Going out and having fun; taking risks, be they at shows where things are on fire, or exhibits with live fanged animals; yes, they will take place this week.
Thursday, Feb. 27
42nd Street Moon Gala @ Bimbo's
Broadway and TV star Megan Hilty headlines a gala fundraiser for the local musical theatre company; enjoy cocktails, dinner, a brief live auction, a Moonglow Cabaret featuring vocalist Klea Blackhurst and performers with the company. Cocktail attire with a dash of red, please. $375-$7,500. 6pm-11pm. 1025 Columbus Ave. 255-8207. www.42ndstmoon.org
Circle Jerk @ Nob Hill Theatre
Porn stud Max Cameron leads an onanistic adventure at the historic strip joint's underground playroom. $10. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
Comedy Thursdays @ Esta Noche
The revamped weekly LGBT- and queer-friendly comedy night at the Mission club is hosted by various comics (1st Thu, Natasha Muse; 2nd Thu, Emily Van Dyke; 3rd Thu Eloisa Bravo and Kimberly Rose; 4th Thu Johan Miranda). No cover; one-drink min. 8pm. 307916th St. www.comedybodega.com
The Crib @ 715
Dance night for the younger guys and gals; DJ Kidd Sysko. 9:30pm-2am. 715 Harrison St. www.thecribsf.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
Jackie Ryan @ Yoshi's
Terrific jazz vocalist performs with her band. $16-$59 (with dinner). 8pm & 10pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com
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
Noise Pop Festival @ Bay Area
The large-scale multiple-venue festival presents music acts galore, thru March 2. www.noisepop/2014
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
Paula West @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
The renowned Bay Area jazz vocalist performs an all-new show with her four-piece band in a special four-week residency at the elegant nightclub. $35-$50; $20 food/beverage min. Thu 8pm, Fri 7pm & 9:30pm, Sat & Sun 7pm. Thru March 9. Hotel Nikko lobby, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.feinsteinssf.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
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, Feb. 28
Adam Killian @ Nob Hill Theatre
The enthusiastic and taletned porn stud performs solo shows at 8pm and live sex shows at 10pm. $25. Also Feb 29. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
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
Bleu Sugar @ Bench and Bar, Oakland
Coochielicious presents the monthly women's night (4th Fridays) with Miss Lady Lana performing, drink specials and and upscale dress code. $10 before 11pm, $15 after. 10pm-3am. 510 17th St. http://www.bench-and-bar.com
Dave Hollister @ Yoshi's
The R&B vocalist performs with his band. $34-$77 (with dinner). 8pm & 10pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.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
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
Josh Klipp and The Klipptones @ Palace Hotel
The local jazz crooner and his band perform weekly shows at the hotel's lounge, which draws a growing swing-dance audience. 7pm-11pm. 2 New Montgomery. www.joshklipp.com
Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland
Feb 28, a special 13th annual Brazilian carnival party with DJ Salvador, live capoeira performers and Brazilian drummers, and hot gogos. Enjoy eight bars, more dance floors, and a smoking lounge at the largest gay Latin dance night in the Bay Area. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com
The Manhattan Transfer @ Yoshi's Oakland
The ten-time Grammy-winning jazz vocal group performs at the East Bay nightclub and restaurant. $35-$48. 8pm & 10pm. Also Mar. 1 at 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Mar. 2 at 7pm & 9pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
Queer Costume Ball @ Lake Merritt Dance Center, Oakland
Enjoy a festive night of partner same-sex and wheelchair-inclusive dancing with Vima and the Dancing With the Queers crew; hors d'eouvres and cash bar. Vintage/steampunk costumes welcome but not required. $15-$20. 7pm waltz lessons, open dancing 8pm. 200 Grand Ave., Oakland. (510) 430-8820. www.dancingwiththequeers.com www.brownpapertickets.com/event/558342
Picante @ Esta Noche
Weekly show with drag queens and the Picante Boys; hosted by Lulu Ramirez; DJ Marco. 9pm-2am. 3079 16th St. 841-5748. www.jceventssf.com
Riot Brrrl @ Lone Star Saloon
The Riot Grrrl Party is a tribute to Carrie Brownstein, with DJs Crowderism and JimmySweat, and performances by Suppositori Spelling, Little Miss Hot Mess and Coca Kahlo. 8pm. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.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. Now with an open-ended run. 1772 Market St. at Octavia. www.shitandchampagne.eventbrite.com
Some Thing
Mica Sigourney and pals' weekly offbeat drag performance night. Feb 28, a special Oscars parody show. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com
Saturday, March 1
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
Bootie SF @ DNA Lounge
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
Freaky Deaky Speak'n Easy @ Oakland Metro Operahouse
Cirquedelic and the B.A.E. Krew present a wild ravey night of DJed tunes (Denise, Baron von Spirit, NeonBunny), aerial silk performers, stilt walkers, burlesque, fire dancers, all in a 1920s Deco speakeasy setting; festive garb encouraged. $10-$25. 8pm-2am. 630 3rd St., Oakland. www.freakydeekyspeakneasy.brownpapertickets.com
GiO Bang! @ The Stud
Resident disco-licious DJs Sergio Fedasz and Steve Fabus welcome Gio for a birthday tribute, plus Shawn Ryan, Glenn Rivera and vogue performers The A. Free/$7. 9pm-3am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com
Mardi Gras Magick @ Club 180
Krewe de Kinque's annual New Orleans-styled gala includes a VIP hosted open bar, Creole buffet, party favors, silent auction advance previews. Reg. admission includes live entertainment, beads, raffle prizes, drag comedy and music acts (Ethel Merman, Che-a-Little, Xavier Toscano, Ana Mae Cosss, Garza), MCs Chablis and John Weber, plus the crowning of the year's king and queen. $25-$50, $100 and up. 7pm-11pm. The Arc, 180 11th St. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/575161
Sex & Drags & Rock n Roll @ Midnight Sun
Mutha Chucka's monthly rock drag show this time includes Uphoria Glitter, Pristine Condition, Bearonce Growles, Ms Ladybug and more. 10:30 and 12am shows. 4067 18th St. www.midnightsunsf.com
Ships in the Night @ The New Parish, Oakland
The radical queer Ships crew's monthly dance party benefits the Bay Area American Indians Two-Spirits group, with drag acts, traditional arts, drumming and dancing. $5. 9pm-2am. 579 18th St., Oakland. (510) 444-7474. www.thenewparish.com
Themed Nights @ The Brig
If you're looking for a new sexual adventure, check out this new space. Weekend events take place Saturdays 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
Will Downing @ Yoshi's
The "Prince of Sophisticated Soul" performs with his band. $60-$75. 8pm. Also March 2, 7pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com
Sunday, March 2
Academy of Friends Gala @ Terra Gallery
The 24th annual Oscar-viewing party and fundraiser for local AIDS/HIV nonprofits this year takes on an Emerald City theme. Expect many Friends of Dorothy, emerald fashions, flying monkeys and even a good/bad witch or two as you enjoy drinks, food, desserts, auction items and a festive Academy Awards event. $250 and up. 5pm-11:30pm. 511 Harrison St. 995-9890. www.academyoffriends.org
Academy Night @ Rialto Cinema, Sebastopol
Food for Thought's annual Oscar night gala fundraiser includes a champagne reception, food from Cottonwood Catering, awards-viewing, and fun with the "Oscar boys." $25-$75. 4:30-11pm. 6868 McKinley Ave., Sebastopol. (707) 525-4840. www.fftfoodbank.org/academy-night-sonoma-county
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. 3pm-6pm. 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
Repent @ Beatbox
The official victory tea dance of SF Leather Alliance Weekend includes a suggested leather/kink/fetish dress code, plus DJ collective Honey Soundsystem. $20. 5pm-11pm. 314 11th st. at Folsom. www.repentsf.eventbrite.com www.beatboxsf.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
Up the Oscars @ Roxie Theatre
The unoffical anti-Oscar party includes viewing in the theatre with catty comments encouraged, drinks, nibblies (but not too much, so bring your own food and bevs) and irreverent comments from the peanut gallery. $12-$15. 3:45pm-11pm. 3117 16th St. www.roxie.com
Monday, March 3
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
Shant�, 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, March 4
13 Licks @ Q Bar
Weekly women's night at the stylish intimate bar. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com
Anton Schwartz, Taylor Eigsti @ Yoshi's Oakland
CD release party for experimental jazz bandleader and saxophonist Schwartz' Flash Mob, with guest pianist Eigsti. $20. 8pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.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
Moonchild @ Yoshi's
The Neo-Soul jazz trio performs. $12-$50 (with dinner). 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com
Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre
Strip down at the strip joint. $20 includes refreshments. 8pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
No No Bingo @ Virgil's Sea Room
VivvyAnne ForeverMORE and Tom Temprano's wacky game night. 8pm-12am. 2nd & 4th Mondays. 3152 Mission St. www.virgilssf.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, March 5
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
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
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
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, March 6
Ashling Cole @ Yoshi's
The powerhouse vocalist performs a Teena Marie birthday tribute concert. $19-$57 (with dinner). 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com
Circle Jerk @ Nob Hill Theatre
Porn performer Max Cameron leads a sexy downstairs event in the strip club's playroom. $10. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.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
Michelle Coltrane @ Yoshi's Oakland
Enjoy classic and contemproary jazz from the talented singer, who performs music from her new CD. $25. 8pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.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. Mar. 6 includes DJ Jonas Reinhardt, live mountain lion and bobcats (nothing could go wrong there!). $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
Underwear Party @ Powerhouse
Strip down to your skivvies at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com
Want your nightlife event listed? Email [email protected], at least two weeks before your event. Event photos welcome.