Best Bay Area Events 5/27-6/16

Take a Picture
 by Vanessa Gil, Arts & Events Editor

Last week was busy over here for me! I spent a day as a background actor on the set of “The Invite”. Two takes of me crossing the street. I think I was very believable. Followed that up with spending all three days at BottleRock (you can check out the highlight reels on our Instagram). Speaking of BottleRock, who else caught Kate Hudson’s set this past Saturday? I went in not knowing anything about her singing abilities and left a little in love with her. Just incredible. Now it’s time for another week of making indelible memories. Here’s what I’m looking forward to the week of 5/27 and beyond.

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Our Giveaways

We want to send you to see “Peaches Goes Bananas” on opening night of San Francisco Documentary Festival at The Roxie Theater on May 29th! The 24th San Francisco Documentary Festival features 11 days of great new non-fiction films from around the world playing at the Roxie and Vogue theaters and also on demand. “What makes the scrappy San Francisco Documentary Film Festival a treasure to SF Bay Area filmgoers is its willingness to take that extra step to show films a little more out there than bog standard documentaries.” – Peter Wong, Broke Ass Stuart

You can enter here for a chance to win a pair of tickets!

Our Partners’ Events

Tash Sultana is Playing The Masonic!
6/13 | The Masonic | 1111 California St, SF | 8 p.m. | $53+

Tash Sultana is an Australian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and music producer, described as a “one-person band”. Sultana plays a large variety of instruments including guitar, keyboard, bass, percussion, beatmaking/sampling, trumpet, saxophone, flute, mandolin, oud, harmonica, panpipes; and arranges it into loop style performances along with percussive and finger tapping style guitar playing. They also have a vocal range stretching five octaves. This is NOT a show you want to miss… Get your tickets now!

Fridays on Front St.
5/30 | Front Street Entertainment Zone | 240 Front St, SF | 4 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP, All ages

Ditch the desk and hit the streets!San Francisco’s newest FREE block party, Fridays on Front St, is here! Join us on select Fridays for outdoor live music featuring local artists curated by Noise Pop, the glorious freedom of sipping beer in the streets, food pop-ups, and all the sports, games, and good vibes your heart desires. Fridays on Front St isn’t just a block party; it’s your new weekend kick-off, SF style. Plus Stuart is hosting! RSVP here.

Rebel Girls Bingo
6/5 | KQED Headquarters | 2601 Mariposa St, SF | 7 p.m. | $12.96

KQED Culture Writer Rae Alexandra chronicles the stories of women who defied their times in her series Rebel Girls From Bay Area History. Learn about the dancer who helped start the Black Panthers’ free Breakfast program. The Piedmont nurse and public health teacher who founded Oakland’s first children’s hospital. The Filipina activist so unstoppable her nickname was “Bullet.” We’ll hear their stories — and many others — in our annual bingo night. Get your tickets here.

This Week’s Events 5/27-6/2

Tuesday 5/27

BottleRock After Dark: Goose
5/27 & 5/28 | The Masonic | 1111 California St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $64+

Goose is an American rock band from Wilton, Connecticut, formed in 2014. The band consists of Rick Mitarotonda, Trevor Weeks, Peter Anspach, and Cotter Ellis. Goose has gained popularity since early 2020, in large part due to live performances with larger acts like Dead & Company, Trey Anastasio, and Bob Weir.

Vinyl Nights
5/27 | W San Francisco | 181 3rd St, SF | 7 p.m. | Free, 21+

Vinyl Nights bring a fresh spin to midweek evenings with live sets from DJ Works! Here guests are welcome to experience an eclectic mix of vinyl tracks while enjoying craft cocktails and the vibrant atmosphere of the Living Room Bar. Designed to blend the spirit of San Francisco with the allure of classic records, Vinyl Nights offers a dynamic, laid-back space to unwind, connect, and celebrate the best of the city’s nightlife. 

Honey Revenge
5/27 | Cornerstone | 2367 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley | 7 p.m. | $34.46-$41.15

Honey Revenge is an American pop rock band formed in Los Angeles in 2021. Comprising lead vocalist Devin Papadol and guitarist Donovan Lloyd. They released their debut album, Retrovision, in June 2023. They have frequently cited You Me at Six, Paramore, Hannah Montana, and Demi Lovato as influences.


Wednesday 5/28

Chess Lecture at the Bernal Library
5/28 | Bernal Heights Branch Library | 500 Cortland Ave, SF | 6 p.m. | Free, All ages

Join the Bernal Chess Club for our monthly lecture at the Bernal Heights Library. At 6pm we’ll learn about a beautiful game from chess history, followed by time for casual combat for those who want to play. All levels and ages are welcome. Bring a chess set if you have one.

Profs & Pints Alameda: How Music Affects Our Brains
5/28 | Faction Brewing | 2501 Monarch St, Alameda | $13.50-$17

Profs and Pints Alameda presents: “How Music Affects Our Brains,” with Petr Janata, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California Davis who has spent more than three decades studying the psychology and neuroscience of music. Get ready to listen to something truly amazing: A talk on pioneering research on music’s impact on what’s between our ears and how and why it plays with our emotions, sparks memories, and gets stuck in our minds.

Erin Jackson
5/28-5/31 | Punch Line SF | 444 Battery St, SF | 8 p.m. | $22.25-$34.25, 18+

Erin Jackson is one of the fastest-rising comedians in New York City. She’s a fixture in the city’s top comedy clubs and made her Netflix debut on Season 2 of TIFFANY HADDISH PRESENTS: THEY READY. Erin is a television writer, currently working on the hit Netflix show, THE UPSHAWS. She also co-hosted three seasons of EXHALE, a panel talk series that aired on the ASPiRE television network. Her comedy album, GRUDGERY, debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes comedy charts. Erin is a proud alumna of Howard University and a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan.

benches
5/28 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 8 p.m. | $27.32

benches is a Southern California group consisting of Anson Kelley (vocals/guitar), Ethan Bowers (drums), Evan Ojeda (lead guitar), and Charlie Baird (bass). Reminiscent of both the ceremonious majesty of 90’s Britpop and the insouciance of 2000’s NY rock, the band’s heart is rooted in defining the sound of bittersweet: A blend of joy and sadness, wrapped up into infectious indie rock.

Thursday 5/29

SKATE SKETCH NIGHT + Q&A with the Curator and Artists
5/29 | 111 Minna Gallery | 111 Minna St, SF | 5 p.m. | Free

Irene Emma Hernandez-Feiks is beyond honored and thrilled to curate SKATE, an electrifying exhibition at 111 Minna Gallery, which opened on April 11, 2025. This groundbreaking show is a love letter to skate culture, the Bay Area, and the incredible community that 111 Minna has fostered for decades. With nearly 300 artists and over 400 skate decks, this exhibit is set to be nothing short of mind-blowing. 

Kendrick Lamar and SZA
5/29 | Oracle Park | 24 Willie Mays Plaza, SF | 7 p.m. | $353.05+

The Grand National Tour by rapper Kendrick Lamar and singer-songwriter SZA, is in support of Lamar’s sixth studio album GNX (2024) and SZA’s first reissue album SOS Deluxe: Lana (2024). This is the first all-stadium tour for both artists.

The Photography of Georg Lester
5/29-6/18 | The Midway | 900 Marin St, SF | 6:30 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

Join us for a solo exhibition featuring the scenic photography of Georg Lester. George’s work captures wide landscapes and moody city views in his highly detailed series.

Melissa Villaseñor
5/29 & 5/30 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $30.25-$50.25, 18+

Melissa Villaseñor is an American comedian, actress, musician, and illustrator. First garnering attention for her stand-up shows and impressions, Villaseñor found wider success when she was hired to join the cast of SNL ahead of the show’s 42nd season in 2016. She then departed SNL at the end of the 47th season in 2022, after six seasons as a cast member.

Burrito Showdown
5/29 | The Commons at KQED | 2601 Mariposa St, SF | 7 p.m. | $30.10

Local burrito barons La Taqueria, Papalote Mexican Grill and La Vaca Birria showcase their takes on the iconic Mission-style burrito! Enjoy food demos that celebrate the rich flavors and cultural roots behind the Mission burrito as you indulge in mouthwatering bites, learn about the history of the burrito in the Bay and experience the passion of these community staples. Don’t miss this delicious celebration of tradition and taste.


Friday 5/30

Daybreaker
5/30 | Broadway Studios | 435 Broadway, SF | 7 p.m. | $30-$40

The night used to be a place we numbed out. We’re flipping the script. Dusk is where we feel it all — the ache, the awe, the electricity inside us. We move slow into yoga that cracks the shell. Then we break open the night with a dance that doesn’t need permission. This is an exclusive chance through the evening with your crew. We’re bringing the magic — this is Lumina, a wild blend of a dance, connection, glowing LED art, and the immersive creations of Christopher Schardt — one of the top Burning Man artists today. We’ll be partying ’til 10:30 PM, then it’s your choice to or take the night deeper and keep the party alive or head to bed. Come solo. Come raw. Come ready. This is how we take the night back. Bring your spark. Bring your story. Meet us under the stars. Because belonging isn’t built on noise — it’s built on feeling everything.

Pride Renaissance: Celebrating Community Resilience
5/30 | Swedish American Music Hall | 2174 Market St, SF | 5:30 p.m. | $80+

Join us for the biggest fundraiser in our organization’s 14-year history! An unforgettable evening of resilience, celebration, and community as we raise critical funds for LGBTQIA+ mental health services in a rapidly changing political landscape.

Fort Mason Night Market
5/30 | Fort Mason Center | 2 Marina Blvd, SF | 4 p.m. | Free, All ages

Make it a monthly affair starting with the Night Market 2025 at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture (FMCAC). This outdoor market transforms the historic FMCAC campus into a dynamic showcase of local artisans, cuisine, and entertainment. This free public event combines the San Francisco Bay Area’s premier craft vendors with outstanding food offerings against a backdrop of stunning waterfront views.

Jay Shetty
5/30 | Bill Graham Civic Auditorium | 99 Grove St, SF | 7 p.m. Doors | $66.75+

Jay Shetty, a global bestselling author, award-winning podcast host of ‘On Purpose’ and purpose-driven entrepreneur, has made an indelible impact on hearts and minds worldwide. Jay possesses a talent for making purpose and ancient wisdom not only relatable but also practical and easily accessible. His journey of transformation and inspiration has touched the lives of millions across the globe. Jay is on the mission of spreading love, purpose and transformation globally.

The Damned
5/30 | The UC Theatre | 2036 University Ave, Berkeley | 7 p.m. Doors | $51

People have been arguing about punk rock since the big bang that created that high decibel universe. The Damned were at the heart of that revolution and have returned like resurrected vampires to take back the(ir) punk rock crown. Few bands have managed to maintain their manic muse, few bands have been key catalysts to a musical genre, few bands have managed to improve like fine old wines and few have managed to do it with such fantastic chaos, captivating style and shape shifting music as The Damned. Their mix of theatrics and raw power combine to create their vaudeville immaculate and gothic horror shivers, dark music hall anthems and a perfect punk rock.

Dillon Francis
5/30 | 1015 Folsom | 1015 Folsom St, SF | 10 p.m. | $35-$45, 21+

Dillon Francis is an American electronic music producer and DJ. With Cat Liu, Off The Record, Camillionaire, Rhythm & Sound, Sauci, Just Feels Right, Twogee, Sussybaka Left On Read, & RYY.


Saturday 5/31

HOLE: Work-in-Progress Performance
5/31-6/1 | TBA | San Francisco | 2 p.m. | RSVP – Donation

HOLE is an experimental theater piece by Amy Langer and Bahaar Taj in collaboration with the San Francisco Neo-Futurists. Set at the beach, HOLE revolves around the act of literally digging a large hole in the ground—a simple yet profound action that symbolizes human obsession, compulsion, and perseverance. A play without a fourth wall (or, in fact, any walls), HOLE asks the audience: What needs to be done for you to take up the shovel?

East Bay Open Studios
5/3-6/1 | 12 Bay Area Cities | 11 a.m. | Free w/ RSVP

Discover the creative heartbeat of the East Bay! Meet 150+ local artists, explore studios and galleries across 12 cities, and experience two weekends of art, inspiration, and discovery. From paintings to prints, ceramics to textiles—there’s something for everyone!

La Onda Festival 2025
5/31-6/1 | Napa Valley | 575 3rd St, Napa | 12 p.m. | $199+

La Onda by BottleRock returns to the heart of Napa Valley for year two! Don’t miss out on the largest Latin festival in Northern California featuring amazing food, music and more celebrating Latin culture. 

Union Street Festival
5/31-6/1 | Union Street | Union St, from Fillmore to Gough, SF | 11 a.m. | Free, All ages

As one of the city’s largest and longest-running street festivals, the Union Street Festival invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate San Francisco’s vibrant culture, creativity, and community. For two full days, Union Street will transform into a festive open-air marketplace featuring live music and dance, delicious food, craft cocktails and mocktails, local brews, family-friendly activities, and handcrafted goods from a wide array of Bay Area artists and makers.

Festa Italiana 2025 + 104th Statuto Race
5/31-6/1 | North Beach | Stockton St at Union St, SF | 11 a.m. | Free, All ages

A Street festival of Italian food, drink, music, culture, family fun and the running of the 104th Statuto Race on Sunday morning.

Kash Doll
5/31 | The UC Theatre | 2036 University Ave, Berkeley | 7 p.m. Doors | $67-$132

Kash Doll is a Detroit-born rapper and actress who has made a significant impact in the music industry over the last decade. Known for her confident delivery and unapologetic style, she first rose to prominence with hits like “For Everybody” and “Ice Me Out.” Kash Doll’s highly anticipated sophomore album, The Last Doll, showcases her growth as both an artist and a mother, featuring collaborations with Tee Grizzley, Yung Bleu, Tink, and more. Beyond music, she has made waves with her roles on Starz’s BMF and BET’s Diarra from Detroit, and she continues to influence through her philanthropy with her nonprofit, Fairy Boss Mother. 

Hippie Sabotage with Carpetman
5/31 | The Warfield | 982 Market St, SF | 8 p.m. | $43.18+

Hippie Sabotage is a Sacramento born, LA based production duo made up of brothers Kevin & Jeff Saurer. The duo got their start as bedroom producers in middle school after obsessing over the music used in their favorite skateboarding videos. Their sound is rooted in electronic music, but it takes cues from hip hop, psych rock, and chill wave, all pulled together by Jeff’s killer guitar skills and Kevin’s explosive personality on stage.


Sunday 6/1

Golden State Valkyries Game
6/1 | Chase Center | 1 Warriors Way, SF | 5:30 p.m. | $33.04+

Watch the Golden State Valkryies host the Minnesota Lynx!

Sammy Obeid
6/1 | San Jose Improv | 62 S 2nd St, San Jose | $37.17-$119.88

Lebanese-Palestinian American, born in Oakland California, Sammy Obeid double majored in Business and Mathematics at UC Berkeley and then turned down a job at Google to be a comedian. Now the host of 100 Humans on Netflix, he’s also appeared on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and America’s Got Talent, as well as TBS’s Conan, and is best known for his world record of performing comedy 1,001 nights in a row, a story featured in both Time Magazine and The New York Times. 

Swagger Like Us Presents
6/1 | El Rio | 3158 Mission St, SF | 3 p.m. | $20-$30

Swagger Like Us Presents with DJs Rush Davis, Black Woman, Charles Hawthorne B2B Honey Bear, & davOmakesbeats.

Sweet Tooth
6/1 | The Stud | 1123 Folsom St, SF | 3 p.m. | $7.18+

Join us for an extra extra special line up as we kick off pride! You’re favorite pansexual bipoc dance party is back presented by Makeroom! What to Expect: A sweet dance floor filled with unapologetic joy at the historic STUD. Fire DJ sets by all-POC talent bringing the heat. Hip-hop, House, Jersey Club, Baile Funk, Afrohouse, Ampiano, Reggaeton + more. Queer-friendly vibes in a space to let loose and connect. WEAR A PRIDE LOOK and don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event where the music is sweet, and the energy is even sweeter. 


Monday 6/2

Matt Bernstein
6/2 | Cafe du Nord | 2174 Market St, SF | 8:30 p.m. | $64.30-$98.29

Join Matt Bernstein for his A Bit Fruity Spring Tour as he takes his hit podcast on the road! This lively tour features Matts signature mix of humor, bold commentary, and candid conversations, recorded live in cities across the country. Expect unscripted moments, behind-the-scenes podcast insights, special guests, and plenty of laughs. Whether youre a longtime fan or new to the show, Matt promises an unforgettable night of comedy and connection.

The Heavy Heavy
6/2 | The Lagunitas Brewing Company | 1280 North McDowell, Petaluma | 4:30 p.m. | Free-$106.49, 21+

Grab a cold one and catch The Heavy Heavy for FREE on June 2nd at Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma! With the arrival of their debut EP Life and Life Only, The Heavy Heavy immediately filled a longtime void in the musical landscape, delivering a soulful breed of rock & roll untouched by modern artifice. As audiences across the globe grew enchanted with their era-bending sound, the UK-based band began selling out headline shows in major cities like New York and Chicago, opening for the likes of Black Pumas and Band of Horses, all with only a handful of songs to their name. After spending the past two years on the road and in the studio, The Heavy Heavy now draw listeners even deeper into their dreamworld with their long-awaited debut album, One Of A Kind.

The Week of 6/3-6/9

Tuesday 6/3

Ministry
6/3 | The Warfield | 982 Market St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $66+

Ministry is an American industrial metal band founded in Chicago, Illinois, in 1981 by producer, singer, and instrumentalist Al Jourgensen. With a new line up, incredibly full sound, and some might say a return to the roots of MINISTRY, the band is prepared to release a record that is socially relevant and sonically effective. There is simply too much insanity in this world for Jourgensen not to speak his mind and keep our senses alive with his vast array of decibels and visuals: “I’m afraid for the stupidity of not embracing nonsense. I think nonsense is a great escape from the rigors of being in life’s hamster wheel.”

James Arthur
6/3 | The Masonic | 1111 California St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $40-$65

James Arthur is an English singer and songwriter. He rose to fame after winning the ninth series of The X Factor in 2012. His debut single, a cover of Shontelle’s “Impossible”, was released by Syco Music after the final, and debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart. Since then, it has gone on to sell over 2.5 million copies worldwide, making it the most successful winner’s single in the show’s history. 

Odd Salon SF: UNCHARTED
6/3 | Public Works | 161 Erie St, SF | 6:30 p.m. | $28.52+, 21+

Stories from the remote and far flung, of terra incognita and obscure frontiers, and of bold inquiries into the unknown. Odd Salon is an independent, community-based project, dedicated to bringing together curious minds in pursuit of stories from history’s odd and overlooked corners, the joys of research, and the craft of storytelling.

Tuesday Night Roller Disco
6/3 | Church of 8 Wheels | 554 Fillmore St, SF | 8 p.m. | $23.08, 18+

This is how you we spread rolligion!!! We have monthly theme nights on Tuesday nights, but all of these sessions are where anyone can come in and get their skate groove on!!! The first Tuesday of the month is Goth Skate Night.

Wednesday 6/4

Julia Wolf, Worry Club, Ellis
6/4 | Brick & Mortar Music Hall | 1710 Mission St, SF | 7 p.m. | $33.90

Hailing from Long Island’s North Shore, Julia Wolf is a once-in-a- generation artist, genre-bending storyteller and a beacon of inspiration to music fans, tastemakers and fellow artists alike. Her journey is a vivid narrative of vulnerability, growth, experimentation & the human experience. Her 2023 debut album, “Good Thing We Stayed”, melds Julia’s hauntingly beautiful vocals and emotive songwriting with trap-infused pop melodies. Venturing into new realms, her singles “In My Room” and “Wishbone” revisit her rock roots, showcasing her versatile artistry and defiance of conventional boundaries. Julia’s bond with her audience transcends music; her lyrics resonate so deeply that fans often immortalize them into tattoos, while industry support has been known to lend itself in the form of billboards (Spotify, YouTube Music) and playlists like Spotify’s “Fresh Finds” & Tidal’s “Rising: Pop”.

Flux Vertical Theatre: Down n’ Dirty for Pride
6/4 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF | 8 p.m. Doors | $10-$20, 18+

San Francisco’s world famous burlesque and variety show welcomes the superstar pole-dancers of Flux Vertical Theatre for a very special, Wednesday evening Pride celebration!

An Unsinkable Experience with Sausalito Liquor Co
6/4 | The Fairmont San Francisco | 950 Mason St, SF | 5:30 p.m. | $40.25

Come join us for a night of unforgettable cocktails at LAUREL COURT RESTAURANT in the Fairmont San Francisco Hotel. Tasting led by Scott Jampol (founder), Michael Hodge (partner/Chief of Sales and former early employee at WhistlePig) and Rebecca Stein. Sausalito Liquor Co will be serving up their finest creations in a stunning setting. Get ready to sip and savor in style as you enjoy a unique blend of flavors and ambiance.

Durand Bernarr : You Gon’ Grow, Too! Tour
6/3 (Sold Out) & 6/4 | Bimbo’s 365 Club | 1025 Columbus Ave, SF | 8 p.m. | $36.01, 18+

Durand Bernarr is a GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and visionary artist who has emerged as one of the most exciting and innovative voices in contemporary R&B. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Durand was born into a musical family, with an audio engineer father and a vocal coach mother who cultivated his deep connection to sound. By 16, he was already working behind the scenes with Earth, Wind & Fire, a pivotal moment that sparked his career. Durand’s distinct voice and genre-blending style first captured attention with his 2016 project Sound Check, but it was his debut album DUR& (2020)—featuring collaborations with Ari Lennox, Anna Wise, and Kaytranada—that solidified his place in the R&B landscape.

Thursday 6/5

Downtown Hoedown
6/5 | Front St Entertainment Zone | Front St between California & Sacramento St, SF | 4 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

Giddy up and get down with line dancing, live bluegrass and country music, a mechanical bull, a giant disco bison, great bars and more surprises! It’s city-scene meets country-scene at the Downtown Hoedown.

Pardoner
6/5 | The Chapel | 777 Valencia St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $20-$25

Pardoner is a San Francisco-based rock band. The core trio consists of Max Freeland, Trey Flanigan, and River van den Berghe. Their music blends slacker rock attitude with pummeling hardcore for a visceral sound. Their acclaimed full-length album, Peace Loving People, features incisive songwriting and cultural criticism of the music industry.

Choir! Choir! Choir!
6/5-6/7 | The Freight | 2020 Addison St, Berkeley | 8 p.m. | $44

This time, Choir! Choir! Choir!  presents: An EPIC 80s Sing-Along! Choir! Choir! Choir! is a fully interactive, participatory show that turns audience into performer! So get ready to laugh, dance and SING! your hearts out with hundreds of other music-lovers just like you. It’s like a big birthday party for the greatest songs of all time and you’re invited! So grab a friend (or ten), and come out ready to GIVE IT ALL YOU’VE GOT! – all voices welcome, no experience necessary. They Teach, You Sing! Everyone Wins!

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

What do scientists and artists have in common? Countless fails! In fact, having things go wrong is a normal and essential part of the creative and scientific process. Join us at After Dark to embrace, normalize, and celebrate failure, and find out how mistakes can lead to surprising discoveries and opportunity for growth. Come learn about how we can all benefit from failing together, and maybe even enter your own glorious flop era.


Friday 6/6

2025 US Air Guitar Regional Championship
6/6 | Bottom of the Hill | 1233 17th St, SF | 8 p.m. | $23.18

Part rock show. Part comedy act. Part spectacle. US Air Guitar allows ordinary people to become ridiculous rock stars! Come witness the fun or if you dare to compete, bring your invisible axe and get your shot at glory. Winner advances to the US Air Guitar National Finals, which are in San Francisco for the first time since 2008 at The Independent on July 26th!

Neil deGrasse Tyson
6/6 | Paramount Theatre | 2025 Broadway, Oakland | 8 p.m. | $38.50-$98.50

Beginning with Mars, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson reviews the ongoing effort to search for habitable planets, liquid water, and life in the cosmos. “The Search For Life in the Universe” culminates in the search for intelligent life, whether or not it already exists on Earth.

SPIN SF First Fridays – “Dare to Play With Pride”
6/6 | SPIN | 690 Folsom St #100, SF | 8 p.m. | $10/table reservation

SPIN’s First Fridays continue in June with our most colorful celebration yet: Play As You Are, an unapologetically vibrant tribute to Pride Month. From drag-hosted ping pong battles to karaoke served with a side of glitter, SPIN is transforming into a rainbow-hued playground of joy and self-expression. Expect bold bites, prideful sips, queer talent center stage, and a whole lot of love.

First Friday: Pride
6/6 | Chabot Space & Science Center | 10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland | 6 p.m. | $5-$10

Kick off Pride Month with the whole family with an out-of-this-world celebration of science, creativity, and community! Explore hands-on science demos that will ignite your curiosity, get creative with themed crafts, and groove to live music that will have everyone on their feet. Gather with the community in this colorful celebration and make memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t wait to see you there!

CupcakKe
6/6 | Temple | 540 Howard St, SF | 10 p.m. | $30.93+, 21+

The rap sensation herself is taking over Eruption! Known for her raw lyrics, high-energy performances, and fearless attitude, CupcakKe is bringing the heat to our biggest event yet. This is one for the books—you do NOT want to miss it.

Saturday 6/7

SF Porchfest
6/7 | Mission District | Various Porches in The Mission, SF | 12 p.m. | Free

Join us Saturday, June 7th 2025 for another year of music, community, and memories on the porches of the Mission District in San Francisco!

Cheese Plus 20th Anniversary Artisan Food Festival Block Party Celebration
6/7 | Cheese Plus | 2001 Polk St, SF | 11 a.m. | Free w/ RSVP

Welcome to the Cheese Plus 20th Anniversary Artisan Food Festival Block Party Celebration! Join us at Cheese Plus for a day filled with delicious food, fun activities, and great company. Indulge in a variety of artisan cheese, charcuterie, chocolate, olive oil and other gourmet treats from the Bay Area’s finest artisan food producers while enjoying live music and entertainment. Sip your favorite brews from Wondrous, Cellarmaker, Olfactory, and Standard Deviant breweries, and visit our pop-up partners Moody Goose Vintage, Out of Sight Records, Babylon Burning Screen Printing, and more. This event is a fantastic way to celebrate our 20th anniversary and share our love for artisan food with the community. Don’t miss out on this special occasion – mark your calendar and come celebrate with us!

Explore All the Colors of the Rainbow: A Queer Intuitive Painting Journey
6/7 | The Center for Creative Exploration | 300 Chenery St, SF | 10 a.m. | $110+

A queer intuitive painting workshop with The Center for Creative Exploration. Let’s explore with wonder and paint everything that we are at this moment: our pride and fear, our solidarity and grief, our pain and our beauty. Quietly together, let’s practice being with this wholeness. With color and movement, paints and brushes, and with no judgement or plan, express your creative and outrageous self.

Pop-Ups on the Plaza: Juneteenth on the Waterfront
6/7 | Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market | One Ferry Building, SF | 9 a.m. | Free

Celebrate local Black-owned businesses at the 5th annual Juneteenth on the Waterfront. Kick off a month of Juneteenth celebrations in San Francisco with a day of delicious food, crafts, and community at the Embarcadero Ferry Terminal Plaza (south of the Ferry Building) and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. Entry is free and open to the public, and food and drinks will be available for purchase.

LGBooTie Pride
6/7 | Cat Club | 1190 Folsom St, SF | 9 p.m. | $10, 21+

We’re kicking off Pride Month with a pop party for queers of all stripes and their allies! With the entire Bootie Mashup team being various flavors of LGBTQ+ — especially our core crew of bi, pan, and trans — our annual Pride party is always a great excuse to spin all our favorite queertastic and divalicious mashups.

Un Viaje: Pride at the Park
6/7 | Salesforce Park | 425 Mission St, SF | 3 p.m. | Free, All ages

Celebrate and stand with our LGBTQ community on the rooftop garden of TJPA’s Salesforce Park for the third annual Un Viaje: Pride at the Park. This all-ages, interdisciplinary event brings together local queer musicians, drag artists, and dancers. Produced by and featuring Banda Sin Nombre, with performances by Esotérica Tropical, Shane Zaldivar, Mama Dora, La Katia, and Jesse Escalante.
 
Movie Night: Wicked
6/7 | Yerba Buena Gardens | 750 Howard St, SF | 6 p.m. | Free/Donation

Wicked transforms the Gardens into a grassy Emerald City! Enjoy food and drinks from local restaurants and pre-show entertainment featuring the fabulous Nia Politan as Galinda and Snaxx as Elphaba, plus KALW DJ Eryka setting the mood. Bring your blanket, low lawn chairs, and best Oz-themed garb (under your layers of course!). Cheer, hiss and sing along as Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba Thropp and Ariana Grande’s Galinda Upland become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Hint: It ain’t easy being green.

Sunday 6/8

TEDx Palo Alto
6/8 | The Guild Theatre | 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park | 2:30 p.m. | $63.26-$92.23

Join us for an inspiring afternoon at TEDxPaloAlto Salon as we explore The New Renaissance: Redefining Work, Learning, Medicine, Expression, and Purpose. Through solo talks, panels, and engaging discussions, this event examines how artificial intelligence is reshaping human potential—while also highlighting the domains that remain uniquely human. We’ll hear from scientists, technologists, doctors, educators, and musicians sharing their perspectives on this transformative era.

June Community Kitchen – Hawaiian
6/8 | Japanese Cultural & Community Center | 1840 Sutter St, SF | 3 p.m. | $30-$35

A shared evening of cooking and dinner with recipes from the community! We are so excited to announce our popular Hawaiian theme menu is back! Join us in creating these delicious Hawaiian foods on June 8th! Community Kitchen is organized by volunteers to bring members of our community together to learn how to cook Japanese and Japanese American family recipes and to share a multi-generational communal dinner. Adapting our Baachan’s Kitchen program started in 2016, our Community Kitchen is open to all who want to enjoy and share Japanese home-style cooking while connecting with the community.

Monday 6/9

Check, Please! Taste and Sip 2025
6/9 | San Francisco Design Center Galleria | 101 Henry Adams St, SF | 7 p.m. | $99-$149, plus fees

Join host Leslie Sbrocco to celebrate the 20th season of Check, Please! Bay Area. Many of Sbrocco’s favorite wineries and more than 50 restaurants from the show will be featured in this showcase of the Bay Area’s amazing culinary community. And the best part is — you get to sample them all! Check out the full list of participating restaurants, wineries and beverage vendors, and more. Also featuring live entertainment by jazz musician Lidia Rodriguez, featured on KQED Live’s stage.

Malcolm Todd
6/9-6/11 | The Regency Ballroom | 1300 Van Ness Ave, SF | 8 p.m. | $148.75+

Malcolm “Todd” Hobert is an American singer-songwriter and musician. He signed to Columbia Records after he went viral on TikTok for his 2023 singles “Art House” and “Roommates”, both of which were included on the mixtape Sweet Boy, released in 2024. He released his first studio album, Malcolm Todd, in 2025. Todd’s music is a blend of indie pop and R&B and has been heavily compared to Steve Lacy.

The Week of 6/10-6/16

Tuesday 6/10

Mae Martin
6/10 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 8 p.m. | $43.28-$116.05, 21+

MAE MARTIN is an award-winning comedian, producer, actor, podcast host, and singer-songwriter. Mae presently co-hosts the hit comedy podcast Handsome, which was recently acquired by the Headgum podcast network, alongside Tig Notaro and Fortune Feimster. In addition to co-showrunning, starring in, writing, and executive producing the highly anticipated forthcoming Netflix thriller series WAYWARD. 

The Dollop Podcast Live
6/10 | Palace of Fine Arts | 3301 Lyon St, SF | $32.15+

The Dollop is a podcast hosted since April 2014 by American comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds. Each episode centers around an event or person from history selected for its humorousness or peculiarity. Typical episodes feature subjects from American history described by Anthony and commented on by Anthony and Reynolds.

BodyWeight Burn – Powered by LuxFit
6/10 | Ferry Building | One Ferry Marketplace, SF | 5:15 p.m. | Free w/ Regristration

Build strength, boost endurance, and finish your day strong with LuxFit on the South Plaza! Push yourself with dynamic movements that will enhance your fitness and life every Tuesday at 5:15 PM. This 45-minute outdoor workout blends dynamic, full-body movements designed to challenge all fitness levels and leave you feeling stronger, both physically and mentally. Please bring your own mat.

Wednesday 6/11

Evolution of a Snake: The Taylor Swift Podcast Live
6/11 | The Great Star Theater | 636 Jackson St, SF | 8 p.m. | $50.60-$73.25

Welcome to The Sneras Tour: Evolution of a Snake, The Taylor Swift Podcast LIVE! Hosted by Swift historians Zack (Swiftologist) and Madeline (The Lizard Review), EOAS details the life and times of the world’s most famous reptile. As two die-hard, longtime fans, who are unafraid to offer critique with their praise, EOAS takes an analytical lens to the twists and turns of the most eventful pop legacy in history. The Sneras Tour is an interactive walk down memory lane: diving into the minutiae of Taylor Swift’s eras and what they meant to Zack and Madeline. Featuring a live segment of Phone a Snake, where the hosts react to listeners’ unpopular opinions, it’s a night of laughter and nostalgia you won’t soon forget.

Crazy Woke Asians
6/11 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $25.25-$35.25, 18+

Kiki Yeung is the founder of Crazy Woke Asians, the award winning, nationally touring comedy show featuring the funniest Asian American comedians.

San Francisco miniFEST
6/11 | Above DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF | 5:45 p.m. | $28.23-$33.23

Bridging The Music is headed to THE BAY for an evening of music, art & community in a festival-style atmosphere! Come support top-notch local and touring acts, visual artists and more.

Thursday 6/12

Adventures in AI
6/12-9/14 | Exploratorium | Pier 15, SF | $22.95+

Leap into the wild new world of artificial intelligence this summer at the Exploratorium. Explore Pier 15 for an all-ages journey into machine vs. human thinking and what the future might hold. Discover how AI works, think like a computer, and paint with your voice. Interact with AI-powered artworks, look inside a video game chip, and play with image generators. Encounter AI at work in real-world science and research, explore its ethics and impacts, and bring your curiosity to live programs for adults and families. With illuminating exhibits, surprising art, and hands-on play, don’t miss this entertaining and thought-provoking exhibition—plus enjoy our 700+ interactive exhibits for all-ages. P.S. If you’re wondering… human photo, AI background.

Chris Hardwick
6/12-6/14 | Punch Line San Francisco | 444 Battery St, SF | 8 p.m. | $30.25-$42.25, 18+

Chris Hardwick is a comedian, actor, TV host, author, musician, writer, producer, and podcaster best known for his work as the host of the Emmy-nominated Talking Dead, the after-show which discusses all things The Walking Dead. His podcast, Id10t, atracts some of the world’s most influential people. Hardwick is also the host and executive producer of NBC’s hit game show series The Wall, featuring everyday people and families competing for life-altering amounts of money. 

Cumbia Y Cultura: a Queer Celebration
6/12 | Crybaby | 1928 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 7 p.m. | $24.38

Queer cumbia artists throw some of the Bay’s best parties — and they’ve built a community through rhythm born from Afro-Indigenous resilience. Get ready for high-energy live music from psychedelic cumbia band Ritmos Tropicosmos and the dynamic, genre-bending ensemble Bululú. The evening kicks off with a conversation with musicians and DJs about the Bay Area’s growing queer cumbia scene. Then we’ll bring the energy up with a gender-inclusive, all-levels dance lesson from In Lak’ech Dance Academy, an LGBTQ+ studio in Oakland. DJ sets from Mare.E.Fresh (Chulita Vinyl Club, Velvet Cloud Radio) and Sizzle Fantastic (Cumbiatón) will keep the dance floor hot ’til late. 

AUTHOR TALK | Black. Fat. Femme.
6/12 | GLBT History Museum | 4127 18th St, SF | 6 p.m. | $10

Join the GLBT Historical Society for an evening with author Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins discussing their new book, Black. Fat. Femme: Revealing the Power of Visibly Queer Voices in Media and How to Love Yourself, a celebration of queer voices in the media and beyond. With a foreword by Latrice Royale of RuPaul’s Drag Race and HBO’s We’re Here fame, the book delivers an honest look at how Higgins and others who are often overlooked in the world have come to understand their identities, and the important role Black, Fat, Femme predecessors like Andre Leon Talley, Miss Lawrence and Ms. J have played in helping people like us learn what’s possible.

Friday 6/13

San Francisco Jazz Festival
6/13-6/15 | SFJAZZ | 201 Franklin St, SF | 2 p.m. | $50-$650

This year’s San Francisco Jazz Festival on June 13-15 features 35 concerts over 3 days, including performances by Stanley Clarke, Patrice Rushen, Cimafunk, The Soul Rebels, Charles Lloyd, Lakecia Benjamin, Ambrose Akinmusire, Lisa Fischer, Theo Croker, Kassa Overall, Idris Ackamoor, Salami Rose Joe Louis, and many more! This three-day bash will also include an Outdoor Festival Street Market with rotating DJs, Off The Grid food trucks, Cellarmaker Brewery beer garden, specialty wine vendors, art, a vinyl record swap, and more!

Tiny Desk Contest On the Road 2025
6/13 | Lagunitas Brewery | 1280 North McDowell Blvd, Petaluma | $27.37

NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest is heading back on the road! Join us this summer in Petaluma at Lagunitas Brewing Co., as Tiny Desk travels to 10 cities for a one-of-a-kind concert. New this year, each stop will feature a different surprise Tiny Desk alum headliner, plus the 2025 Contest winner — the Bay Area’s own Ruby Ibarra — along an up-and-coming artist from each region.

Drag Me Downtown 2025
6/13 | Downtown San Francisco | 1 Market St, SF | 4:30 p.m. | Free-$12.51

It’s bigger, it’s bolder, and it’s brighter than ever before! This fierce series of pop-up drag shows will light up a different downtown San Francisco location every Friday throughout the month, with an unforgettable finale – Drag Me to Front St Block Party – taking place on June 27 (separate pre-registration required). Join us for electrifying performances, delicious bites, specialty cocktails, and a healthy dose of wit, grit, and undeniable glamour as we celebrate inclusivity in the heart of the city. 

Desert Hearts Festival Pre-Party
6/13 | Public Works | 161 Erie St, SF | 9:30 p.m. | $31.67-$74.93, 21+

Over the past 10 years, Desert Hearts has found itself at the center of a vibrant cultural movement, fostering intimate experiences of sonic joy and unbounded love across the globe. With their Desert Hearts Spring Festival, City Hearts Festival, Desert Hearts TV, DHR & DHB record labels, worldwide touring events, and stage takeovers, this ragtag crew of dreamers has emerged as a vibe-focused force, radiating a conscious ethos of House, Techno, and Love. Since its inception, Desert Hearts has given rise to a family of tens of thousands, and it’s safe to say the movement isn’t slowing down anytime soon—winning hearts and selling out shows in LA, NYC, SF, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Denver, and internationally in Costa Rica, Tulum, Mexico City, Berlin, Reykjavik, London, Toronto, Montreal, Melbourne, Sydney, Fiji, and more.

Tune-Yards
6/13 | The UC Theatre | 2036 University Ave, Berkeley | 7 p.m. Doors | $41.50

Formed by Merrill Garbus in 2006, Tune-Yards has become a name synonymous with creativity and forward motion. Known for explosive performances, surprising song structures, and danceable rhythms, their music also highlights connections between song and social consciousness. The New York Times praised their debut album, BiRd-BrAiNs, as “a confident do-it-yourselfer’s opening salvo,” and relentless touring established Garbus as a commanding live performer.

Grace Jones
6/13 | Meritage Resort & Spa | 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa | 5:30 p.m. Doors | $116.50+

Grace Jones. Grace f****** Jones. That should be enough, but just in case you need more . . . Grace Jones as singer, actress, author, traveller, artist and revolutionist has been a shape-shifting trouble-making meta-presence in the entertainment universe since her emergence as a model in New York City and Paris in the early 1970s. Relishing the dangerous possibilities of late 1970s New York, her highly provocative often riotous shows in downtown lofts and nightclubs saw her crowned as Disco Queen with attitude and celebrated as an ultimate Gay Icon. Grace became one of the most audacious and unforgettable characters.

Saturday 6/14

Bed By 10PM North America Tour
6/14 | The Midway | 900 Marin St, SF | 3 p.m. | $25-$30

Fancy going out for a dance but not keen on sacrificing the next day? We’ve got you covered! Bed By 10 is a chance for ravers over 30 to relive the peak of the 80s, 90s & early 2000s clubbing scene. Dance in the sunshine and enjoy the lively outdoor atmosphere, all while soaking up the amazing vibes!

Patchwork Show Oakland
6/14 | Jack London Square | 472 Water St, Oakland | 11 a.m. | Free

Patchwork Show Oakland draws on the East Bay’s strong artistic community and commitment to support local commerce and features local vendors in a local waterfront setting at Jack London Square. After the show, grab a bite or a drink from any of the dozens of area restaurants or bars.

North Beach Festival 2025
6/14-6/15 | North Beach | Centered around Columbus Ave & Green St, SF | 11 a.m. | Free, All ages

The iconic North Beach Festival returns for its 71st year on Father’s Day weekend. This beloved celebration will once again fill the historic streets of North Beach with an unforgettable mix of sights, sounds, and flavors. Spanning 11 blocks in the heart of San Francisco’s “Little Italy,” the 2025 North Beach Festival invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy a vibrant weekend showcasing over 200 local makers, artists, merchants, and food artisans. With a footprint expanded in 2024 to include two additional blocks along Stockton to Filbert, this year’s event promises even more to explore.

Dirtybird: Back to Baysics
6/14 | Embarcadero Plaza | 1 Market St, SF | 2 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

Featuring Sacha Robotti, Mz Worthy, Smalltown DJs, & Deron Delgado, b2b, & Moody Jones.

Shadow Circus Voidville: The Cultural Void
6/14 | Ocean Room SF | 350 Ocean Ave, SF | 8:30 p.m. | $28.52-$49.87

In 2025, only the most sanitized art escapes scrutiny, and Shadow Circus Voidville is a chaotic puppet show full of depraved literal monsters. But in order to avoid having to pay back long-spent funding, this group of degenerates have to pretend to be wholesome and put on a ‘culturally educational show.’ Joined by a talented team of musicians, drag and burlesque performers, can this rag-tag group of creatures fool the public into thinking they’re respectable, or will their true dirtbag nature give the game away? One thing’s for sure – the show will be educational one way or another!

Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu: Aloha ‘Āina
6/14 | Yerba Buena Gardens | 750 Howard St, SF | 2 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

Founded in 1985 by Hawaiian dancer and cultural preservationist Patrick Makuakāne, Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu celebrates the company’s 40th anniversary with “Aloha ‘Āina.” In conjunction with YBG Festival’s 25th anniversary season the organizations have come together to create an event that honors the natural environment and embraces Bay Area’s Indigenous communities in “aloha ‘āina,” a Hawaiian phrase that translates as love of land.


Sunday 6/15

Spacehog
6/15 | Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 8 p.m. | $30-$35

Spacehog were formed by natives of Leeds, England in the spring of 1994 in New York City. Guitarist Antony Langdon met drummer Jonny Cragg at a cafe in the East Village where Cragg worked killing rats in the basement. The pair agreed to make music and Langdon persuaded his younger brother Royston to move to the States to sing and play bass. The current lineup was finally completed Craggs’ friend Richard Steel who moved to New York to fill out an all-Yorkshire line up. The band quickly generated a following and record company interest with their epic live shows and sharp, irreverent and mesmerizing song craft. 

Sunday Streets: Tenderloin
6/15 | Tenderloin | Golden Gate Ave between Jones and Hyde St, SF | 12 p.m. | Free, All ages

Sunday Streets Tenderloin is your opportunity to experience the neighborhood in a whole new way—free from cars and full of community connection, activities, and fun! As part of San Francisco’s open streets movement, this event transforms Golden Gate Avenue, between Jones and Hyde Streets, into a vibrant space for recreation, culture, and engagement. Join us from 12 PM to 4 PM on June 15th and be part of the celebration!

Dani Offline
6/15 | Cafe du Nord | 2174 Market St, SF | 8 p.m. | $21.57, 21+

Dani Offline is an Oakland-based songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, weaving jazz and R&B sensibilities with an expertise only explained through the masterful musicality of her influences: D’Angelo, Sarah Vaughan, Jill Scott, Hiatus Kaiyote, Minnie Riperton. Intertwining intricate production, poetic lyricism, and her elastic voice, Dani’s music is an invitation to tumble into a dreamscape, each song evocative and realer than the waking world.


Monday 6/16

Petite League
6/16 | Brick & Mortar Music Hall | 1710 Mission St, SF | 8 p.m. | $24.13

Petite League is a rock band created in 2019 by lead singer and songwriter Tealarose Coy. Their music is a mixture of modern indie, surf rock, and acid jazz. They aim to make others feel less alone through their headphones. Since their time at Syracuse University, the band has evolved into its own heavy-bubblegum genre, blending instrumental breaks, sonic shifts, introspective bridges, and a more narrative songwriting style. They live together in a house venue in Syracuse, where they host shows for touring bands, produce live video sessions, and run a screen-printing business.

Cabaret de la Noche: Juneteenth
6/16 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF | 8 p.m. | $10-$15, 18+

The Dark Siren of San Francisco summons you to bask in the heavenly glory of Black Excellence! From Bay Area Bombshells to International Icons, you won’t want to miss this sizzling showcase of Tease!

Bayside
6/16 | August Hall | 420 Mason St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $42

For the past 25 years, Queens-based Bayside has represented a lifestyle, a counterculture, and a deeply-held commitment to integrity and earnestness. At their core, Bayside is a band that has constantly proven that music is not about gimmicks and ephemeral trends, but a timeless reflection of our life and our times. It is through this authentic expression and creative spirit that the band has amassed a cult-following that lives and breathes everything the band creates.

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