Now that the Super Bowl is finally over and gone, it's time for a heavy dose of culture. Oh, and Valentine's Day is Sunday (not that you forgot or anything), so you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities for both lovey-dovey couples and empowered singles alike. Let's get to it.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9
OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT DOCUMENTARIES: The wonderful Roxie Theater is showing a collection of Oscar-nominated short documentary films, and tonight's screening includes a post-show Q&A with Last Days of Freedom filmmakers. The Roxie has broken the slate of nominated docs into two showings, both of which you can see tonight. Roxie Theater, 3117 16th Street between Valencia and Albion Streets. The first slate of docs starts at 7:00 p.m. and the second at 9:15 p.m. Tickets are $12 to each showing.
PLAY WITH A REAL BAND IN FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE: Want to feel like a rock star, but your voice is too awful for karaoke? Tonight El Rio has you covered, as the bar hosts All Star Jam with Los Train Wreck. Basically, you get to show up with an instrument and play cover songs with the backing of an awesome house band. Much like karaoke, wanna be Beyonces can't hog the stage all night, which makes it fast and fun for those in the audience. El Rio, 3158 Mission Street at Precita Avenue. The night kicks off at 8:00 p.m., and is free.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10
THEATER WITH A SPLASH: A play set in a fictional northern California coastal town has its first preview Wednesday night, and the show uses the height of Z Space to install a huge pool in the middle of the building — around which the audience sits (as a disclosure, this editor used to work at Z Space, but this show isn't being produced by the non-profit and is instead the work of a rental client). Selkie explores mythology of the California coast, and is directed by Bay Area native Daniel Talbot. Z Space, 450 Florida Street between 17th and Mariposa, show starts at 7:00 p.m. and there is no late seating, $25.
SEX TRIVIA: The great people at Planned Parenthood are offering up a variation on the standard bar trivia theme. As a fundraiser for the organization, you get to team up with friends and show off your knowledge of healthy and sex-positive living. Oh, and you can win sweet Planned Parenthood swag in the process. Virgil's Sea Room, 3152 Mission Street at Precita Avenue, Trivia starts at 7:30 p.m., no cover, but a donation is encouraged.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11
INDEPENDENT FILM FEST OPENING NIGHT: SF Indiefest opens with a screening of Frank and Cindy at Brava Theater, which will then quickly be followed by an opening night party to kick off the festival. The opening party at Dance Mission includes an open bar (with a ticket) and DJ's, and is a great opportunity to celebrate independent film with the like minded. The screening is at Brava Theater at 7:30 p.m., 2781 24th Street at York, and the opening night party is at Dance Mission, 3316 24th Street at Mission Street. The party starts at 9:00 p.m., tickets to the screening are $22.
DRUGGED UP DENNIS HOPPER DOCUMENTARY: So we all know that Dennis Hopper made Easy Rider, but apparently he took all the cash he made from the movie and absconded to Mexico to dive head first into a drug-filled radical life style. Or so says the 1971 documentary The American Dreamer, which is having its San Francisco premier at the Alamo Drafthouse. Alamo Drafthouse, 2550 Mission Street between 21st and 22nd Streets, 6:20 p.m. and 9:20 p.m., $13.25.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12
QUEER HIP HOP DANCE PARTY: On Friday night, sometimes you just need to get down, and luckily Swagger Like Us is here for you. The dance party originated in SF as a way to provide emerging queer hip-hop artists and DJ's a spot to showcase their talents, and this week it's having its first outing at Oakland's White Horse Inn. So go dance. The White Horse Inn, 6551 Telegraph Avenue at 66th Street, Oakland. 9:00 p.m., $8 at the door.
CUDDLE WITH ADORABLE ANIMALS AND SIP WINE: This annual SFSPCA event is truly a gift, as The Lonely Hearts Adoption Party gives you the chance to check out all the adorable kitties and puppies currently up for adoption at the SPCA while you drink wine. Oh yeah, and there's a dog kissing booth. Repeat: A DOG KISSING BOOTH. As part of the celebration of puppy love, all cat and dog adoptions are free from February 12 to 14. San Francisco SPCA Adoption Center, 250 Florida Street off 16th Street, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., free, but RSVP required.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13
DANCE, COMEDY, LOVE, ROMANCE: A mixture of modern dance, ballet, comedy, and parkour, Dance Lovers is a show curated by James Graham Dance Theatre that pairs real life couples together on the stage in a variety of pieces. The evening will feature work by comedian W. Kamau Bell, among other artists. Joe Goode Annex, 499 Alabama Street at 17th, $15 to $35, 8:00 p.m.
BEER AND ARCADE GAMES: Brewcade is celebrating its one year anniversary, and they want you to join in on the fun. The bar/video arcade is putting all its games on "free play," and is offering free popcorn. Brewcade, 2200 Market Street at 15th, 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., free.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14
BURLESQUE BRUNCH: The crew at Red Hots Burlesque has teamed up with PianoFight to combine two of San Francisco's favorite things: brunch and burlesque. The performers entertain with drag, striptease, comedy, and circus while the kitchen cooks up a full brunch (with a vegan option). And there's booze, which is vital for both burlesque shows and brunch (and, probably, Valentine's Day). PianoFight, 144 Taylor Street between Eddy and Turk Streets, 11:00 a.m., $15 to $45.
DANCE WITH YOUR PUPPY: Miss the SFSPCA Lonely Hearts Adoption Party, or simply can't get enough? Well, you're in luck, as Wonder Dog Rescue is hosting a fundraiser with Alley Cat Books. Including an auction of animal art, live music, and plenty of wine to sip, this pet-friendly benefit also includes square-dance lessons. Bring your Valentine, be it two legged or four, or come alone. Alley Cat Books, 3036 24th Street near Treat Avenue, 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., $20.
