Sizzle as fall arts entertainments unfold and unfurl.
THURSDAY 26
Andrew Stoner @ SF Main Library
Author discusses his biography, The Journalist of Castro Street: the Life of Randy Shilts. Hormel Center, 3rd floor. 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org
Baloney Does Folsom @ Oasis
The male burlesque dance show returns for a Folsom kink-themed explosion of dance skits. $35-$70. 7pm. Thru Sept 28. 298 11th St. www.sfbaloney.com www.sfoasis.com
Classic and New Films @ Castro Theatre
Sept 26: Downton Abbey (3:30, 6pm, 8:45). $8-$16. 429 Castro St. http://www.castrotheatre.com/
Dance Nation @ SF Playhouse
Clare Barron's dark comedy about competitive dancers in Florida, with teenagers played by adults. $35-$125. Thru Nov 9. 450 Post St. www.sfplayhouse.org
Events @ Booksmith, Bindery
Sept 26, 7:30pm; Jaqueline Woodson (Red at the Bone). 1644 Haight St. www.booksmith.com
Events @ GLBT History Museum
Sept 26: book launch for E.R. Ramzipoor's The Ventriloquists: A Novel of Queer Resistance. Oct. 3: 'Remembering a Police Riot: The Castro Sweep of 1989,' a 30th anniversary panel discussion with visuals. Each 7pm, $5. Also, exhibits Queering Familias: Building Latinx Resilience & Hope and The Mayor of Folsom Street: Alan Selby's Legacy, an exhibit of the leather culture pioneer (both thru Oct 20). 4127 18th St. www.glbthistory.org
Fragments + Resistance @ Creativity Explored
Dual exhibition of works by Joseph "JD" Green and John Iwaszewicz. Exhibit thru Nov. 7. 3245 16th St. www.creativityexplored.org
The Great Wave @ Berkeley Repertory
U.S. premiere of Francis Turnly's drama about Asian family members separated by an ocean. $30-$81. Thru Oct 27. 2015 Addison St., Berkeley. www.berkeleyrep.org
Hot Mikado @ Gateway Theatre
42nd Street Moon's new production of Rob Bowman and David H. Bell's jazz interpretation of Gilbert & Sullivan's operetta. $31-$72. Thru Oct. 13. 215 Jackson St. www.42ndstmoon.org
Michelle Meow Show @ Commonwealth Club
Meow and cohost John Zipperer discuss LGBT issues with different prominent guests. Weekly, 12pm. 110 Embarcadero. www.commonwealthclub.org
Naomi Klein @ First Congregational Church of Oakland
The author discusses her new book, On Fire: The Burning Case for a Green New Deal, with Mother Jones editor-in-Chief Clara Jeffery. $10-$53. 7pm. 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. www.berkeleyarts.org
No Regrets: A Celebration of Marlon Riggs @ BAM/PFA
Screenings of films by the late African American gay artist and UC Berkeley professor, including Tongues Untied and Black Is...Black Ain't. Thru Nov 25. Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive, 2155 Center St., Berkeley. https://bampfa.org
Readings @ City Lights Bookstore
Sept 26, 7pm: Catherine Flynn (James Joyce and the Matter of Paris). 261 Columbus Ave. www.citylights.com
Readings @ The Green Arcade
Sept 26, 7pm: Raymond Caballero discusses his book McCarthyism vs. Clinton Jencks, about a war veteran's plight and false imprisonment. 1680 Market St. www.thegreenarcade.com
Theater of Terror: Revenge of the Queers @ Strut
Launch party for a new queer horror comics anthology, with editors Justin Hall and William O. Tyler, and host Peaches Christ. 8pm-10pm. 470 Castro St. www.strutsf.org
This Side of Crazy @ New Conservatory Theatre Center
Previews for Del Shore's new Southern comedy about four very unusual women brought together for a family reunion. $22-$44. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thursday night preshow music and drag cabaret concerts. Thru Oct. 20. 25 Van Ness Ave., lower level. www.nctcsf.org
Top Girls @ Geary Theater
American Conservatory Theatre's new season kicks off with Caryl Churchill's modern classic drama about the cost of progress in a world divided by class, cruelty, and capitalism. Enjoy a special-made Humphry Slocombe ice cream flavor in the lobby. $15-$110. Thru Oct. 13. 415 Geary St. www.act-sf.org
#We @ Wolfman Books, Oakland
Queer reading and discussion series, formerly at Octopus Literary Salon, features Dena Rod and Juba Kalamka, hosted by Richard Loranger. 7pm. 410 13th St., Oakland. http://wolfmanhomerepair.com/
FRIDAY 27
Art & MORE! @ The Academy
Group exhibit of works by Elliott C Nathan, J. Manuel Carmona and Serge Gay Jr., with an art talk led by Juanita MORE with SF Art Commission President, Roberto Ordenana. 2166 Market St. www.academy-sf.com
Dionysus Was Such a Nice Man @ Joe Goode Annex
Fools Fury production of Kate Tarker's modern take on the story of Oedipus from the perspective of the family of shepherds who raised him. $24-$50. Thru Oct. 20. 401 Alabama St. www.foolsfury.org
Events @ Manny's
Sept 26, 6:30: Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. 26, 7:30: Jewher Ilham on Chinese oppression of Ulghurs. Free/$10 and up (donations). 3092 16th St. http://welcometomannys.com/
Exit Strategy @ Aurora Theatre, Berkeley
Performances of Ike Holter's play about teachers and students who fight the demolition of a beloved school building. $40-$70. Thru Sept. 29. 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. www.auroratheatre.org
Firsts: Coming of Age Stories for People with Disabilities @ Congregation Shaar Zahav
Editor Belo Miguel Cipriani (Blind: A Memoir) and writer David-Elijah Nahmod discuss and read from their stories. 6pm. 290 Dolores St. https://shaarzahav.org
Horror Art Show @ Feathered Outlaw, Alameda
Paintings and sculptures with a spooky edge by Halloween Queen Ashli Ghoul, at the vintage clothing store. 1506 Webster St., Alameda. https://featheredoutlaw.com/
Mike Henderson @ SFAI
Honest to Goodness, an exhibit of vibrant colorful paintings by the local artist and musician. Thru Nov. 800 Chestnut St. https://sfai.edu/exhibitions-public-events/detail/mike-henderson-honest-to-goodness
Older and Out @ North Berkeley Senior Center
Weekly group discussion about problems for elders in the LGBT community. 3:15pm. 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley. www.pacificcenter.org
Pour the Line @ Abacus Row
Reriddle presents a conceptual art interactive pop-up exhibit that recalls 1960s art 'happenings.' Wed-Sun 12pm-7pm, thru Oct 4. 1256 Mason St. www.reriddle.com
Queer Yoga @ Love Story Yoga
All-level weekly classes in an LGBT space. $11. 6:30pm-7:30pm. 473 Valencia St. at 16th. http://www.lovestoryyoga.com/
Smuin Contemporary Ballet @ Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek
Dance Series 1, the company premiere of The Man in Black (James Kudelka dances set to Johhny Cash songs), Rex Wheeler's Take Five and Michael Smuin's Carmina Burana. $25-$93. Sept 27-Oct 6 at Cowell Theater, 2 Marina Blvd., SF. www.smuinballet.org
Solidarity Struggle Victory @ Southern Exposure
Group exhibit of works, by Sadie Barnette, Demian Din�Yazhi�, Patrick Martinez, Dylan Miner, Kameelah Janan Rasheed, Dignidad Rebelde and Jerome Reyes, that commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the country's first ever College of Ethnic Studies, established at San Francisco State College in 1969, ushering in a national movement for the transformation of higher education. Thru Nov 9. 3030 20th St. www.soex.org
Street Sex Photos @ Mark I. Chester Studio
South of Market sex scenes in stunning photos by the veteran leather /kink photgrapher. Donations/sales. 7pm-10pm. Sept 29, 1pm-6pm. 1229 Folsom St. www.markichester.com
Titus Andronicus @ La Val's Subterranean Theater, Berkeley
Shakespeare's violent bloody tragedy gets an intimate local production. $15-$25. Thu 7:30pm. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sun 7pm thru Sept 29. 1834 Euclid Ave., Berkeley. www.tituslunatico.bpt.me
SATURDAY 28
Animation Exhibits @ Walt Disney Museum
Mickey Mouse: From Walt to the World (thru Jan 6), and other exhibits of animation art by the prolific studio's artists. 104 Montgomery St, The Presidio. $5-$25. 10am-6pm. Closed Tue. http://wdfmuseum.org/
Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi
The musical comedy revue celebrates its final year with fun lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. Online lottery announced for tix to New Year's Eve closing shows! $25-$160. Beer/wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. Wed-Fri 8pm. Sat 6pm & 9pm. Sun 2pm & 5pm. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com
Brian Dettmer @ Nancy Toomey Fine Art
Exhibit of Elegies, the artist's amazing carved book sculptures. Reg hours Tue-Fri 11am-5:30pm. Sat 11am-5pm (artist reception Oct 5, 5pm-7pm); thru Oct. 12. 1275 Minnesota St. http://nancytoomeyfineart.com
Caroline, or Change @ Victoria Theatre
Ray of Light Theatre Company's production of Jeanine Tesori and Tony Kushner's musical drama about a Southern Jewish family and their Black maid. $35-$40. Thru Oct. 5. 2961 16th St. www.rayoflighttheatre.com
The Chronicles of San Francisco @ SF MOMA
The Chronicles of San Francisco, photo-muralist JR's interactive community giant group portrait; also, Don't! Photography and the Art of Mistakes; Far Out: Suits, Habs, and Labs for Outer Space; other exhibits of Modern art. Free/$25. Fri-Tue 10am-5pm; Thu 10am-9pm. 151 3rd St. www.sfmoma.org
Drag Queen Story Hour @ The Bindery
Celebrate Banned Books Week with kid-friendly story readings, activities and LGBTQ fun. 2:30pm. 1644 Haight St. www.booksmith.com/Bindery
Events @ Alley Cat Books
Sept 26, 6:30pm: contributors to Cat Call: An Untamed History of the Cat Archetype in Myth and Magic. 3036 24th St. 3036 24th St. www.alleycatbookshop.com
Exhibits @ Chabot Space & Science Museum, Oakland
Space, science and planetary exhibits, including planetarium shows and the Observatory; special nighttime events like meteor shower shows. Free-$18. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. www.chabotspace.org
The Flick @ Ashby Stage, Berkeley
Shotgun Players performs Annie Baker's Pulitzer Prize-winning 2014 drama/comedy about three people working in a cinema. $7-$40. Thru Oct. 6. 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. www.shotgunplayers.org
LGBTQ Veterans of North Bay @ Corte Madera Towne Center
Organizational meeting for veterans. 12pm-2pm, 770 Tamalpais Drive. (415) 408-6078.
Jonathan Biss @ Hertz Hall, Berkeley
The acclaimed pianist performs a 7-concert cycle of the complete Beethoven Pianos sonatas. $68. Sept 21, 8pm & 22, 3pm. Oct 12 & 13, Dec 15 Mar. 7 & 8. Bancroft Way at College Ave., UC Berkeley campus. www.calperformances.org
LGBTQ Histories from the WWII Home Front @ Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center, Richmond
Park indoor exhibit that showcases the lives of historic LGBT people. Open daily 10am-5pm. 1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000, Richmond. www.nps.gov/rori/index.htm
Other Cinema @ ATA Gallery
Weekly screenings of wacky, unusual, short, documentary and animated films; free books, vinyl, VHS and wine. $7. 8:30pm. 992 Valencia St. www.othercinema.com
Pushing West: The Photography of Andrew J. Russell @ Oakland Museum
Historic photos of the Transcontinental Railroad's western expansion; thru September 2. Also, Mildred Howard's TAP: Investigation of Memory, a multimedia installation with themes of identity, church culture, gentrification, dance, and activism. Take Root: Oakland Grows Food, and other exhibits. Free/$15. 1000 Oak St. http://museumca.org/
The San Quentin Project @ BAM/PFA
Nigel Poor and the Men of San Quentin State Prison follows the evolution of artist Nigel Poor's (b. 1963) social art practice and her collaboration with the men incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison in Marin County; thru Nov. 17. Also, Strange, a Surrealist-inspired group exhibit of works by Goya, Magritte, Cidny Sherman, Jack Smith, and many others, thru Jan 5, 2020. 2155Center St. Berkeley. www.bampfa.org
Sara Lisch, Elizabeth Sher, Julianne Wallace Sterling @ Mercury20, Oakland
Three solo exhibitions of diverse works. Artsts reception Sept 21, 4pm-6pm. Thru Oct 19. 475 25th St., Oakland. http://mercurytwenty.com/
Skate Night @ Church on 8 Wheels
Wheeled fun at the former Sacred Heart Church-turned disco roller skate party space, hosted by John D. Miles, the "Godfather of Skate," including Saturday's Black Rock night (Burning Man garb encouraged). 7pm-10pm. Sat afternoon sessions 1pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm. $10. Kids 12 and under $5. Skate rentals $5. 554 Fillmore St at Fell. www.churchof8wheels.com
That Don Reed Show @ The Marsh Berkeley
The acclaimed solo performer's show about dealing with racism in show business returns for an extended run. $20-$100. Sat 8:30pm, Sun 5:30pm. Thru Oct 13. 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. www.themarsh.org
Triptych (Eyes of One on Another) @ Zellerbach Hall
Bryce Dessner's music and vocals contemplation on the works of photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, with lyrics by Essex Hemphill and Patti Smith, performed by Roomful of Teeth and a chamber orchestra. $30-$68. 8pm. Bancroft Way at Dana, UC Berkeley campus. www.calperformances.org
Unhinged @ Winchester Mystery House, San Jose
Spooky fun exhibits and interactive shows at the mysterious mansion, with up-close amazing special effects, Halloween parties, gourmet dinners, and daytime kid-friendly outdoor fun. $20-54. Various times thru Nov. 2. 525 S Winchester Blvd., San Jose. www.winchestermysteryhouse.com
Walk in Beauty @ Marin Center
Group art exhibit of local landscapes and wildlife paintings; thru Oct. 10. Also, Tricia George wildlife paintings (thru Oct. 10). 10 Ave. of the Flags, san rafael. www.marincenter.org
Wild SF Walking Tours @ Citywide
Enjoy weekly informed tours of various parts of San Francisco, from Chinatown to the Haight, and a 'radical' and political-themed LGBT-inclusive tour. Various dates and times. $15-$25. www.wildsftours.com
SUNDAY 29
Cruisin' the Fossil Coastline
@ Oakland Museum
Cruisin' the Fossil Coastline, Ray Troll's colorful illustrations paired with paleontologist Kirk Johnson's research. Also, Take Root: Oakland Grows Food and other exhibits. Free/$15. 1000 Oak St. http://museumca.org/
Early Rubens @ Legion of Honor
Exhibit of epic massive paintings of biblical and mythical subjects by Peter Paul Rubens; Thru Sept. 8. Also, Strange Days: Dada, Surrealism, and the Book (July 20-Nov 10), and other beautiful exhibits of classical and modern art. Free/$30. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave. https://legionofhonor.famsf.org/
Ecstatic Dance @ Sacred Heart Church
Weekly group freeform dance with a spiritual flavor at the former church-turned event space. $15. 9am-12pm. Also Wed. and Fridays in Oakland and Fairfax. 554 Fillmore St. www.ecstaticdance.org
Ed Hardy: Deeper Than Skin @ de Young Museum
First museum retrospective of the renowned California tattoo artist (thru Oct. 6). Also, Ana Prvac Ki: Detour (thru Sept 29), Specters of Disruption (thru Nov 10) and exhibits of Modern and historic art, including embroidery, Maori portraits and installations. Free/$28. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.famsf.org
Expedition Reef @ California Academy of Sciences
Exhibits and planetarium shows with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about animals, plants and the earth; Skin, a multi-species hands-on exhibit; Deep Reefs, Giants of Land and Sea, Gems and Minerals, and more. $20-$35. Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm. Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org
Plant Exhibits @ Conservatory of Flowers
Artfully arranged plant and floral exhibits; special evening events and parties, including Night Bloom evening events. 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate Park. https://conservatoryofflowers.org
Queer Tango @ Finnish Hall, Berkeley
Same-sex partner tango dancing, including lessons for newbies, food and drinks. $5-$10. 3:30pm-6:30pm. 1970 Chestnut St, Berkeley. www.finnishhall.org
Romeo & Juliet @ War Memorial Opera House
San Francisco Opera performs Charles Gounod's adaptation of Shakespeare's classic romantic tragedy. $31-$306. 8pm. Also Sept 29 & Oct 1. 301 Van Ness Ave. www.sfopera.com
Sprightly @ SF Public Library
Weekly hangout for LGBTQ youth, with crafts, snacks and activities. 12:30pm-2:30pm. James C. Hormel Center, 3rd floor, 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org
The Teen Age @ Cartoon Museum
Summer exhibition, The Teen Age: Youth Culture in Comics. Also, Surfside Girls, original work from book illustrator Kim Dwinell; other ongoing exhibits. Free-$10. 11am-5pm, except Wed. 781 Beach St. www.cartoonart.org
Various Exhibits @ Asian Art Museum
Contemporary works by Tanabe Chikuunsai IV, Kim Heecheon and Liu Jianhua; and exhibits of historic sculptures, prints and antiquities. Sunday caf� specialties from $7-$16. Free-$20. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. http://www.asianart.org/
Various Exhibits @ Treasure Island Museum
Collections of historic Golden Gate Exposition photos and memorabilia, military ephemera and more. Building One, Treasure Island, One Avenue of the Palms. www.treasureislandmuseum.org
MONDAY 30
Firsts: Coming of Age Stories for People with Disabilities @ Booksmith
Editor Belo Miguel Cipriani (Blind: A Memoir) and local contributors Caitlin Hernandez & David-Elijah Nahmod to the anthology read from their stories. 7:30pm. 1644 Haight St. www.booksmith.com
Justin Hall @ Strut
The local comic artist and editor's Greetings From Dadville, his new collection of illustrations from a new comic book; thru Sept. 470 Castro St. www.strutsf.org
Various Exhibits
@ NIAD Art Center, Richmond
Exhibits of art by visiting professionals, and art made by developmentally disabled people. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. 551 23rd St., Richmond. (510) 620-0290. www.niadart.org
William Blake in Color
@ William Blake Gallery
Exhibit of classic plates in the new gallery of historic art by the 18th- and 19th-century poet and illustrator. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Sat 11am-5pm. 49 Geary St. #205. www.williamblakegallery.com
TUESDAY 1
Floral Exhibits @ SF Botanical Garden
Visit the lush gardens with displays of trees, flowers and shrubs from around the world, including the annual Magnolia bloom. Monthly plant sales, plus art exhibits and gift shop; free entry with SF proof of residency. $5-$10 for others. 7:30am-closing. 9th Ave at Lincoln Way. https://sfbotanicalgarden.org/
Lino Tagliapietra @ Montague Gallery
Radiance, the acclaimed glass sculptor's exhibit of beautiful new works. Thru Sept 28. 445A Sutter St. www.montaguegallery.com
Off the Wall @ Mission Cultural Center
Exhibit and sale of historic Mission Grafica Printmaking Studio's decades of posters and prints; main Gallery, thru Sept. 20. 2868 Mission St. www.missionculturalcenter.org
Various Exhibits @ The Beat Museum
Enjoy exhibits, a bookstore and gift shop that celebrates the era of 'Beatnik' literature (Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, etc.), with frequent readings, walking tours and other events in North Beach. $5-$8. Daily 10am-7pm. 540 Broadway www.kerouac.com
WEDNESDAY 2
Africa State of Mind @ MOAD
Traveling exhibit curated by Ekow Eshun includes 16 artists' works focusing on the idea of 'Africanness.' Also, The Sacred Star of Isis and Other Stories, photos by Adama Delphine Fawundo; also Rashaad Newsome's Stop Playing in My Face!, a Black queer multimedia installation. Free/$10. Both thru Nov. 15. 685 Mission St. www.moadsf.org
Cabaret Karaoke
@ Feinstein's at the Nikko
Dick Bright MCs the new weekly karaoke night at the elegant nightclub. $12-$15. ($20 food/drink min.). thru Sept. 25. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.feinsteinssf.com
Chuck Forester @ SF Main Library
The longtime SF resident reads from and discusses his memoir/novel Eat, Sleep, Love. 6pm. Hormel Center, 3rd floor, 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org
Interior/Exterior @ Museum of Craft & Design
Group exhibit of works curated by Ariel Zaccheo; also, Dead Nuts: a search for the ultimate machined object, curated by David Cole; both thru Dec. 1. 2569 3rd St. https://sfmcd.org
Naked Men's Sketch @ Eros
Get naked and take turns modeling at the sex club's popular weekly event. Donations/no entrance fee. 7pm-9pm. 2051 Market St. www.erossf.com
The Rocky Horror Show @ San Jose Stage Company
Richard O'Brien's cult classic musical gets a South Bay production, with Keith Pinto as Frank N. Furter. $32-$60. Thru Nov 3. 490 South First St., San Jose. www.thestage.org
Richard Caldwell Brewer @ Lost Art Salon
Exhibit of works by the late gay artist (1923-2014). Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm. 245 South Van Ness Ave., #303. https://lostartsalon.com/
THURSDAY 3
Annabeth Rosen
@ Contemporary Jewish Museum
Annabeth Rosen: Fired, Broken, Gathered, Heaped, an exhibit of works by the Californian sculptor; thru Jan 19. Other exhibits, too. Free/$17. 736 Mission St. https://thecjm.org/
Aunt Charlie's @ Tenderloin Museum
Multimedia exhibit about the historic Tenderloin drag bar, including Beautiful by Night: Photographs from Aunt Charlie's Lounge by James Hosking, Hot Boxx Girls, photos by Darwin Bell. Oct 3, There Will Always Be Roses in San Francisco, by Marissa Letiman, Oct 3 reception 6pm-9pm. Exhibit thru Dec 1. 398 Eddy St. http://www.tenderloinmuseum.org/
Debbie Harry @ JCCSF
The lead singer of Blondie discusses her new memoir, Face It, with band cofounder/partner Chris Stein and director Rob Roth. $30-$85. 7pm. SF Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St. www.jccsf.org
Exclusion @ Presidio Officers Club
Exhibit documenting the Presidio's Japanese-American incarceration during World War II; other exhibits show the history of the former military base and the SF peninsula. Free, Tue-Sun 10am-5pm; extended thru June 2020. 50 Maraga Ave. https://www.presidio.gov/officers-club/exhibitions/
femMasculine @ Brava Cabaret
Kevin Seaman's solo "Queer Journey Through Digital Desire" takes on contemporary problems with gayness, queer identity and gender, also as his drag persona LOL McFiercen. $20-$50. Oct 3-5, 10-12, 8pm. 2773 24th St. www.brava.org
Various Events @ Oakland LGBTQ Center
Social events and meetings at the new LGBTQ center include film screenings and workshops, including Bruthas Rising, trans men of color meetings, 4th Tuesdays, 6:30pm. Film screenings, 4th Saturdays, 7:30pm. Game nights, Fridays 7:30pm-11pm. Vogue sessions, first Saturdays. 3207 Lakeshore Ave. Oakland. https://www.oaklandlgbtqcenter.org/
To submit event listings, email [email protected]
Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication.