World AIDS Day always makes for a solemn start to the year-end holiday festivities. As decorations festoon retail shops, others recall those long gone from the plague of AIDS.

And yes, it is a plague. Don't take my word for it. See the two documentaries about AIDS activists, attend a benefit for AIDS/HIV and anti-bullying causes; light a candle, and know, AIDS is still with us.

Thu 29: Dining Out for Life @ Sonoma County

Eat at one of several participating Sonoma restaurants, and a portion of your bill will be donated to local AIDS/HIV nonprofits. www.diningoutforlife.com/sonomacounty

Sat 1: Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws:
Gay San Francisco, 1985-1988 @ SF Public Library

Opening lecture and talk with curator Thomas Alleman, who discusses his exhibit of fascinating new large-print photos from San Francisco's mid-1980s gay community, from the onslaught of AIDS to nightlife and arts celebrations. 2pm-5pm. Latino-Hispanic Community Room. Exhibit in the Jewitt Gallery, (both at the lower level). Exhibit thru Feb 10, 2013. 100 Larkin St. at Grove. www.allemanphoto.com    www.sfpl.org

Sat 1: How to Survive a Plague @ Castro Theatre

Screening of the highly-acclaimed documentary about the Treatment Action Group of ACT UP New York, and their efforts to push AIDS drug approval. Screening is free, but tickets required; 6pm, followed by a candlelight vigil in Harvey Milk Plaza, 9pm. 429 Castro St. www.sfaf.org/WorldAIDSDay

Sat 1: AEF Gala @ National AIDS
Memorial Grove

Martha Wash performs at the gala 30th anniversary fundraiser for the AIDS Emergency Fund, with cocktails, an elegant dinner in a tent, and DJed dancing. $300 and up. 7pm-11pm.  Bowling Green Drive at Nancy Pelosi Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.aef-sf.org

Sun 2 : Project Nunway @ AIDS Memorial Grove

Fashion fundraiser pairs Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence with fashion designers; with cohosts Jane Wiedlin (The Go-Gos) and Sister Roma, with celebrity judges, Double duchess performing and more, all inside a heated tent (same as the Dec 1 AEF gala). $20.12, $51.50, $99.99. 3pm-7pm. Bowling Green Drive at Nancy Pelosi Drive, Golden Gate Park. 765-0498. www.TheSisters.org

Mon 3: Broadway Against Bullying @ Club Fugazi

Stars of Broadway musicals perform at a benefit holiday cabaret show; Billy Porter, Paul Canaan, Nick Adams, Tory Ross, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Constantine Rousouli and Annaleigh Ashford perform. $50-$100 (includes priority seating and dessert reception). 7pm. 678 Green St.  Also, bid on online auction items, including vacations to NYC for the Tony and Emmy Awards, and NYC Broadway shows with backstage passes! 421-4222. www.charitybuzz.com/auctions/nobully    www.nobully.com

Tue 4: World Tree of Hope @ City Hall

Annual presentation of a holiday tree decorated with thousands of origami cranes, which symbolize hope for the new year. Performers and presenters include San Francisco Boys Chorus, Mayor Ed Lee, Emcee Donna Sachet, The Consul General of Japan, Veronica Klaus accompanied by Tammy Hall, San Francisco Poet Laureate Alejandro Muruia, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence; wine, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, sweets, free admission. 5:30pm-8pm. City Hall Rotunda. 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett St. www.rainbowfund.org

Wed 5: United in Anger: The History of ACT UP
@ Pacific Film Archive, Berkeley

Screening of Jim Hubbard documentary about the roots of the AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power, with protest footage and several participant interviews. $5.50-$13.50. 7pm. 2575 Bancroft Way, UC Berkeley campus. (510) 642-5249. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu

Events Nov 29 - Dec 6, 2012

Thu 29

Billy Connolly @ Marines' Memorial Theatre

Hilarious UK comic actor brings his solo show across the pond. $55-$65. 8pm. Nightly thru Dec. 1. 609 Sutter St. (800) 745-3000. www.billyconnolly.com   www.ticketmaster.com  

Classical Recitals @ SF Music Conservatory

Students and faculty perform various classical music concerts; piano, string quartets, opera repertory and more, almost nightly 8pm. Sundays 2pm & 5pm. Thru Dec 14. Free-$20. Usually 8pm. 50 Oak St. at Gough. www.sfcm.edu

Comedy Bodega @ Esta Nocha

The weekly LGBT and indie comic stand-up night. 8pm-9:30pm. 3079 16th St.  at Mission.   www.comedybodega.com

Dining Out for Life @ Sonoma County

Eat at one of several participating Sonoma restaurants, and a portion of your bill will be donated to local AIDS/HIV nonprofits. www.diningoutforlife.com/sonomacounty

History: The Musical @ Un-Scripted Theater

Improv theatre company, in a new theatre, performs sketches through different time periods; a different era and show each night. $10-$20. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru Dec 22. 533 Sutter St. 322-8738. www.un-scripted.com

Hot Draw @ Mark I. Chester Studio

Draw naughty pics of nekkid dudes at the gay men's erotic sketch group. Donations. RSVP day of: 621-6294. 6:30pm-9:30pm. 1229 Folsom St. www.markichester.com

The Lion King @ Orpheum Theatre

Disney's long-running musical (and the highest grossing Broadway show in history) based on the animated film makes a return to the Bay Area. $32.50-$150. Tue-Sat 8pm. Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm. (closed or different times for some holidays). Thru Jan. 13, 2013. (888) 746-1799. www.shnsf.com

Marlena Shaw @ The Rrazz Room

Soul legend performs classic music with her band. $35-$0. 8pm. Also Nov 30, 8pm, Dec 1, 7pm & 9:15pm, Dec 2 7pm. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095.  www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Monique Jenkinson @ CounterPulse

Dancer-performer, aka Fauxnique, performs Instrument, a solo created by three local choreographers – Chris Black, Miguel Gutierrez and Amy Seiwert. (Adult themes) $20-$30. Thu-Sun 8pm. Thru Dec 9. 1310 Mission St. at 9th. 626-2060. www.CounterPulse.org

Nayland Blake @ YBCA

FREE!LOVE!TOOL!BOX!, the former Bay Area artist's new exhibit of conceptual and assembled found-object, personal installations and artworks, each with queer themes, including a DJ booth with his own large record collection. Special events:   Art historian Richard Meyer's lecture about queer subculture art, Nov 29, 6:30pm, and Decorative Piercing with Lolita Wolf and Nayland Blake, also 6:30pm. Nov. 30, Queer Punks in Conversation, 6:30pm. Dec. 1, Drag & Bay Area Personae with Blake and Joel Tan, including other performers, drag makeovers and a loading dock party with DJ Bus Station John. Also, Nathalie Djurberg's amazing colorful creature sculptures. $12-$15. Thru Jan. 27. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St. 979-2787. www.naylandblake.net   www.ybca.org

Safeway Holiday Ice Rink @ Union Square

The popular downtown ice skating rink is open. $5-$10. Open daily 10am-11:30pm thru Jan 21 (except New Year's Eve; closed at 9:30pm). Powell St. at www.unionsquareicerink.com

Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela @ Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley

Gustavo Dedamel conducts "A Celebration of Music from Latin America," a concert of works  in two programs. 8pm. Also Nov 30. 8pm. $30-$175. Bancroft Way at Telegraph Ave., UC Berkeley campus. (510) 642-9988. www.calperformances.org

The Songbird of Paris @ The Marsh, Berkeley

Joni Takanikos stars as French singer Edith Piaf in an intimate production of Martha Furey's musical near-solo drama. Thu & Fri 8pm. Sat 8:30pm. Thru Dec 1. 2120 Allston Way near Shattuck. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Strange Sinema, Fairy Tale Frenzy @ Oddball Films

Collection of odd short films about motion picture history, kids' creative claymation films and other camera magic. 8pm.   Nov 30, a collection of beautiful animated short films based on fairy tales. 8pm. Both shows $10. 275 Capp St. 558-8117. www.oddballfilm.com

A Christmas Carol @ American Conservatory Theatre

A.C.T.'s popular annual production of the stage adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic story about Scrooge's ghostly Christmas Eve visitations. $20-$95 (VIP tix include premiere seating and complimentary intermission drinks). Tue-Sat 7pm. Sun 5:30pm. Various 2pm & 1pm matinees. Thru Dec 24. 415 Geary St. 749-2228. www.act-sf.org

Another Way Home @ Magic Theatre

Family drama about Jewish parents whose values are questioned when they visit their son's summer camp. $22-$62. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sat & Sun 2:30pm. Thru Dec 2. Fort Mason Center, Bldg. D, 3rd fl. Marina Blvd, at Buchanan. 441-8822. www.magictheatre.org

Desert Jewels @ MOAD

North African Jewelry and Photography from the Xavier Guerrand-Hermes Collection, an exhibit of nearly 100 pieces of jewelry from Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria, plus documentary photographs. Thru Jan 21. $5-$10. Members free. Wed-Sat 11am-6pm. Sun 12pm-5pm. Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission St. 358-7200. www.moadsf.org  

Ginger Snaps @ Alley Cat Books

Reception, photo exhibit, prize giveaways and more at the book party for David Sweet and Richard May's photo book about local redheaded men. 7pm. 3036 Mission St. near 24th. www.facebook.com/alleycatbooks

Holiday Sale @ Creativity Explored

Opening reception for the exhibit and sale of new beautifully charming artwork made by local developmentally challeneged adults. 6pm-9pm. Extended hours thru Dec 23: Mon/Tue 10am-3pm. Wed-Fri til 7pm. Sat & Sun 12pm-5pm. 3245 16ht St. 863-2108. www.creativityexplored.org

Open @ Shotwell Studios

Jeff Bedillion's sexy comedy about a straight couple who decide to try having an open relationship, both with men! $20. Fri, Sat & Mon 8pm. Thru Dec 17. 3252-A 19th St. 289-2000. www.ftloose.org

Out of Character @ Asian Art Museum

Decoding Chinese Calligraphy, an exhibit of modern and ancient scripted art, with numerous special events, workshops and discussions. Free-$12. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Thru Jan 13. 200 Larkin St. 581-3500.  www.asianart.org

Pal Joey @ Eureka Theatre

42nd Street Moon's production of the classic Rodgers & Hart musical (with book by John O'Hara) about a charming "heel" with big plans to make it in the Chicago nightclub scene. $25-$75. Wed 7pm. Thu & Fri 8pm. Sat 6pm. Sun 3pm. Thru Dec. 16. 215 Jackson St. 255-8207. www.42ndstmoon.org

Play Fair @ GLBT History Museum

Play Fair! The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Make Sex Safer, an exhibit of safe sex promotional efforts. Also, For Love and Community: Queer Asian Pacific Islanders Take Action 1960-1990s, an exhibit organized by queer and transgender Asian Pacific Islanders. Mon-Sat 11am-7pm. Sun 12pm-5pm. 4127 18th St. 621-1107. www.glbthistorymuseum.org

The Rainmaker @ Shelton Theater

N. Richard Nash's drama about a traveling con man who romances a small town woman, gets a local production.  $38. Fri & Sat 8pm. Thru Dec 22. 533 Sutter St. at Powell. (800) 838-3006. www.sheltontheater.org

Sing-Along The Sound of Music @ Castro Theatre

Austrian children and puppets that sing, nuns gone astray and a drag contest fling; these are a few of my favorite things! Laurie Bushman and pals host the popular family-friendly event with costume parades, subtitled lyrics and a pre-show concert of Rodgers & Hammerstein classics played on the Wurlitzer organ by David Hegarty. $10-$15. 1pm & 7pm thru Dec 2 (no show Dec. 1).   429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

The Submission @ New Conservatory Theatre Center

Jeff Talbot's sharp play explores racism, affirmative-action and bias in the theatre world, when a white gay writer submits a play about life in the projects, and hires an African American actress to pretend to be the playwright. $25-$45. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Dec. 16. 25 Van Ness Ave. at Market, lower level. 861-8972.  www.nctcsf.org

The Waiting Period @ The Marsh

Brian Copeland's popular solo show about his struggle with depression. $25-$50. Fri 8pm, Sat 5pm. Extended thru Dec 8. 1062 Valencia St. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

The White Snake @ Berkeley Rep

Tony Award-winning director Mary Zimmerman's (Argonautika, Arabian Nights) visually stunning mystical drama based on a Chinese legend of romance and magical powers. $22-$99. Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat 8pm. Wed 7pm. Sun 7pm. Sat & Sun 2pm. Thru Dec 23. Special events thru run. Roda Theatre, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org

Wilder Times @ Aurora Theatre, Berkeley

Four one-act plays by Pulitzer Prize winner, former Berkeley resident and closeted gay playwright and author Thornton Wilder. $32-$60.  Tue 7pm. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm & 7pm. Thru Dec. 9. 2081 Addison St., Berkeley (510) 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org

100 Years of Rural California @ California Historical Society

Exhibit of 150 large-scale color prints by writer-photographer Lisa Hamilton, and archival selections dating back to the 1880s. Thru Mar. 24. 2013. 678 Mission St. 357-1848. www.californiahistoricalsociety.org

AEF Gala @ National AIDS Memorial Grove

Martha Wash performs at the gala 30th anniversary fundraiser for the AIDS Emergency Fund, with cocktails, an elegant dinner in a tent, and DJed dancing. $300 and up. 7pm-11pm.  Bowling Green Drive at Nancy Pelosi Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.aef-sf.org

(Affordable) Art From the Heart @ NIAD Art Center, Richmond

Exhibit and holiday sale of art made by adults with developmental disabilities; all priced from $15-$150. Thru Dec. 25. 551 23rd St., Richmond. (510) 620-0326. www.niadart.org

Artumnal Gathering @ Bently Reserve

Black Rock Arts Foundation's annual fundraiser for arts projects at Burning Man, with art displays, live performances, creative silent auction items. Formal and/or costume festive attire recommended; early VIP dinner, then dance party. $40-$200. 400 Sansome St. www.blackrockarts.org

Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi

Musical comedy revue, now in its 35th year, with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. Reg: $25-$130. Wed, Thu, Fri at 8pm. Sat 6:30, 9:30pm. Sun 2pm, 5pm. (Beer/wine served; cash only). 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com

Celebration of Craftswomen @ Herbst Pavilion

34th annual large-scale exhibit and sale of arts and crafts made by women; sculpture, ceramics, fabric art and clothing, and lots more. Film screening and performances at the adjoining Cowell Theatre, plus cocktail party fundraisers and receptions. $7-$9. 10am-5pm Sat & Sun, thru Dec 2. Fort Mason Center, Marina at Buchanan. (650) 615-6838.   www.celebrationofcraftswomen.org

Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws: Gay San Francisco, 1985-1988 @ SF Public Library

Opening lecture and talk with curator Thomas Alleman, who discusses his exhibit of fascinating new large-print photos from San Francisco's mid-1980s gay community, from the onslaught of AIDS to nightlife and arts celebrations. 2pm-5pm. Latino-Hispanic Community Room. Exhibit in the Jewitt Gallery, (both at the lower level). Exhibit thru Feb 10, 2013. 100 Larkin St. at Grove. www.allemanphoto.com    www.sfpl.org

Earthquake @ California Academy of Sciences

New exhibit and planetarium show with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about our ever-shifting earth. $20-$30. Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm. Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park.  379-8000.   www.calacademy.org

Eric Fischl @ San Jose Museum of Art

Exhibit of a dozen-plus large paintings, and other works by the prominent post-modern neo-realist. Thru May 12, 2013. 110 South Market St. www.SanJoseMuseumofArt.org  

Garrett + Moulton @ ODC Theater

Angles of Enchantment, the latest visually fascinating dance-theatre collaboration of choreographers Janice Garrett and Charles Moulton, with Margaret Hatcher amazing costumes and live music composed by Peter Whitehead. $30-$36. 8pm. Nov 25, 2pm & 7:30pm. Nov 29-Dec 1 8pm. Dec 1 & 2, 2pm. Dec 2, 7:30pm. 3153 17th St. 863-9834. www.odctheater.org

How to Survive a Plague @ Castro Theatre

Screening of the highly-acclaimed documentary about the Treatment Action Group of ACT UP New York, and their efforts to push AIDS drug approval. Screening is free, but tickets required; 6pm, followed by a candlelight vigil in Harvey Milk Plaza, 9pm. 429 Castro St. www.sfaf.org/WorldAIDSDay

Jason Brock @ Martuni's

The local singer and X Factor contestant returns to the SF for a concert of pop and holiday songs at the intimate martini bar; Dee Spencer accompanies. $20. 7pm. Also Dec 2 & 4. 4 Valencia St. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/299974

Jasper Johns, Jay DeFeo @ SF MOMA

Two exhibits of the American artists' works. Thru Feb 3. Also, Paul Klee's Circus, Alessandro Pessoli, and other works and ongoing Modern art exhibits. Free-$18. 151 3rd St. at Mission. Thu-Tue 11am-5:45pm (8:45 Thursdays). 357-4000. www.sfmoma.org

Nick Weber: Broadband @ Resipsa Gallery, Oakland

Intriguing exhibit of paintings based on imagery from online porn. Saturdays, 1pm-4pm. Thru Jan. 11. 455 17th st. #301. Oakland. www.resipsagallery.com  

Oakland East Bay Gay Men's Chorus @ Odell Johnson Theater, Oakland

The East Bay chorus performs a holiday-themed concert, Songs for a Starry Night. $20. 7pm. Also Dec 2, 5pm. Laney College campus, 900 Fallon St. (and Nov 30, 8pm at Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton). (800) 706-2389. www.oebgmc.org

Off the Beaten Path @ Harvey Milk Photography Center

Group exhibit of visually compelling photos of San Francisco's well- and least-known parks. McLaren Lodge, 501 Stanyan St. at Fell. Photos also on exhibit at the Harvey Milk Center (50 Scott St.) and the Parks Emergency Aid Station (811 Stanyan St.). Thru Nov. 30.   554-8919. www.harveymilkphotocenter.org

Phantoms of Asia @ Asian Art Museum

Exhibit of bold contemporary art with perspectives on life, death, nature and other themes. $12-$15. 200 Larkin St. 581-3500. www.asianart.org

Royal Treasures from the Louvre @ Legion of Honor

Exhibit of decorative arts, most never seen in the U.S., from the riegns of Louis XIV to Marie-Antoinette, from the Musee du Louvre, Paris. Free-$20. Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm. Thru March 17. Lincoln Park, 34th Ave and Clement St. www.legionofhonor.org

Rudolf Nureyev: A Life in Dance @ de Young Museum

Direct from the Centre National du Costume de Scene in Moulins, France, this exhibit displays costumes, photos, videos and ephemera documenting the amazing dancing and choreography of the world-famous gay dancer. Thru Feb 17. Also, Chuck Close and Crown Point Press, an exhibit of the painter's printmaking works; also, permanent exhibits of Modern art. $6-$20. Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park. 750-3600. www.famsf.org  

SF Swing Fest @ Hotel Whitcomb

Queer Jitterbugs presents a three-day vintage-themed swing dance event, with same-sex dancing, lessons, workshops, parties, costume and dance contests dinner and more. Nov 30 Prohibition speakeasy-themd events. Dec 1, USO ball. Dec 2, Tiki Tryst and Luau dinner show. Workshops by day,   dancing each night. Varous prices. 1231 Market St. www.SFSwingFest.com

Simian Mobile Disco @   Mezzanine

Electronic music duo – James Ford and Jas Shaw- perform tracks from their new CD A Form of change. $25. 21+. 9pm. 444 Jessie St.  www.smdlive.tumblr.com

Slugs and Kicks @ Thick House

Theatre Rhinoceros' production of John Fisher's backstage comedy about a young gay actor and his theatrical friends (closeted and otherwise). $15-$30. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 3pm. Thru Dec. 9. 1695 18th St. at Arkansas. (800) 838-3006. www.therhino.org

The Sound of Music @ Julia Morgan Theatre, Berkeley

Rogers & Hammerstein's classic musical about the Von Trapp family, and their Austrian struggle with a new nanny, and Nazis, gets a local production. $17-$35. Thu-Sat 7pm. Also Sat 2pm. Sun 12pm, 5pm. Thru Dec 2. 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. (510) 845-8542. www.berkeleyplayhouse.org

Toil and Trouble @ La Val's Subterranean, Berkeley

Impact Theatre's comic update on Shakespeare's ...Scottish play (MacBeth). $10-$20. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru Dec. 8. 1834 Euclid Ave., Berkeley.   www.impacttheatre.com

The William S. Paley Collection: A Taste for Modernism @ de Young Museum

New exhibit of varied and little seen Modern Art works collected by the New York art patron with a diverse taste, including paintings by Cezanne, Picasso, Matisse Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec and others. Also, This World Is Not My Home: Photographs by Danny Lyon, thru Jan. 27. $10-$20. Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm. (til 8:45pm Fridays) Thru Dec. 30. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. 750-3600.   www.famsf.org  

Women 我們 @ Chinese Cultural Center

Exhibit of video works, installation art, photography, sculpture, and more by a diverse array of LGBTQ artists including Mu Xi, Yang Meiyan, He Chengyao, and other emerging artists based in China as well as five U.S.-based artists, among them Man Yee Lam and Stella Zhang. Tue-Sat 10am-4pm. Thru Dec. 15. 750 Kearny St., 3rd floor (inside the Hilton Hotel). 986-1822. www.c-c-c.org

Xavier MTW @ Glamarama

Foucault at the Food Co., a whimsical visual story exhibit by a new local gay artist, at the fab hair salon. Thru Jan. 5, 2013. 304 Valencia St. www.glamarama.com

You Betta Werq! @ Gussie's Checken & Waffles

Rotissary Ethnicity Jackson Houston-Ross, Felicia Lamar, Maxine Padd, and others perform at a drag show with dinner; proceeds benefit the Castro Country Club.   $15. 8pm. 1521 Eddy St. at Fillmore. www.facebook.com/events/103472676483487/

Sun 2

Connie Champagne @ The Rrazz Room

The local chanteuse returns as Judy Garland in "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." $32.50. 4pm. Also Dec. 9. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

David Barnett @ Castro Country Club

Opening reception for an exhibit of landscape and pet paintings by the local gay artist. Sales benefit the artist and the CCC; pet portrait commissions also available. 12pm-2pm. Exhibit through Jan 18. 4058 18th St. www.DavidBarnettArt.com www.CastroCountryClub.org

Dia de los Muertos @ Oakland Museum of Art

Special exhibition of Day of the Dead altars by artists, schoolkids, and museum docents; guest-curated by Eduardo Pineda. 12pm-4:30pm Also, The 1968 Exhibit, a touring exhibit of the historic year, with ephemera, protest posters, interactive media; extended thru Nov. Also, Bay Area figurative art; Dorothea Lange archive, early landscape paintings, Gold Rush Era works, California ceramics. Gallery of California Natural Sciences. $6-$12. 1000 Oak St. Oakland. (510) 318-8400. www.museumca.org

LGBT Mixer @ Max's Lounge, Corte Madera

Enjoy a prix fixe menu, drinks and live music with different acts at the weekly LGBT mixer. 6pm-9pm. 60 Madera Blvd., Corte Madera. 924-6297. http://maxscortemadera.blogspot.com/

Open House @ Small Press Distribution, Berkeley

Enjoy readings by Brandon Brown, Ming Di, kathryn l. pringle, giovanni singleton, Sara Wintz (2pm), snacks, a musical performance by Michael Zapruder (3pm) and a discount sale of the distributor's books. 1pm-4pm. 1341 7th St., Berkeley. (510) 524-1668. www.spdbooks.org

Project Nunway @ AIDS Memorial Grove

Fashion fundraiser pairs Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence with fashion designers; with cohosts Jane Wiedlin (The Go-Gos) and Sister Roma, withcelebrity judges, Double duchess performing and more, all inside a heated tent. $20.12, $51.50, $99.99. 3pm-7pm. Bowling Green Drive at Nancy Pelosi Drive, Golden Gate Park. 765-0498. www.TheSisters.org

SF Hiking Club @ Marin Headlands

Join GLBT hikers for a 9-mile hike from Rodeo Beach through the Marin Headlands mostly along the Coastal Trail to the Golden Gate Bridge, Bring water, lunch, layers, hat, sunscreen, good shoes/boots, money for Muni and for optional cafe stop. Meet on the Muni 76 bus route that leaves at 9:30am from 4th & Townsend and arrives at 10:23am at Rodeo Beach. 794-2275. www.sfhiking.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550

Popular country western LGBT dance night $5-$8. 6:30pm-10:30pm with lessons from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Also Sundays 5pm-10:30pm with lessons from 5:30-7:15 pm. 550 Barneveld Ave. www.sundancesaloon.org

Sunday's a Drag @ Starlight Room

Donna Sachet and Harry Denton host the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show. $45. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.harrydenton.com

Toys for Tots @ St. Regis Hotel

Large annual party and donation event. Bring one or more new unwrapped toy(s) to be donated to local kids' nonprofits. Festive holiday attir (no jeans, tennis shoes). Cash bar. 4pm-7pm. Thurd St. at Mission. RSVP: ToysForTots.SF@gmail.com

Winterfest @ Metreon City View

San Francisco Bicycle Coalition's 17th annual big party, auction, sale, and fundraiser. Enjoy drinks, music, discount bikes and cycling items galore, 200 silent auction items, and schmoozing with hundreds of smart cool fellow cyclists. $20-$45. Membership join or renewals get a discount! 6pm-10:30pm. 135 4th St. at Mission. www.sfbike.org/winterfest

Mon 3

Animation Exhibits @ Walt Disney Museum

See biographical exhibits about Walt Disney, early sketches and ephemera from historic Disney movies. Frequent lectures and film screenings. $5-$20. 104 Montgomery St., The Presidio. www.waltdisney.org

Broadway Against Bullying @ Club Fugazi

Stars of Broadway musicals perform at a benefit holiday cabaret show; Billy Porter, Paul Canaan, Nick Adams, Tory Ross, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Constantine Rousouli and Annaleigh Ashford perform. $50-$100 (includes priority seating and dessert reception). 7pm. 678 Green St. Also, bid on online auction items, including vacations to NYC for the Tony and Emmy Awards, and NYC Broadway shows with backstage passes! 421-4222. www.charitybuzz.com/auctions/nobully www.nobully.com

Elliot Gould @ Jewish Community Center

Film actor and former husband of Barbra Streisand talks with film writer Ruthe Stein. $15-$30. 7pm. 3200 California St. at Presidio. 292-1233. www.jccsf.org

Murderous Little World @ ODC Theater

Canadian trio Bellow & Brass' experimental music theater work, with poems by Anne Carons, composed by Linda Bouchard. $15-$30. 8:30pm (pre-show talk, 8pm). 3153 17th St. 863-9834. www.odctheater.org

Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni's

Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht (aka Trauma Flintstone). 9pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.dragatmartunis.com

Sharon McNight @ The Rrazz Room

The veteran musical theatre singer returns with her witty cabaret show, "Twisted Xmas: A Druid's View of the Holidays." $30. 8pm. Also Dec 4. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Steven J. Levin, Jacob A. Pfeiffer @ John Pence Gallery

Dual exhibit of the two painters who explore realism, portraits and still lives with vibrant colors and imagery. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. Sat til 5pm. 750 Post St. 441-1138. www.johnpence.com

Ten Percent @ Comcast 104

David Perry's talk show about LGBT people and issues. This week, Perry chats with drag hostess Heklina and Rebecca Rolfe, Executive Director of San Francisco's LGBT Center. Mon-Fri 11:30am & 10:30pm. Sat & Sun 10:30pm. www.comcasthometown.com

Tue 4

Artists-in-Residence @ RayKo Photo

Trio exhibit; Kirk Crippens' Ten Thousand Scrolls, Maggie Preston's Contact, and David Wolf's The After Life of Things. Tue-Thu 10am-10pm Fri-Sun 10am-8pm. Thru Dec 14. 428 3rd St. 495-3773. www.raykophoto.com

The Book of Mormon @ Curran Theatre

South Park duo's beyond-sold-out hit musical parody of a certain flyover state's religion. $29 (lottery tix) -$200. Thru Dec. 30. 445 Geary St. (888) 746-1799. www.bookofmormonthemusical.com www.shnsf.com

Double Features @ Castro Theatre

Dec 4: Searching for Sugar Man and Anvil. Dec 5: Get Carter and The Trip. Dec 6: J-R Marathon and Mystical Traveler. $8.50-$12. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

The Drag Show @ Various Channels

Stu Smith's weekly LGBT variety show features local talents, and not just drag artistes. Channels 29 & 76 on Comcast; 99 on AT&T and 30 on Astound. www.thedragshow.org

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey's

Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. One drink or menu item minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com

The News @ SOMArts Cultural Center

Monthly queer performance series, this month with DavEnd, Cara Rose DeFabio, Elliot Orona, Nathan Rapport, Travis Santell Rowland, Rheal Tea and Deep Teens, as well as guest curator/ host VivvyAnne ForeverMORE! (Mica Sigourney). $5. 7:30pm. 934 Brannan St at 9th. www.somarts.org

World Tree of Hope @ City Hall

Annual presentation of a holiday tree decorated with thousands of origami cranes, which symbolize hope for the new year. Performers and presenters include San Francisco Boys Chorus, Mayor Ed Lee, Emcee Donna Sachet, The Consul General of Japan, Veronica Klaus accompanied by Tammy Hall, San Francisco Poet Laureate Alejandro Muruia, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence; wine, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, sweets, free admission. 5:30pm-8pm. City Hall Rotunda. 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett St. www.rainbowfund.org

Wed 5

The Art of Dr. Seuss @ Dennis Rae Fine Art

Fascinating exhibit of rarely seen prints, paintings, sculptures and a few of the more known drawings by Theodor Geisel, the author/illustrator of the immensely popular children's books. Ongoing, with updates and new items. 351A Geary St. 391-1948. www.dennisraefineart.com

Art With Elders @ City Hall

Large group exhibit of works by 90 artists in 30+ local arts programs, all seniors with a lengthy life perspective. Thru Jan. 4. Reg hours Mon-Fri 8am-8pm. Ground floor, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. www.sfgov.org

Candlelight Flow Yoga @ LGBT Center

David Clark leads various yoga poses and practices, plus meditation and breathing exercises. Bring your own mat and water bottle, etc. $10. 7pm-8:30pm. 1800 Market St. www.4dbliss.com

Hedwig and the Angry Inch @ Boxcar Theatre

New local production of John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask's popular transgender rock operetta, with multiple actor-singers perfoming the lead (Arturo Galster, John Lewis, James Mayagoitia, Ste Fishell, Nikkie Arias, Nicole Julien, Anastasia Bonaccorso, and CC Sheldon). $25-$35. Wed-Sat 8pm. Also Sat 5pm. Thru Jan 26. 505 Natoma St. 967-2227. www.boxcartheatre.org

John Nieto @ Nieto Fine Art

Gallery owner showcases his own art; new colorful pop paintings depicting wild animals and Native Americans. Thru Nov 30. 565 Sutter St. 393-4511. www.nietofineart.com

Olympians Festival @ Exit Theater

Enjoy a baker's dozen of commissioned plays both serious and funny, about various gods, goddesses, and prominent characters from ancient Greek literature. $10. Most shows 8pm. Thru Dec 20. 156 Eddy St. www.sfolympians.com

Russ Lorenson @ The Rrazz Room

Crooner performs his annual "Christmas in San Francisco" show, with guest singer Karen Mason. $30. 8pm. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Singing the Golden State @ Society of California Pioneers

Exhibit of beautiful sheet music and artwork from 1849 -1930s, all with California themes; curated James M. Keller, the exhibit includes a few subtly gay and historically transgender subjects. $2.50-$50. Wed-Fri 10am-4pm. First Saturdays 10am-4pm. Thru Dec. 7. 300 Fourth St. 957-1849. www.californiapioneers.org/singing_the_golden_state.html

United in Anger:
The History of ACT UP @ Pacific Film Archive, Berkeley

Screening of Jim Hubbard documentary about the roots of the AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power, with protest footage and several participant interviews. $5.50-$13.50. 7pm. 2575 Bancroft Way, UC Berkeley campus. (510) 642-5249. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu

Thu 6

Comedy Bodega @ Esta Nocha

The weekly LGBT and indie comic stand-up night. 8pm-9:30pm. 3079 16th St. at Mission. www.comedybodega.com

The Family Stone @ The Rrazz Room

Founding members of Sly and the Family Stone, with new members, performs their popular R&B hits. $40-$45. 8pm. Also Dec 7, 8pm; Dec 8, 7pm & 9:30pm; Dec 9, 7pm. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Great Broadway Sing-Along @ Jewish Community Center

A talented cast and musicians lead the way singing favorite show tunes from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Sondheim, Lerner and Loewe, Kander and Ebb and, of course, the mighty Gershwins, too. $15-$30. 8pm. 3200 California St. at Presidio. 292-1233. www.jccsf.org

The Radical Camera: New York's Photo League @ Contemporary Jewish Museum

Group exhibition of fascinating photos from 1936-1951 taken by members of the progressive collective that documented the eras of postwar struggles, McCarthy blacklists, and urban life. Other exhibits ongoing. Free (members)-$12. Thu-Tue 11am-5pm (Thu 1pm-8pm) 736 Mission St. 655-7800. www.thecjm.org

San Francisco Magic Parlor @ Chancellor Hotel

Whimsical Belle Epoque-style sketch and magic show that also includes historical San Francisco stories; hosted by Walt Anthony. with optional pre-show light dinner and desserts. $40. Thu-Sat 8pm. 433 Powell St. www.SFMagicParlor.com

SantaConcert @ Davies Hall

San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus performs their annual holiday concert, with the Bay Area Rainbow Symphony (formal first half) and a special edition of lots and lots of Santas! $25-$27. 8pm. 201 Van Ness Ave. Also Dec 24 at 5pm, 7pm, and 9pm at the Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St. www.sfgmc.org

Streetlight Manifesto @ Slim's

Energetic fun ska/punk/rock band performs. Hostage, Calm, Lionize open. $18.50-$44 (with dinner). All ages. 8pm. 333 11th St. 255-0333. www.streetlightmanifesto.com www.slimspresents.com

Sugar-coated Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences

Enjoy candies, chocolates and other holiday treats as Quartet San Francisco performs, Mom SF DJs, live reindeer visit, and the ugliest holiday sweater contestants strut the runway, plus food, cocktails and exhibits. $10-$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

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To submit event listings, email jim@ebar.com.

Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication.

For more bar and nightlife events, go to www.bartabsf.com