A big week, this one, with Sketchfest in full swing — a guide to that here — and lots of action centered around Trump taking office. Everyone is going to want to approach recreation/demonstration differently this week, so here are just a few ideas.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17
REDUCTRESS LIVE AT SKETCHFEST: Fans of the satirical women's website Reductress are amassing quickly thanks to its Onion-style stories with headlines like "How to Appreciate His Sense of Humor When It's Just Your Own Jokes Loudly Repeated Back to You" and "Are You Depressed Or Just Doing It For Attention Because You're Depressed?" As part of Sketchfest, the publication comes to life with a live show featuring standout Bay Area comedians like Kate Willett, Luna Malbroux, and certified comedy powerhouse Jena Friedman. If you miss this, check out the appearance of Reductress writers planned for Wednesday at Green Apple Books on the Park. The Punch Line, 8 p.m. 444 Battery Street, $20
ON BECKETT AT THE STRAND: Bill Irwin, a master circus performer and actor, displays his deep appreciation for the playwright Samuel Beckett in a tribute, On Beckett, at ACT's Strand Theater through the 22nd. Although SFist found the piece at times a bit baggy, "as a performer with immense talent for movement, and bodily control, there's no getting around how unique Irwin's perspective is on Beckett's writing." The Strand, 1127 Market Street, 7:30 p.m., $20-$45
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18
TENDERLOIN MUSEUM VOLUNTEER FAIR: Looking to get more involved locally? This annual volunteer fair hosted by the Tenderloin museum is an opportunity to meet and greet with local nonprofits and service organizations like Glide, Project Open Hand, 826 Valencia Tenderloin Center, Larkin Street Youth Services, and more. Expect a brief reception and then a variety of presentations to fill you in on their work. Tenderloin Museum, 398 Eddy Street, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Free
BEER SHUTTLE: Wet your whistle in anticipation of Beer Week next month with the Brewer's Guild's beer shuttle, a free hop-on, hop-off Chariot van showing up every ten minutes at spots like Local Brewing, 21st Amendment Brewing, Black Hammer Brewing, and more SoMa beer destinations. Start out at ThirstyBear Organic Brewery and meet the brewers there before you head on your merry way. ThirstyBear, 441 Howard Street, 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., free
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19
THE GHOSTLIGHT PROJECT: A collective action across the US on the eve of the inauguration, theater community members are gathering to engage in a symbolic gesture based on the tradition of leaving on a "ghost light" in a darkened theater. The aim of the demonstration is to renew the pledge of the theater as a space for artists to show compassion and inclusion, and lots of Bay Area theaters are participating in this national Ghostlight Project, such as ACT and the Berkeley Rep. If you plan to go, consider making a sign and/or bringing a flashlight. ACT Geary, 415 Geary Street, 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m., free
THROWBACK DANCE PARTY FUNDRAISER: Playing '90s and '00s jams for good, this fundraiser at Rickshaw Stop is tangentially anti-Trump in that it's going to be raising money for charities including Planned Parenthood and Earthjustice, but it also just sounds like a fun way to get down and relax. The music promises to be a lot better than what they'll play at the inauguration, that's for sure. Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell Street, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., $15-30
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20
GREAT GOOD FINE OK AT GAMH: Infectiously fun Brooklyn synthpoppers Great Good Fine OK will put a smile on your face, just watch:
See? Catch them at Great American Musical Hall, or should I say, "Great Good Fine OK American Music Hall." You see what I did there. Openers are Flor and Bad Wave. GAMH, 859 O'Farrell Street, 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show, $15 advance / door, $39.95 dinner
THE GROUNDLINGS AT SKETCHFEST: LA's longest running long-form improv troupe is in town for Sketchfest, and you don't want to miss them and have to go all the way down there. You'll recognize individual players from appearances on Arrested Development, Modern Family, The Tonight Show, and more, but it's their group chemistry that makes the Groundlings so beloved. Eureka Theatre, 215 Jackson Street, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., $25
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21
GEORGE MICHAEL DRAG TRIBUTE: A heartfelt send off to the gay pop icon from drag queen mother Heklina's weekly cabaret show, née Trannyshack. The Mother gang will surely take us through George Michael's hits from Wham! onward, and all are welcome, save bachelorette parties. No bachelorette parties are allowed. Oasis, 298 11th Street, 10 p.m. doors, 11:30 p.m. show, $10
WOMEN'S MARCH: Expecting a turnout of 60,000, this march for all people to show their solidarity with women the day after the inauguration will feature speakers like Supervisor Jane Kim and performers like DJ MicahTRON. It's just one of many events planned this weekend that's tied to showing support and unity in the face of the uncertain times ahead: Some more are listed here. 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. rally at City Hall, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. march down Market Street
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22
GOOD FOOD AWARDS MARKETPLACE: Showcasing and elevating food that's good — and doesn't just taste that way, but is aimed to do good for people and the planet — the annual Good Food Awards brings together vendors at this marketplace in the first opportunity for many to taste their award-winning, artisan products. Expect beer, cider, charcuterie, cheese, coffee, confections, pickles, pantry items, and more. Fort Mason Festival Pavilion, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., $5-20 admission
FREE EXPLORATORIUM DAY: A heads up that the Exploratorium has generously made admission free for a community day, with entry subject to capacity. As you play around with their demos at what's basically the world's coolest science fair, you won't even realize you're learning stuff, but you probably are. Pier 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free