Spring in SF means street fairs and fests, so we have two of them for you this week. But never fear, my pale compatriots, as there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy as well. Onward!
TUESDAY, APRIL 25
NIGHTMARE FUEL: Not to be confused with the 1936 Tod Browning film The Devil-Doll, Devil Doll is an unintentionally hilarious horror movie about an evil ventriloquist and his spooky-ass dummy. It's screening for free on the Gallery Cafe's 16mm movie projector, you just need to pay for whatever food and drinks you want to enjoy during the show. The Gallery Cafe, 1200 Mason Street, 6:30 p.m., free.
HISTORIC BUILDING CHAT: Based on the photos we see following the 1906 earthquake, you can be excused for thinking the city was essentially leveled in the disaster. Not so, says the San Francisco History Association, which reminds us that "a surprising number of buildings within the fire zone survived and are still with us today." Learn what kept standing and what went down at this talk, which promises copious references to booze and dogs. St. Philip’s Church, 725 Diamond Street, 7 p.m., $5 for SFHA non-members.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26
LEARN THE ART OF MURALISM: Learn from Tenderloin neighborhood muralist and Veterans Alley founder Amos Gregory, who is leading a five-week series to create a mural on "the theme of Tenderloin Solidarity," to be showcased at GLIDE church. GLIDE, Freedom Hall, 330 Ellis Street, 4 p.m. Wednesdays from April 19 through May 17, free.
FREE YOGA: Local psychiatrist Lois Parkison leads this free yoga class at the Main Library for job seekers who need to "stretch your body, release tension, calm your mind and get grounded." However, she says all are welcome to follow her in "Hatha yoga poses in a flowing, relaxed style that is accessible to all levels of yogis." A limited number of mats are available to borrow for those who don't have their own. Latino/Hispanic Community Room A/B, SFPL Main Branch, 100 Larkin Street, 6-7:30, free.
THURSDAY, APRIL 27
DRIVE-IN MOVIES: Concord's Solano Drive In and San Jose's Capitol Drive-In represent the last of the Bay Area's drive-in movie culture, which is one of those things people my age talk about with nostalgia then go to the Alamo instead. Forget the Alamo tonight, though, and head east or south to enjoy their free celebration of their dwindling kind. Movies will include Moana, Kong: Skull Island (which I just watched and really liked!), xXx: Return of Xander Cage, Split (also just watched, stay 'till the end you guys), and Sing. "Tons of family-friendly activities and games" are promised at both locations. Capitol 6 Drive-In (3630 Hillcap Ave in San Jose) or Solano 2 Drive In (1611 Solano Way in Concord), movies start at 8 so arrive early to get a good spot, free.
CITY HALL OPEN MIC: It's apparently National Poetry Month, so celebrate at SF's City Hall in the city's "largest open mic poetry event." You can read your work to the assembled crowd, or just read your favorite poem by someone else aloud. This is poetry, the rules are fluid. North Light Court, City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, 5:30-8 p.m., free.
FRIDAY, APRIL 28
CRITICAL MASS: When's the last time you rode in Critical Mass? What, never? But how can you intelligently excoriate them in the comments sections of various websites if you don't infiltrate their numbers at least once? There's no map, no plan, and very little agenda. Give it a shot, you might be surprised. Justin Herman Plaza, 5:30 p.m., free.
SKYBRIDGE ART: Gather in one of Fort Mason's iconic skybridges tonight for Artist's Television Access' exploration of works by women, trans, genderqueer, and non-binary artists. Themed "Water and Sky," it's a curated collection of short films on race, identity,ecology, and swimming pools. Skybridge between buildings B and C, Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd, 8:30 p.m., free.
SATURDAY, APRIL 29
LEARN A BOOK: Today's Independent Bookstore Day, the day we do penance for our Amazon use the rest of the year by patronizing an indie. You can find your local participant here, then strike out for that venue or venues, where they promise "authors, live music, cupcakes, scavenger hunts, kids events, art tables, readings, barbecues, contests, and other fun stuff" as well as "exclusive books and literary items that you can only get on that day. Not before. Not after. Not online." Find local participants here.
CESAR CHAVEZ DAY: There's a full day of events to celebrate the life and legacy of the labor leader, including a holiday breakfast, parade, and street fair. Come for some or all of it! Street Fair is between Treat and Bryant from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., parade begins at Dolores Park at 10 a.m., free.
SUNDAY, APRIL 30
GLEN PARK FEST: Oh my god, it's neighborhood street fest time already. Here's one of the first of the season, a chance to discover why so many folks love tiny, cute little Glen Park. There's a full schedule of live entertainment and a great lineup of vendors. Downtown Glen Park, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., free.
CALENDAR GIRLS: If you have even the slightest of hoarder tendencies, close the tab now, I refuse to be your enabler. For everyone else, this is SF's tri-annual vintage paper fair, where you'll find all sorts of postcards, trading cards, photos, maps, and "All Manner of Curious, Beautiful and Interesting Old Paper!" A lot of the dealers specialize in Bay Area ephemera, with many local treasures to be found. County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park (9th Ave and Irving), 11 a.m.-5 p.m., free admission.
