Under the guise of April Fool's Day, you may be tricked into going places that aren't as festive as they seem. But trust me; these are the most entertaining events going on through the next eight days; no foolin'!
Thursday, March 27
Circle Jerk @ Nob Hill Theatre
Porn performer J.R. Matthews leads a sexy downstairs event in the strip club's playroom. $10. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
The Crib @ 715
Dance night for the younger guys and gals. 9:30pm-2am. 715 Harrison St. www.thecribsf.com
Dot Photos @ SupperClub
Opening reception for an exhibit of photos by Tom Schmidt, aka Dot, of SupperClub performers (dancers, singers, acrobats, drag queens, and circus arts performers). 9:30pm-1am. 657 Harrison St. at 2pm. www.supperclub.com
Fauxgirls @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge
The classic drag show includes acts by Victoria Secret, Alexandria, Chanel, Maria Garza, Mini Minerva, Kipper, Ruby LeBrowne, and Lulu Ramirez. No cover, and cheap drinks! 8pm. 124 Ellis St. www.fauxgirls.com
La Femme @ Beaux
New ladies' happy hour at the new Castro nightclub, with drink specials, no cover, and women gogos. 4pm-9pm. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com
Fuego @ The Watergarden, San Jose
Weekly event, with Latin music, half-off locker fees and Latin men, at the South Bay private men's bath house. $8-$39. Reg hours 24/7. 18+. 1010 The Alameda. (408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com
Gym Class @ Hi Tops
Enjoy cheap/free whiskey shots from jock-strapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular new sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Jewish Music Festival @ Various Venues
This diverse array of concerts includes soloists, bands, singers, instrumentalists, traditional and modern Afro-Semetic jazz. Various venues (Yoshi's, Freight & Slavage, JCC East Bay) and admission ($22-$30). Thru April 1. www.jewishmusicfestival.org
Jukebox @ Beatbox
Veteran DJ Page Hodel (The Box, Q and many other events) presents a new weekly dance event, with soul, funk, hip-hop and house mixes. $10. 21+. 9pm-2am. 314 11th St. at Folsom. www.BeatboxSF.com
Magic Parlor @ Chancellor Hotel
Whimsical Belle Epoque-style sketch and magic show that also includes historical San Francisco stories; hosted by Walt Anthony; optional pre-show light dinner and desserts. $40. Thu-Sat 8pm. 433 Powell St. www.SFMagicParlor.com
The Monster Show @ The Edge
Cookie Dough's weekly drag show with gogo guys and hilarious fun. $5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com
Nap's Karaoke @ Virgil's Sea Room
Sing out loud at the weekly least judgmental karaoke in town, hosted by the former owner of the bar. No cover. 9pm. 3152 Mission St. 829-2233. www.virgilssf.com
Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences
Themed event nights at the fascinating nature museum, with DJed dancing, cocktails, fish, frogs, food and fun. $10-$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org
Pearls Over Shanghai @ The Hypnodrome
Thrillpeddlers' hilarious Cockettes revival returns, with many of the ebullient cast members. $30-$35. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru May 31. 575 10th St. (800) 838-3006. www.thrillpeddlers.com
Pan Dulce @ The Cafe
Amazingly hot Papi gogo guys, cheap drinks and fun DJed dance music. Free before 10pm. $5 til 2am. 2369 Market St. www.clubpapi.com www.cafesf.com
Roy Hargrove Quintet @ Yoshi's
The celebrated five-man jazz ensemble, led by the Grammy-winning trumpeter, returns for a five-night residency. $16-$28; prx-fixe dinner available ($38). Wed-Sat 8pm & 10pm. Sun 7pm & 9pm. Thru Mar. 30. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com
Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle
The weekly live rock shows have returned. 9pm-ish. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com
Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge
Retro disco tunes and a fun diverse crowd, each Thursday. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com
Underwear Party @ Powerhouse
Strip down to your skivvies at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com
VIP @ Club 21, Oakland?
Hip Hop, Top 40, and sexy Latin music; gogo dancers, appetizers, and special guest DJs. No cover before 11pm and just $5 after all night. Dancing 9pm-3am. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com
Friday, March 28
Bad Girl Cocktail Hour @ The Lexington Club
Every Friday night, bad girls can get $1 dollar margaritas between 9pm and 10pm. 3464 19th St. between Mission and Valencia. 863-2052. www.lexingtonclub.com
Carnival Warmup @ MCCLA Gallery
The band Orquesta Adelante and dancers with Brenda Perdue perform at this fundraiser for the Mission Carnival events; food and drinks on sale. $15. 7pm-10pm. Mission Cultural Center, 2868 Mission St. 643-2785. www.missionculturalcenter.org
Club Booty @ Space 550
Club Papi and Elliot Live's gay & lesbian hip hop dance night, every 4th Friday, with DJs Danni Boy and Mike Biggs. 10pm-3am. 550 Barneveld Ave. www.clubpapi.com
Darling Nikki @ Slate
Queer dance party celebrates its two-year anniversary, with DJs Durt, Finn, and Lady Ryan. $5. 9pm-2am. 2925 16th St. at South Van Ness. www.slate-sf.com
Fedorable @ El Rio
Free weekly queer dance party, with gogos, prizes, old groovy tunes, cheap cocktails. 9pm-2am. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com
Go-Beaux @ Beaux
Gogo-tastic weekly night at the new Castro club. Bring your dollahs, 'cause they'll make you holla. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com
Get happy at the Midnight Sun! photo: Georg Lester
Happy Friday @ Midnight Sun
The popular video bar ends each week with gogo guys (starting at 9pm) and drink specials. Check out the new expanded front lounge, with a window view. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Hard @ Qbar
DJ Haute Toddy spins electro beats; cute gogo guys shake it. $3. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com
Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland
Enjoy eight bars, more dance floors, and a smoking lounge at the largest gay Latin dance night in the Bay Area. March 21, Valentino's birthday bash. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com
Sheila E. @ Yoshi's Oakland
The talented veteran percussionist-vocalist ("The Glamorous Life") performs music from Icon, her first CD in 12 years, with her band. $33-$60. 8pm & 10pm. Mar. 29, 7:30 & 9:30pm. Mar. 30, 7pm & 9pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square, Oakland. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
Shit & Champagne @ Rebel
D'Arcy Drollinger's "whitesploitation" drag satire musical play kicks up the laughs; also starring Matthew Martin. $20-$25. Fri & Sat, 8pm. Extended thru April 26! 1772 Market St. at Octavia. www.shitandchampagne.eventbrite.com
Some Thing
Mica Sigourney and pals' weekly offbeat drag performance night. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com
Themed Nights @ The Brig
If you're looking for a new sexual adventure, check out this new space. Weekend events take place Fridays through Mondays, and the intimate venue with a jail theme offers slings, tables and various spaces for erotic play. Sat-Mon, above PopSex960 at 962 Folsom St. at 6th St. www.BrigSF.com
Wild Child @ The Chapel
The winner of the Austin Music Awards' 2013 Best Indie and Folk Act perform new music from their CD The Runaround. Robert Ellis headlines. $14. 9pm. 777 Valencia St. www.wildchildsounds.com www.thechapelsf.com
Saturday, March 29
17th Anniversary @ The Lexington Club
The popular women's bar celebrates its "Edge of Seventeen" as the hotspot for dykes and queers for almost two decades. DJs Jenna Riot and Rapid Fire spin tunes, gogo gals shake it, and drink specials will get you happy. No cover. 7pm-2am. 3464 19th St. 863-2052. www.lexingtonclub.com
Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi
The musical comedy revue celebrates its 40th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$160. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com
Beer Bust @ Hole in the Wall Saloon
Beer only $8 until you bust. 4pm-8pm. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com
Bleaux @ Beaux
Haute Toddy and Linsay Slowhands' twerky poppy fun night at the stylish Castro bar-nightlcub. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com
Bootie SF @ DNA Lounge
The weekly mash-up dance night, with resident DJs Adrian & Mysterious D. No matter the theme, a mixed fun good time's assured. $8-$15. 9pm-3am. 21+. 375 11th St. at Harrison. www.BootieSF.com www.DNAlounge.com
La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland
DJed tunes, gogo hotties, drag shows, drink specials, all at Oakland's premiere Latin nightclub and weekly cowboy night. $10-$15. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com
Club Rimshot @ Bench and Bar, Oakland
Weekly hip hop and R&B night. $8-$15. 9pm to 4am. 510 17th St. www.bench-and-bar.com
Drag Queens of Comedy @ Castro Theatre
Miss Coco Peru, Sasha Soprano, Shangela, Peaches Chriust, DWV, Lady Bunny, Heklina, Bianca Del Rio and Pandroa Boxx perform at a wacky night of drag comedy. $35-$100. 7pm & 10pm. 429 Castro St. www.thedragqueensofcomedy.com www.castrotheatre.com
Jason Brock @ Martuni's
Our popular local crooner offers a musical tribute to female pop stars of the 1980s (Whitney, Tina, Kate Bush, Nell Carter and more) at the intimate martini bar's lounge. $25. 4pm. Also March 30, 4pm, and April 2, 7pm. 4 Valencia St. www.jasonbrockvocals.net
Sunday, March 30
Beer Bust @ SF Eagle
The classic leather bar's most popular Sunday daytime event in town draws the menfolk. 3pm-6pm, with an '80s-themed dance party 7pm-1am. $5. Also now open daily 11am-2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com
Brunch @ Hi Tops
Enjoy crunchy sandwiches and mimosas, among other menu items, at the popular sports bar. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Cocktailgate @ Truck
Suppositori Spelling's wild weekly drag show night. $3. 10pm-2am. 1900 Folsom St. www.trucksf.com
Full of Grace @ Beaux
Weekly night with hostess Grace Towers, different local and visiting DJs, and pop-up drag performances. No cover. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com
GlamaZone @ The Cafe
Pollo del Mar's weekly drag shows takes on different themes with a comic edge. 8:30-11:30pm. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com
Jock @ The Lookout
The weekly jock-ular fun continues, with special sports team fundraisers. This week, SF Fog Rugby Club! 3pm-7pm. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com
Liquid Brunch @ Beaux
No cover, no food, just drinks (Mimosas, Bloody Marys, etc.) and music. 2pm-9pm. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com
Salsa Sundays @ El Rio
Salsa dancing for LGBT folks and friends, with live merengue and cumbia bands; tapas and donations that support local causes. 2nd & 4th Sundays. 3pm-8pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com
Sundance Saloon @ Space 550
The popular country western LGBT dance night; enjoy fun foot-stomping two-stepping and line-dancing. $5. 5pm-10:30pm with lessons from 5:30-7:15 pm. Also Thursdays. 550 Barneveld Ave., and Tuesdays at Beatbox, $6. 6:30-11pm. 314 11th St. www.sundancesaloon.org
Sunday's a Drag @ Starlight Room
Donna Sachet hosts 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.starlightroomsf.com
Joe Wicht hosts Piano Bar 101
Monday, March 31
Cock and Bull Mondays @ Hole in the Wall Saloon
Specials on drinks made with Cock and Bull ginger ale (Jack and Cock, Russian Mule, and more). 8pm-closing. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com
Irish Dance Night @ Starry Plough, Berkeley
Weekly dance lessons and live music at the pub-restaurant, hosted by John Slaymaker. $5. 7pm. 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. www.thestarryplough.com
Karaoke @ The Lookout
Paul K hosts the amateur singing night. 8pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com
Mahogany Mondays @ Midnight Sun
Honey Mahogany's weekly drag and musical talent show starts around 10pm, with a RuPaul's Drag Race viewing as well. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Monday Musicals @ The Edge
The casts of local and visiting musicals often pop in to perform at the popular Castro bar's musical theatre night. 7pm-2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing. 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com
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
Shante, You Stay @ Toad Hall
BeBe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly viewing party of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6, with a live drag show challenge. 8:30-11:30pm. 4146 18th st. at Castro. www.toadhallbar.com
Sports Night @ The Eagle
The legendary leather bar gets jock-ular, with beer buckets, games (including beer pong and corn-hole!), prizes, sports on the TVs, and more fun. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com
Tuesday, Apr. 1
13 Licks @ Q Bar
Weekly women's night at the stylish intimate bar. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com
Block Party @ Midnight Sun
Weekly screenings of music videos, concert footage, interviews and more, of popular pop stars. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Bombshell Betty & Her Burlesqueteers @ Elbo Room
The weekly burlesque show of women dancers shaking their bonbons includes live music. $10. 9pm. 647 Valencia St. 552-7788. www.elbo.com
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
Ink & Metal @ Powerhouse
Show off your tattoos and piercings at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com
Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre
Strip down at the strip joint; no foolin'!. $20 includes refreshments. 8pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
Showdown @ Folsom Foundry
Weekly game night for board and electronic gamers at the warehouse multi-purpose nightclub. 21+. 6pm-12am. 1425 Folsom St. www.showdownesports.com
Trivia Night @ Hi Tops
Play the trivia game at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Wednesday, Apr. 2
Bottoms Up Bingo @ Hi Tops
Play board games and win offbeat prizes at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Broadway Bingo @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
Joe Wicht and Katya Smirnoff-Skyy cohost the weekly fun musical theatre trivia sing-along night. Pull up a comfy chair or sofa, enjoy a cocktail or three, and test your Broadway knowledge. Kanpai Lounge, Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. No cover. 7pm-10pm. 394-1111. www.hotelnikkosf.com/feinsteins.aspx
MAD MANhattan Wednesdays @ Starlight Room
The new weekly event includes classic cocktails created by David Cruz, and inspired by the the show Mad Men, plus retro food classics like a prawn cocktail and oysters Rockefeller, all with a fantastic city view. 6pm-10pm. 21st, Sir Francis Drake Hotel. 450 Powell St. www.starlightroomsf.com
Miss Kitty's Trivia Night @ Wild Side West
The weekly fun night at the Bernal Heights bar includes prizes, hosted by Kitty Tapata. No cover. 7pm-10pm. 424 Cortland St. 647-3099. www.wildsidewest.com
Queer Salsa @ Beatbox
Weekly Latin partner dance night. 8pm-1am. 314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.com
Red Hots Burlesque @ El Rio
Women's burlesque show performs each Wed & Fri. Karaoke follows. $5-$10. 7pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com
Rookie's Night @ Nob Hill Theatre
Watch competitors shake it for a $200 first prize in stripping, or sign up yourself by 8pm. The audience picks the winner. $20 includes refreshments. 8pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
So You Think You Can Gogo? @ Toad Hall
The weekly dancing competition for gogo wannabes. 9pm. cash prizes, $2 well drinks (2 for 1 happy hour til 9pm). Show at 9pm. 4146 18th St. www.toadhallbar.com
Sonny Holland @ Level III
The acclaimed jazz vocalist performs with guitarist Jerry Holland. Weekly 5pm-8pm. Also Thursdays & Fridays. JW Marriott, 515 Mason St. at Post. www.sonyholland.com
Trivia Night @ Harvey's
BeBe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly night of trivia quizzes and fun and prizes; no cover. 8pm-1pm. 500 Castro St. 431-4278. www.harveyssf.com
Underwear Night @ SF Eagle
Strip down to your skivvies at the popular leather bar. 9pm-2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com
Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show @ the Chapel
Enjoy a comic Christopher Guest movie double feature. No cover. 8pm. 777 Valencia St. www.thechapelsf.com
Way Back @ Midnight Sun
Weekly screenings of vintage music videos and retro drink prices. Check out the new expanded front window lounge. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Thursday, Apr. 3
Gym Class @ Hi Tops
Enjoy cheap/free whiskey shots from jock-strapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular new sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
The Monster Show @ The Edge
Cookie Dough's weekly drag show with gogo guys. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com
Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences
Themed event nights at the fascinating nature museum, with DJed dancing, cocktails, fish, frogs, food and fun. April 3, Reel to Real with screened movie clips, chats with animators and special effects wizards, projections and a paparazzi-style photo booth. $10-$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org
Pan Dulce @ The Cafe
Enjoy amazingly hot Papi gogo guys, cheap drinks and fun DJed dance music. Free before 10pm. $5 til 2am. 2369 Market St. www.clubpapi.com www.cafesf.com
Sean Hayes, Conspiracy of Beards @ The Chapel
The blues guitarist and the men's 30-member choir share a concert. $25. 9pm. 777 Valencia St. www.thechapelsf.com
Underwear Party @ Powerhouse
Strip down to your skivvies at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com
Well Strung @ Feinsteins at the Nikko
The talented string quartet performs - and sings- classical and pop favorites with a new flair. $35-$50. $20 food/drink minimum. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 7pm. Thru April 6. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. 394-1111. www.hotelnikkosf.com/feinsteins.aspx
Upcoming: Friday, Apr. 4
The Besties @ The Caf�
The Bay Area Reporter and BARtab's third annual Best of LGBT and community winners, nominees and friends will enjoy a festive celebration, and hosted spirits and beer, plus light refreshment, as we toast the year's Besties. $10 donation goes to the SF LGBT Center. 5:30pm-8:30pm. 2369 Market St. at Castro. www.ebar.com www.cafesf.com
Want your nightlife event listed? Email [email protected], at least two weeks before your event. Event photos welcome