A rad event for every day of the month.
Fleet Week
The city transforms during Fleet Week, as men and women in uniform flood our streets and liven up our waterfront watering holes. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ spectacular aerial shows are the pinnacle events in a week jammed with amazing presentations, including the parade of ships and Bark at the Park, where military and civilian K-9 units take over Duboce Park to strut their stuff. Check the web site for a complete schedule of events.
Location TBD (timeout.com/san-francisco/things-to-do/fleet-week) Until Monday October 9; free.
Litquake Festival Opening Night
Literary luminaries repping all genres will gather this week to celebrate the 18th birthday of the San Francisco born-and-bred Litquake festival. Quirky and cozy Cafe Du Nord plays host to this cheeky opening night gala with drink specials aplenty and a chance to mingle with some of the 650 participating writers while you plan your Litquake week.
Café du Nord & Swedish American Hall (timeout.com/san-francisco/things-to-do/litquake-festival-opening-night). October 6.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Gifted to the city by the late, great Warren Hellman and held in a corner of Golden Gate Park that now bears his name, the free three-day music fest returns this fall with an eye-crossing number of acts. Plot your schedule to catch legends like Lucinda Williams, Cheap Trick, Randy Newman and Emmylou Harris alongside more Millennial-friendly fare including First Aid Kit, Conor Oberst and Brandi Carlile. Food vendors will be on-hand to keep you nourished, but note that the event is strictly BYOB.
Golden Gate Park (timeout.com/san-francisco/music/hardly-strictly-bluegrass). Oct 6–8; free
Presidio Picnic Season Finale
It’s the last Presidio Picnic of the season and if you don’t have friends with a boat or a Bay-adjacent rooftop patio, the Presidio’s Main Parade Ground is the next best place to set up and catch all of the Fleet Week action. Spread out your best blanket and warm up your lawn games arm for a day full of al fresco fun and specials from your favorite food trucks, including the Grilled Cheez Guy and Nopalito.
The Presidio (timeout.com/san-francisco/nightlife/presidio-picnic-season-finale). Oct 8.
Beauty and the Beast
Bring a blanket and a bottle of wine as you enjoy this tale-as-old-as-time starring Emma Watson. Food trucks will be on hand if you’re suddenly as ravenous as a beast.
Main Parade Ground, 103 Montgomery St (presidio.gov/events). Oct 13 at 5:30pm; free.
Goosebumps
In the mood for a fright, not a fairy tale? Head to the East Bay for a spooky screening of Goosebumps. Popcorn, hot chocolate, drinks and hot dogs will be available for purchase. Remember to dress warm!
Redwood Heights Recreation Center, 3883 Aliso Ave, Oakland (www2.oaklandnet.com). Oct 13 at 6:30pm; free.
Pier 39 Birthday Bash
Pier 39’s golden birthday is in October and folks are celebrating with a bang. An evening filled with glow-in-the-dark entertainment, DJs, a silent disco and live performances culminates with a dazzling fireworks display over the San Francisco Bay.
Pier 39, the Embarcadero (415-705-5500, pier39.com). Oct 14 at 5pm; free.
Living Colors: The GLBT Historical Society Gala
Hosted by the fabulous Honey Mahogany, this year’s black-tie gala celebrates the historical society’s newest addition: the personal papers of rainbow-flag creator Gilbert Baker.
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave (415-621-6600, glbthistory.org/gala). Oct 14 at 6pm; $150–$1,250.
Lit Crawl 2017
Litquake’s most famous invention, the Lit Crawl—an 80-venue event that draws nearly 10,000 book lovers—showcases hundreds of authors, poets and journalists over the course of a single night.
Various venues (litquake.org). Oct 14 at 5pm; prices vary.
SF Open Studios
More than 800 emerging and established local artists showcase their work over the course of five weekends in SF Open Studios. Guests explore almost every neighborhood in the city to get an intimate glimpse into the life of working artists.
Various locations (artspan.org). Oct 14, 15; Oct 21, 22; Oct 28, 29; Nov 4, 5; Nov 11, 12 at 11am; $free.
Bill Maher
The politically incorrect liberal who was once a frenemy of Ann Coulter’s and always a friend to weed and pets’ rights enters his 15th season as host of HBO’s Real Time. His stand-up show this month will try to make sense of these trying times.
Fox Theater, 807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland (800-745-3000, thefoxoakland.com). Oct 15 at 8pm; $49.50–$95.
Daniel Handler
Daniel Handler (a.k.a. Lemony Snicket) discusses his new novel, All the Dirty Parts. Handler dives straight into the mind of a sex-obsessed high school teenager to bring us a tender, brutal and hilarious take on adolescence in the digital age.
Green Apple Books, 506 Clement St (415-387-2272, greenapplebooks.com). Oct 17 at 7:30pm; free.
Queer Words presents: In conversation with Lori Ostlund & Anne Raeff
Two award-winning authors take the stage to discuss their latest works and their global travels.
Folio Books, 3957 24th St (415-821-3477, foliosf.com). Oct 17 at 7pm; $TBA.
Autumn Lights Festival
This psychedelic art show features illuminated art, fire dancers, larger-than-life installations, live music, interactive arts and a food court in the Gardens of Lake Merritt.
Gardens of Lake Merritt, 666 Bellevue Ave, Oakland (autumnlightsoakland.com). Oct 19–21 at 6pm; $7–$25.
Russian Dance Lessons & Vodka Tasting
Warm up your legs with an evening of vodka and Russian squats in the Presidio. The night includes folk-dance lessons, performances by professional Dolina Folk dancers, and a historical overview of the Russian colonial presence in California from Fort Ross interpreter Hank Birnbaum. Plus, vodka. Lots of vodka.
Presidio Officers’ Club, 50 Moraga Ave (415-561-4323, presidio.gov). Oct 19 at 6pm; free.
Butch Lesbians of the 20s, 30s and 40s Coloring Book
Contributors Dorian Katz, Maia Kobabe, Ajuan Mance and editor Avery Cassell celebrate the bold women they portray in their fun new activity book perfect for kids and adults alike.
GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th St (415- 621-1107, glbthistory.org). Oct 19 at 7pm; $5.
Solange
Take a seat at Solange’s table as she closes out an epic year at the Greek Theatre.
The Greek Theatre, 2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley (510-548-3010, thegreekberkeley.com). Oct 20, 21 at 7pm; $49.50.
McLaren Park Metal Music Festival
Head-bang to live old-school metal music as tribute bands Ancient Mariner (Iron Maiden) and AC/DZ share the stage with female-fronted Hammerdown during this killer afternoon in the park.
Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre, 50 John F. Shelley Dr (mclarenparksf.org/coming-up/featured-events). Oct 21 at noon; free.
Arcade Fire
The Infinite Content tour makes a stop in Oakland to promote the Canadian band’s latest album, Everything Now.
Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland (510-569-2121, coliseum.com). Oct 21 at 7:30pm; $26–$247.
Corgi Con
The massive dog paw-ty is back with hundreds of enthusiastic Corgis wiggling their furry butts all over Ocean Beach. Activities include Corgi races, obstacle courses and a costume contest.
Ocean Beach, 1090 Point Lobos Ave (corgicon.com). Oct 21 at 10am; free.
Weenie Roast with the SF Gay Flag Football League
Craving a hot dog? Head to the patio of Oasis for live music, free-flowing beer and a bevy of grilled wieners served by hot, beefy football players.
Oasis, 298 11th St (415-795-3180, sfoasis.com). Oct 22 at 2:30pm; free.
Van Morrison and Joey DeFrancesco
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Morrison performs alongside an ensemble led by jazz-organ maestro DeFrancesco for these two exclusive performances.
SFJAZZ, 201 Franklin St (866-920-5299, sfjazz.org). Oct 23, 24 at 7:30pm; $250.
Art as Resistance: 30th Anniversary of the AIDS Quilt
Thirty years after the AIDS quilt was first crafted, San Francisco’s leading historians and community activists gather to discuss how radical public art has been used to fight prejudice and raise global awareness in the LGBTQ movement.
GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th St (415- 621-1107, glbthistory.org). Oct 24 at 7pm; $5.
Classic Horror Movies
For those who prefer their monsters in black and white, head to Gallery Cafe to watch scary classics on a vintage 16mm projector.
Gallery Cafe, 1200 Mason St (415-296-9932, gallerycafe-sf.com). Oct 24 at 6:30pm; free.
Golden State Warriors LGBTQ night
While you probably won’t get a Draymond Green bobblehead doll, you can expect some rainbow-themed Dubs gear when they play the Toronto Raptors this month.
Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland (510-569-2121, nba.com/warriors). Oct 25 at 7pm; $85–$500.
Creatures of the Nightlife
Cal Academy joins forces with legendary drag queen Peaches Christ to turn the museum into a supernatural spine-tingling tribute to ’80s horror movies. Don your best Carrie costume and dance the night away.
California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr (415-379-8000, calacademy.org). Oct 26 at 6pm; $20.
Chris Rock
It’s the first tour in nine years for this SNL alum turned Grammy- and Emmy-winning comedian-actor-director. Rock’s vociferous stand-up focuses on sex, marriage, family, race relations and black culture.
Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland (800-745-3000, chrisrock.com). Oct 26, 27 at 8pm, Oct 28 at 7pm; $47.50–$350.
Uncharted: The Berkeley Festival of Ideas
Hear expert speakers, join thought-provoking conversations, see pop-up performances and mingle with some of the most talented minds in the country at this East Bay event.
Various locations (berkeleyideas.com). Oct 27, 28 at various times; $160–$280.
LoveBoat Halloween
Get down at Pier 70 for Halloween-themed art, music and dancing on multiple stages with lots of DJs, giant art installations and carnival rides. Superstar producers Fatboy Slim and Moby headline this massive 10th-anniversary party.
Pier 70, building 12, 420 22nd St (loveboathalloween.com). Oct 27, 28 at 9pm; $80–$160.
Boo! Bark, Brews + Bites
The Oakland waterfront will be packed with dog-friendly activities and people-friendly fare this Halloween weekend. Look out for paw painting, pet pampering and even a pet psychic. Plus, the pooch photo booth can make you a perfect momento.
Jack London Square, Broadway and Embarcadero Sts, Oakland (510-645-9292, jacklondonsquare.com). Oct 28 at 11am; free.
Black Light Art Show
More than 15 East Bay artists join forces to transform Studio 23 from a mild-mannered workshop into a gathering place for spirits from both sides of the veil.
Studio 23, 2309B Encinal Ave, Alameda (415-580-2309, studio23gallery.com). Oct 28 at 7pm; free.
Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull
One of the hottest tours of the summer continues into the fall, with two of the most engaging live performers in music sharing the stage for an additional 18 dates—including a stop in Oakland.
Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland (510-569-2121, coliseum.com). Oct 28 at 7:30pm; $35.95–$149.95.
Young Frankenstein
Watch Mel Brooks’ hilarious cult classic on the big screen, while chart-topping piano duo Anderson & Roe provides a live accompaniment.
Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave (415-864-6000, sfsymphony.org). Oct 29 at 7pm; $20–$69.
The B-52s
The greatest party band of the ’80s performs lasting hits like “Rock Lobster,” “Private Idaho” and “Love Shack” on Halloween.
The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd (415-346-6000, thefillmore.com). Oct 31 at 8pm; $75.
Dracula: Philip Glass and the Kronos Quartet
As part of legendary composer Glass’s 80th-birthday celebrations, the Grammy-winning Kronos Quartet and Glass himself perform the score to the iconic 1931 horror classic Dracula live.
Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland (510-465-6400, paramounttheatre.com). Oct 31 at 8pm; $40–$125.