Our sixth annual Besties Awards are open for your voting, online and in print. Vote for your favorite bars, performers and nightlife events with a print ballot or online at www.ebar.com/besties2016
We've adjusted a few categories and added and moved a few names and categories. Yes, in the attempt to be more inclusive, we miscategorized a few folks. Apologies! Nominations have been adjusted. And remember, write-ins are also welcome.
But remember, unlike the Super Bowl, it's not about winning, unless you think it is. Either way, whether you're avoiding the big sporting thing or diving into the huddle, you can have fun.
Thursday, Feb. 4
After Dark @ Exploratorium
Enjoy cocktails, interactive exhibits and special demos on animal sexuality and fertility. $10-$15. 6pm-10pm. Pier 15 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; now with new characters lile Bernie Sanders and Sia. $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
Coco Peru @ Oasis
The wacky drag queen performs her new live show, A Gentle Reminder. $25-$35. 7:30pm. Also Feb. 5 & 6. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com
Jesse Cook @ Palace of Fine Arts
The popular nuevo flamenco guitarist performs. $35-$45. 8pm. 3301 Lyon St. www.palaceoffinearts.org
Kingdom of Sodom @ Nob Hill Theatre
The sexy, sexual night returns, with clothes check and live sex shows. Get it on. $20. 9pm-1am. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
Mazel Top @ Oasis
The gay Jewish men's (and their admirers) social party. $5. 9pm-12am. 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. $10-$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org
Rock Fag @ Hole in the Wall
Enjoy hard rock and punk music from DJ Don Baird at the wonderfully divey SoMa bar. 7pm-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. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com
Friday, Feb. 5
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
Curtain Call @ Hotel Rex
Society Cabaret presents Bill Cooper's cabaret open mic night, with pianist-accompanist Joe Wicht. $15-$25. 7pm-10pm. Cocktails and small plates available. 857-1896. 562 Sutter St. www.societycabaret.com
Friday Nights @ Oakland Museum
The family-friendly night events returns, with exhibit tours, dancing, food, drinks, and live music. $7-$15. 5pm-9pm. 1000 Oak St. www.museumca.org
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 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
Manimal @ Beaux
Gogo-tastic dance night starts off your weekend. $5. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com
Michael Sam @ Hi Tops
Meet the hunky gay former football player at a pre-Super Bowl happy hour. 6pm-8pm. 2247 Market St. www.hitopssf.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
Point Break Live @ DNA Lounge
Dude! The hilarious stage show version of the cult surfer/bank robbers film returns. Get ready to get splashed. $20 and up. 7:30pm. 375 11th St. www.dnalounge.com
Polyglamorous @ Oasis
Celebrate the one-year anniversary of the groovy-sexy dance night, with resident Mark O'Brien and M*J*R (BAAAHS), plus guests Nark and Sailor Saturn and Kenneth Kemp in the Fez Room, midnight show by Suppositori Spelling, and glowing decor by Brian Busta (Comfort & Joy). $7-$10. 9pm-3am. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com
Red Hots Burlesque @ Beatbox
The saucy women's burlesque show hosted by Dottie Lux. $10. 7pm-10pm. 314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.com
Seal @ Fox Oakland
The soulful pop singer performs with his band. $60-$100. 8pm. 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. www.thefoxoakland.com
Some Thing @ The Stud
Mica Sigourney and pals' weekly offbeat drag performance night. Feb 5: Nina Simone tribute night. $7. 10pm-3am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com
Saturday, Feb. 6
La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland
Latin, hip hop and Electro music night. $5-$25. 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. www.club21oakland.com
Club Leisure: Bowie Edition @ Cat Club
Celebrate Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke at a special music tribute night of the monthly Brit pop event, with DJ Omar. $10. 10pm-3am. 1190 Folsom St. at 8th. www.sfcatclub.com
Club Rimshot @ Club BNB, Oakland
Sampson McCormick hosts a special pre-Super Bowl night, with TSD, Blatino Oasis studs and more, at the weekly hip hop and R&B night. 8-$15. 9pm to 4am. 2120 Broadway. (510) 759-7340. www.club-bnb.com
Go Bang! @ The Stud
The dazzling disco dance party, with residents Steve Fabus, Prince Wolf and Sergio Fedasz, welcomes guest DJs Derek Pavone and Andy Trice. $10. 9pm-3am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com
Jesse Cortez, Tim Wagner @ Hotel Rex
Two young cabaret performers debut at the intimate hotel lounge. $15-$25. 8pm. Cocktails and small plates available. 857-1896. 562 Sutter St. www.societycabaret.com
Kafana Balkan @ Rickshaw Stop
Enjoy Balkan live music as Gadje Balkan Brass celebrates its ninth anniversary, with guest musicians and bellydancers; also ethnic beats by DJ Zeljko. $18-$20. 9pm-2am. 155 Fell St. www.rickshawstop.com
Mother @ Oasis
Heklina's weekly drag show night with different themes, always outrageously hilarious. Feb. 6: a Taylor swift tribute. $10-$25. 10pm-2am. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com
Powerblouse @ Powerhouse
Juanita More! hosts a glam drag benefit for AIDS Housing Alliance, where one lucky guy gets a drag makeover: this month, bar manager Scott Peterson. $5 and up. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.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
Mutha Chucka's
Sex, Drags & Rock n Roll @ Midnight Sun
Mutha Chucka's hilarious monthly drag show, with Dulce De Leche and the crew from the Broni Mitchell Show (Laundra Tyme, Scarlett Letters Guido Candito) celebrating the Age of Aquarius. 10:30pm. 4067 18th St. www.midnightsunsf.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
Sunday, Feb. 7
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 Gay Scavengar Hunt @ Beaux, Castro District
Fundraiser for the AIDS Life/Cycle, with raffles, prizes and team fun, plus a bit of Super Bowl-viewing. $10-$15 entry. $10 beer bust. 2pm-5pm. 2344 Market St. www.eventbrite.com www.beauxsf.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
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
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
Shade @ Powerhouse
DJs Justime and Gehno spin grooves. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com
Sue Per Bowl Sunday @ Oasis
Enjoy the sporty spectacle of men in tights with irreverent queens, hostess Sue Casa and members of the SF Gay Flag Football League. $12 beer bust (3pm-6pm) and all the dip your chip can scoop. No cover. 2pm. 298 11th St. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.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
Super Sunday @ Beatbox
Super Bowl viewing party, with a 10'x12' screen, hostesses BeBe Sweetbriar and Pollo Del Mar, $3 shots, $8 draft beer pitchers, $1 hot dogs, bottomless chips and salsa. 12pm-6pm. 314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.com
Monday, Feb. 8
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 includes 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.
I Want to Believe @ Oasis
Watch new X-Files episodes, enjoy X-Files-themed drag acts and trivia, hosted by Linty and Mannequin. $3. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com
Karaoke Night @ SF Eagle
Sing along, with guest host Nick Radford. 8pm-12am. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.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
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
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, Feb. 9
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
The Vaudevillians @ Oasis
Jinkx Monsoon (RuPaul's Drag Race winner) and costar-composer Major Scales perform Bringing Up Baby, their musical satire show of a pair of hilariously bitter entertainers. $ Feb 9 & 11 at 7pm & 9pm. Feb. 10, 12, 13 at 7pm. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com
Wednesday, Feb. 10
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
Dream Queens Revue @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge
Classic twice-monthly drag show at the intimate Tenderloin bar, with Collette LeGrande, Ruby Slippers, Sophilya Leggz, Bobby Ashton, Sheena Rose, Kipper, and Joie de Vivre.. No cover. 9:30pm show. 133 Turk St. www.dreamqueensrevue.com
Falling in Love With Love @ Bimbo's 365 Club
42nd Street Moon's annual gala fundraiser includes dinner, cocktails, a live auction, and performance by Klea Blackhurst and other members of the revival musical theatre company. $375 and up. 6pm. 1025 Columbus Ave. 255-8207. www.42ndstmoon.org
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
Paula West @ Feinstein's
Paula West @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
The acclaimed jazz vocalist returns for another extended residency at the upscale intimate cabaret. $40-$60 ($20 food/drink min.) 8pm. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 3pm (also Feb 14, 7pm; no show Feb 28). Thru March 6. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.ticketweb.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. 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, Feb. 11
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
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 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
Mercedez Munro and Holotta Tymes' weekly drag show. $5. 10:30pm show. DJ Philip Grasso. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.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
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
Want your nightlife event listed? Email [email protected], at least two weeks before your event. Event photos welcome