It's spring! So get out of your house and do stuff. With a host of amazing events and shows happening this week, you have the perfect opportunity to check out some of the things this city is so celebrated for.
TUESDAY, APRIL 12
STORYTELLING: Everyone loves a good story, a fact which New York-based The Moth got hip to back in the late '90s. The performance consists of non-professional performers telling their stories to a live audience, and the popular podcast of the same name has garnered the series huge fame. Advance tickets for tonight's GrandSLAM are sold out, but organizers are holding some at the door for last-minute purchasers — bring cash. Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street (between 17th and 18th Streets), 8:00 p.m., $25
FREE GRILLED CHEESE: Yes, you read that correctly. Apparently today is "National Grilled Cheese Day," and while we don't care about that at all, we do care that The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen will be giving away free grilled cheese sandwiches at its South Park location. But don't sleep on this one — only the first 300 are free, and we have a feeling that those will go quickly. The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen, 1 South Park Street (at 2nd), 5:30 p.m., Free
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13
WATCH PARTY: The Golden State Warriors are poised to break the record tomorrow night for regular season wins set by the Chicago Bulls. So, why not celebrate with a watch party? While there are a bunch of bars and venues hosting them (check the full list of official watch party venues), the SoMa StrEat Food Park's watch party means you can get your eat and drink on while you celebrate. Or, if you just want to watch the game in a bar like a regular person, check out our list of the best bars in which to watch the Warriors. SoMa StrEat Food Park, 428 11th Street (between Bryant and Harrison Streets), 7:30 p.m., Free
REFORM DISCUSSION: The criminal justice system in America is beyond messed up, and two knowledgeable men of #cut50 — a national organization with the goal of reducing the country's prison population by 50 percent — are having a discussion about how it can, in some matter, be reformed. Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street (between 17th and 18th Streets), 6:30 p.m., $10 - $75
THURSDAY, APRIL 14
GAY MEN'S CHORUS: The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus is a cherished institution, and it is perhaps fitting that they're taking on another loved San Francisco cornerstone — Armistead Maupin's “Tales Of The City.” Maupin will be in attendance to discuss his work, and the evening will also feature the popular “I Am Harvey Milk” by composer Andrew Lippa. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue (at Grove Street), 8:00 p.m., $25 - $75
CLIMATE CHANGE THEATER: Climate change is a really, really big bummer. With that in mind, why not a laugh a little in the face of it? Enter Stegosaurus (Or) Three Cheers for Climate Change, a new play from Faultline Theater written by Andrew Saito. The show promises Waiting for Godot meets Beavis and Butthead, which, honestly, sounds pretty awesome. PianoFight, 144 Taylor (at Eddy Street), 7:30 p.m., $15 - $30
FRIDAY, APRIL 15
GALLERY OPENING: You know what's cooler than a gallery opening? A gallery opening for a show curated by cult film legend John Waters. Twelve artists are showcased at the new Market Street gallery in a show that "[pays] tribute to quotidian domestic materials" like bath towels and stables. And while that doesn't exactly sound, shall we say, riveting, the Water's connection throws all expectations out the window. FraenkelLAB, 1632 Market Street (at Rose Street), 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Free
CLASSIC SAN FRANCISCO FILM: There are a lot of great movies set in San Francisco (Vertigo perhaps being one of the most notable), but Big Trouble In Little China is certainly the most spellbinding. Starring a rugged (and wonderfully arrogant) Kurt Russell, a badass Kim Cattrall, and a fabulous Dennis Dun, the characters' misadventures through Chinatown make for an extremely entertaining watch. Also, it's directed by the amazing John Carpenter. Grab some popcorn and settle in, because it's also a double feature. Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street (between 17th and 18th Streets), 7:20 p.m., $12
SATURDAY, APRIL 16
GOAT FESTIVAL: Guys and gals, Goatchella is finally here. Combining the opportunity to pet a baby goat with the chance to eat cheese made from that very goat's mother's milk (and then eat barbacoa perhaps consisting of that same goat's sibling), the annual event draws throngs of crowds excited to meet area goat farmers and learn about the humane care the animals are shown. Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Ferry Bldg #50, 10:00 a.m., Free
DOGFEST: Goats aren't you thing? No problem, how about dogs? With inflatable obstacle courses for the (human) kids, a chance to pet and adopt, and a dog show, the celebration of woman's best friend is a perfect opportunity to go outside and take your furry partner with you. The fest benefits SFUSD McKinley Elementary School, and there will be vendors selling doggie goods. Duboce Park, Noe Street (at Duboce Avenue), 11:00 a.m., Free
SUNDAY, APRIL 17
BABY GIRAFFE: You saw photos of that baby giraffe at the San Francisco zoo, right? Pretty adorable, don't you think? Well then, why not see the little lady in person for what is sure to be a cute overload. Born only last Friday, the giraffe has been tucked away from the prying eyes of the public — however, zoo officials said mother and calf would rejoin the herd "in the coming days." So, yeah, Sunday is baby giraffe time. San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, 1 Zoo Road, 10:00 a.m., $10.50 - $17
THE PARK: This one may seem like a bit of a no-brainer, as it should. The National Weather Service is predicting that this Sunday will be a wonderful 74 degrees, so why not make the most of it? Get your Golden Gate Park fix in before the park is swarmed by stoners, or climb up Bernal Hill for a picnic with a view. And with Dolores Park's newish grass, you don't even need a blanket to enjoy this one — just sit down and relax. Any park near you, Whenever, Free