Enjoy a cultural smorgasbord with these drinking and dancing selections from San Francisco and beyond. From shamanic drumming to Beethoven's Seventh Symphony, there are at least four things here you will definitely want to do. Maybe five.
TUESDAY, JULY 25
EVIL CYBORG SEA MONSTERS: Comedian and cartoonist Mike Capozzola hosts his multimedia comedy show focused on superheroes, action movies, sci-fi, monsters and secret agents (all the things you like, btw.) Keep in mind that this nerd-heavy comedy show requires a two-drink minimum BUT you can get half price tickets on Goldstar. Punch Line San Francisco, 444 Battery St., 8 p.m., $8 - $16.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26
WOMEN TO WATCH: KQED Arts host this variety/talent/fierce show of women performances inspired by social justice and featuring such local greats as comedian Zahra Noorbakhsh, artist and writer Indira Allegra, and podcaster Avery Trufelman. Hosted by KQED's Rachael Myron, "Women to Watch" is part of the stations's new #BayBrilliant series. The first 40 folks in the door will get a free KQED tote bag! Swedish American Hall, 2174 Market St, 7:30 p.m., $8.
COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE: There's always something interesting happening over at Virgil's Sea Room, and this Wednesday is no diff. $3 from every "3rd Street cocktail" ordered goes directly to the 3rd Street Youth Center and Clinic. Drink for the children! Also get to know the folks that run the center and why it's such a worthy cause at the 21-and-over bar night. Virgil's Sea Room, 3152 Mission St., 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., free.
THURSDAY, JULY 27
BEETHOVEN CELEBRATION: The San Francisco Symphony takes on the crowd-pleasing works of one of history's great composers in this all-Beethoven performance. Edwin Cutwater will conduct this rousing night, including Beethoven's wildly popular Seventh Symphony - which you already know. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave, 7 p.m., $25 - $95.
DRUM JOURNEY: Once a week I like to push 12 Cool Things' comfort zones a little with an outside-the-box selection. This week, I'm going to force shamanic drumming on you. Do you wish to acquire "wisdom, knowledge and healing for one's community, nation, planet and self"? Me too! Which is why we're all going on a "Drum Journey" with Phillip Scott from Ancestral Voice. "Appropriate Ceremonial attire is requested. Namely, women wear ankle length skirts and a blouse/shirt with sleeves that cover the shoulders. Men wear pants and a shirt with sleeves that cover the shoulders. A feast follows so bring healthy fare to share." The Center SF, 548 Fillmore St., 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., "Respectful donations are customary and appreciated."
FRIDAY, JULY 28
ANCHOR BREWING'S FIRKIN FRIDAY: Celebrate Christmas in July with an opening of a firkin (or cask) of the brewery's Anchor Christmas Ale. The beer party will be held in the brewery's kid- and dog-friendly beer garden, complete with big televisions and a gift shop (for Christmas presents presumably.) Anchor Beer Garden, 100 Terry A Francois Blvd., 5 p.m. to 7 p.m, free to attend, beer costs money.
DRUNK ON COLOR: Bask in the bright glory of a solo art show by San Francisco artist Lê My at Avenues Dry Goods, owned and operated by SFist's own Eve L. Batey. Wine and snacks will be served as guests take in the French-born, San Francisco-based artist and her wall-worthy work. If you can't make Friday's reception, the show will remain on display through August 4. Avenues Dry Goods, 4120 Irving Street, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., free.
SATURDAY, JULY 29
TOO $HORT AT SOMA STREAT FOOD PARK: The DMP Takeover will host a music festival basically across the street from Costco with a pretty stellar line-up of artists all day on Saturday. Enjoy Too $hort, Mistah Fab, Rexxlife Raj, Show Banga, Big Rich, Remedy and oh so many more while feasting on a gourmet array food trucks and refreshing libations. SoMa StrEat Food Park, 428 11th St, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., $40 - $70.
FRESH JAMZ ON THE LAKE: This all-day soiree alongside gorgeous Lake Merritt in Oakland looks like a blast. Join DJ Delgado and Odiaka along with hundreds of community members for DJs and shared food and drink. Donations are encouraged (to help offset the cost of DJs, permits, refreshments, etc.) and donations of $5 or more come with a themed gift. We're eye-balling the FABULOUS t-shirt that comes with a $35 gift. Lake Merritt Amphitheater, 1 Lake Merritt Boulevard, Oakland, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., donations.
SUNDAY, JULY 30
PLANETARIUM: At The Well & The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival present the film Planetarium, starring none other than Natalie Portman and Johnny Depp's kid who play "séance-conducting sisters" in this 1930's Parisian period piece directed by director Rebecca Zlotowski. (V. classy.) Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., 5:30 p.m., $14 - $15.
TREASURE ISLAND FLEA MARKET: This month's theme is "Hawaii" which means we'll probably be able to get a great deal on a mumu. If you've never been, that's weird and you should go. The TIFM is a massive junk and treasure market with a stunning view of San Francisco from across the water. Plus there'll be live music, dozens of food trucks, three full bars, kid activities, DIY workshops, and dogs to pet. Treasure Island Flea, Treasure Island, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $3, kids under 12 are free.
BALLET AT STERN GROVE: Dancers from the San Francisco Ballet will don their finest tutus and put on a free performance in Stern Grove. The afternoon's lush program - complete with two intermissions - will feature Pas De Deux from from Balanchine's Agon, Bugle Boy Solo from Company B, and Within the Golden Hour. HRH Maria Kochetkova will be among the performers. Stern Grove Festival, Sigmund Stern Grove, 19th and Sloat, 2 p.m., free.
Artwork from the "Drunk on Color" show by Lê My.
