It's Pride month — a month that San Francisco does right. But for those of you who don't want to wait for the June 26 parade, or who are otherwise just excited to get out there and celebrate summer and distract yourself from heart-wrenching news, here are some activities to keep you busy.
TUESDAY, JUNE 14
FREE MOVIE WITH A VIEW: The Top of the Mark has some of the best views in the city, but on Tuesdays during summer months the bar also offers something else — free movie screenings with free (although surely not unlimited) samplings of wine or bourbon. Tonight, see the classic Sister Act (which takes place, of course, in San Francisco) and sip bourbon. The InterContinental Mark Hopkins, 999 California, Tasting 5:30, Movie 7:00, Free
COMEDY AND POLITICS: Not quite stand up, and not quite theater, Elect To Laugh is a one man comedic interpretation of the disaster that is the US political system. Writer and performer Will Durst directs his satire at the frequently deserving political class, and has received accolades from everyone from the New York Times to Fox News. The Marsh, 1062 Valencia Street, 8:00 p.m., $15 - $35
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15
MODERN DANCE: The FURY Factory Festival is back, and with it brings a whole host of devised and ensemble theater and dance. THE LINE OF BEAUTY & for the TIME BEING (love over time) from Deborah Slater Dance Theatre uses original music, poetry, and dance to explore both how love changes over time and, also, quantum physics. NOHspace, 2840 Mariposa Street, 7:30 p.m., $20
30 TINY PLAYS: Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind is a well known, ever-changing show that presents 30 plays in 60 minutes. Every year for Pride, The San Francisco Neo-Futurists bring to life a Pride edition of the show, and it is exactly that which is playing at El Rio on Wednesday. With all proceeds benefiting the Lyric Center for LGBTQQ Youth, this is a great opportunity to see some theater and support a good cause. El Rio, 3158 Mission Street, 9:00 p.m., $20
THURSDAY, JUNE 16
DJ'S, LIVE MUSIC, SCIENCE: Dance and rock the night away while taking occasional breaks to cool off and stare at an albino alligator at NightLife LIVE at the California Academy of Sciences. Featuring live music from both Lower Dens and Tamaryn, as well as a DJ set to kick off the night by BFF.fm's Hello Cheetle, the ages 21-and-up event is a great way to see the museum without having to step over lots of (adorable, we're sure) children in the process. California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, 6:00 p.m., $15
WARRIORS WATCH PARTY: Thursday is Game 6 in the NBA finals, and while the Golden State Warriors could win it all, they are unfortunately playing in Cleveland. So why not see the action, and celebrate the likely win, by watching the game (broadcast, not live) with tens of thousands of other dedicated fans at Oracle Area? It's a classic watch party, arena and all. Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, 6:00 p.m., $20
FRIDAY, JUNE 17
BALLET HORROR COMEDY: Duck Lake, a production from local comedy crew Mission CTRL, is a lot of things. Following a group of comedic performers at a summer retreat, the story takes a turn for the bloody when the ducks of the eponymous lake get mean. Very mean. The show is smart, silly, and fun. PianoFight, 144 Taylor Street, 8:00 p.m., $15 - $20
QUEER FESTIVAL: With aerial dance, ballroom dance, bachata, hula, modern dance, theater, opera, and more, the 15th annual Fresh Meat Festival showcases the work of queer and transgender performers throughout the country. It's got something for everyone, and there's always a great party after the show each evening. (Also, Friday night's performance includes an ASL interpreter for the hearing impaired). Z Space, 450 Florida Street, 8:00 p.m., $15 - $27
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
BEER FESTIVAL: We hipped you to this earlier in the week, but it bears repeating. This Saturday Sierra Nevada Brewing Company plops down on Pier 35 and gives you the chance to taste over a hundred beers from craft breweries around the country. There will, of course, be food trucks. Pier 35, 1454 The Embarcadero, 1:00 p.m., $50 - $70
HANDS-ON SCIENCE: An educational and fun activity the entire family can enjoy, the Exploratorium's "Explorables: Handmade Science" is a great way to learn about the mechanics of movement in a fun setting. The workshop gives you the opportunity to try your best at building mechanical hands and various animals. The materials are provided, and you get to take your creations home. The Exploratorium, Pier 17, 1:00 p.m., Free With Museum Entrance
SUNDAY, JUNE 19
PIRATE FESTIVAL: If you were a fan of renaissance fairs growing up, but always wished there was a little more scurvy involved, then the 10th annual Northern California Pirate Festival is for you. Think sword fights (for both children and adults to participate in), mermaids, cannons, a "Children’s Schoole of Piracy," and some serious pirate ships. If you stick around after hours, the show becomes slightly less family friendly with a burlesque performance by the Barbary Coast. Vallejo Waterfront, 289 Mare Island Way, 10:00 a.m., $10 (Free For Children Under 11)
THEATRICAL PIRATES: As SFist discussed in a review, Berkeley Rep's new production of Treasure Island, directed by Mary Zimmerman, is a "dazzling" performance. Luckily for you, the show was extended and this Sunday is the final show. Even more luckily for you, with the discount code "BLACKDOG" and this link you can buy half-price tickets for select performances. However, beware: Unlike the pirate festival, the adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic is not an audience-interactive affair. Berkeley Rep, 2025 Addison Street, 2:00 p.m., $45 - $97