No plans yet? Comic Con, a Zine Fest and more awesome events going down this weekend in the Bay Area.
Stars from the intertwined worlds of comics, sci-fi, superheroes and anime will converge in the city at San Francisco’s own Comic Con. The city by the Bay infrequently indulges its nerdier side, but we all have massive costume boxes tucked away in our tiny apartments, so the cosplay should prove impressive. The star power is strong with this one, with appearances by the Twelfth Doctor, Peter Capaldi; committed Samwise Gamgee portrayer Sean Astin; and your favorite actor from Star Trek, Nichelle Nichols — plus many, many more.
Laura and Anton of Foxtails Brigade
Quirky indie-pop ensemble Foxtails Brigade is known for its firebrand lead singer Laura Weinbach’s roaring vocals, rich string arrangements and ennui-laden lyrics. Get your fill of their lush, cinematic pop stylings at this intimate show, with an opening set from uber-contemporary hybrid jazz-rock-folk-metal hybrid Cosa Nostra Strings.
Celebrate what’s left of the third season of Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon’s way-off-the-wall animated hit at Milk Bar’s Rick and Morty-themed trivia night. From “Lawnmower Dog” to “Rest and Ricklaxation,” the show is choked with the kinds of memorable inside gags cult television dreams are made of. Show off your knowledge of the multiverse to win prizes and enjoy free comedy between rounds.
Free Shakespeare in the Park: Hamlet
There’s nothing like seeing Shakespeare performed outdoors, and with summer winding down this may be your best bet to squeeze in one more sunny picnic on the Presidio’s Civil War Parade Lawn. This is the very first time the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is presenting Hamlet, perhaps the Bard’s best-known work, in its 35 year history. Enjoy the season’s last rosé and chill while indulging in some other country’s political intrigue for the afternoon.
Can you believe it’s only been 65 years since the first Sausalito Art Festival? Indeed, it’s a big birthday for the venerable festival, which draws in ferry-goers, bicyclists and headstrong car commuters year after year over Labor Day weekend. Featuring globally-recognized artists, great food and wine, live music and a chance to mix it up with this notoriously eclectic community, it’s a great excuse to get out on the water this holiday weekend. No matter how you get there, head to Marinship Park to find the center of the action.
The South African hip hop trio combines a mixture of trashy electro beats with some gloriously bizarre lyrics. Sadly, it’s all coming to an end as they are wrapping up their final tour. Despite dressing as raving '90s hillbillies, they're a serious troupe who attracted the help of Diplo for their single "Evil Boy," opened for M.I.A. and tour relentlessly. This is likely your last chance to catch them live, but cheer up: Gucci Mane is opening.
Legend-in-her-own-time Beyoncé has inspired many club nights during her career and this event at the Rickshaw Stop joins the myriad parties that exist to give superfans opportunity to bow down to the queen. Stripped down promotion by Tribute Night promises all Beyoncé, all night. What more could the Beyhive ask for-slash-demand?
The 90s are back in a big way. Just as oversized flannels paired with undersized shorts are back in fashion, so too is the allure of wielding a black Bic pen and pushing a Xerox machine beyond its intended capacity. The San Francisco Zine Fest is celebrating its sweet 16th anniversary this year at the San Francisco County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park’s Botanical Garden with dozens of exhibitors showing off their DIY wares.