We've finally got our new year's groove on, and the pace is picking up to a steady beat. Live music with flair and class, social cocktail events, and crazy drag shows are a constant, year in and year out. Here's the new batch!
Thursday, Jan. 7
After Dark @ Exploratorium
The monthly adult party at the hands-on science museum this time is themed Let's Have a Ball, with wild science demos (a ping-pong ball explosion!), juggling lessons and more. $10-$15. 6pm-10pm. Pier 1 at Embarcadero. www.exploratorium.edu
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. Beer/wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com
Bulge @ Powerhouse
Grace Towers hosts the fun sexy night. $100 cash prize for best bulge. $5-$10 benefits Groundswell Institute, the queer retreat camp. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com
Mazel Top @ Oasis
The monthly social event for Jewish gay men and their pals/admirers returns. $5. 9pm. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com
Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences
Themed event nights at the fascinating nature museum, with DJed dancing, cocktails, fish, frogs, food and fun. Jan 7: How-To, with fermentation experts, sushi tasting, digestif demo by Punk Domestics, a crafting fun. $10-$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org
Star Trek Live @ Oasis
The hilarious popular drag parody performance (with kings and queens) of the original Star Trek series' episode, "Mudd's Women," returns, with Leigh Crow, Honey Mahogany, Jef Valentine, Persia and many other talents. Enjoy special space-age cocktails. $25-$35 and up. Wed-Sat 7pm. Thru Jan. 23. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com
Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge
Disco guru DJ Bus Station John spins grooves at the intimate retro music night. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com
Friday, Jan. 8
Boy Bar @ The Cafe
Gus Presents' weekly dance night, with DJ Kid Sysko, cute gogos and $2 beer (before 10pm). 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com
Comedy Noir @ Balancoire
Valerie Branch's weekly comedy night, where she embodies her faux queen character Pia Messing for some offbeat wit, along with guest performers. $5. 8pm-10pm. 2565 Mission St. www.balancoiresf.com
Cubcake @ Lone Star Saloon
The bears, cubs and friends party with desserts and DJed music. 9pm-2am. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com
Curtain Call @ Hotel Rex
Host Bill Cooper and pianist Barry Lloyd welcome new singers at the cool open mic night. $15-$20. 7pm. Dining and cocktails available. 562 Sutter St. www.societycabaret.com
Force @ Oasis
Dance night with DJs Franko, Kiro Ordin, Erik Withakay. $20. 10pm-2am. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com
Friday Nights @ Oakland Museum
The family-friendly night events returns, with exhibit tours, dancing, food, drinks, and live music. 5pm-9pm. www.museumca.org/2016/friday-nights-omca-january-8
Happy Friday @ Midnight Sun
The popular video bar ends each work week with gogo guys (starting at 9pm) and drink specials. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Hard Fridays @ Qbar
DH Haute Toddy's weekly electro-pop night with hotty gogos. $3. 9pm-2am (happy hour 4pm-9pm). 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com
Ladies of San Francisco @ Club OMG
Galilea hosts the new weekly "old school drag show" with guest performers and DJ Jack Rojo, and a special Christmas night show. $4. 9pm-2am. 43 6th St. www.clubOMGsf.com
Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland
Lulu Ramirez hosts the drag show and dance night, with Mitzy Lee and Jacqueline Aguilar La Gata; gogo guys, drink special. $6 before 10:30pm. Til 3am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. www.club21oakland.com
Lianne Marie Dobbs @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
Broadway musical theatre actress and Bay Area native makes her debut at the stylish cabaret with her show, Everything Old is New Again. $25-$45. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.liannemariedobbs.com www.ticketweb.com
Manimal @ Beaux
Gogo-tastic dance night starts off your weekend. $5. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com
Midnight Show @ Divas
Weekly drag shows at the last transgender-friendly bar in the Polk; with hosts Victoria Secret, Alexis Miranda and several performers. Also Saturdays. $10. 11pm. 1081 Polk St. www.divassf.com
El Mundo @ Empire Ballroom
The new weekly Latin night at the Civic Center renovated nightclub features drag shows, gogo guys and gals, and DJed grooves. 9pm-3am. 555 Golden Gate. www.theempireroomsf.com
Pam Ann @ Beatbox
The popular comedic "air hostess" lands with her caustic wit and witty baggage. $35. ($60 VIP First Class includes early admission, champagne and meet & greet). 8pm. Also Jan. 9. 314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.com
Some Thing @ The Stud
Mica Sigourney and pals' weekly offbeat drag performance night. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com
Tower of Power @ Yoshi's Oakland
The legendary funk band performs classics and new grooves. $45. 8pm & 10pm.Various double shw time thru Jan. 13. 510 Embarcadero West. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
Saturday, Jan. 9
La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland
Latin, hip hop and Electro music night. $5-$25. 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. www.club21oakland.com
Bowie/Elvis Birthday Bash @ Edinburgh Castle
Enjoy tunes from "Hound Dog" to "Diamond Dogs" at the unusual birthday night celebrating David Bowie and Elvis Presley. $5. 9pm-2am. 950 Geary St. at Polk. www.thecastlesf.com
Cabaret Showcase @ Hotel Rex
Host-pianist Barry Lloyd welcomes Jacquie McCarley, Eileen & Brett Zamora and Diane Kluft. 8pm. Dining and cocktails available. 562 Sutter St. 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. (510) 759-7340. www.club-bnb.com
Cockblock @ Rickshaw Stop
The monthly "lezzie queer" night rocks, with DJs Becky Knox and China G. $10. 10pm-2am. 155 Fell St. at Van Ness. www.rickshawstop.com
From Our Own Hands @ Glama-Rama Salon
Opening reception for a group exhibit of varied visual art (paintings, stained glass, jewelry, photography) by the hair salon's talented staff, including Leigh Crow, Tona Sogliuzzo, Lady Nigel, Dottie Lux, Gunner & Deena Conway-Davenport and Jennifer Hofmann. 7:30pm-10pm. Thru Feb 7. 304 Valencia St. 861-4526. www.glamarama.com
Matthew Martin @ Oasis
The celebrated local drag performer returns with a classy solo night of songs and skits as Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Katharine Hepburn, Susan Hayward and Miss Peggy Lee. $20. 7pm. 298 11th St. at Folsom. class=cfphone> 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com
Mother @ Oasis
Heklina's weekly drag show night with different themes, always outrageously hilarious. Jan. 9: Trixie Mattel guest-hosts. $10-$25. 10pm-2am. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com
Remembering Mr. Marcus @ The Armory
The late great Leather and Imperial Court community icon is remembered in a festive event, with entertainment, refreshments, cash bar, all in the stylish Victorian Upper Room of the Kink.com space. $10. 21+. 7pm-10pm. 1800 Mission St. www.facebook.com/events/959836194094626/ www.armorystudios.com
Saturgay @ Qbar
Stanley Frank spins house dance remixes at the intimate Castro dance bar. $3. 9pm-2am (weekly beer bust 2pm-9pm). 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com
Shana Morrison @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
Bay Area singer (and Van Morrison's daughter) performs jazz, rock and other styles with her band, Caledonia. $25-$45. 7pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.ticketweb.com
Soul Delicious @ Lookout
Brunch, booze, sass and grooves, with the Mom DJs, Motown sounds, and soul food. 11am-4pm. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com
Soul Party @ Elbo Room
DJs Lucky, Paul, and Phengren Osward spin 60s soul 45s. $5-$10 ($5 off in semi-formal attire). 10pm-2am. 647 Valencia St. 552-7788. www.elbo.com
Sugar @ The Cafe
Dance, drink, cruise at the Castro club. 9pm-2am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com
Writers With Drinks @ The Make Out Room
Charlie Jane Anders hosts the stimulating literary reading and chat night. $5-$20. 7:30pm. 3225 22nd St. www.makeoutroom.com
Sunday, Jan. 10
Beer Bust @ SF Eagle
The classic leather bar's most popular Sunday daytime event in town draws the menfolk. Beer bust donations benefit local nonprofits (Check the website for a list of recipients). 3pm-6pm. Now also on Saturdays. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com
Big Top @ Beaux
The fun Castro nightclub, with hot local DJs and sexy gogo guys and gals. $5. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.Beauxsf.com
Brendan MacLean @ Oasis
The Aussie indie pop singer performs original music and unique covers of songs by Leonard Cohen, Sia, Lady Gaga and others. $15. 7pm. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com
Domingo De Escandal @ Club OMG
Weekly Latin night with drag shows hosted by Vicky Jimenez and DJ Luis. 7pm-2am. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com
Femme, Xtravaganza @ Balancoire
Weekly live music shows with various acts, along with brunch, mimosas, champagne and more, at the stylish nightclub and restaurant; shows at 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:45pm. After that, T-Dance drag shows at 7pm, 10pm and 11pm. 2565 Mission St. at 21st. 920-0577. www.balancoiresf.com
GlamaZone @ The Cafe
Pollo del Mar's weekly drag show takes on different themes with a comic edge. 8:30-11:30pm. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com
Gregory Douglass Band, Eric Himan, Jeff Campbell @ The Chapel
Three musicians, gay and straight, and their bands perform at the popular mission nightclub. $15-$20 (VIP $75 and up). 7:30pm. 777 Valencia St. www.gregorydouglass.com www.erichiman.com www.thechapelsf.com
Jock @ The Lookout
Enjoy the weekly jock-ular fun, with DJed dance music at sports team fundraisers. 12pm-1am. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com
Sunday's a Drag @ Starlight Room
Donna Sachet hosts the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show, now celebrating its tenth anniversary. $45. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.starlightroomsf.com
Monday, Jan. 11
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
Gaymer Meetup @ Brewcade
The weekly LGBT video game enthusiast night include big-screen games and signature beers, with a new remodeled layout, including an outdoor patio. No cover. 7pm-11pm. 2200 Market St. www.brewcadesf.com
Hysteria @ Martuni's
Irene Tu and Jessica Sele cohost the comedy open mic night for women and queers. No cover. 6pm-8:30pm. 4 Valencia St.
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
Sing along at the popular musical theatre night; also Wednesdays. 7pm-2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.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
Opulence @ Beaux
Weekly dance night, with Jocques, DJs Tori, Twistmix and Andre. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.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
Queer Jitterbugs @ Club Deluxe
The weekly LGBT-friendly swing dance event return, with lessons, social dancing and fun. $25-$40 for 4-week lessons at 6:30-7:30pm (also ASL-friendly). Free drop-ins 7:30pm-8pm. Dancing til 11pm. 1511 Haight St. at Ashbury. www.QueerJitterbugs.com
Underwear Night @ 440
Strip down to your skivvies at the popular men's night. 9pm-2am. 440 Castro St. 621-8732. www.the440.com
Tuesday, Jan. 12
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
Cock Shot @ Beaux
Shot specials and adult Bingo games, with DJs Chad Bays and Riley Patrick, at the new weekly night. No cover. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.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
Gaymer Night @ Eagle
Gay gaming fun on the bar's big screen TVs. Have a nerdgasm and a beer with your pals. 8pm. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.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
Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre
Strip down as the strippers also take it all off. $20. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
Retro Night @ 440 Castro
Jim Hopkins plays classic pop oldies, with vintage music videos. 9pm-2am. 44 Castro St. www.the440.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
Una Noche @ Club BnB, Oakland
Vicky Jimenez' drag show and contest; Latin music all night. 9pm-2am. 2120 Broadway. (510) 759-7340. www.club-bnb.com
Underwear Night @ Club OMG
Weekly underwear night includes free clothes check, and drink specials. $4. 10pm-2am. Preceded by Open Mic Comedy, 7pm, no cover. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com
Wednesday,Jan. 13
Bedlam @ Beaux
New weekly event with DJs Haute Toddy, Guy Ruben, Mercedez Munro and Abominatrix. Wet T-shirt/jock contest at 11pm. $5-$10. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com
Bone @ Powerhouse
New weekly punk-alternative music night hosted by Uel Renteria and Johnny Rockitt. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.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
B.P.M. @ Club BnB, 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
Latin Drag Night @ Club OMG
Weekly Latin night with drag shows hosted by Vicky Jimenez. 9pm-2am. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com
Man Francisco @ Oasis
The sexy, funny weekly male burlesque show returns; choreographed by Christopher James Dunn, with Colin, Darius, Thomas and Jon. Mr Pam MCs. $20. 2-drink min. 9:30pm. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.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
Pussy Party @ Beaux
Ladies night at the Castro dance club. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.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
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
Thursday, Jan. 14
Bulge @ Powerhouse
Grace Towers hosts the racy night with a $100 wet undies buldge contest at midnight. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com
Confess @ Oasis
BedPost Productions' skit and improv night. $15. 9pm. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.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
Mary Go Round @ Lookout
Mercedez Munro and Holotta Tymes' weekly drag show. $5. 10:30pm show. DJ Philip Grasso. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com
Mazel Top @ Oasis
The monthly social event for Jewish gay men and their pals/admirers returns. $5. 9pm. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com
Gym Class @ Hi Tops
Enjoy 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
The weekly drag show with themed nights, gogo guys and hilarious fun. $5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com
My So-Called Night @ Beaux
Carnie Asada hosts a new weekly '90s-themed video, dancin', drinkin' night, with VJs Jorge Terez. 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
Picante @ The Cafe
Lulu and DJ Marco's Latin night with sexy gogo guys. 9pm-2am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com
Queer Karaoke @ Club OMG
Dana hosts the weekly singing night; unleash your inner American Idol. 8pm. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com
Skate Night @ Church on 8 Wheels
Groove on wheels at the former Sacred Heart Church-turned disco roller skate party space, hosted by John D. Miles, the "Godfather of Skate." 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
Thirsty Thursdays @ The Cafe
Drink specials, Top 40, gogo studs and no cover, 2 for 1 cocktails until 10:30pm. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com
Throwback Thursdays @ Qbar
Enjoy retro 80s soul, dance and pop classics with DJ Jorge Terez. No cover. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.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
Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle
Music night with local and touring bands. $8. 9:30pm. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com
Todd Rundgren @ The Fillmore
The veteran rock-pop singer-composer performs at a special celebration of Bill Graham's 85th birthday; proceeds benefit the Bill Graham Memorial Foundation. $42.50. 7pm. 1805 Geary Blvd. www.thefillmore.com
Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge
Disco guru DJ Bus Station John spins grooves at the intimate retro music night; December 31: a "cheap New Year's Eve."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.