What’s Going On In San Francisco

In "Barbecue Apocalypse", three couples gather on the back deck of a modest suburban home for a midsummer barbecue where the hosts struggle with feelings of inadequacy about their decor, their clothes... [more+]

In "Barbecue Apocalypse", three couples gather on the back deck of a modest suburban home for a midsummer barbecue where the hosts struggle with feelings of inadequacy about their decor, their clothes, their careers, their culinary skills and pretty much everything else. The superficial, neuroses-laden squabbles abound until the group discovers the rest of the world has been falling apart — literally — during their barbecue. For these complacent suburbanites, the end is just the beginning. Enjoy Matt Lyle’s "Barbecue Apocalypse" at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park. [less-]

Craft beer and comedy merge harmoniously in the Beer Basement at Ales Unlimited, where "The Setup" draws some of the funniest local and nationally touring stand-ups in the business. The space is small... [more+]

Craft beer and comedy merge harmoniously in the Beer Basement at Ales Unlimited, where "The Setup" draws some of the funniest local and nationally touring stand-ups in the business. The space is small and cozy but the hops and the laughs are big, with performers hailing from such comedic institutions as Comedy Bang Bang, San Francisco Sketchfest and The Comedy Store. So order a drink from Ales Unlimited's world-class selection of microbrews, wines and specialty cocktails, then head downstairs for a truly underground experience in the heart of the Tenderloin. [less-]

From beatniks, blues masters and drunken sailors to hardened fishermen and karaoke kings, North Beach is full of local characters and fanciful folk heroes. Find out about them over a Anchor Steam ale ... [more+]

From beatniks, blues masters and drunken sailors to hardened fishermen and karaoke kings, North Beach is full of local characters and fanciful folk heroes. Find out about them over a Anchor Steam ale on this San Francisco tour that will get you talking. You'll discover San Francisco's hidden pubs in Little Italy with a local guide, rub shoulders with the regulars at one of North Beach's best bohemian pubs, stroll through the vibrant streets, try an award-winning Northern California craft brew and learn about North Beach's colorful history. Get to Vesuvio Cafe for an experience to broaden your horizons. [less-]

Hailed by Bay Area critics as “visceral and haunting” ("Mercury News"), “a sensory bombardment” ("SF Chronicle") and “vibrantly theatrical and pointedly contemporary” ("SF Examiner"), "The... [more+]

Hailed by Bay Area critics as “visceral and haunting” ("Mercury News"), “a sensory bombardment” ("SF Chronicle") and “vibrantly theatrical and pointedly contemporary” ("SF Examiner"), "The Jungle" is a once-in-a-lifetime event not to be missed. Meet the hopeful, resilient residents of the Jungle -- the short-lived, self-governing society that emerged within a sprawling refugee camp in Calais, France. Join the residents over freshly-baked naan and sweet milky chai at the at the Afghan Café. Take a seat in a place where men, women and children fleeing war and persecution created a world offering warm hospitality amidst squalor and danger. The heart-stopping stories of those who inhabited this desolate patch of land in France roar back to life in this shockingly intimate and wildly acclaimed production that plunges us directly into its subject matter. After taking London and New York by storm, "The Jungle" now arrives at the Curran in San Francisco with Miriam Buether’s award-winning set design. To accommodate this incredibly unique staging, the Curran has been completely transformed and, in the process, the capacity has been reduced to an intimate 600 seats. You'll even get to choose your experience: immerse yourself in the Afghan Café with Floor seats, or watch the story unfold from the Mezzanine. [less-]

"KILL THE DEBBIE DOWNERS! KILL THEM! KILL THEM! KILL THEM OFF!" is a newly devised theatre piece inspired by Chekhov’s "Three Sisters." Live music, movement, and text creates an original exploration... [more+]

"KILL THE DEBBIE DOWNERS! KILL THEM! KILL THEM! KILL THEM OFF!" is a newly devised theatre piece inspired by Chekhov’s "Three Sisters." Live music, movement, and text creates an original exploration of Chekhov’s lasting themes of memories fading, revolutions looming, and visions of the future beckoning. There will be laughter through tears, a gun in act one, and the end of an era. [less-]

Blue & Gold Fleet's "Escape From the Rock" Cruise is an exciting 90-minute excursion that takes you around the perimeter of Alcatraz to view the island from every angle. As the ship sails, passengers ... [more+]

Blue & Gold Fleet's "Escape From the Rock" Cruise is an exciting 90-minute excursion that takes you around the perimeter of Alcatraz to view the island from every angle. As the ship sails, passengers are treated to a presentation complete with sound effects and chilling tales of inmates Al Capone and Billy Cook, not to mention Clyde Johnson's daring escape attempt. This historical yet entertaining boat trip does not stop at the island of Alcatraz itself, but it does evoke the days when this iconic maximum-security prison was the most feared institution in the American penal system. [less-]

From the top-quality live musical guests to its exceptional Southern cuisine, Biscuits & Blues is the perfect San Francisco spot to enjoy a night of down-home entertainment nearly every night of the w... [more+]

From the top-quality live musical guests to its exceptional Southern cuisine, Biscuits & Blues is the perfect San Francisco spot to enjoy a night of down-home entertainment nearly every night of the week. Located in the heart of the theater district, this intimate venue hosts the best regional and national blues and jazz acts in a comfortable, close-up setting that's open to all ages. Voted America's No. 1 blues nightclub by The Blues Foundation and the Bay Area Blues Society, it's also known for serving up some of the best fried chicken in the entire region, not to mention California wines, microbrews and specialty cocktails. [less-]

Discover a whole new world at Disney's "Aladdin", the hit Broadway musical flying into the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. From the producer of "The Lion King" comes the timeless story of "Al... [more+]

Discover a whole new world at Disney's "Aladdin", the hit Broadway musical flying into the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. From the producer of "The Lion King" comes the timeless story of "Aladdin", a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It's an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. [less-]

Try to keep up with teenage soccer team the Wolves as they stretch, run drills, and size up the opposition. But in between their passes are performance anxieties, family tensions, and complex conversa... [more+]

Try to keep up with teenage soccer team the Wolves as they stretch, run drills, and size up the opposition. But in between their passes are performance anxieties, family tensions, and complex conversations Left lunge. Global genocide. Tampons. Do they have Skype in Cambodia? Right lunge. She got Plan B? There’s the college recruiter! You’re coming to the party this weekend? For these nine young women in Sarah DeLappe's play, becoming an adult doesn’t always come with a game plan. Under the direction of Jessica Holt, "The Wolves" take the stage at The Rueff at A.C.T.'s Strand in San Francisco. [less-]

Tinder, Bumber, Hinge ... oh my -- app-based and online dating is huge these days. While that can bring a lot of action, it also guarantees some mighty funny stand-up material. Cobbs Comedy Club bring... [more+]

Tinder, Bumber, Hinge ... oh my -- app-based and online dating is huge these days. While that can bring a lot of action, it also guarantees some mighty funny stand-up material. Cobbs Comedy Club brings together some of San Francisco's best comedians to riff on the funniest and most horrific modern dating mishaps. The show features Oakland-based comic Stroy Moyd, who's opened for the likes of Dave Chappelle, Tracy Morgan, the Wayans Brothers, Hannibal Buress and more. He'll be joined by some other special guests as well, so come prepared to laugh. [less-]

Conductor Simone Young's career kicked off in spectacular style -- she was the first woman and youngest person ever to be a resident conductor with Opera Australia, as well as the first female to lead... [more+]

Conductor Simone Young's career kicked off in spectacular style -- she was the first woman and youngest person ever to be a resident conductor with Opera Australia, as well as the first female to lead the Vienna State Opera. With that dramatic background, she's a natural to conduct the San Francisco Symphony in a concert featuring Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherazade". Filled with seductive rhythms and exotic sounds, the evocative piece serves as a musical magic carpet ride to the world of the Arabian nights. Pianist Louis Lortie also joins the SFS at Davies Symphony Hall for a performance of Ravel's jazz-flavored Piano Concerto in G major. [less-]

Hunter and Jeff want to enter the New York Musical Theatre Festival, but they're facing a huge challenge: The deadline is three weeks away, and they haven't written a word. Enlisting the help of two o... [more+]

Hunter and Jeff want to enter the New York Musical Theatre Festival, but they're facing a huge challenge: The deadline is three weeks away, and they haven't written a word. Enlisting the help of two of their actress friends, they dive headlong into brainstorming, writing and scoring their musical, singing their way through the ups and downs of the creative process. This joyful and snarky exploration of what it takes to turn a vision into reality received a Tony nomination for Best Book of a Musical in 2009. Now you can enjoy this San Francisco State University production of "[title of show]" at the Creative Arts Building. [less-]

In this colorful adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray's satire of 19th-century British society, the wiley and scheming antiheroine Becky Sharp scrambles up social ladders and hurdles over whims o... [more+]

In this colorful adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray's satire of 19th-century British society, the wiley and scheming antiheroine Becky Sharp scrambles up social ladders and hurdles over whims of fate in this farcial comedy about trying to get what you want out of life, no matter the cost. Conjuring an inventive and lively period drama featuring one of literature’s original “nasty women,” acclaimed playwright Kate Hamill ("Sense and Sensibility") brings her signature quick wit and distinctly unfussy retelling of classic work to one of literature’s most celebrated novels in this production at A.C.T. in San Francisco. [less-]

From the brilliantly creative mind behind "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", "James and the Giant Peach" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox" comes the Tony Award-winning "Matilda The Musical". Named "Time" maga... [more+]

From the brilliantly creative mind behind "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", "James and the Giant Peach" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox" comes the Tony Award-winning "Matilda The Musical". Named "Time" magazine's No. 1 show of the year, "Matilda The Musical" is the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Armed only with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, Matilda dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, "Matilda The Musical" has a powerhouse team behind it, including Tony-winning director Matthew Warchus ("God of Carnage") and Tony-winning playwright Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin. See it at the Lesher Center for the Performing Arts. [less-]

One interview. Two legends. Plenty of secrets. Before becoming icons of American theater, Tennessee Williams and William Inge were just two aspiring playwrights sharing a night together, shut away fro... [more+]

One interview. Two legends. Plenty of secrets. Before becoming icons of American theater, Tennessee Williams and William Inge were just two aspiring playwrights sharing a night together, shut away from the world’s judgment. As the liquor flows and confessions begin to spill out in "The Gentleman Caller", these men reveal sides of themselves the public never saw — in all their vulnerabilities, flaws and triumphs. Enjoy the regional premiere of this “beautifully worded, heartfelt and spellbinding look at the brief and unlikely relationship between two of America’s greatest playwrights” ("Broadway World") at San Francisco’s New Conservatory Theatre Center. [less-]

For a relaxing afternoon on the water, hop aboard the Privateer, a truly traditional sailboat, for a semi-private 90-minute cruise of the bay, complete with included beer and wine. This double-masted,... [more+]

For a relaxing afternoon on the water, hop aboard the Privateer, a truly traditional sailboat, for a semi-private 90-minute cruise of the bay, complete with included beer and wine. This double-masted, teak-decked, bronze-fitted beauty holds no more than 28 passengers, so you'll get plenty of personal attention from the skilled and friendly crew as the Privateer glides over to Alcatraz and Angel Island, passes by charming and picturesque Sausalito, parallels the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge and sails past the famous San Francisco skyline on its way back to the pier. [less-]

Take a tour through San Francisco's history with one of its most colorful characters. Emperor Norton was a prominent businessman who lost it all on a bad investment. He responded to his failure by dec... [more+]

Take a tour through San Francisco's history with one of its most colorful characters. Emperor Norton was a prominent businessman who lost it all on a bad investment. He responded to his failure by declaring himself "Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico." Rather than dismissing him, San Francisco embraced him, treating him as royalty and accepting his self-created currency. Tour guide Joseph Amster incorporates his journalistic and acting talents to provide a one-of-a-kind tour, taking on the persona of Emperor Norton and introducing you to the history of the city's most unique and interesting sites through the eyes of this larger-than-life unofficial city mascot. [less-]

Whether you want to kick off a fabulous date night or wrap up an enjoyable afternoon, this two-hour sunset sail is just the ticket. Step aboard the gorgeous traditional vessel called the Privateer to ... [more+]

Whether you want to kick off a fabulous date night or wrap up an enjoyable afternoon, this two-hour sunset sail is just the ticket. Step aboard the gorgeous traditional vessel called the Privateer to take in the sights at the most bewitching time of day. You'll sail past Alcatraz, hug the coast at Sausalito and experience the full grandeur of the Golden Gate Bridge. Sip two servings of your choice of included beer, wine, soda or water as Privateer cruises along the spectacular San Francisco cityscape, while the sun sets and the lights of the city come to twinkling life. [less-]

"Anomalies -- 5 Short Plays" is a reading of five short plays from Ross Valley Players at the Barn Theater.... [more+]

"Anomalies -- 5 Short Plays" is a reading of five short plays from Ross Valley Players at the Barn Theater. [less-]

The ‘80s had aerobics. The ‘90s had Tae Bo. We have yoga. It’s exercise, it’s enlightenment … it’s big business. And in the world of Dipika Guha’s "Yoga Play", apparel giant Jojomon is k... [more+]

The ‘80s had aerobics. The ‘90s had Tae Bo. We have yoga. It’s exercise, it’s enlightenment … it’s big business. And in the world of Dipika Guha’s "Yoga Play", apparel giant Jojomon is king – until a scandal sends the company into a freefall that no amount of comfortable, breathable fabric will get them out of. Desperate to recover their earnings and reputation, newly hired CEO Joan stakes everything on a plan so crazy, it just might work. Come along on a journey to enlightenment in a world determined to sell it in this production from San Francisco Playhouse. [less-]