The San Francisco Leonard Cohen Festival returns November 5-8 with Conspiracy of Beards, the San Francisco-based Leonard Cohen choir, presenting four evenings of programming at Kanbar Hall (JCCSF), Swedish American Hall, and The Freight (Berkeley). The 2026 Festival falls on the 10th yahrzeit (anniversary) of Cohen’s passing on November 7th, 2016, and will celebrate the poetry, music, and spirit of the Canadian bard who left behind an impressive life-long catalog of works.
Our Giveaways
Lights, Camera, Music! Watch Steven Spielberg's Hook on the big screen at Davies Symphony Hall on November 27 & 28th, as John Williams' score is performed live by the SF Symphony.
Kids' tickets are half off! You can buy your tickets here or enter below for a chance to win a pair!
Our Partners’ Events
ALAMEDUH ZINE 2 RELEASE PARTY
11/7 | Faction Brewing | 2501 Monarch St, Alameda | 3 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP
ALAMEDUH is dropping its next magic-laced issue, and that means it's time to party. Come get a taste of the Alameda you don't know through hyperlocal food, music, art, culture, and community. It's a living cool kids' guide to the island.
Object Stories: San Francisco
11/12 | The Commons at KQED | 2601 Mariposa St, SF | 7 p.m. | $30
The American Craft Council presents Object Stories: San Francisco, an evening of live storytelling celebrating the profound connections between people and the handmade objects that shape their lives. The event will feature a diverse group of Bay Area artists, makers, and community voices. Each speaker will share a handmade object that holds personal significance and tell the story behind it, revealing how craft intersects with memory, identity, creativity, and belonging.
GLIDE 2026 Holiday Jam: Turn It Up and Turn It Out
11/5 | The Warfield | 982 Market St, SF | 5:30 p.m. | $125+
Join GLIDE for its 2026 Holiday Jam: Turn It Up and Turn it Out, Thursday, November 5, at San Francisco's Warfield, headlined by three-time Grammy Award winner and "Godmother of Soul" Patti LaBelle. The evening also features Destani Wolf, Son de Fandango, and the GLIDE Ensemble & The Change Band, and honors Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi with the Lizzie Glide Spirit Award. Enjoy an unforgettable night of music while supporting GLIDE's mission of unconditional love, radical inclusion, and social justice.
This Week’s Events 11/3-11/9
Tuesday 11/3
Election Night Watch Party: Hosted by Kochina Rude!
11/3 | The Chapel | 777 Valencia St, SF | 5 p.m. | Free
Watch election results together on our giant screen. Hosted by Kochina Rude! Election Bingo! Drink and food specials all night! Free with RSVP. First come, first served.
Wednesday 11/4
Valkyries Championship Parade
11/4 | San Francisco | Embarcadero from Mission St to 2nd St, SF | 9 a.m. | Free
Come celebrate the Golden State Valkyries! They defeated the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals to capture the team's first WNBA Championship, becoming the only organization to ever win a title in their first two years of expansion. Gabby Williams earned the title of Finals Most Valuable Player after her 30-point performance in the clinching victory.
Opening Celebration of the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square
11/4 | Union Square | 333 Post St, SF | 5 p.m. | $18.02-$23.32
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, presented by Kaiser Permanente, will open with a festive evening ceremony to kick off the holiday ice skating season. Guests are invited to skate before and after the celebration, which will include on-ice performances. Additional special guests will include local dignitaries and celebrities, who will take to the ice alongside guests of all ages for the first official skate of the season.
Thursday 11/5
Happy Hour Showdown: Bites, Bevs, and Karaoke
11/5 | The Commons at KQED | 2601 Mariposa St, SF | 7 p.m. | $30.10
Sip, snack, and socialize as we explore Spain's beloved hora del aperitivo, Japan's legendary nomi-hodai drinking culture, and the American craft brewery scene, where local taps, shared plates, and great conversation flow freely.
Fou Fou Ha! Presents: The Nectar
11/5 | The Palace Theater | 644 Broadway, SF | 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. | $55.50+
A Sapphic ritual of pleasure, a slow intoxication. The Nectar invites audiences into a stylized world where desire is unhidden and the body reclaims center stage. Rooted in the shadowed glamour of 1930s Berlin Cabaret and infused with modern-day San Francisco nightlife culture, the production combines dance, live vocals, clown performance, and burlesque into a sensual theatrical experience.
Friday 11/6
Destination: Cosmos--A Sound Voyage by Christopher Willits and Envelop
11/6 | The Loom | 2150 Livingston St, Oakland | 6 p.m. | $55+
Eighty years ago, for the very first time, humanity laid eyes on the first picture of Earth taken from space. In celebration of the 80th anniversary, KQED, artist and musician Christopher Willits, Envelop, and Chabot Space & Science Center are launching you into the deep cosmos. Step inside Envelop‘s immersive listening space with 360-degree spatial sound and interactive lights. The listening experience is a mix of Christopher Willits’ live ambient performance and his acclaimed score SPACE, woven with rocket launches and the distinct electromagnetic hum of stars, planets, and the galaxy. Don’t miss this unforgettable, multi-sensory moment to get together in honor of our blue planet and beyond.
Bawdy Storytelling's Cum Again? Stories of Near Misses and Second Chances
11/6 | Verdi Club | 2424 Mariposa St, SF | 8 p.m. | $23.11+
Bawdy’s FINAL night! This Legendary Event features curated True & NSFW! Stories, Songs, Connections & Community.
Dirtybird x Thrive City: Dirtybird Night Market
11/6 | Thrive City | 1725 3rd St, SF | 5 p.m. | Free
Thrive City x Dirtybird brings the Dirtybird Night Market to life with music, vendors, games, and interactive fun throughout the night. Enjoy live DJ sets from Black V Neck, Joanna Magik, and Matsu.
Andre Nickatina
11/6 | Ivy Room | 860 San Pablo Ave, Albany | 9 p.m. | $65.45, 21+
Andre Nickatina, a prolific rapper and influential figure in the hip-hop scene, brings his electrifying presence to the stage. Hailing from San Francisco, California, Nickatina has carved a niche with his unique blend of street poetry and melodic hooks.
Saturday 11/7
The San Francisco Fall Cider Fest
11/7 | SPARK Social SF | 601 Mission Bay Blvd N, SF | 12 p.m. | $30+, 21+
Sip your way through unlimited pours of incredible ciders while taking on camp games, ridiculous challenges, collectible badges, and just the right amount of mischief.
Dia de Los Muertos and Diwali Festival
11/7 | Presidio Tunnel Tops | 210 Lincoln Blvd, SF | 10 a.m. | Free
Join us for a family-friendly Día de los Muertos & Diwali event in the park. Celebrated annually in the fall season, these two distinct cultural observances come together in a national park to honor South Asian and Latinx traditions. Designed intentionally as a celebration and a learning opportunity, attendees are invited to participate in a wide range of activities that include arts and crafts, storytelling, cultural dance, song, and a fire ceremony, and learn about social and environmental justice issues in both cultures.
Hugel
11/7 | Greek Theatre | 2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley | 6 p.m. | $78.15
The Marseille-born DJ has become one of Afro House's biggest global names, racking up over a billion streams in 2025 alone and a residency at Hï Ibiza that turned into one of the most talked-about nights on the island. Expect deep, Balearic-tinged rhythms built for dancing all night.
Sunday 11/8
Inner Sunset Flea Market
11/8 | Inner Sunet | Irving St between 9th & 11th Aves, SF | 10 a.m. | Free
The Big Lunch & Annual Pie Contest! Two blocks of vendors, live music, and free family-friendly activities all surrounded by the unique shops and eateries of the Inner Sunset neighborhood.
Crucial Reggae Sunday
11/8 | Golden Gate Park Bandshell | 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, SF | 12 p.m. | Free
Blvkh3ro is wrapping up his West Coast tour with a free show at San Francisco’s historic Golden Gate Park Bandshell. This is a full day special event, starting at noon with some of the city’s best selectors, then the big show at 4:20, alongside Crucial Reggae Sundays residents Irie Dole, Guidance, and DJ Sep. Bring some canned goods for the SF-Marin Food Bank’s holiday food drive.
Monday 11/9
Culture & Diversity Film Festival
11/9-11/10 | 4 Star Theater | 2200 Clement St, SF | 4 p.m. | $10+
Welcome to the Culture & Diversity Film Festival! We embrace the world. This year, enjoy short films on “Love, Food, & Freedom”.
Next Week’s Events 11/10-11/16
Tuesday 11/10
Rio Amor
11/10 | The Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 8 p.m. | $36
Rio Amor is a rising multi‑hyphenate performer active across DJing, live shows, TikTok, and YouTube. She gained visibility through energetic performances, online content, and collaborations with other young creators.
Wednesday 11/11
Andy Richter - Elf Unwrapped
11/11 | Book Passage Corte Madera | 51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera | 7 p.m. | $40 (includes book)
Step into the magical world of ELF with this captivating oral history, written by beloved comedian and actor Andy Richter, who watched the on-set shenanigans unfold before his very eyes, and featuring a foreword by Will Ferrell.
Thursday 11/12
NightLife: Pajammy Jam
11/12 | California Academy of Sciences | 55 Music Concourse Dr, SF | 6 p.m. | $26, 21+
We’re throwing the mother of all house parties…in a museum. Bounce around, get crafty, treat yourself to a beauty break, or dive into the science of a good night’s rest. Whether you’re here to play or unwind, this is one Thursday night you won’t want to spend at home.
Friday 11/13
The Banksy Art Exhibit
11/13-12/30 | Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts | 10 10th St, Oakland | 11 a.m. | $39.99+
The Banksy Art Exhibit in The Henry J. Underground (our newly-activated space in the basement) features iconic works like 'Girl with Balloon', 'Flower Thrower' and 'Rude Copper', alongside lesser-known masterpieces that the public rarely has access to - all in one unforgettable collection.
Jon Spencer, Genre Is Death, Fuckwolf, & Mike Gabriel
11/13 | Bottom of the Hill | 1233 17th St, SF | 8 p.m. | $39.95
Take in the iconic growl of Jon Spencer celebrating his latest album SONGS OF PERSONAL LOSS AND PROTEST, Genre Is Death brings the noise & fall in love with SF's Fuckwolf, all dirty, stripped down grit. DJ Mike Gabriel playing '60s Garage Records to get revved up.
Bhangra & Beats Night Market
11/13 | Great Lawn, Yerba Buena Gardens | Mission St between 3rd & 4th St, SF | 4 p.m. | Free
At the heart of it all is the vibrant Bhangra & Beats atmosphere, a family-friendly celebration where traditional Punjabi rhythms meet Bay Area energy. Non Stop Bhangra collective will once again lead the experience with its signature mix of interactive dance lessons, beautiful performances, live dhol drumming, DJs, and an open dance floor, all flowing into a lively marketplace with food vendors, local makers, community activations, restaurant and bar specials, and family-friendly activities.
Saturday 11/14
Broadway Rave
11/14 | Rickshaw Stop | 155 Fell St, SF | 8 p.m. Doors | $27.84
Calling all Musical Theatre nerds, drama geeks, actors, actresses, theatre lovers, and more! Welcome to Broadway Rave, a Broadway Dance Party celebrating the best in show-tunes and musical theatre. Come sing along to all of your favorite broadway hits while dressed up as your favorite character. Live out your Broadway fantasies at Broadway Rave — the most POPULAR Broadway Dance party around.
Skip the Small Talk Night
11/14 | Fluid510 | 1544 Broadway, Oakland | 5 p.m. | $15
Make friends. Not small talk. Meet other nice people IRL! A friendly host will pair you up and tell you when to switch partners. Our question cards help you get past the usual introductions so you don’t accidentally talk about work six times in a row.
Allison Russell
11/14 | The Fillmore | 1805 Geary Blvd, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $50.50
Allison Russell is a Canadian singer, songwriter, musician, actress, and activist known for her Grammy-winning work in Americana and roots music.
“Abiogenesis” Opening Reception
11/1 | Heron Arts | 7 Heron St, SF | 6 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP
Abiogenesis brings together the work of Philip Beesley and Casey Curran around an elusive phenomenon: the emergence of life from inert matter. Their work assembles unmistakably artificial elements that, in their cellular forms and gentle movement, begin to suggest life. Intimations of life within Beesley’s and Curran’s sculptures suggest that living form can emerge from the matter of the earth. Beesley and Curran probe this threshold through myth, science, and sensitive sculptural expression.
Sunday 11/15
Hubba Hubba Revue's "WITCHCRAFT!"
11/15 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $15-$40, 18+
Nothin' says lovin' like somethin' from the coven! Grab your bell, book and candle, and join us in the main room at DNA lounge for a bubbling cauldron of bewitching burlesque & variety acts!
Monday 11/16
Margaret Glaspy
11/16 | The Chapel | 777 Valencia St, SF | 8 p.m. | $32.29, All ages
In an era of excess and endless distraction, the New York-based singer/songwriter Margaret Glaspy rejects the noise in favor of something far more essential. Glaspy has assembled a selection of songs that span from fictional vignettes to unguarded self-revelation to empathetic observation of the troubled world around her.
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