FILM: Documentary Strange Powers: Stephin Merritt and The Magnetic Fields traces the 20-year career of Stephin Merritt, exploring his songwriting and recording process, and focusing on his relationships with his bandmates and longtime collaborator/manager Claudia Gonson. The film will be at the Roxie through November 18.

6:45 and 8 p.m. // Roxie Theater (3117 16th St) // $6-10

ART: Big Things, a site featuring "extraordinary art, design, fashion, travel, science, and people," is having their Grand Opening Party, featuring work by artists Lev Bogusiewicz, Nico Colon, Nick Demarco, Caitlin Ducey, Parker Ito, Karn Piana, Courtney Price, Jake Sollins, Brandi Strickland, and Kelly Tunstall. Pre-teen band, SF Rock Project will perform and DJ April will spin some tunes.

6 p.m. // Kitsch Gallery (3265 17th St) // free

LITERARY: This month's installment of Literary Death Match features readers Kwei Quartey (Wife Of The Gods), Sam Sax, Thaisa Frank (Heidegger’s Glasses), and Craig Clevenger (The Contortionist’s Handbook). Judges include KQED’s Forum Michael Krasny, inventor/radio personality DJ Dennis “The Menace” Scheyer, and Nicki Le Masurier.

7 to 9 p.m. // Elbo Room (647 Valencia St) // $7-10