Featured Events in San Francisco in October, 2024 (May Updated)

Experience the electrifying XG 1st WORLD TOUR "The First Howl" as it touches down in the vibrant city of San Francisco. This monumental event will take place at the iconic Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, located at 99 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, on October 8, 2024. Prepare to be captivated by an unforgettable evening filled with mesmerizing performances and thrilling entertainment. Don't miss your chance to be part of this historic tour stop in San Francisco.

The Joseph event is set to take place on October 8, 2024, at the Herbst Theatre in San Francisco. The venue's address is 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94102. This event promises an inspiring and captivating experience for attendees in the beautiful city of San Francisco. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of an unforgettable evening filled with entertainment and culture. Mark your calendars and secure your tickets for an unforgettable night at Joseph.

Experience the iconic gothic rock band, The Sisters of Mercy, live in San Francisco at The Masonic on October 9, 2024, with special guest Blaqk Audio. The event promises a night of mesmerizing music and unforgettable performances at 1111 California St, San Francisco, CA, 94108. Don't miss this opportunity to witness these legendary bands in a stunning venue. Mark your calendars for a night filled with dark melodies and energetic beats.

Sistah Scifi Series: Nalo Hopkinson and Michele Tracy Berger Nalo Hopkinson (virtually) and Michele Tracy Berger discuss their upcoming short story collections - Jamaica Ginger and Other Concoctionsand Doll Seed: Stories, respectively - as part of our recurring event, Sistah Scifi Series. Jamaica Ginger and Other Concoctions (Tachyon, 2024) “A commanding short story collection.” —Foreword Caribbean-Canadian author Nalo Hopkinson (Brown Girl in the Ring, The Salt Roads, Falling in Love with Hominids) returns with a long-awaited new collection of her deeply imaginative short fiction that offers striking journeys to far-flung futures and fantastical landscapes. Hopkinson is at the peak of her powers, moving effortlessly between art, folklore, science, and magic. In her first stories since 2015, a woman and her cyborg pig eke out a living in a future waterworld; two scientists contemplate the cavernous remains of an alien lifeform; and an artist creates nanotechnology that asserts Blackness where it is least welcome. Doll Seed: Stories (Aunt Lute, 2024) Michele Tracy Berger has a voice like no one else. —Julia Rios, Hugo Award-winning editor A dazzling debut collection of speculative short fiction.These fifteen stories invite you to get comfortable in the dark, to consider freedom and sacrifice, trust and betrayal, otherness, and safety. Marisol, an aspiring jewelry artist is haunted by a fast-food icon. Chevella, a self-aware doll, finds herself in 1950s America playing a key role in the Civil Rights Movement. Lindsay, a Black girl in 1970s America “wins” an extraterrestrial in a national contest only to find her family’s life upended. Chelsea and Jessa, two sisters, fight about what a strange child means for their family. A meat grinder appears in a magical forest and chaos ensues. About San Francisco Public Library African American Center: The African American Center on the third floor of the Main Library welcomes students, researchers and anyone interested in learning more about the historical, political and cultural experiences of African Americans in California and beyond. In addition to housing a collection of circulating and reference materials that span a range of subject areas, the Center also partners with other library departments and community organizations to sponsor exhibits and programs that are free to the public. About Aunt Lute Books: Aunt Lute Books is an intersectional, feminist press dedicated to publishing literature by those who have been traditionally underrepresented in or excluded by the literary canon. Core to Aunt Lute’s mission is the belief that the written word is critical to understanding and relating to each other as humans.Through the sharing of stories, we strengthen ties across cultures and experiences, and at the same time honor the hurt, loss, and harm incurred through structural power imbalances, prejudiced and gendered systems, and ancestral trauma. We uplift these voices in order to build a more just future. About Tachyon Publications: Founded in 1995, Tachyon Publications LLC is a publisher of smart science fiction, fantasy, and horror, as well as mysteries, memoirs, young adult, and literary fiction. We champion the creative storytelling of authors who inspire us through intelligent prose and imaginative worlds. Our titles are consistently unique, thought-provoking, and entertaining. About Sistah Scifi: Established in 2019, Sistah Scifiis the first Black owned bookstore focused on science fiction and fantasy in the United States as validated by the American Booksellers Association. Located primarily in cyberspace, the bookstore launched three Sistah Scifi Book Vending Machines in Seattle and Oakland. Information Source: Sistah Scifi | eventbrite

Don't miss the upcoming event featuring Luis J. Gomez at Cobb's Comedy Club in San Francisco. Known for his unique style and sharp wit, Gomez is set to deliver a memorable performance on October 10, 2024. The venue is located at 915 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94133. Get ready for an evening filled with laughter and entertainment at this must-see comedy show.

Join us for an informative online session with Type West students and instructors who will answer your questions about the program. Unleash the typeface within you by joining the 2025 cohort of Type West! Whether you’re interested in studying in-person in San Francisco or online from anywhere in the world, this open house information session is for you! During this fun, low-pressure Zoom, you’ll meet current students, graduates, instructors, and administrators who will answer your questions about the application process, programming, scholarships, accessing the Archive’s vast collection of resources, and more. Applications for Type West 2025 will open on September 30, 2024 and will close on November 4, 2025. Sign up HERE for updates. Information Source: Letterform Archive | eventbrite

With work that exudes cool elegance and unconventional sensuality, Tamara de Lempicka (1894-1980) helped define Art Deco. Her paintings captured the glamour and energy of postwar Paris and the cosmopolitan glamour of Hollywood celebrity. This exhibition, the first major museum retrospective of Lempicka in the United States, explores the artist's unique style and eclectic life through four main chapters. The more than 100 works on display include her post-Cubist works from 1920s Paris, her most famous nudes and portraits, and melancholic still lifes and interiors from her last days in the United States and Mexico. The exhibition offers an in-depth look at the artist's drawings and research, revealing the creative process behind her iconic paintings.

With work that exudes cool elegance and unconventional sensuality, Tamara de Lempicka (1894-1980) helped define Art Deco. Her paintings captured the glamour and energy of postwar Paris and the cosmopolitan glamour of Hollywood celebrity. This exhibition, the first major museum retrospective of Lempicka in the United States, explores the artist's unique style and eclectic life through four main chapters. The more than 100 works on display include her post-Cubist works from 1920s Paris, her most famous nudes and portraits, and melancholic still lifes and interiors from her last days in the United States and Mexico. The exhibition offers an in-depth look at the artist's drawings and research, revealing the creative process behind her iconic paintings.

How Weird Street Faire attracts thousands of attendees who arrive to discuss peace and friendship ideas and enjoy the great variety of events such as art presentations, live music, dance, colorful dresses, workshops, fashion exhibitions, and much more How Weird Street Faire attracts thousands of attendees who arrive to discuss peace and friendship ideas and enjoy the great variety of events such as art presentations, live music, dance, colorful dresses, workshops, fashion exhibitions, and much more. Information Source: World Peace Though Technology | expotobi

Part of Litquake Writers Weekend A panel featuring Ellen Barry, Andrea Canaan, Lisa Clapper, Natalie Devora, Juli C. Lasselle, Jessica Millett and Suma Nagaraj will discuss and engage the audience in a brief writing exercise through the workshopping model Radical Creative Womanist Workshopping and Reflection in Community (RCWWRC). An antidote to competitive traditional workshopping models, the spirit of RCWWRC is for writers to bring a writing work to life with the support of a writing community. FREE, $10–15 suggested donation Information Source: Litquake, San Francisco's Literary Festival | eventbrite

Author: Eddie Ahn, Advocate: A Graphic Memoir Join us for an exclusive event at Sunset Branch Library where author Eddie Ahn will discuss his graphic memoir, Advocate. Dive into the world of advocacy through captivating visuals and stories. This in-person chat is a unique opportunity to connect with the author and gain insights into his work. Don't miss out on this engaging discussion! See you there! Attendees will receive a free copy of the book while supplies last. Information Source: San Francisco Public Library | eventbrite

The highly anticipated event, WAR, is set to take place at the prestigious Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Attendees can expect an unforgettable experience at this one-of-a-kind event, located at 3301 Lyon Street, San Francisco, CA, 94123, on October 12, 2024. Immerse yourself in a world of excitement and entertainment at WAR, where guests can enjoy a night filled with captivating performances and engaging activities. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of an extraordinary event that promises to leave a lasting impression.

Experience the creative brilliance of San Francisco Bay Area artists this fall at SF Open Studios Weekend Four: Westside. Hosted by ArtSpan in the Richmond District of San Francisco, this event allows the public to explore the studios of local artists, witness their creative process, and purchase artwork directly from the creators. Since 1975, SF Open Studios has been a cherished tradition, offering residents and visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the artists shaping the city's vibrant cultural scene. Join us on October 12-13 to immerse yourself in the artful solidarity of independent artists from the Westside region of San Francisco. Don't miss this chance to discover the talent and passion behind the captivating works that draw admirers from around the globe.

NYC's #1 South Asian Dating Show! Now in SF! In partnership with Tech Week. Watch as a couple embarks on a blind date LIVE in front of an enthusiastic audience. Feeling adventurous? AND you might even get the chance to steal one of our eligible singles for YOURSELF! Whether you're single or in a relationship, this event promises an evening of fun, excitement, and surprises! Directions: At The Faight Collective (the Mission District) 473A Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117 • Early Bird Tickets: $19.99 (Available until October 10th, 11:30 PM) • General Admission: $29.99 (After October 12th 11:30 PM) Additional Information: • By attending this event, you agree to be recorded and consent to the use of the resulting content for promotional purposes. • Tickets are non-refundable. • The venue reserves the right to enforce a two-drink minimum policy. Join us for an unforgettable night and see why Garam Masala is the hottest dating show in the city! Information Source: Wyatt Feegrado | eventbrite

We first addressed this theme back in October 2020 at our very first Drawing Room Annex on Mission Street. It was the height of the COVID pandemic and in the midst of a very fraught presidential election. Now, four years later, we’ve asked artists to respond to how they are feeling in this current moment, in a time of yet another contentious and polarizing presidential election, and against the backdrop of serious global conflict, a rise in authoritarian regimes, devastating climate change and the reversal of established civil rights. As you look ahead to the coming year, what do you envision? Information Source: The Drawing Room SF | eventbrite

Part of Litquake Writers Weekend It’s time to take an art form that’s secretive by design (it’s right there in the name!) out from the shadows. A trio of professional ghosts—Felice Laverne, Hilary Swanson, and Annie Tucker—will share the challenges and rewards of their craft, as well as tips for breaking into the biz. Is the work glamorous, thankless, or both? What kinds of ethical questions do ghostwriters encounter? How can a ghostwriter park their ego—and preserve their composure—when assuming the voice of a public (and sometimes very famous) persona? This freewheeling yet practical conversation will be moderated by Brooke Warner, publisher of SheWrites Press. FREE, $10–15 suggested donation Information Source: Litquake, San Francisco's Literary Festival | eventbrite

After a heartbreaking weather cancellation in May, we are so excited to bring this powerhouse double bill to San Francisco! Pedrito Martinez arrived in New York City from Havana in 1998 just as the Buena Vista Social Club was reintroducing the world to the glories of mid-20th century Cuban music, reviving the careers of masters who came of age before the revolution. It wasn’t long before he came to embody the future of Cuban music in the 21st century. A master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and the sacred batá drum, he’s also the world’s first-call rumbero with more than 100 albums to his credit. Sought out by the world’s greatest artists in jazz, Cuban music and far beyond, he’s collaborated with everyone from fellow Latin music visionaries Chucho Valdés, Paquito D’Rivera and Eddie Palmieri to pop stars Paul Simon, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, Elton John, and James Taylor. Martinez returns to the Gardens leading the latest version of his blazing band, which he introduced on his eponymous, Grammy-nominated album in 2013. The Pedrito Martinez Group has served as a launching pad for several brilliant young Cuban musicians, like his current pianist/keyboardist Ahmed Alom, a virtuosic powerhouse quickly gaining international renown. Opening the program is La Dame Blanche, an explosive Paris-based Cuban combo led by singer, flautist and percussionist Yaite Ramos Rodriguez (daughter of trombonistJesus “Aguaje” Ramos, the artistic director of the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club). Steeped in the Afro-Cuban rituals and folklore, La Dame Blanche has honed a singular blend of hip-hop, cumbia, dancehall and reggae, all filtered through the sacred practices of Santería. Information Source: Yerba Buena Gardens Festival | eventbrite

Part of Litquake Writers Weekend How do memoirists fill in the gaps when there are missing pieces in their research—for example, when the person with needed information died long ago or when gender, culture, language, or other barriers thwart the process? These obstacles require memoirists to get crafty. This might mean using creative nonfiction to write imagined scenes, or even require lying, eavesdropping, and/or employing subterfuge to gain access to something off-limits. Susan Kiyo Ito, Margaret Juhae Lee, Grace Loh Prasad, and Leslie Absher will present how they used “unofficial” means to get at the truth, and, in essence, became spies in their own stories. FREE, $10–15 suggested donation Information Source: Litquake, San Francisco's Literary Festival | eventbrite

Part of Litquake Writers Weekend Although memoir and narrative nonfiction continue to thrive as genres, the writers of such works tend to be seen as something other than artists—reporters, survivors, historians, social thinkers, yes, but not artists. Can works driven by facts aspire to true artistry, or does the burden of representing reality inherently place it in a different category? Together, writers Tom Barbash, Lindsey Crittenden, Glen David Gold, and Rachel Howard, along with moderator Jason Roberts, explore these worthwhile questions. FREE, $10–15 suggested donation Information Source: Litquake, San Francisco's Literary Festival | eventbrite

Experience a night of laughter and entertainment at the Drag-Up Comedy event, set to take place at Cobb's Comedy Club in San Francisco. Mark your calendars for October 13, 2024, and head to 915 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94133, for a memorable evening filled with hilarious performances by talented drag comedians. Don't miss out on this unique blend of comedy and drag – get your tickets now for a show that promises to leave you in stitches.

Experience the electrifying beats of Zedd live in San Francisco at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on October 13, 2024. The Telos Tour promises an unforgettable night filled with pulsating music and energetic vibes. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness one of the biggest names in electronic dance music perform at this iconic venue located at 99 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102. Get ready to dance the night away and immerse yourself in the sensational sounds of Zedd's latest tour.

Part of Litquake’s Words Around the World Sponsored by the Government of Ireland: Emigrant Support Programme, Culture Ireland, and Center for the Art of Translation/Two Lines Press Join old friends Roddy Doyle and Dave Eggers as they discuss Doyle’s newest novel, a powerful, moving mother-daughter story filled with struggle and redemption by the Booker Prize winner. A follow up to 1997’s standout The Woman Who Walked into Doors, Doyle’s latest, The Women Behind the Door, finds Paula Spencer—mother, grandmother, widow, addict, survivor at sixty-six—finally starting to live her life. That is until her eldest, Nicola, turns up on her doorstep one day. Nicola is everything Paula wasn’t—independent, affluent, a loving wife and mother, a “success”—but now she is suddenly determined to leave it all behind. As Nicola gradually confides in Paula the secret that unleashed this moment of crisis, mother and daughter must untangle past memory, trauma, and revelations to confront what they mean to each other—and who they want to be. Doors at 6:30PM. $17 adv (book bundle avail.) / $20 door Information Source: Litquake, San Francisco's Literary Festival | eventbrite

From Rachel Kushner, a Booker Prize finalist, two-time National Book Award finalist, and “one of the most gifted authors of her generation” (The New York Times Book Review), comes a new novel about a seductive and cunning American spy of ruthless tactics, bold opinions, and clean beauty who infiltrates an anarchist collective in France—Kushner’s finest achievement yet as a novelist, a work of high art, high comedy, and unforgettable pleasure. Written in short, vaulting sections, Kushner’s rendition of “noir” is taut and dazzling. Moderated by editor and critic John Freeman. Doors at 7:00PM. $17 adv (book bundle avail.) / $20 door Information Source: Litquake, San Francisco's Literary Festival | eventbrite

Part of Litquake’s Words Around the World Sponsored by NORLA, Norway House, and Center for the Art of Translation/Two Lines Press Internationally bestselling crime-writing duo Thomas Enger and Jørn Lier Horst have been called “two of the most distinguished writers of Nordic Noir” (Financial Times). Stigma, their fourth collaboration, finds deeply scarred homicide detective Alexander Blix and his collaborator, journalist Emma Ramm, trying to catch an escaped German prisoner—while Blix himself is behind bars. Whether you’re new to Enger’s work or you’re already a fan of the series critics have called “an international sensation” (Vogue), you’ll want to catch this thrilling conversation with Enger and Randal Brandt, curator of the California Detective Fiction Collection at UC Berkeley’s Bancroft Library. FREE, $10-$15 suggested donation Information Source: Litquake, San Francisco's Literary Festival | eventbrite

Liam Cullagh will be performing at Cobb's Comedy Club in San Francisco on October 17, 2024. Known for his witty humor and engaging stage presence, Cullagh's show promises to deliver an evening of laughter and entertainment. The venue is located at 915 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94133, providing a convenient and central location for attendees. Don't miss the chance to witness this talented comedian live on stage in the vibrant city of San Francisco.

Conan Gray will be bringing his "Found Heaven On Tour" to San Francisco on October 17, 2024. The event will take place at the iconic Bill Graham Civic Auditorium located at 99 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102. Fans can expect an unforgettable evening filled with Gray's captivating music and electrifying performance. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience Conan Gray live in concert at this prestigious venue in the heart of San Francisco.

Subtronics is set to electrify San Francisco at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on October 18, 2024. Known for his high-energy performances and heavy bass music, Subtronics is a must-see for fans of dubstep and electronic dance music. The venue, located at 99 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable night of music and entertainment. Don't miss your chance to experience Subtronics live in concert at this iconic San Francisco location.

Sponsored by Alta Journal In its four years of existence, Alta Journal’s California Book Club has celebrated some of the West’s most important literary voices. Join Alta, Litquake, and California Book Club host John Freeman as we welcome past CBC guests Jaime Cortez, Andrew Sean Greer, and Maxine Hong Kingston for a close reading of the new California canon and a celebration of the authors capturing the spirit of the West. Ticket includes the latest issue of Alta Journal. Doors at 7:00pm. $17 adv / $20 door Information Source: Litquake, San Francisco's Literary Festival | eventbrite

At its heart, Get in the Game: Sports, Art, Culture offers a collection of stories that show how sports impacts our culture and our psyches. They’re the type of stories that fuel our collective passion for “the game.” Discover the depth of swimmer Diana Nyad’s determination through an unexpected portrait angle. Feel the pressure Billie Jean King faced through a reenactment of her legendary “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match. Celebrate Kobe Bryant’s legacy as an NBA superstar and cultural icon in lustrous ceramic. This exhibition taps into the spirit of why you love sports through what we know best: art, design, and interactive experiences. It’s time to get in the game.

At its heart, Get in the Game: Sports, Art, Culture offers a collection of stories that show how sports impacts our culture and our psyches. They’re the type of stories that fuel our collective passion for “the game.” Discover the depth of swimmer Diana Nyad’s determination through an unexpected portrait angle. Feel the pressure Billie Jean King faced through a reenactment of her legendary “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match. Celebrate Kobe Bryant’s legacy as an NBA superstar and cultural icon in lustrous ceramic. This exhibition taps into the spirit of why you love sports through what we know best: art, design, and interactive experiences. It’s time to get in the game.