by Amy Crocker

THEATER: Celebrating the New Year, the international troupe Shen Yun performs classical Chinese dance at the War Memorial Opera House. Evolved over five thousand years, classical Chinese dance includes both graceful twirls and acrobatic leaps. Fun stuff, folks.

7:30 p.m. // San Francisco War Memorial Opera House // $40 - $160

MUSIC: El Rio - probably the only bar in town whose website encourages you bring your mom - hosts live alternative country music on the first Wednesday of the month.

8 p.m. // El Rio (3158 Mission) // Free

SPORT: Every Wednesday, the Nike Running Club leads running and walking groups starting from their NikeTown stores. All levels are encouraged, so if you're not ready to run a marathon today, no worries. Just start off slow and by the end of the day you'll have lost 50 pounds, we guarantee it.

6 p.m. // NikeTown (Post & Stockton) // Free