputed icon of underground music, fashion, and queer art scenes, Rebecca Black’s wide-ranging creative output is unstoppable. Over the course of her trailblazing career, Rebecca Black has earned critical acclaim for her indisputable presence in pop culture. A one-woman force who’s in control of her own image, Black achieves her big-budget pop sound through a DIY lens. Working independently with fellow creatives as collaborators, Black complements her slick, futuristic hits with expressive visuals that amplify her music by portraying the deeper messages of her songwriting.

The Lagoons
3/7 | Cafe du Nord | 2174 Market St, SF | 8 p.m. | $29.80, 21+

The Lagoons are the musical project of brothers Ryan and Joey Selan. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, the duo first gained recognition for their dreamy, atmospheric sound characterized by smooth vocals, intricate melodies, and lush production after releasing their debut Gems EP in 2016. Since then, the duo has expanded their catalog, releasing three albums and three EPs and further solidifying their reputation as one of music’s most promising acts.

Perreo Eléctrico Series: OtebNSolrac, Baywav, Bodega J
3/7 | The Midway | 900 Marin St, SF | 9 p.m. | $10-$35

Kicking off a groundbreaking movement redefining Latin music in the electronic dance world. This is more than a party; it’s a cultural revolution. Para la cultura!

Black Sabbitch
3/7 | Bottom of the Hill | 1233 17th St, SF | 8 p.m. | $23.01

Rock out with Black Sabbitch, the all-female Black Sabbath cover band.

Pretty Gritty 2
3/7-3/9 | Rayko Photo Center | 428 3rd St, SF | 5 p.m. Friday | $10-$25
A great big group art show/sale/auction/party 40 artists! Bands! Installations! Live darkroom printing! Benefitting Bill Daniel’s new b/w darkroom project: Bayshore Industrial Black & White.


Saturday 3/8

Close to Home: Two Solo Exhibitions Exploring the Bay Area’s Everyday Landscapes
3/8 | The Compound Gallery | 1339 61st St, Emeryville | 6 p.m. | Free

The Compound Gallery is pleased to announce Close to Home, a two-part art series featuring back-to-back solo exhibitions by Meredith Steele and Chris Rummell whose work captures the essence of the Bay Area. 

The Pharcyde
3/8 | Yoshi’s Oakland | 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland | 730 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. | $59-$99

With a career spanning over three decades, The Pharcyde remains one of the most influential and beloved groups in hip-hop history. Formed in South Central Los Angeles, the group made an indelible mark on the culture with their groundbreaking debut album, Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde (1992), an instant classic known for its playful lyricism, jazz-infused production, and infectious energy. The album spawned timeless hits like “Passin’ Me By,” “Otha Fish,” and “Ya Mama,” establishing The Pharcyde as a breath of fresh air in an era dominated by gangsta rap.

San Francisco Crystal Fair
3/8-3/9 | San Francisco County Fair Building | 1199 9th Ave, SF | 10 a.m. | $14

Northern California’s Premier Festival for Wholesale and Retail Crystals & Minerals, Collectors Specimens, Psychics Readers, Healers, Jewelry, Candle, Crystal Elixir, Vibrational Tool Makers, Master Teachers, Holistic Trainers & Workshop Facilitators.

Fantastic Negrito’s Album Release Party
3/8 | The Guild Theatre | 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park | 8 p.m. | $48.67-112.40

3x GRAMMY® Award-winner Fantastic Negrito released his highly anticipated new album, Son of a Broken Man, on October 18, 2024 via his own Storefront Records. The new album sees Fantastic Negrito encapsulating his inimitable style, from hard-hitting guitar riffs to expressive ballads, with the unexpected twists that have become his trademark. It stands as one of his most personal works to date, exploring family, deception, and the human desire to hide the true self as he dives deep into the struggle between father and son.

Clown Karaoke hosted by Alex Pulkrabek and Eric Rubin
3/8 | Church of Clown | 2400 Bayshore Blvd, SF | 7:30 p.m. | Free

Grab your friends, grab your cash, hop in the car or take the 8 bus in San Francisco, and land right in front of The Church’s door. Make a grand entrance, get your song(s) on the list, and prepare to dazzle the crowd. Solos, duets, trios and more are most welcome. We’ll sing on stage while dancing and goofing off everywhere else, so prepare to get silly and be amazed by the sounds of the night! (Song-specific outfits, props, and costume changes are highly encouraged.)

“Best In The Westin” Dog Show
3/8 | The Westin St. Francis | 335 Powell St, SF | 11 a.m. | $30

The Westin St. Francis is excited to announce the return of its celebration of San Francisco’s canine community with this year’s “Best in the Westin” Dog Show. Pet parents, dog lovers, and the local community are invited to enjoy a showcase of Bay Area pet-friendly businesses, including Mishka Dog Boutique, The Hub, and Doggylicious Mobile, and capture memorable moments at Snap Fiesta’s photobooth. Special experiences include on-site dog grooming, training sessions, and custom lattes by EspressionsSF, inspired by Francis, the hotel’s beloved mascot.


Sunday 3/9

Drag-Up Comedy
3/9 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7 pm. | $38.20-$56.25, 18+

Kat Walker hosts Drag-Up Comedy with special guests Bionka Simone, Mahlae Balenciaga, Ava Lashay, and CJ Koepp.

MOOJO
3/9 | Audio SF | 316 11th St, SF | 2 p.m. | $19.06-$24.72

In Moojo’s world, beats and melodies are as vital as the air. He plays a very special day party at Audio on Sunday, March 9th, continuing the legacy of high profile artists playing our famous day into night shows.

Gumamela: A Creative, Musical Exploration of the Mexican-Filipino Connection
3/9 | Brava Theater Center | 2781 24th St, SF | 3 p.m. | $28.35-$39.25

Gumamela, a hibiscus flower in Tagalog, flor de jamaica in Mexico, is an exploration of the musical connection between Mexico and the Philippines as envisioned by Florante Aguilar and SF Bay Area ensemble Cascada de Flores.


Monday 3/10

Iceage
3/10 | Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell St, SF | 8 p.m. | $25

As with all of Iceage’s albums, whether it be the sensual daring-do of their dark-hardcore masterpiece debut, the Flying Nun-dappled “Oi!!!!” of You’re Nothing, the shift to cowpunk gothic romanticism on Plowing Into the Field of Love, or the space truckin’ gospel-rock of their most recent albums, Elias Bender Rønnenfelt, Johan Suurballe Wieth, Jakob Tvilling Pless and Dan Kjær Nielsen make the impossible seem effortless.

Circus of Sin
3/10 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF | 8 p.m. | $10-$20

The sultry sirens of San Jose take over Monday Night Hubba with an eye-poppin’ line-Up of circus, sideshow, and burlesque! 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 3/11-3/17

Tuesday 3/11

A Holi Comedy Show with Abhay Nadkarni
3/11 | Punch Line SF | 444 Battery St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $20.25-$28.25, 18+

Celebrate the Festival of Colors with Abhay Nadkarni! Born in Delhi, raised in Doha and Bangalore, Abhay infuses his stand-up with a third culture perspective. From prestigious stages like Just For Laughs, Montreal, to a dedicated following of 100k on Instagram and TikTok, his unique comedy resonates globally. He’s the co-founder of Desi Comedy Fest and The Setup- A Speakeasy Style comedy show in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Benji Hughes, Jon Lindsay
3/11 | Brick & Mortar Music Hall | 1710 Mission St, SF | 8 p.m. | $30.31

Benji Hughes (Merge/New West Records) is a singular talent, celebrated for his eclectic blend of rock, pop, and lyrical wit. With his pop experimentation, Hughes has carved a reputation as an eccentric yet brilliant and highly accessible artist. Jon Lindsay, based in Savannah Georgia and New York, is a solo artist, producer, and long-time member of the band Benji Hughes. He is also the founder of the arts collective, NC Music Love Army. 


Wednesday 3/12

Arion Press Artist Talk: Ala Ebtekar & Kim Stanley Robinson
3/12 | Fort Mason Center | 2 Marina Blvd, SF | 6 p.m. | $23.18

Join Fort Mason Center For Arts & Culture (FMCAC)’s resident organization, Arion Press, a fine art, handcrafted artist book publisher, for an “Artist Talk: Ala Ebtekar and Kim Stanley Robinson”. Arion hosts a genre-spanning conversation between artist Ala Ebtekar and celebrated science-fiction novelist Kim Stanley Robinson.

How to live a curious life with ‘Jeopardy!’ Champ Amy Schneider
3/12 | Manny’s | 3092 16th St, SF | 6 p.m. | $15.45-$30.90

Join the Chronicle live at Manny’s on March 12 for an evening of conversation (and some mandatory light trivia) with the history-making “Jeopardy!” contestant. Schneider will sit down with Chronicle arts and culture columnist Tony Bravo to discussbeing a life-long learner, transgender representation, what she did with $1.4 million in winnings and her new young adult memoir, “Who is Amy Schneider?” 


Thursday 3/13

The Pancakes & Booze Art Show
3/13 | Public Works | 161 Erie St, SF | 7 p.m. | $15-$20, 21+

Come experience one of the largest pop-up art movements to hit North America over the past decade. Celebrating over 15 years of serving FREE PANCAKES and introducing you to some of the nation’s leading emerging artists.

CIIS Public Programs: On Navigating Through the Astrology of These Times
3/13 | First Unitarian Universalist Center | 1187 Franklin St, SF | 7 p.m. | Sliding scale $15-$35

Join Humanistic Astrologer, psychic medium, and author Jessica Lanyadoo for an illuminating conversation with CIIS Professor Sonya Shah on the astrology of these challenging times. Jessica discusses what’s happening in the stars right now along with guidance for supporting your spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being. Join us in-person or via livestream, sliding scale $15-$35.

Juan Escovedo Birthday Celebration
3/13 | Yoshi’s Oakland | 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland | 7:30 p.m. Doors | $32-$74

From a young age, Juan Escovedo immersed himself in the world of rhythm, teaching himself to play bongos, congas, trap drums, timbales, and various percussion instruments. Juan tours, writes, and records as a solo artist and a vital member of his father’s Latin Jazz Orchestra and The E Family. This collective includes his siblings, Peter Michael Escovedo and Sheila E. The E Family’s album, Rhythm of the Night, produced and arranged by Peter Michael Escovedo, transforms nine classic Soul and R&B hits into vibrant Latin Jazz, supported by a fourteen-piece orchestra. 

Thursday After Hours at OMCA | Drag Performances & Trivia Night
3/13 | Oakland Museum of California | 1000 Oak St, Oakland | 5 p.m. | $19

Join us at the Gallery of California Art for a fabulous and unforgettable evening featuring a special drag performance with Per Sia and friends! These incredible artists will take over the gallery for a night filled with stunning performances, dazzling costumes, and high-energy entertainment. Between acts, explore OMCA’s award-winning galleries, indulge in delicious bites and drinks from Town Fare Café, and vibe to music curated by DJ Mark DiVita. In anticipation of Oakland Restaurant Week, try your hand at trivia all about California’s food scene, with winners receiving a gift card to the OMCA Shop. It’s the perfect blend of art, culture, and fabulous fun—don’t miss out!

Friday 3/14

The Garcia Project
3/14 | Cornerstone | 2367 Shatuck Ave, Berkeley | 8 p.m. | $36-40.12

The Garcia Project is the only nationally touring tribute that performs full, classic Jerry Garcia Band set lists from 1976-1995! The Garcia Project stands as a premier tribute band dedicated to faithfully recreating the legendary performances of the Jerry Garcia Band. With a meticulous attention to detail, they reconstruct not only the beloved setlists but also the distinctive tempos, arrangements, and even utilize replica guitars and gear to authentically capture the essence of Jerry Garcia’s sound.

Fred Everything: 20 Years of Lazy Days
3/14 | Monarch | 101 6th St, SF | 9 p.m. | $13.63-$25.40

Join us for an unforgettable night as we celebrate 20 years of the iconic Lazy Days Records with its founder, the legendary DJ and producer Fred Everything. Known for his deep, soulful house music, Fred Everything has been a pivotal figure in the music scene, both in North America and globally. This celebration at Monarch Nightclub marks two decades of groundbreaking music that has influenced countless artists and dance floors around the world.

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus presents: A Broadway Sing-Along
3/14 | The Chan National Queer Arts Center | 170 Valencia St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $10-$50, All ages

If you’ve ever wanted to sing with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus-this is your chance! This family-friendly sing-along brings the epic theatrical energy of the Broadway stage to the Chan National Queer Arts Center as Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg leads YOU in some of your favorite musical numbers in a musical preview of their upcoming spring concert. Members of the SFGMC will sing alongside you and extend the community, wellness and joy of singing in a large group to all who join. No singing skill required. 

Hannibal Buress
3/14-3/16 | San Jose Improv | 62 S Second St, San Jose | 7:30 p.m. | $43.19-$113.80, 21+

Hannibal Buress is an American comedian, actor, producer, and writer. He started performing comedy in 2002 while attending Southern Illinois University. He starred on Adult Swim’s The Eric Andre Show from 2012 to 2020, and was featured on Comedy Central’s Broad City from 2014 to 2019.

Improv Playhouse: The Naked Stage At BATS Improv
3/14 | Fort Mason Center | 2 Marina Blvd, SF | 8 p.m. | $23.18

The Naked Stage is a fully improvised, three-act stage play full of lively stories. These stories take place on a single set, in traditional stage-play style. The improvisers play one character each, and there are no built-in transitions or scene breaks. All the actors have is the bare stage, a simple suggestion from the audience, and each other.

Saturday 3/15

Holi Festival Of Colors
3/15 | 7th West | 1255 7th Street, Oakland | 3 p.m. | $20, All ages

Celebrate the arrival of spring with vibrant colors, electrifying music, and pure joy! The Non Stop Bhangra crew is bringing all the energy you know and love—music, dance, and vibrant beats—for a one-of-a-kind outdoor Holi celebration. No adulting required—just bring your inner child (and your little ones) and shake off some of the madness with us. Dress Code: Wear white and get ready to be drenched in color! (we will provide.)

Bishop Briggs
3/15 | Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 8 p.m. | $35-$40

Bishop Briggs, is an English singer and songwriter. She’s currently touring her third album, “Tell My Therapist I’m Fine”.

Indie Rock in the Lower Haight
3/15 | The Peacock Lounge | 552 Haight St, SF | 7 p.m. | $15

A memorable night in the making. Rock ‘n Roll is cool again. Support local artists and come out to the Lower Haight. First  30 people get a Goth fortune cookie at the door. Tektonic, cuva bimo, crop top and mars occult. Late night pizza across the street. All ages – but venue stocked with a bar. Premiering for the first time in SF history, the Burt Lopenzo handmade Hot Dog lamp. This will be an event for the books. 

Lepracon 2025: St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl
3/15 | Rick & Roxy’s | 2131 Lombard St, SF | 2 p.m. | $12-$35, 21+

What makes the St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl such an iconic event in San Francisco? For starters, it’s the city’s largest St. Paddy’s celebration, bringing together over 10,000 participants for a day of unforgettable fun. On Saturday, March 15, 2024, neighborhoods like The Marina, North Beach, Russian Hill, and Polk Gulch will come alive with the sound of laughter, clinking glasses, and Irish tunes as partygoers make their way from bar to bar.

Fiber Art Festival
3/15 | Museum of Craft & Design | 2569 3rd St, SF | 12 p.m. | $8-$10

The Museum of Craft and Design presents Fiber Fest, an introduction to the creative textile processes highlighted in RugLife. Learn from expert makers while exploring the threads that connect us to the following fibrous fun!

NorCal Reptile Expo
3/15 | Alameda County Fairgrounds | 2005 Valley Ave, Pleasanton | 10 a.m. | $7-$15

The NorCal Reptile Expo event includes thousands of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, supplies and more. The Expo brings an incredible and unique variety of vendors including specialized breeders, whole sale supplies, cages and more, plus amazing animal displays and activities for kids.


Sunday 3/16

Hubba Hubba Revue’s VIDEO GAMES!
3/16 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF | 7 p.m. Doors | $15-$40, 18+

San Francisco’s world-famous burlesque & variety show kicks off your Game Developers Conference with a high-scoring evening of aerialists, acrobats, special guests from Paris, New York, and Denver, and Miss Exotic World herself, Frankie Fictitious!

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
3/16 | August Hall | 420 Mason St, SF | 8 p.m. | $39.23-$116.81

If you ever wondered what “seizing the moment” sounds like personified, look no further than Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, the four-piece musical powerhouse known for their head-turning high-energy psychedelic funk shows. Infectious energy is an understatement. The Maryland quartet not only squeezes the juice out of every second, but they harness life’s energy within their hypnotic hybrid of funk, rock and psychedelic groove.

Premiere Screening: The Class Feat. Daveed Diggs, Filmmakers, and Guests
3/16 | Grand Lake Theater | 3200 Grand Ave, Oakland | 11 a.m. | $10

Join Executive Producer Daveed Diggs at the Grand Lake Theater in Oakland for a red carpet premiere screening previewing KQED’s new documentary series The Class.Following a group of East Bay high school students in their senior year as they grapple with a global pandemic and the ways it turns their high school experience upside down, the series is a testament to their resilience and one passionate educator’s faith in their futures. The screening will be followed Q&A with filmmakers Jaye and Adam Fenderson, Diggs and some of the series’ featured subjects.


Monday 3/17

Pom Pom Squad
3/17 | Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell St, SF | 7 p.m. | $24.43

Pom Pom Squad is a Brooklyn-based indie rock band that has been making waves with their distinctive blend of punk, grunge, and pop influences. Led by vocalist and songwriter Mia Berrin, the band emerged in 2015 and quickly gained attention for their raw, emotive sound and poignant lyricism. Originally conceived as a solo project by Berrin, Pom Pom Squad evolved into a full-fledged band as she assembled a talented lineup to bring her musical vision to life. Their music delves deep into themes of identity, vulnerability, and personal growth, often drawing from Berrin’s own experiences with mental health challenges and societal pressures.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
3/17 | United Irish Cultural Center | 2700 45th Ave, SF | 12 p.m. | $0-$12.51

The place to be in San Francisco for St. Patrick’s Day is Irish Center SF at 45th & Wawona St. We feature live Irish bands, indoor and outdoor spaces, three bars, several local schools of Irish dancing, and a hot Corned Beef and Cabbage meal featuring SF Robert’s Corned Beef. The entire UICC community looks forward to celebrating with you!

The Official St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl
3/17 | Mayes Oyster House | 1233 Polk St, SF | 6 p.m. | $12-$35, 21+

As the sun dips below the horizon on March 17, San Francisco transforms into a sea of green, marking the culmination of Lepracon, an event that has become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the city. Organized by CrawlSF, this annual pub crawl has not just survived but thrived for over a decade, evolving into the largest and most amazing St. Patrick’s Day event in the Bay Area. The atmosphere is electric, filled with music, the clinking of glasses raised in cheer, and the laughter of friends old and new. Special drink concoctions, from green beer to Irish whiskey, flow freely with each bar adding its touch to the festive spirit.

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

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