ART: The Wattis Institute presents Huckleberry Finn, the third show in a trilogy of exhibitions that are based on canonical American novels. The Huckleberry Finn exhibit features the work of several established and emerging contemporary artists, who will use Mark Twain's investigation of racial tensions in America as a means of addressing issues of racism, the violent history of slavery, and struggles for equality.
6 to 8 p.m. // CCA Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts, Kent and Vicki Logan Galleries (1111 Eighth St) // free
MUSIC: Speaking of classic novels, celebrate Herman Melville's Death Day, with some dancing, cheers-ing, and Moby-Dick reading, accompanied by a "sea-worthy" performance by the band Barbary Coast.
8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. // Amnesia (853 Valencia St) // free
LITERARY: Rounding out this literary themed Tonight, the Found in Translation Book Group, which meets every fourth Tuesday of the month, sounds like the place to learn about the newest writing hitting the U.S. from all over the globe, led by Scott Esposito, of the Center for the Art of Translation and The Quarterly Conversation. This month's book is The Golden Age by Michal Ajvaz, "heir to the philosophical-fantastical tradition of Borges, Calvino, and Perec."
7 p.m. // The Booksmith (1644 Haight St) // free