Best Bay Area Events 4/29-5/19

It’s Been So Long
by Vanessa Gil, Arts & Events Editor

Due to life events over the past (quite a few) years, I stopped following Giants baseball as closely as I had in previous years. Thankfully, last season, I attended my first game in seven years. I missed it there at 24 Willie Mays Plaza. I wanted to feel those feels again about my team. Put aside the drama of life and care about something fun and light again. And boy, did I ever pick the right season to tune back in?! I missed this kind of torture. Besides baseball, here’s what I’m excited for the week of 4/29 and beyond!

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Our Partners’ Events

The Vth Gathering: San Francisco’s World Goth Day Festival
5/3-5/4 | USS Hornet | 707 West Hornet Ave, Alameda | 12 p.m. | $28.52-$135.23

Creep out of your coffins for an epic Goth experience like no other with TWO days of music, art, and fashion at The Menagerie Oddities Market in a sea of black aboard the USS Hornet Museum! Get your tickets today.

Joan Crawford Superstar
5/2-5/18 (Weekends) | Shelton Theater | 533 Sutter St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $39-$49 

“Jam-packed 80 minutes…exciting theater!” – Coast to Coast Reviews

A fast-paced new play about the “best flapper” and “Queen of the Movies” before anyone called her “Mommie Dearest”! Joan was a woman of contradictions, and this play is about them both! Follow Young Joan forward in time from 1925, and Mature Joan backwards in time from 1977 death until their stories converge. Meet gay movie star William Haines, Clark Gable, MGM founder Louis B Mayer, and more! Arrive early to enjoy our interactive Joan Crawford Exhibit, showcasing genuine vintage items and visit the bar. All patrons receive a full-color booklet program. Showtimes are Fridays 7:30 p.m., Saturdays 2 p.m. & 7:30pm, and Sundays 2pm.

Use code BROKE to get 50% off ticket purchase. 

Nick Cave is Playing the Bill Graham Civic!
5/14 | Bill Graham Civic Auditorium | 99 Grove St, SF | 8 p.m. | $101.30+

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds are bringing the Wild God Tour to Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on May 14^th. Don’t miss the band’s first North American shows since 2018! Tickets are on sale now HERE.

A Country Western Hoedown in Downtown SF!
5/1 | Downtown SF | Market St & 2nd St, SF | 5 p.m. | Free/ RSVP, All ages

Line dancing, a mechanical bull, live music, and a giant disco bison. Downtown First Thursdays kicks off Downtown Hoedown on Front St. on May 1! Grab your cowboy hat, your boots with the spurs, and get down(town) country-western style. FREE with RSVP!

Reframe Festival
5/1-5/2 | Sydney Goldstein Theater & KQED Headquarters | 275 Hayes St & 2601 Mariposa St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $49- $225

Reframe your perspective with a provocative two-day ideas festival from PBS News and KQED! Pioneering thought meets discerning journalism live onstage as some of today’s most inventive minds, changemakers, and artists join the hosts of PBS News Hour for in-depth interviews, timely discussions, and moving performances. Presented in San Francisco, where ideals of technological and social innovation confront critical realities – Reframe challenges attendees to consider new viewpoints, adapt to accelerating change, and reenvision the common good. 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 4/29-5/5

Tuesday 4/29

Classic Simpsons Trivia Night
4/29 | Moez Tavern | 580 Sutter St, SF | 7 p.m. | Free, 21+

MOEZ TAVERN, your premier San Francisco bar with a Springfield vibe, presents Classic Simpsons Trivia! Five rounds, drink specials, prizes, and costumes highly encouraged! Order a “Duft” on draft or try one of our Simpsons-themed cocktails. It’ll be a perfectly cromulent occasion.

Cheerleader Roadkill
4/29 | Bottom of the Hill | 1233 17th St, SF | 8 p.m. | $15-$20

Cheerleader Roadkill, a pop-punk band from the western Chicago suburbs, founded in 2022. Classmates Noel Kovac (guitar, vocals) and Jack Metz (bass), inspired by the sound of 90s pop punk bands like blink-182, Simple Plan, and Sum 41. 

TLGBQ+ Career Fair (Spring 2025)
4/29 | SF LGBT Center | 1800 Market St, SF | 12 p.m. | Free

Historically, the SF LGBT Center has put on one of the largest TLGBQ+ career fairs in the country and we are excited to bring this event back in 2025! We showcase leading Bay Area employers from a wide range of industries who are dedicated to learning about and providing safer and more supportive workplace environments for the TLGBQ+ community as well as opportunities for gainful employment.


Wednesday 4/30

Dogstar
4/30 | Luther Burbank Center for the Arts | 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa | 7:30 p.m. | $46.02-$93.22

Dogstar epitomizes the quintessential Southern California storytelling rock band they’ve always been in their hearts, making deeply resonant music that literally comes from Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees – the name of their new album. Comprised of guitarist/vocalist Bret Domrose, drummer Robert Mailhouse, and bassist Keanu Reeves, Dogstar was born in 1991. The rock trio’s official return came in May 2023 – more than 20 years since their last performance together – at the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival with a set that sparked fan and critical praise alike, including the live debut of their lead single “Everything Turns Around.”

Tom Green: Home to the Country
4/30 | Bimbo’s 365 Club | 1025 Columbus Ave, SF | 7 p.m. | $39.50-$49.50

Tom Green exploded on MTV with the groundbreaking comedy show “The Tom Green Show.” Before reality TV, YouTube and social media existed, Tom Green’s man-on-the-street pranks changed television forever. Tom Green’s sold-out Stand-Up Comedy Tour is getting 5-star reviews worldwide. Don’t miss the insanely hilarious stand-up comedy of Tom Green when he comes to your city. His brilliantly cracked view of the world around him makes for non-stop laughter every time.

Ana Tijoux: The Vida Tour
4/30 | The New Parish | 1743 San Pablo Ave, Oakland | 8 p.m. | $44.91

Ana Tijouxʼs album Vida fuses political commentary and personal reflection, exploring themes like war, feminism, and loss.. Her fifth studio album, and first since 2014, reflects on the importance of life, joy, and vitality as forms of resistance. Tijouxʼs music spans various genres, including hip-hop, reggaeton, and Afrobeats, with collaborations from artists like Talib Kweli and iLe. 


Thursday 5/1

San Francisco Stands for the Rule of Law
5/1 | Phillip Burton Federal Building Plaza | 450 Golden Gate Ave, SF | 12 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

Our Justice System Under Threat: The principles of judicial independence and the independence of the legal profession – cornerstones of American democracy – are facing unprecedented challenges across the country. Attacks on judges for unpopular rulings, political pressure on legal professionals, and a growing distrust of the legal system threaten the very foundation of fairness and equal justice. These aren’t abstract legal concepts. They directly impact every citizen’s ability to have their rights protected and their voices heard. When the rule of law is weakened, our entire nation suffers.

Liza Treyger
5/1-5/3 | Punch Line SF | 444 Battery St, SF | 8 p.m. | $32.05-$45.80, 18+

Liza Treyger is a stand-up comic who most recently was seen in the Judd Apatow movie King of Staten Island and HBO’s Pause w/Sam Jay. She has Netflix and Comedy Central half hour specials and has appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Chelsea Lately, @midnight, Lights Out with David Spade, This is Not Happening and many more fun things and in Horace and Pete. She is the co-host of the podcast That’s Messed Up an SVU podcast and host of her own podcast Enemies. What makes her most proud is she regularly performs at The Comedy Cellar and The Comedy Store.

After Dark: Fermentation
5/1 | Exploratorium | Pier 15, SF | 6 p.m. | $22.95, 18+

We’re bubbling with excitement about fermentation and the amazing microbes that are capable of this process. You probably already know about alcoholic beverages, cheese, or kimchi, but you might be surprised to learn about the enormous variety of foods that are fermented. Discover the history and diversity of fermented foods from fermentation scientists, find out how to care for and feed your microbe friends, and try a sample of something tasty that they helped produce.

Rejjie Snow
5/1 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 8 p.m. | $32.42, All ages

By most metrics, Rejjie Snow appears to be a rap artist and that’s technically true. But he doesn’t see it that way, and in any case the simplicity of the label (or any label, really) obscures what makes him different, which is pretty much everything.  He lives wherever his suitcase settles, wherever the songs send him — Los Angeles, New York, London — making albums in the middle of making other albums, and tangling words into beautifully complex knots that blur biography with fantasy over a shifting mass of rainy loops, technicolor keys, and trippy percussion. And then there’s his voice, deep and otherworldly, capable of riding a beat with metronomic precision, cooing to raw piano, or yawping Prince-like over a soul-rock-jazz groove. His influences are as disparate as George Michael and Charles Bukowski. He designs clothes and paints. He almost had a career as a soccer star, but instead Rejjie has toured with Madonna and recorded with left-field dance genius Kaytranada.


Friday 5/2

San Francisco Slavic Festival 2025
5/2-5/3 | Russian Center of San Francisco | 2460 Sutter St, SF | 5 p.m. | $0-$17.85

Join us for San Francisco’s two-day Slavic Festival on May 2-3, 2025 held in a historic venue on Sutter Street in Lower Pacific Heights. You’ll enjoy Slavic traditions and culture with live performances, food, drink and crafts. Whether you have Slavic roots or simply appreciate the culture, this family friendly event is perfect for everyone. Sample traditional cuisine from local food vendors AydeaSF, Cinderella Bakery and PaprikaSF, taste one of our 15 exotic flavors of vodka like horseradish, guava or pineapple, and indulge in cakes and sweets at our dessert booth. Festival runs from Friday, May 2: 5pm – 1:00am through Saturday, May 3: 11am – 10pm.

Reframe Festival
5/1-5/2 | Sydney Goldstein Theater & KQED Headquarters | 275 Hayes St & 2601 Mariposa St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $49- $225

Reframe your perspective with a provocative two-day ideas festival from PBS News and KQED! Pioneering thought meets discerning journalism live onstage as some of today’s most inventive minds, changemakers, and artists join the hosts of PBS News Hour for in-depth interviews, timely discussions, and moving performances. Presented in San Francisco, where ideals of technological and social innovation confront critical realities – Reframe challenges attendees to consider new viewpoints, adapt to accelerating change, and reenvision the common good. 

Yukimi
5/2 | The Fillmore | 1805 Geary Blvd, SF | 8 p.m. | $53.50

Yukimi Eleanora Nagano, sometimes known as Yukimi, is a Swedish singer and songwriter. She is the vocalist for the Swedish electronic group Little Dragon.

Guardin
5/2 | Cafe du Nord | 2174 Market St, SF | 8:30 p.m. | $28.25

Guardin is an alternative singer songwriter from Western New York whose music has inspired countless others through his honest lyrics and creative endeavors. Guardin has toured around the country as a headliner and co-headliner and in support of Oliver Francis, Gnash, Wicca Phase, Guccihighwaters, Lund, and Sewerperson.

Bob Ross Paint Along!
5/2 | WorkshopSF | 1310 Haight St, SF | 7 p.m. | Free, Donations Accepted

Every first Friday, WorkshopSF hosts an open house / party with DIY, art, fun and community. It’s a chance to preview classes, see the space, and just hang out with neighborhood peeps! We welcome all, and our activities are all low cost or free / donation-based (Cash Only). Join us for our May First Friday for our annual Bob Ross Paint Along! Come on in, BYOB and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere as we paint along Bob Ross episodes! Watercolors and paper will be provided. See you there!

Melanie Charles Workshop
5/2 | Oakland Public Conservatory of Music | 492 9th St Suite 906B, Oakland | 5:30 p.m. | $0-$20

Experience the creative process of vocalist, flutist and composer Melanie Charles, as she combines elements of jazz, soul, and experimental music in this captivating workshop, showcasing her distinctive artistic vision and sound.

Blake Rosier Live!
5/2 | Church of Clown | 2400 Bayshore Blvd, SF | 8 p.m. | $20-$40

Blake Rosier’s Live! is an amalgamation of danger, disgust, discomfort and art. Expect this internet-famous performer to bring you some of your favorite characters – like Damien the crying frat bro and Nathan the third grader – and reactions to some of the worst DIY videos you will ever see. Along the way, Blake will be mixing in singing, dancing and some of the most uncomfortable moments you’ll witness this whole year. 


Saturday 5/3

SF Bay Area Joins Global Day of Action for Just Peace in Israel and Palestine
5/3 | Lake Merritt Amphitheater | Lake Merritt Blvd between 12th Street and 1st Ave, Oakland | 2 p.m. | Free 

This rally is being held in solidarity with a coalition of Israeli peace organizations who, on Monday May 8th, 2025, will be holding the largest gathering to date of the Israeli peace camp to promote a shared vision for justice and peace. They will be calling for a reality in which the current war will be known as the last war, and a treaty – guaranteeing both peoples the right for safety and true self-determination. Our visions for peace, safety, autonomy, and a world in which all have a place to call home mirror the call of those who will be gathering that next day in Tel Aviv-Yafo.

Artist and Makers Fair
5/3-5/4 | The Box SF | 1073 Howard St, SF | 11 a.m. | Free

We are excited to invite you to join us at The Box SF Artists and Makers Fair for a weekend event held monthly at our historic building located in the heart of San Francisco! Originally the William Randolph Hearst printing plant built in the 1920’s, The Box SF is now home to two floors of premier event space, as well as an antique printing & vintage advertising mercantile modeled after an 1850’s country store. 

Punk In the Park
5/3 | Cow Palace | 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City | 12 p.m. | $49.99+

Punk In The Park returns to the Bay Area in 2025 at the Cow Palace!! Unlimited craft beer tastings packages available for purchase. Food vendors and trucks. 2 Stages! No Overlapping Set Times!

Festicrawl: The San Francisco Music Festival Pub Crawl
5/3 | Mayes Oyster House | 1233 Polk St, SF | 4 p.m. | $12-$35, 21+

Back for its second year, Festicrawl is a unique event that combines the energy of a music festival with the fun of a classic San Francisco pub crawl. Taking place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 4PM to 10PM, the event gives music lovers and partygoers a chance to experience live bands, DJs, and drink specials as they hop between some of the city’s best bars.

The Springlicious 2025 Drag Celebration
5/3 | The Great Northern | 119 Utah St, SF | 3 p.m. | $20, 21+

Welcome to Springlicious 2025! This is an amazing evening of drag performances as a fundraiser for GLIDE Pride Team. Join us for the 3 PM Mixer, the 4 PM Show and the 7 PM Dance Party at the Great Northern.

Stanford Blackfest 2025 w/ Vince Staples + TiaCorine
5/3 | Frost Amphitheater | 351 Lasuen Street, Stanford | 2:30 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

Stanford Blackfest 2025 is a dynamic cultural celebration uplifting Black music, art, and community on Stanford’s campus. This free and open-to-the-public festival features live performances from Vince Staples and TiaCorine, plus a Vendor Marketplace, the “Young, Gifted and Black” student showcase, and Divine Nine step/stroll performances. Blackfest is the largest free Hip-Hop/R&B festival in the Bay Area, hosted by the Black Family Gathering Committee at Stanford University.

Sunday 5/4

Selena De Mayo Brunch!
5/4 | Spark Social SF | 601 Mission Bay Blvd, SF | 12 p.m. | $10-$20

It’s time to Bidi Bidi Brunch Brunch! Selena De Mayo Brunch is here — get ready for the ultimate Cinco De Mayo celebration with a day full of music, mimosas, Lotería fun, and major Reina del Tex-Mex energy at SPARK Social SF! We’re kicking things off with Mission Lotería!DJ Alohabox will be spinning all the cumbia, Tejano, and Latin jams, so you can baila esta cumbia and shake it like a washing machine!

Sam Morril
5/4 | The Masonic | 1111 California St, SF | 7 p.m. | $40.75-$63.50

Morril is one of the fastest-rising stand-up comics in New York City and one of the best joke writers in the scene today. He is known for his sharp wit and engaging story telling. 

SONA (Day Party)
5/4 | Audio SF | 316 11th St, SF | 2 p.m. | $13.39, 21+

Sona is the son of Grammy winner, Black Coffee, who is making massive waves in the afro/deep house scene on his own. This is an opportunity to see the next big dj in an intimate setting. The skylights will be open for those epic Audio day party vibes.

Kingfishr
5/4 | Popscene @ Brick and Mortar Music Hall | 1710 Mission St, SF | 7 p.m. | $24.94

Kingfishr, have quickly established themselves as one of the rising prospects in Irish music. Part of the newest generation of Irish contemporaries, the band’s grand, atmospheric tone married with their propensity for catchy melodies has resonated with a wide audience. Aptly named for the bird which frequents the river Boro in Eddie, the lead singer’s, native county of Wexford, the 3-piece pride themselves on their musical independence, producing, writing and recording and all of their own music at their home studio, which happens to be located on a dairy farm in Limerick, Ireland.

Lucha Libre In The Bay + Aloha De Mayo Westcoast Makers Market
5/4 | Gold Bar Whiskey Distillery Tasting Room | 1 Avenue of the Palms, SF | 1 p.m. | $0–$23.18

Join West Coast Makers at the Gold Bar Distillery & Tasting Room on Treasure Island for a festive and vibrant Cinco de Mayo Vendor Market! We’re bringing together the rich culture, flavors, and artistry of Latin America for a day of shopping, sipping, and celebrating. Whether you’re searching for handcrafted goods, artisanal décor, boutique fashion, or delicious food, you’ll discover unique treasures from talented local vendors.

Monday 5/5

San Francisco Small Business Week Opening Ceremony
5/5 | The Conservatory at One Sansome | One Sansome St, SF | 5 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

Join fellow entrepreneurs, community leaders, and small business advocates as we launch a week dedicated to celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our city’s economy. This year’s theme, “Rising Together,” will explore how collaboration, rather than competition, creates the foundation for sustainable success.

Mariee Siou
5/5 | Ivy Room | 860 San Pablo Ave, Albany | 7:30 p.m. | $23.22-$25, 21+

Mariee Siou has been a fixture in the Neo-folk scene since her 2007 debut “Faces in the Rocks”—now acclaimed as a cult classic in the indie music world. She is revered for her delicate finger picking and poetic mysticism, often drawing, as from the ether, immense feeling through a voice of soft potency and otherworldly wordsmithing. She is known as a healing singer and as being a visionary artist, channeling and transmitting medicinal qualities through her music.

Cinco de Mama Night Market & Loteria
5/5 | Grand Bay Hotel SF | 223 Twin Dolphin Dr, Redwood City | 4 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

A one-of-a-kind night market with local vendors that combines the spirit of Cinco de Mayo with the love & appreciation of Mother’s Day.

The Week of 5/6-5/12

Tuesday 5/6

Swan Lake
5/6 | Palace of Fine Arts | 3301 Lyon St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $55-$115

Experience the world’s most in-demand ballet, “Swan Lake,” presented by Classical Arts Entertainment and performed by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.

Chloe Moriondo
5/6 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 8 p.m. | $32.42-$97.82

Hailed as “one of indie pop’s brightest stars” (Teen Vogue), Chloe Moriondo begins her next chapter with the wistful, pulsing single “Shoreline,” and more to come in 2025. An artist whose diary-like honesty has earned her a global fanbase of millions, the Michigan-native’s 2022 album SUCKERPUNCH was heralded by the sticky-sweet anthem “Fruity,” and marked a bold leap forward from the understated indie-pop and jittery pop-punk of her 2021 offering, Blood Bunny. 

James Tom: A Work In Progress
5/6 | Punch Line San Francisco | 444 Battery St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $27.65-$40.20, 18+

James Tom (he/they) is a stand-up comic, actor, and writer, gleefully providing the trans, queer, Asian American, millennial twink perspective that everyone never knew they wanted.

Small Business Week Pop-Up Shop
5/6 | SF City Hall | 1 Doctor Carlton B Goodlett Place, SF | 11 a.m. | Free

Take in the splendor of City Hall while shopping for your friends, family and yourself! The annual Small Business Week City Hall pop-up shop is a great place to find a gift for Mother’s Day, the graduate, a special gift, or a tasty treat. Featuring goods from over 45 local makers!


Wednesday 5/7

Hippo Campus
5/7 | Fox Theater | 1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 7 p.m. Doors | $50.60-$132.50

Hippo Campus is an American indie rock band from Saint Paul, Minnesota. The band’s musical style is influenced by UK artists such as Little Comets and King Krule. The band members include Jake Luppen (lead vocals, guitar), Nathan Stocker (lead guitar, vocals), Zach Sutton (bass, keyboard), Whistler Allen (drummer, vocals), and DeCarlo Jackson (trumpet, percussion, bass).

Mayday Parade
5/7 | The Regency Ballroom | 1300 Van Ness Ave, SF | 7 p.m. | $54.91-$77.83

The sixth studio album from Tallahassee-based rock band Mayday Parade, Sunnyland finds the band both reflecting on the past and pushing toward the future. The band recorded the album with longtime producers Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount and also teamed up with Grammy nominated producer John Feldmann (blink-182, Panic! At the Disco) and Howard Benson (Of Mice & Men, My Chemical Romance) for the very first time. The result is an album built on impassioned vocals, sing-along choruses, and deeply heartfelt lyrics.

Venjent
5/7 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF | 7 p.m. | $23-$30, 18+

Venjent is all about massive basslines, cheeky remixes, and unfiltered vibes. With tracks like Open The Door and Rave to Love, his sound blends humor, heart, and pure drum & bass chaos. Think every day sounds flipped into dancefloor anthems, wrapped in a signature London swagger. It’s all energy, all fun, all the time – a proper rave with a twist. Don’t miss the chance to join the vibe tribe. The bass is calling!


Thursday 5/8

Ashley Gavin
5/8-5/10 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $43.80-$74.45, 18+

Ashley Gavin has been featured on Comedy Central, Netflix, Just For Laughs, and more. Her critically acclaimed YouTube special has amassed over 1 million views. She’s best known for her viral social media clips, where her bold, raw audience interactions, authenticity, and relentless energy set her apart. Her podcast, “We’re Having Gay Sex” (don’t worry, the show for everyone), regularly tops international charts and was named one of the best podcasts of the year by Paste Magazine. While Ashley is popular for her crowd work, this show will feature primarily written material–with her signature edge intact.

NightLife x Carnaval SF
5/8 | California Academy of Sciences | 55 Music Concourse Dr, SF | 6 p.m. | $25, 21+

Carnaval SF is back to take over NightLife! Join our colorful celebration of music, dance, and artistry from Latin American, Caribbean, and Afrodiasporic cultures. Experience the joy of Carnaval throughout the museum with live performances, a pop-up mercado (marketplace), and more!

Valencia LIVE!
5/8 | Valencia St between 16th and 19th St, SF | 5 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP, All ages

See you in the streets for Valencia LIVE! A FREE, all-ages monthly neighborhood celebration spotlighting local businesses, live music, and art. On Valencia Street between 16th and 19th Streets—in the American Indian Cultural District—the second Thursday of every month from May to October of 2025 from 5-10pm.

My Wildest Bay Area Story with Fools Circle
5/8 | The Commons at KQED | 2601 Mariposa St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $18.65-$24.38

My Wildest Story is a national live storytelling and comedic trauma-bonding event series from the pop-up comedy collective Fools Circle. Featuring some of the Bay Area’s favorite comedians and storytellers, this edition showcases crazy and jaw-dropping personal experiences that could only happen here. Each presenter will tell a three- to five-minute story that will have audiences laughing, shouting and celebrating local culture.

Friday 5/9

Peter Bjorn and John
5/9 | Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 8 p.m. | $32.50-$35

Acclaimed Swedish indie-pop band Peter Bjorn and John are bringing their iconic album Writer’s Block back to life on a highly anticipated U.S. tour. This marks the band’s first stateside tour in six years and commemorates the 19th anniversary of their breakthrough LP, originally released in 2006.

Trixie Mattel
5/9 | Fox Theater | 1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 7 p.m. Doors | $52.75-$123

Trixie Mattel is a drag performer, author, and recording artist best known for competing in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the winner of season three of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. She has traveled the world touring with her hilarious comedy sets and has appeared on television and film, released her own make-up brand, and co-wrote a book. She currently co-hosts the hit podcast “The Bald and the Beautiful” with Katya and appears on the award-winning web series “UNHhhh” serving her unique brand of humor and over-the-top doll-like beauty.

Fern Brady: I Gave You Milk To Drink
5/9 | Bimbo’s 365 Club | 1025 Columbus Ave, SF | 8 p.m. | $44.25-$55.06

Fern Brady has recently released her very own Netflix special Autistic Bikini Queen to high acclaim and been named one of Deadline’s 15 Comedian’s To Watch (the only non-American on the list). She also won the prestigious Sky Arts Award for Comedy. Fern is the author of Sunday Times best selling memoir STRONG FEMALE CHARACTER whose previous show POWER AND CHAOS was broadcast on BBC1. What happens when you get everything you want and it’s not enough? This is a great show to come and see if you are a fan of the Scottish comedian Fern Brady.

David Sedaris
5/9 & 5/10 | Uptown Theatre Napa | 1350 3rd St, Napa | 8 p.m. | $54-$64

David Sedaris is one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. He is a master of satire and one of today’s most observant writers.

Bulletproof Cabaret
5/9 | Kilowatt Bar | 3160 16th St, SF | 9 p.m. | $24.72-$47.38, 21+

Straight from London and Berlin to the Bay! Miss Banbury Cross and Retropolis bring you a gasoline soaked, whiskey fuelled Strip o’ Rama; Inspired by the bump and grind Burlesque legends of the 50s, Grindhouse cult classics and good ol’ fashioned rock and roll. We’ve wrangled together the hottest, queerest, international award-winning talent from across the Bay and beyond.

Spring Teacher Night
5/9 | Oakland Museum of California | 1000 Oak St, Oakland | 4:30 p.m. | Free

OMCA is excited to celebrate teachers during our annual Spring Teacher Night, an evening for teachers to feel inspired and celebrated while enjoying the exciting energy of Friday Nights at OMCA—all with complimentary Museum access. During a fun and fast-paced curriculum slam, learn how OMCA’s Teacher Fellows created gallery and classroom lesson plans that explore art as a tool for social and political engagement. Discover fresh ideas as you hear about what the Fellows prototyped with their students and what they learned along the way.

Saturday 5/10

Photocollage Workshop
5/10 | San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery | 401 Van Ness Ave, SF | 1 p.m. | Free

Metaphors of Recent Times exhibiting artist Liz Steketee leads a photocollage workshop in which she introduces the use of mixed media to enhance the photographic image.

‘Buttons On!’ & ‘A Roadmap to Stardust’ Opening Day and Artist Meet & Greet
5/10 | Museum of Craft and Design | 2569 3rd St, SF | 12 p.m. | $8-$10, All ages

The Museum of Craft and Design invites you to a special opening day of A Roadmap to Stardust and Beau McCall: Buttons On!. Meet the visiting artists and guest curators who will be onsite to answer any questions you may have about the exhibitions and their work. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to connect with the creative minds behind the exhibitions!

Mill Valley Music Festival 2025
5/10-5/11 | Friends Field | 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley | 12 p.m. | $71+, All ages

The Mill Valley Music Festival 2025 lineup is here! Experience two incredible days of live music in beautiful Mill Valley, CA featuring Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Gary Clark Jr., The Crosby Collective, Monophonics, and many more!

‘Arts & Eats’ Piedmont Ave Market
5/10 | Pomella and Dona Restaurants | 3770 Piedmont Ave, Oakland | 11 a.m. | Free

Mother’s Day SATURDAY fun !! Join us for a festive day filled with local art, delicious food, and activities, and FREE GIFT WRAPPING! Browse through unique artworks created by talented local artists while enjoying the amazing food of Pomella and Dona restaurants, having fun with creative activities, taking a chance to win something special for Mom ( or you!)  in our fun raffle. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support local artisans and indulge in a day of creativity and culinary delights. See you there!

Focus Fest
5/10 | Radium Runway | 2151 Ferry Pt, Alameda | 12 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

Alameda’s first climate photography festival launches with a fun-filled community celebration. Radium Runway transforms into an open-air gallery showcasing national and international works. Enjoy climate-friendly cuisines curated by partner Erika Hazel, aka the Bizerkeley Vegan. Catch artist talks on the hour every hour or take a walking tour of the incredible facilities of DOER Marine. Try your hand at collage, foam relief printing, and other family friendly activities.

Taiwanese American Cultural Festival
5/10 | Union Square | Geary, Powell, Post, & Stockton St, SF | 10 a.m. | Free, All ages

The West Coast’s largest Taiwanese American celebration is back and in person on Saturday, May 10th in San Francisco’s Union Square! Join us from 10AM – 4PM for a free and family-friendly festival showcasing Taiwanese culture, food, entertainment, activities and more. Since 1993, the Taiwanese American Cultural Festival has grown into an annual landmark event for the Bay Area community, drawing thousands of visitors from all over the world to experience Taiwan’s unique cultural heritage and to recognize the contributions of Taiwanese Americans today.

Sunday 5/11

Theatre Flamenco of San Francisco Tríptico
5/11 | Dance Mission Theater | 3316 24th St, SF | 7 p.m. | $27.27

Tríptico is a captivating flamenco performance that blends the passion and tradition of flamenco with the innovative spirit of contemporary dance. Artistic Director and flamenco dancer Carola Zertuche leads this dynamic collaboration, where three dancers—Zertuche, contemporary artist Nol Simonse, and flamenco dancer Nevarez Encinias—explore the intersections of movement, gender, and expression.

Annual 84th Mother’s Day Rose Show – Art of the Rose
5/11 | Hall of Flowers | 1199 9th Ave, SF | 12:30 p.m. | Free

Please join us this year at our popular, indoor, rose show at the historic County Fair Building Hall of Flowers in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. On display will be a variety of roses including hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, shrubs (for those who love David Austin roses), old garden roses, and more grown in San Francisco. We will also have rose arrangements on display designed by our members. This year’s arrangement theme is “THE ART OF THE ROSE,” which will inform the design of the arrangements. Consulting Rosarians will be on hand to answer your questions. Our popular book, “Growing in the San Francisco Bay Area and Other Maritime-Influenced Climates,” will also be for sale. Come join us and bring your mom.

Pickwick Vintage Show – Vintage Market
5/10 | Ferry Building | 1 Ferry Building, SF | 10 a.m. | Free

The Pickwick Vintage Show features over 70+ exhibitors from across California, featuring collections of vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories, textiles, findings, and inspiration of all kinds. Pickwick Vintage Show is a major source for collectors, connoisseurs, and the design community in search of vintage spanning all eras.

Brock & Spencer USA – Celebrating Mother’s Day with A Queer American Songbook
5/11 | The Chan National Queer Arts Center | 170 Valencia St, SF | 7 p.m. | $25-$50

The Chan National Queer Arts Center and SFIAF join forces in an uncharacteristically wholesome manner—celebrating Mother’s Day in the company of two of the nation’s greatest authorities on show tunes as they bring a distinctly queer perspective to the Great American Songbook. Vocalist Jason Brock and pianist Dee Spencer present a curated cabaret featuring selections from songwriters such as George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Rogers & Hart, while sharing stories of the legendary LGBTQ+ performers who brought these songs to life over the years. More contemporary songs from the 1980s and 1990s will also be included, and audiences will be treated to the Queer Arts Center’s signature cabaret seating, bar service and other special Mother’s Day surprises.


Monday 5/12

Haight Laughsbury Comedy Show
5/12 | O’Reilly’s Irish Pub | 1840 Haight St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | Free

Welcome to Haight Laughsbury, the weekly comedy show that keeps the spirit of Haight-Ashbury weird, funny, and very much alive. Expect bold stand-up, fresh storytelling, and that unfiltered creative energy the neighborhood’s always been known for. Whether you’re bringing a date, your friends, or just your slightly hungover self, Haight Laughsbury is the perfect way to shake off the start-of-week and actually look forward to Monday.

Jazz Is Dead: Ebo Taylor + Pat Thomas
5/12 | The UC Theatre | 2036 University Ave, Berkeley | 7 p.m. Doors | $47.25-$393.50

Ghanaian guitarist, composer, arranger, bandleader, and producer Ebo Taylor has been a vital presence in African music for more than half-a-century. His own musical projects combined traditional Ghanaian music with Afro-beat, jazz, and funk, creating a trademark sound. Pat Thomas is a Ghanaian vocalist and songwriter famed for his work in the highlife bands of Ebo Taylor and his own recordings of Afrobeat and Afro-pop. 

The Week of 5/13-5/19

Tuesday 5/13

Ali Wong: Work In Progress
5/13-5/14 | San Jose Improv | 62 S Second St, SJ | 7 p.m. Doors | $113.80 – $165.30, 21+

Fresh off her Golden Globe win for “Single Lady,” Ali Wong returns to her stand-up roots to workshop raw and unfiltered new material in an intimate club setting.

Chew on This
5/13 | The Commons at KQED | 2601 Mariposa St, SF | 7 p.m. | $30.10

In this game show from Check, Please! Bay Area producer Cecilia Phillips, foodies participate in challenges where they must answer, analyze and eat their way to the top of the food pyramid. Your ticket includes tasting portions of the theme food…which in this edition is: maiz! We’ll learn about all parts of this native food — fresh corn, sweet corn, grain, masa — and eat tostadas and drink atole from chef Emmanuel Galvan from Bolita Masa.

The Go-Go’s
5/13 | The Warfield | 982 Market St, SF | 8 p.m. | $79.99-$120.95

From their halcyon days as America’s sweethearts to their current status as superstars who pioneered a genre, The Go-Go’s preside over an amazing three-decade reign as high pop priestesses. The internationally-loved pop hitmakers helped cement the foundation of the early 80’s pop-rock sound without the aid of outside composers, session players or, most importantly, creative compromise. From their very first show, The Go-Go’s sang and played their own songs, offering five feisty role models for a generation of ready-to-rock girls and good, hooky fun for pop-loving guys.

Ryan Adams
5/13 | Fox Theater | 1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 7 p.m. Doors | $56.25-$239.40

Ryan Adams is a seven-time Grammy nominated singer-songwriter praised as “one of rock’s most talented songwriters”. Formerly fronting rock-americana groups Whiskeytown and Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, Adams has the ability to connect with audiences across a variety of different mediums.


Wednesday 5/14

Mick Foley
5/14 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $50.50-$170, 18+

Universally acclaimed as one of the most entertaining talkers in professional wrestling, Mick has decided to unleash his verbal talents on the world of stand-up comedy. In his one man show, Mick finds that escaping the worldwide shadow of WWE and one infamous match in particular has proven to be the greatest challenge of his twenty-seven-year career. Along the way he also finds time to explain that his rollercoaster ride through the world of professional wrestling has given him a unique insight into subjects as diverse as politics, pornography and the quest for world peace.

Juno Birch
5/14 | Bimbo’s 365 Club | 1025 Columbus Ave, SF | 8 p.m. | $44.25-$140.55, 21+

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Juno Birch the absolutely stunning outlandish blue alien who’d love nothing more than to speak to the manager of Earth. Juno travel’s the Earth and probes the absurdity of life on this planet, in her one-woman stand-up comedy tour ‘Probed.’ Expect jumbo hair, space age fashion and hysterical jokes from the extra-terrestrial icon all the way from the distant planet of Manchester as she shares her struggles of life through the lens of her little pink sunglasses.

Dave East
5/14 | The New Parish | 1743 San Pablo Ave, Oakland | 8 p.m. | $36.79, 18+

Dave East is an American rapper. He gained attention in 2014 with his mixtape “Black Rose”. His music is regularly featured on various radio stations, and he is considered a staple within New York’s new-school of hip hop.

Thursday 5/15

An Evening with Kruk & Kuip: An SF Sketchfest Tribute
5/15 | Sydney Goldstein Theater | 333 Hayes St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $30-$71

SF Sketchfest is honored to pay tribute to baseball icons Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper in a rare on-stage celebration of the legendary broadcasting duo. For generations, Kruk and Kuip have brought wit and wisdom — not to mention their trademark camaraderie — to SF Giants fans and beyond. So, grab some pine (or get in the squaaaat) and join them for this one-night-only evening of lively conversation and Q&A.

Eddie Ifft
5/15-5/17 | Punch Line SF | 444 Battery St, SF | 8 p.m. | $27.65-$42.50, 18+

Known for his quick wit and caustic-style of comedy, Eddie Ifft – a critically acclaimed comic, has a habit of speaking first and then thinking, which gets him in trouble – a lot. Eddie has proudly told jokes around the world to sold-out crowds. Eddie’s brand of humor can now be heard weekly on his podcast Talkin’ Sh*t with Jim Jefferies and Eddie Ifft and is gaining popularity and fans worldwide.

Madness
5/15 | Fox Theater | 1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 7 p.m. Doors | $78.15+

Read the headlines and it’s hard not to conclude that the world has gone mad. Mad enough, in fact, to give North London’s finest twelve-legged quorum of Nutty Boys a run for their money. According to keyboard-wrangler Mike ‘Barso’ Barson, the title track to Madness’s lucky thirteenth full-length C’Est La Vie is “about these crazy times we’re living in, and how I just want to stay on my boat and not be a part of all this madness. But of course, I’m a member of a group called Madness. Perhaps we should have called ourselves ‘Sanity’…”

VHOOR
5/15 | The Midway | 900 Marin St, SF | 9 p.m. | $15-$25

VHOOR is redefining the global soundscape, bringing the heat of Brazilian baile funk to dancefloors worldwide. At just 26, he’s become a trailblazer in contemporary Brazilian music, seamlessly blending piseiro, brega-funk, hip hop, and Afro-diasporic rhythms into his signature style.


Friday 5/16

Murs
5/16 | Cornerstone | 2367 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley | 9 p.m. | $29.32-$33.43

A true rap icon from the sun-drenched streets of Los Angeles, bringing a raw and unfiltered voice to the culture of hip hop. With roots in the vibrant indie scene of the late 90’s and early aughts Murs stands as a testament to authenticity and lyrical brilliance. Currently he is making rounds on his last nationwide headlining tour, promoting his final album “Love and Rockets 3:16.” After almost 30 years of touring and releasing music, the husband and father of 4, is switching his focus to family.

Hyperdrive Kittens, Lady StarBeast, Right Proper
5/16 | Music City SF | 1353 Bush St, SF | 7 p.m. | $29

The Hyperdrive Kittens are a glitter-filled, punk-n-roll PARTY. With melodic fun catchy songs and a naughty lil attitude, these Kittens scratch out a blistering, playful, outrageously good time with a burlesque and Rocky Horror influenced show that’s all their own. Defying traditional genre and embodying idiosyncrasy, Oakland-based dark pop artists Ilana Magill, Marc Martell, and MJ Gurule are the forces behind Lady Starbeast. Ilana is the songwriter and delivers sultry, powerful vocals with operatic background harmonies, dark, eerie and intricate melodies and a wild, irreverent spirit. Dramatic electro-pop instrumentation and lyrics exploring the introspective particularities of mental health and the human condition bring listeners a raucous and haunting glimpse into the inner-workings of their minds and hearts.

TJ Borden / Mari Kawamura: Morton Feldman’s “Patterns in a Chromatic Field”
5/16 | The Lab | 2948 16th St, SF | 8 p.m. | $17

American composer and John Cage associate Morton Feldman composed a number of large-scale, lengthy works toward the end of his life. Patterns in a Chromatic Field, his 1981 duo for cello and piano, is a relatively concise 80 minutes, but encapsulates the quietly intense minimalism of this late period. T.J. Borden and Mari Kawamura perform this work alongside earlier pieces Durations 2, Film Music for JP, and Intersection 3.

Too Many Zooz
5/16 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 9 p.m. | $35.56, All ages

Self-described “Brass House” trio Too Many Zooz make manically kinetic instrumental music that combines avant-garde jazz, EDM, punk rock, and sundry other traditions into their own distinctive brand of high-energy dance music. A viral sensation since they first emerged as New York subway buskers in 2013, Too Many Zooz have evolved into a globally recognized phenomenon who tour often and produce YouTube videos that have garnered millions of views.

James Taylor & his All-Star Band
5/16 | Frost Amphitheater | 351 Lausen St, Stanford | 6:30 p.m. | $155-$218.89

As a recording and touring artist, James Taylor has touched people with his warm baritone voice and distinctive style of guitar-playing for more than 50 years, while setting a precedent to which countless young musicians have aspired. Over the course of his celebrated songwriting and performing career, he has sold more than 100 million albums, earning gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards since the release of his self-titled debut album in 1968.


Saturday 5/17

Jack London’s Greatest Hits – Bar & Food Crawl
5/17 | Jack London District | 333 Broadway, Oakland | 1 p.m. | $12.51+

Introducing: Jack London’s Greatest Hits Bar & Food Crawl—a daytime neighborhood takeover celebrating your favorite drinks, bites, and beats. Whether you’re a seasoned local or first-time visitor, this is your chance to experience the best of the best in Jack London—served up with a side of great music and community energy. Grab your crew, throw on your Greatest Hit of a Fit, and hit the streets.

Bay FC Soccer Game
5/17 | PayPal Park | 1123 Coleman Ave, San Jose | 7 p.m. | $18-$174

Bay FC take on Angel City FC at PayPal Park.

Dog Days
5/17 | Oracle Park | 24 Willie Mays Plaza, SF | 5 p.m. | $89-$94

Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at Oracle Park on May 17, 2025, as the San Francisco Giants host the Oakland Athletics for the annual Dog Days event! This special game invites dog lovers and their canine companions to enjoy America’s favorite pastime together. The event kicks off at 6:05 PM, but arrive early to participate in the pre-game dog parade around the warning track. Dress your pup in their best baseball-themed costume for a chance to win the costume contest!

Human vs. AI Tech Fair & Film Festival
5/17 | Plug & Play Tech Center | 440 N. Wolfe Rd, Sunnyvale | 11 a.m. | Free w/ RSVP

Experience a high-energy, hands-on celebration where cutting-edge technology meets human creativity. Engage with groundbreaking ideas, interactive exhibits, and a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement. Step into the future and celebrate the power of innovation in a way that is engaging, inspiring, and unforgettable!

Break a Guinness World Record at the Gold Bar Whiskey Distillery!
5/17 | Gold Bar Whiskey Distillery Tasting Room | 1 Avenue of the Palms, SF | 2 p.m. | $0–$28.52

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime event as we aim to set the Guinness World Record for Most Cocktails Shaken Simultaneously – previously set at 1,710! Hosted by San Francisco Giants legend and World Series Champion, Hunter Pence, this unforgettable day will be filled with music, food, drinks, and an epic moment in San Francisco history. Plus! A live performance from epic San Francisco cover band, Neon Velvet!

Sunday 5/18

Frequency Film Festival
5/18 | Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 7 p.m. | $15-$25

The fourth edition of Frequency Film Festival highlights the art of musical scores and sound design in independent short films. Featuring a diverse range of genres, from thrillers to comedies, the festival celebrates independent filmmakers and composers who use sound to enhance storytelling. The night will include film screenings, live DJ sets, and a full bar.

Bay To Breakers
5/18 | San Francisco | Embarcadero to The Great Hwy | 8 a.m. | $99 to Register

This historic 12k through the streets of San Francisco is over 100 years in the making. It’s a race made for everyone, so dress up, bring your friends and be cheered on every step of the way by the city’s finest crowds. Pushing boundaries and breaking records since 1912 — it’s your turn to join the party.

Ok Go
5/18 | The Fillmore | 1805 Geary Blvd, SF | 8 p.m. | $63.20

OK Go is a Grammy-winning American rock band founded in 1998. They have released five studio albums and are known for their quirky music videos, which often feature elaborately choreographed dance sequences and practical effects.


Monday 5/19

Panda Bear
5/19 | The Chapel | 777 Valencia St, SF | 8 p.m. | $28-$30

Two decades since debuting as the masked and nicknamed drummer and vocalist of Animal Collective, Noah Lennox has led so many creative lives, navigated so many different styles, and been part of so many beloved recordings, that it can be easy to overlook just how consistent his creative vision has remained. From landmarks solo albums like 2007’s Person Pitch and 2015’s Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper, to breakthroughs with Animal Collective like 2004’s Sung Tongs and 2009’s Merriweather Post Pavilion, to his boundary-pushing collaborations with Daft Punk and Solange, Dean Blunt and Paramore, all of his work followed an instantly identifiable emotional throughline while influencing multiple generations and genres of artists.

Nils Frahm
5/19 | Fox Theater | 1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 7 p.m. Doors | $78.15-$215.40

Having first come to prominence with delicate vignettes for piano, Frahm’s instrumental range has expanded to include a mountain of vintage synths and keyboard instruments. These include a custom-made organ as well as the final glass harmonica constructed by Gerhard Finkenbeiner, a master glassblower who, in the 1980s, resurrected the instrument – first invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761 – and then died in 1999 in mysterious, still unresolved circumstances. Frahm’s grasp of dynamics and tension has likewise expanded, and not only does he reinvigorate his work during concerts for this wider range of possibilities, but he also keeps developing it as he tours.

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

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