BIG WEEK: Your Ultimate Guide to Arts, Culture, Music, Food & Drink
Welcome to BIG WEEK, where our expert Arts & Culture writers curate the finest events in Arts, Music, Food & Drink, Stage, Film, Nightlife, and more. Dive into an array of recommendations that cater to every taste, ensuring you experience the cultural heartbeat of our vibrant community.
GENERAL ARTS
THU/6-NOVEMBER 23: “ONE BIG ROOM FULL OF BAD BITCHES”
Celebrate the vibrant intersection of graffiti culture and female empowerment at this exciting group exhibition. Featuring talented queer, femme, and women-identifying artists like Xara Thustra, Lophi, and Schatzi, the event is anchored by a solo showcase from Alrad titled Everything Bad Comes Something Good. Join the opening reception on Thu/7 from 5 PM to 9 PM at SWIM Gallery, SF. More info here.
MUSIC
FRI/7: FLAMIN’ GROOVIES
Revered as pioneers of power pop and a forerunner of punk, the Flamin’ Groovies emerged from the San Francisco music scene in 1965. This weekend, they return to their roots at Kilowatt, accompanied by the local band The Seagulls. Prepare for an evening filled with rock history! Doors open at 8 PM. More info here.
FRI/7: CONSPIRACY OF BEARDS
Experience The Unified Heart of Leonard Cohen through a powerful choir performance. Paying homage to the poet and musician’s contemplations, the choir will present songs from Cohen’s iconic album Various Positions along with special performances by The Crux band and SF Poet Laureate Genny Lim at 7:30 PM at YBCA, SF. More info here.
SAT/8: BAR ITALIA
Following the trail of its namesake film Some Like It Hot, London three-piece Bar Italia brings its infectious energy to SF. Known for their catchy melodies and festival credentials, don’t miss out at the Regency Ballroom. More info here.
FOOD & DRINK
SAT/8 + SUN/9: THE RETURN OF LA COCINA’S SF STREET FOOD FESTIVAL
Mark your calendars for a weekend filled with culinary delights at the SF Street Food Festival at China Basin Park. Enjoy a diverse array of dishes led by immigrant chefs and women entrepreneurs empowered by La Cocina. The event features live music from the charismatic Bululú and a variety of food vendors. Tickets start at $14.19, and the festival runs Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM. More info here.
STAGE
THROUGH NOVEMBER 23: DADA TEEN MUSICAL
Following overachiever Mariah as she tries to boost her college application with an avant-garde take on The Sound of Music, this performance is a comedic exploration of the Dadaist movement. Catch it at the Berkeley City Club as you experience the chaos of her artistic ambitions. More info here.
THROUGH NOVEMBER 13: PARSIFAL AT SF OPERA
Catch Wagner’s Parsifal, a spectacle of music and stage unlike any other. Conducted by Eun Sun Kim, this innovative production promises stunning visuals and emotional depth that bring the Arthurian legends to life at the War Memorial Opera House. More info here.
FILM
FRI/7-SUN/9: ODE TO JOY: EUROPEAN CINEFEST
Explore a selection of notable European films at various locations in SF. This festival showcases the best recent features from EU nations, including Italy’s Diamanti and Sweden’s Becoming Astrid, and is free of charge, though reservations are required. More info here.
NIGHTLIFE
FRI/7: AS YOU LIKE IT 15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
This lively celebration at Public Works features a lineup of standout DJs including Helena Hauff and Powder. Dance the night away from 9 PM to 4 AM in a celebration of the local dance floor scene. More info here.
FRI/7: AFRO HABIBI
Join this vibrant queer Black and Arab dance party featuring performances by Subeaux and LBXX. Celebrate diversity and rhythm from 9:30 PM at Oasis, SF. More info here.
This weekend is packed with a wealth of enriching experiences—whether you’re an art aficionado, a music lover, a culinary adventurer, or just looking to soak in the cultural scene, there’s something for everyone. Let’s get out there and celebrate the vibrant culture that surrounds us!
