Start off 2015 with panache. No need to gulp champagne for a while, unless you like the bubbly. It has been said that your first entertainments of the new year may determine how your entire year plays out...or more likely, that's a bunch of hooey. But it couldn't hurt to try something new.
Thursday, Jan. 1
After Dark @ Exploratorium
The first nightlife party of 2015 at the fun museum is themed In With the New, with tasty savory samples of new culinary treats that allegedly bring good luck. $10-$15. 6pm-10pm. Pier 15. EXP-LORE. www.exploratorium.edu
Beats Reality @ Trax
Resident DJs Jim Hopkins and Justime welcome guest DJs and play groovy tunes. Weekly, 9pm-2am. 1437 Haight St. 864-4213.
Bulge @ Powerhouse
Grace Towers hosts the weekly gogo-tastic night of sexy dudes shakin' their bulges and getting wet in their undies for $100 prize (contest at midnight), and dance beats spun by DJ DAMnation. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com
Club Yass @ City Nights
Frisco Robbie presents an 18+ LGBT weekly night, with live sets by guest performers, DJ TwistMix, with a Latin room up front, gogo guys and gals. $10. 9:30-3am. 546-7938. www.sfclubs.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
Funny Fun @ Club 21, Oakland
Weekly LGBT and straight comedy night hosted by Dan Mires. $10. 8pm. 2111 Franklin St. Oakland. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com
Gym Class @ Hi Tops
Enjoy cheap/free whiskey shots from jock-strapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Mary Go Round @ Lookout
Suppositori Spelling, Mercedez Munro and Holotta Tymes host the weekly night with DJ Philip Grasso, gogo guys, drink specials, and drag acts. 10pm-2am. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com
The Monster Show @ The Edge
Cookie Dough's weekly drag show with gogo guys and hilarious fun. Jan. 1: Best Songs of 2014.$5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com
My So-Called Night @ Beaux
Heklina hosts a new weekly '90s-themed video, dancin', drinkin' night, with VJs Jorge Terez and Becky Knox. Get down with your funky bunch, and enjoy 90-cent drinks! '90s-themed attire and costume contest. No cover. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.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
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
Pussy Party @ Beaux
Women's happy hour, with all-women music and live performances, 2 for 1 drinks, and no cover. 5pm-9am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com
Recovery @ Lookout
Pollo Del Mar hosts a post-New Year's brunch and dance party, with DJs Shawn P starting at 11am, and Paul Goodyear from 3:30pm on. A Southern Style brunch menu from Mama Knows includes fried chicken, cornbread waffles and Jell-O injectors, plus cheap drinks. No cover. 3600 16th St. at Market. 431-0306. www.LookoutSF.com
Rock Fag @ Hole in the Wall
Enjoy hard rock and punk music from DJ Don Baird at the wonderfully divey SoMa bar. 12pm-2am. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com
Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge
Disco guru DJ Bus Station John spins grooves at the intimate retro music night. $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, Jan. 2
Amy & Freddy @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
www.amyfreddy.com www.ticketmaster.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. Special holiday-themed shows now through the New Year. $25-$160. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com
Friday Night @ de Young Museum
Nightlife events at the museum take on different themes. Free/reduced admission. 6pm-8:45pm. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. www.deyoung.famsf.org
Happy Friday @ Midnight Sun
The popular video bar ends each work 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
Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland
The festive gogo-filled dance night; no cover before 10pm. ($10) 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com
Manimal @ Beaux
Gogo-tastic dance night starts off your weekend. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com
Point Break Live
Point Break Live @ DNA Lounge
The dude-tastic live parody performance of the surfer-bank robber-skydiving movie, now monthly, features a chosen audience member in the lead. Enjoy messy, wacky, zany shirtless dude theatre, bro. $20-$50. 7:30pm and 11pm. First Fridays. 375 11th St. www.pointbreaksf.com www.dnalounge.com
Some Thing @ The Stud
Mica Sigourney and pals' weekly offbeat drag performance night. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com
Saturday, Jan. 3
Beer Bust @ Hole in the Wall Saloon
Beer only $8 until you bust. 4pm-8pm. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com
Beer Bust @ SF Eagle
The classic leather bar's most popular Sunday daytime event now also takes place on Saturdays! 3pm-6pm. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.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
Cabaret Showcase @ Hotel Rex
Up and coming singers AnnMarie Ballinger, Tom Signore and Pamela Sevilla perform cabaret music sets at the elegant hotel lounge. $20-$45. Drinks and small plates available. 8pm. 562 Sutter St. 857-1896. www.SocietyCabaret.com
Club Rimshot @ Club BNB, Oakland
Get groovin' at the weekly hip hop and R&B night at their new location. $8-$15. 9pm to 4am. 2120 Broadway. www.bench-and-bar.com
Go Bang @ The Stud
Sergio Fedasz and Steve Fabus' groove-a-delic disco-themed dance night kicks off the new year with guest DJs Prince Eddie P and Prince Wolf. $10 (free before 10pm). 9pm-3am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com
Sunday, Jan. 4
Beer Bust @ Lone Star Saloon
The ursine crowd converges for beer and fun. 4pm-8pm. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com
Beer Bust @ SF Eagle
The classic leather bar's most popular Sunday daytime event in town draws the menfolk. 3pm-6pm. Now also on Saturdays! 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com
Beer Bust @ SF Mix
The popular Castro bar hosts its weekly softball team beer bust fundraiser. 3pm-7pm. 4086 18th St. 431-8616. www.sfmixbar.com
Big Top @ Beaux
Joshua J.'s homo disco circus night returns, now weekly, with guest DJs and performers, hottie gogo guys and drink specials. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.BeauxSF.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
Brunch Sundays @ Balancoire
Weekly live music shows with various acts, along with brunch, mimosas, champagne and more, at the stylish nightclub and restaurant. 2565 Mission St. at 21st. 920-0577. www.balancoiresf.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-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 twice-weekly country-western dance night includes line-dancing, two-stepping and lessons. $5. 6:30-10:30pm. Also Thursdays 6:30pm-10:30pm (closed dec 25). 550 Barneveld Ave. at Industrial. 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
Monday, Jan. 5
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
Drag Mondays @ The Cafe
Mahlae Balenciaga and DJ Kidd Sysko's weekly drag and dance night, 2014's last of the year. 9pm-1am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com
Epic Karaoke @ White Horse, Oakland
Mondays and Tuesdays popular weekly sing-along night. No cover. 8:30pm-1am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.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. 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
Name That Beat @ Toad Hall
BeBe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly musical trivia challenge and drag show. 8:30-11:30pm. 4146 18th St. at Castro. www.toadhallbar.com
No No Bingo @ Virgil's Sea Room
Mica Sigourney and Tom Temprano cohost the wacky weekly game night at the cool Mission bar. 8pm. 3152 Mission St. www.virgilssf.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
Underwear Night @ 440
Strip down to your skivvies at popular men's night. 9pm-2am. 440 Castro St. 621-8732. www.the440.com
Tuesday, Jan. 6
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. Dec. 2; Thai Rivera headlines. one-drink or menu item minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com
Gay Skate Night @ Church on 8 Wheels
LGBT night at the former Sacred Heart Church-turned disco roller skate party space, hosted by John D. Miles, the "Godfather of Skate." Actually, every night is gay-friendly, including Saturday's Black Rock night (Burning Man garb encouraged). Also Wed, Thu, 7pm-10pm. Sat afternoon sessions 1pm-2:30pm and 3pm-5:30pm. $10. Kids 12 and under $5. Skate rentals $5. 554 Fillmore St at Fell. www.churchof8wheels.com
Ink & Metal @ Powerhouse
Show off your tattoos and piercings at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com
Meow Mix @ The Stud
The weekly themed variety cabaret showcases new and unusual talents; MC Ferosha Titties. $3-$7. Show at 11pm. 9pm-2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com
Piano Bar @ Beaux
Singer extraordinaire Jason Brock hosts the weekly night, with your talented host -and even you- singing. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.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
Switch @ Q Bar
Weekly women's night at the stylish intimate bar. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com
Trivia Night @ Hi Tops
Play the trivia game at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Underwear Night @ Club OMG
Weekly underwear night includes free clothes check, and drink specials; different hosts each week. $3. 10pm-2am. Preceded by Open Mic Comedy, 7pm, no cover. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com
Wednesday, Jan. 7
Booty Call @ QBar
Juanita More!'s New Year's Eve affair features DJs Elaine Denham and Robin Malone Simmons; party favors, champagne toast. $10-$15. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.qbarsf.com
Bondage a GoGo @ Cat Club
The (mostly straight) kinky weekly dance night, where fetish gear is welcome; DJs Damon and Tomas Diablo play electro, goth, industrial, etc. 9:30pm-2:30am. 1190 Folsom St. www.bondage-a-go-go.com
Bottoms Up Bingo @ Hi Tops
Play board games and win offbeat prizes at the popular sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Bromance @ Beaux
DJ Kidd Sysko spins tunes for the bro-tastic midweek night, with $2 beer pitchers, beer pong, $1 shots served by undie-clad guys. It's like a frat house without the closet cases. 8:30-10pm. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com
The Drexler Sisters @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
Identical twin sisters Lily and Michelle perform A Very Drexler Cabaret, with comedic showtunes and autobiographical tales. $20. 7pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.ticketmaster.com
Good Times @ Bench and Bar, Oakland
Olga T and Shugga Shay's weekly queer women and men's R&B hip hop and soul night, at the club's new location. No cover. 8pm-2am. 2120 Broadway, Oakland. www.bench-and-bar.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
Open Mic/Comedy @ SF Eagle
Kollin Holts hosts the weekly comedy and open mic talent night. 6pm-8pm. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com
Rainbow Skate @ Redwood Roller Rink
Weekly LGBT and friends skate night, with groovy disco music and themed events. $9. 8pm-10:30pm. 1303 Main Street, Redwood City. www.rainbowskate.net www.facebook.com/rainbowskating/
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
Rookies Night @ Nob Hill Theatre
Watch newbies get nude, or compete yourself for a $200 prize. Audience picks the winner. $20. 9pm. 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
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
Wooden Nickel Wednesday @ 440
Buy a drink and get a wooden nickle good for another. 12pm-2am. 440 Castro St. 621-8732. www.the440.com
Wrangler Wednesday @ Rainbow Cattle Company, Guerneville
The Russian River bar's country music night attracts cowboys and those who like to ride 'em. 8pm-1am. 16220 Main St., Guerneville. (707) 869-0206. www.queersteer.com
Thursday, Jan. 8
Bulge @ Powerhouse
Grace Towers hosts the weekly gogo-tastic night of sexy dudes shakin' their bulges and getting wet in their undies for $100 prize (with a contest at midnight), and dance beats spun by DJ DAMnation. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com
Funny Fun @ Club 21, Oakland
LGBT comedy night hosted by Dan Mires. $10. 8pm. 2111 Franklin St. Oakland. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com
Gym Class @ Hi Tops
Enjoy cheap 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. Jan. 8: TV Sketch fest vs. Viral Video, where popular YouTube videos and comedy sketches are performed live. $5. 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. Jan. 8: How-To Nightlife , with music by DJ Jamie Jams, metal-working with instructo/artists from The Crucible, plus lots more. $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
Pussy Party @ Beaux
Women's happy hour, with all-women music and live performances, 2 for 1 drinks, and no cover. 5pm-9am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com
Shit & Champagne @ Oasis
D'Arcy Drollinger's hilarious nightclub hit, a whitesploitation comedy with action-packed models fighting a drug cartel, returns at the new SoMa nightclub; featuring Matthew Martin. $20-$25. Thu-Sat 7pm. Thru Feb. 14. 298 11th St. at Folsom. www.sfoasis.com
Thump @ White Horse, Oakland
Weekly electro music night with DJ Matthew Baker and guests. 9pm-2am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com
Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge
Enjoy retro disco tunes and a fun diverse crowd, each Thursday; now in its tenth year! $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com
Want your nightlife event listed? Email [email protected], at least two weeks before your event. Event photos welcome