Since the air quality in San Francisco and Oakland is dropping fast as a result of fire smoke being blown down from the North Bay, it's probably best to stay indoors for a little while — or at least don't go running or do any aerobic activities until things improve. If you're looking to get out of the house anyway, though (and who could blame you), here are some events you can check out this week.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11
BEYOND BORDERS STORYTELLING: BETWEEN WORLDS STORY JAM: Sometimes you just want to hear somebody tell you a good story. Here, you can listen to six stories from around the world, all of which explore the theme of "being stranded between worlds, even though we occupy the same planet." PianoFight, 144 Taylor St, $12 advance, 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., $15 at the door
CREEPSHOW: Or, if you're looking for something a little different, check out Hex in the City's Halloween/haunt-themed burlesque special, Creepshow. The event's Facebook page (which is pretty NSFW, just warning you now) features posts from the organizers, which show the burlesque dancers in slasher-themed, bloody, creepy costumes. This is a show you likely won't want to miss. Shelton Theater, 533 Sutter Street, 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., $15 to $20
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12
NVM (NEVER-MIND), IMMERSIVE ART EXHIBITION: Though yesterday was World Mental Health Day, this immersive art exhibition taking place from Thursday to Friday this week aims to explore mental health issues through installation and performance art. There are three separate installations, according to the event description. The opening reception should be worth checking out, too, as they promise DJs, live dance performances, and a pop up kitchen. AS Art Gallery, Cesar Chavez Student Center Building Terrace Level 3rd Floor, 1650 Holloway Avenue, free
OPERA MEETS EDM: Operatronica is a new pop-up event being held by SF Opera's Adler Fellows, and it features DJ sets punctuated by arias, and then some blending of the two using samples of arias. (See SFist's interview with performer and organizer Anthony Reed.) It's a unique event and opportunity to hear some of the up-and-comers training with SF Opera. Mezzanine, 444 Jessie Street, $20, doors at 8 p.m., tickets here.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13 (spooooooky)
FALL FILM FESTIVAL: A GHOST STORY: PROXY and HERE FOR NOW continue their fall film festival, this time celebrating Friday the 13th with a showing of A Ghost Story. It stars Casey Affleck as a ghost (replete with eye hole-fitted bed sheet), trying to console his widow, Rooney Mara. The film deals with issues of loss and connection, and is a pretty good sight to behold. Proxy SF, Octavia Street between Hayes Street and Fell Street, 7:30 p.m., free
MAKING LUCK: A COMEDY FUNDRAISER FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS: If you're looking for a little comedy action, check this one out. Not only does it feature local comics, it also supports a great cause. Hot Take Comedy has teamed up with local non-profit, Refugee Transitions to host a benefit gig where proceeds will go to help Refugee Transitions. They work to serve "high-need, low-income refugee, asylee, and immigrant newcomers who have experienced forced migration due to war, violence, or economic duress," according to the description on the website. PianoFight, 144 Taylor St, 9:30 p.m., $13 (because it's Friday the 13th, get it?)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14
MORTIFIED: Listen, we've all had that moment where we looked back over the things we wrote in our diaries and journals (or LiveJournals) back in high school, right? Some people read those things and think, "Oh no, I have to burn all evidence of this." The people who read for Mortified, though? They think, "Oh no, I have to share this with the world." Watch as adults bare their past young, adolescent souls out on stage, opting to do nothing more than just chagrin and bear it. The New Parish, 1743 San Pablo Ave @ 18th, 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., $16 advance, $21 at the door
ALL DAY I ROSÉ - THE GREAT ROSÉ & SILENT DISCO FEST: This one takes place on the Fort Mason lawn, so even if rosé isn't completely your thing, you can totally hang out and enjoy a silent disco while chilling outdoors. They also feature a full bar, so there's that. Guests are invited to wear pink (because there's nothing like matching your cocktail), and there will be food, which probably won't be all pink, so eat carefully. Fort Mason Lawn, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., $20 to $65
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15
INTRO TO EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP: It seems like everybody's super into customizing their clothes now, so why not do everyone one better by designing your own customizations? If you've ever wanted to learn how to embroider by hand or just want to brush up on your basic stitches, this class seems like it's well worth checking out. Materials are provided, all you have to bring are some clothes that you want to embroider. Little Paper Planes, 855 Valencia Street, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., $65, ages 21 and up only
ASIAN STREET MARKET: This is the first-ever Soma StrEat food festival that exclusively celebrates Asian food truck vendors. The event description says you can expect to find food from the Philippines, Japan, Korea, China, India, and more. On top of that, the proceeds for the event are going to benefit Jean Parker Elementary School. If you're craving some food, why not have your money go to a good cause, too? If yor'e feeling extra spendy, you can drop $40 for "bottomless Asian beer," too. Soma StrEat Food Park, 428 11th Street, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. $5 to $40
FINAL 'DAYTIME REALNESS' OF THE SEASON: Heklina, Carnita, and Stanley Frank's beloved monthly LGBTQ-friendly day party at El Rio wraps up with this, its last party until spring. Guest DJs are Olga T and Hard French's Brown Amy, and there will be drag performances every hour by Momma’s Boyz, Vicki Sparkletitz, Lady Bear, Dulce De Leche, and Taco Zamora. Oh, and there's some kind of alien theme, because: Halloween. El Rio, 3152 Mission Street, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., $10
Animation by Clement Hil Goldberg/Counterpulse
