Don't let the seemingly non-stop rain and flooding get you down, there is a lot to do this week around the Bay. From dance parties, to an erotica book reading, to learning how to sew — we're here to make sure you don't remain cooped up until spring. Because seriously, don't do that.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19

LIVE BLUES FOR A RAINY DAY: The wonderful Rite Spot Cafe frequently hosts free live shows from local bands, and tonight's performance from Octomutt is great opportunity to check out the local treasure if you haven't already. The blues/Americana group will play some tunes to warm you up after this rainy day, and the duo (bass and guitar/vocals) is frequently joined by guest artists. Rite Spot Cafe, 2099 Folsom Street, 8:30 p.m., free but donations are welcome

EROTICA BOOK READING AND SIGNING: San Francisco is a literate town (think Litquake), and tonight's reading of Best Women's Erotica of the Year, Volume 1 puts a very SF twist on our love of all things literature. Featured readers include editor Rachel Kramer Bussel, and well as various contributors. Not for the heteronormative, the "hot, varied pansexual stories" should make for a fun evening. Good Vibrations (Polk Street Store), 1620 Polk Street, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., free

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20

SF RESTAURANT WEEK: Wednesday marks the beginning of SF Restaurant Week (previously Dine About Town), and serves as a great opportunity to try out a new spot that's been on your list for a while (also, a great opportunity for restaurants to get people in the door during the year's slowest month). Participating restaurants offer unique prix-fixe menus, and feature discounts specific to the week. See the website for participating restaurants, SF Restaurant Week runs from January 20 through January 31st, lunch menus are offered at $15 and $25, and dinner menus are offered at $40 and $65

NON-ELECTRONIC DANCE ALBUM RELEASE PARTY, PSYCH ROCK POP SHOW: Three local artists are sharing a bill for a dance-filled concert. The Rad Ishes headline, artist Ben Pearce is releasing a 6-song solo EP, and White Knuckles (which is Samantha Perez of The She's new band) are all playing some combination of non-electronic dance music and psych rock. Brick & Motor Music Hall, 1710 Mission Street, 18 and over, 8 p.m., $5 in advance and $8 at the door

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21

COMEDY: The wonderfully named Bubblegum Garbage Party has morphed from its beginnings as a radio show on Mutiny Radio to a live improv show. Hosted by Bay Area comedians Thomas Bridgman and Sam DiSalvo, BGP features guests comedians answering hosts' questions and riffing on their material. PianoFight, 144 Taylor Street, 10 p.m., $7 in advance

ART STUDIO HAPPY HOUR: Join a bunch of artists for the Fleet Wood 1st Shop Jams Happy Hour Session and a chance to catch some music, make some art, and have some drinks. With live performances, a donation bar, and tarot card reading, this is a great opportunity to check out a local shop making great art. Fleet Wood SF, 839 Larkin Street, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., free

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22

GALLERY OPENING: The grand opening celebration of the San Francisco Arts Commission's new exhibition space is a perfect way to both explore the historic War Memorial Veterans Building and to see the work of the thirteen local artists featured. The work of Bay Area artist Susan O'Malley is specifically highlighted in the show. SFAC Main Gallery, 401 Van Ness Avenue, 6 p.m., free

NIGHT OF THEATER: We hipped you to this show in our winter theater preview, and the final evening preview performance of Noël Coward’s A Song at Twilight offers you an opportunity to see the Theatre Rhinoceros production at Z Below for less than a third of the price of an opening night ticket. Theatre Rhino is a mainstay in the SF queer theater scene, and some posit the play served as a "coming out" for the closeted playwright. Z Below, 470 Florida Street. 8 p.m. $10

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23

80's DANCE PARTY: Hey, you remember the Elbo Room, right? Well, it's not closed yet, and the This Aint No Disco 80's New Wave dance party means you can sweat it out there (at least) one last time. With Kirk Harper from Sweater Funk, Special Lord B from Soul Party, and Troy Cook from New Wave Hookers all spinning, it's going to be a fun night. Elbo Room, 647 Valencia, 10 p.m., $5 at the door

SEWING BOOT CAMP: If you're looking for an all-day activity that will prevent those hands from getting too idle these rainy January days, the Sewing Boot Camp For Beginners will definitely keep you busy. It's a 7-hour class with instructors that teach you everything from simple stitches to sewing machine techniques. Everything you need is included in the price of the class, and you'll leave with three completed projects. Workshop SF, 1798 McAllister Street, 11 a.m., $100

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24

OUTSIDE CUMBIA DANCE PARTY: The semi-regular Salsa Sunday's at El Rio provide a frequently much-needed opportunity to get down to some Cumbia on the bar's back patio. This Sunday features music from Danilo's Orquesta Universal. El Rio, 3158 Mission St, 3 p.m., $8 before 4 p.m. and $10 after 4 p.m.

SIMPSON'S TRIVIA: Trivia can be fun, but trivia specifically about The Simpson's is definitely more fun. Sip beer and test your knowledge of the (once) wonderful television show as your favorite moments play on a big screen. The Knockout, 3223 Mission Street, 6 p.m., free