What’s Going On This Weekend In San Francisco

Two of the biggest hit-makers of the early 2000s hit The Warfield in San Francisco for a night of nonstop hip-hop and R&B bangers. The pair topped the charts with their hits "Always On Time" and "Mesm... [more+]

Two of the biggest hit-makers of the early 2000s hit The Warfield in San Francisco for a night of nonstop hip-hop and R&B bangers. The pair topped the charts with their hits "Always On Time" and "Mesmerize" and they're back to prove they still make for a winning combination. Grammy-winner Ashanti dominated airwaves with tracks like "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)," "Foolish" and "Only U." Now, she returns in a major way with her new Michelle Obama co-signed single "Let's Go." Meanwhile, Ja Rule stakes his reputation on collaborations with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, Lil Wayne and Jay-Z. After falling on tough times, including a stint in jail, the rapper is back on the scene, starring in his own upcoming reality show Follow the Rules. Expect him to pull out hits like "Holla Holla," "Put It on Me" and more. [less-]

Landmark Musical Theatre's re-imagined revival of "Evita" remains totally faithful to the words and music of the Tony-winning Broadway musical, while giving it a fresh and unusual setting. An Argentin... [more+]

Landmark Musical Theatre's re-imagined revival of "Evita" remains totally faithful to the words and music of the Tony-winning Broadway musical, while giving it a fresh and unusual setting. An Argentine guerrilla theatrical group gathers in a dusty Buenos Aires tango bar, exactly 20 years after the death of their patron, Eva Duarte Peron, to celebrate her life by reenacting it for you, the invited audience. Her story unfolds, from her beginnings as a poor teenager to her success as a radio/film star to becoming the most powerful woman in Latin America as the wife of Argentine President Juan Peron, before her untimely death at the age of 33. This more intimate version of the show at The Shelton's off-Broadway-like Main Stage in San Francisco, with seating for just 72, puts you close to the action and offers you an unprecedented opportunity to connect with each character in this masterpiece of musical theater. The classic score features some of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's biggest hits, including "On This Night of A Thousand Stars," "Another Suitcase in Another Hall" and of course, the signature song of the show, "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," all performed, as always at Landmark, with live music. [less-]

An artist is befriended by a man who both inspires him and feeds his mind with doubts about his wife, in this deliciously dark and funny look at a sexual triangle taken to destructive extremes. August... [more+]

An artist is befriended by a man who both inspires him and feeds his mind with doubts about his wife, in this deliciously dark and funny look at a sexual triangle taken to destructive extremes. August Strindberg's "Creditors" is a powerful, real-time story of jealousy, vengeance and psychological warfare, and now Berkeley's Aurora Theatre Company brings an acclaimed new version to the stage, by Scottish playwright David Greig ("The Events"). "The New York Times" calls it "both coldly objective and scathingly passionate," and "Time Out NY" says it's "a roller coaster of sex, lies and revenge." [less-]

Ah, long walks on the beach. The crash of the waves. The feel of the sand between your toes. The giant talking lizards -- wait, that one’s not normal … unless you exist in the world of Edward Albe... [more+]

Ah, long walks on the beach. The crash of the waves. The feel of the sand between your toes. The giant talking lizards -- wait, that one’s not normal … unless you exist in the world of Edward Albee's Pulitzer-winning play "Seascape". Leave it to the writer of "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf" to come up with such a bold premise, and then use it as a springboard for an insightful, funny look at the times of big change in life, and the fear that can come along with them. In her A.C.T. debut, artistic director Pam MacKinnon continues her career-long exploration of this icon of American theater, bringing Albee back to the Geary Theater for the first time in a decade. Don’t miss it. [less-]

A Nigerian woman traveling from Lagos to visit her mother and American-born sister for the first time in two decades arrives to a snowy landscape and even chillier truths inside a small Manhattan apar... [more+]

A Nigerian woman traveling from Lagos to visit her mother and American-born sister for the first time in two decades arrives to a snowy landscape and even chillier truths inside a small Manhattan apartment as African traditions clash with American realities in "Her Portmanteau". This is just one chapter in playwright Mfoniso Udofia’s sweeping nine-part saga that offers a tender and hopeful window into an evolving family. "The New York Times" calls it "powerful" and "moving," while the "Los Angeles Times" says it's "masterfully written ... defies preconceptions and expectations.” Catch this humorous and heartfelt story at A.C.T.'s Strand Theater in San Francisco. [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-]

A winter wonderland awaits in this magical adventure, adapted from the same Hans Christian Andersen tale as Disney’s "Frozen". When the cold-hearted Snow Queen breaks her magic mirror, shards of cur... [more+]

A winter wonderland awaits in this magical adventure, adapted from the same Hans Christian Andersen tale as Disney’s "Frozen". When the cold-hearted Snow Queen breaks her magic mirror, shards of cursed glass are used as weapons to turn people into the worst versions of themselves. It is up to Gerd to rescue his best friend Kay, armed only with a Gypsy's jar of warm wishes and giggle-inducing snickerdoodles. "The Snow Queen" can be enjoyed as part of the New Conservatory Theatre Center’s Family Matinee Series. [less-]

Welcome to a dinner party from hell. In an attempt to find closure after a family tragedy, Debora and Michael invite their son’s bully and his family over for dinner in the drama "Late Company". As ... [more+]

Welcome to a dinner party from hell. In an attempt to find closure after a family tragedy, Debora and Michael invite their son’s bully and his family over for dinner in the drama "Late Company". As the night progresses, pain, loss and rage all come to a head, and there’s enough blame for everybody to have a heaping share. At turns both beautiful and brutal, "Late Company" is a hotbed of visceral tension as questions are raised that no one is prepared to answer. New Conservatory Theatre Center in San Francisco is proud to stage this important work by Jordan Tannahill, a fast-rising playwright in Canada. Directed by Evren Odcikin, named one of “6 Theatre Workers You Should Know” by "American Theatre" Magazine, you won’t want to miss this play that London’s "Telegraph" called “Utterly transfixing.” [less-]

In these fraught times, laughter is the perfect antidote. That's why "There Goes the Neighborhood" Comedy Tour is coming to Cobb's Comedy Club in San Francisco, to spread the good vibes and bring peop... [more+]

In these fraught times, laughter is the perfect antidote. That's why "There Goes the Neighborhood" Comedy Tour is coming to Cobb's Comedy Club in San Francisco, to spread the good vibes and bring people together through comedy. Headliners, touring comedians and up-and-coming Bay Area comics bring out their best and most original material for this raucous showcase, which spotlights diversity while proving the old adage that everyone's cultural background contains a little bit of craziness ripe for comedy. So grab some friends and come out for this hilarious night of stand-up. [less-]

Take a tour through San Francisco's waterfront history alongside one of its most colorful characters. Emperor Norton was a prominent businessman who lost everything on a bad investment. Instead of thr... [more+]

Take a tour through San Francisco's waterfront history alongside one of its most colorful characters. Emperor Norton was a prominent businessman who lost everything on a bad investment. Instead of throwing in the towel, he responded to his failure by declaring himself "Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico." San Francisco embraced this quirky character, treating him as royalty and even accepting his self-created currency. Tour guide Joseph Amster incorporates his journalistic and acting talents to provide a one-of-a-kind tour in which he takes on the persona of Emperor Norton and introduces you to the history of the city's most unique and interesting sites through the eyes of this larger-than-life unofficial mascot. Over the course of just under three hours, you'll cover about two miles along the waterfront, from the historic Ferry Building to The Cannery. [less-]

"Beach Blanket Babylon", San Francisco's hilarious pop culture musical revue, is the perfect night out with friends. Celebrating more than 16,000 performances and seen by more than six million people ... [more+]

"Beach Blanket Babylon", San Francisco's hilarious pop culture musical revue, is the perfect night out with friends. Celebrating more than 16,000 performances and seen by more than six million people from around the world, this internationally acclaimed production continues to delight audiences at Club Fugazi in San Francisco's North Beach district with its spectacular costumes and outrageously gigantic hats. Entering their 45th year, "Beach Blanket Babylon" follows Snow White as she takes a fast-paced journey around the world in search of her "Prince Charming." Along the way she encounters a star-studded, ever-changing lineup of hilarious political and pop culture characters, including Donald and Melania Trump, Kim Jong-un, Taylor Swift, Colin Kaepernick, Wonder Woman, Sarah Huckabee, Vladimir Putin, Ivanka Trump and Jared, Lady Gaga, Prince, Barack and Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Harvey Weinstein, Bernie Sanders, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Oprah, Prince Harry and Meghan, and the Golden State Warriors. [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-]

More than 400 years ago, William Shakespeare sat down to compose "Hamlet" for the theatre troupe “The Lord Chamberlain's Men,” never suspecting he was about to pen what would become widely conside... [more+]

More than 400 years ago, William Shakespeare sat down to compose "Hamlet" for the theatre troupe “The Lord Chamberlain's Men,” never suspecting he was about to pen what would become widely considered the greatest work of drama in the English language … a play so rich in content, one discovers something new with each viewing. Prince Hamlet’s dilemma is timeless. His story grapples with love, betrayal, family ties, murder, vengeance, sanity and insanity and, ultimately, the question of whether or not life is worth the struggle … to be or not to be. Bay Area favorite Keith Baker plays the title role. Directed by Sheri Lee Miller, with an original soundscape by Nancy Hayashibara, come see "Hamlet" at Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park. [less-]

Famed local historical figure Countess Lola Montez -- aka Rick Shelton -- leads this entertaining and informative three-hour walking tour of San Francisco, focusing on the Gold Rush era of the 1850s a... [more+]

Famed local historical figure Countess Lola Montez -- aka Rick Shelton -- leads this entertaining and informative three-hour walking tour of San Francisco, focusing on the Gold Rush era of the 1850s and beyond. Montez herself was an Irish actress and mistress of the King of Bavaria and composer Franz Liszt, who became a popular "Spanish" dance queen in mid-19th century San Francisco. She'll take you by some of her favorite haunts, tell you stories of the Barbary Coast and let you in on plenty of other little known town secrets, in this one-of-a-kind drag performance-excursion. [less-]

Comedic in tone, dramatic in action and containing sibling rivalry, adultery, and dungeons, "The Lion in Winter" tells the story of the English Royal Family of 1183 who are locked in a free-for-all of... [more+]

Comedic in tone, dramatic in action and containing sibling rivalry, adultery, and dungeons, "The Lion in Winter" tells the story of the English Royal Family of 1183 who are locked in a free-for-all of competing ambitions to inherit a kingdom. [less-]

What's in a name? A minefield of misplaced notions — some comical, some sad and some demeaning. Playwright Irma Herrera's observations from the front lines, notes from American history, and laugh ou... [more+]

What's in a name? A minefield of misplaced notions — some comical, some sad and some demeaning. Playwright Irma Herrera's observations from the front lines, notes from American history, and laugh out-loud humor allow us to consider what it will take for all of us to get along. When Herrera gives her name its correct Spanish pronunciation, some people assume she's a foreigner. She's not. Herrera proudly claims her Tejano roots and her Mexican and American identity as well as her native languages: Spanish and English. Her solo play "Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name?" sheds light and throws shade on our prejudices and assumptions. Enjoy it at The Marsh Berkeley. [less-]

Take a vivid trip back through the heart of San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district, considered by many to be the birthplace of the 1960s cultural revolution, courtesy of this comedy walking tour from... [more+]

Take a vivid trip back through the heart of San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district, considered by many to be the birthplace of the 1960s cultural revolution, courtesy of this comedy walking tour from the folks at FOOT. You'll see the locations of some of the most memorable events of the Summer of Love, as well as the former homes of the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin and other notables. Your tour guide will also fill you in on facts about the music, poster art and lifestyles that defined the hippie era in San Francisco's most colorful neighborhood. [less-]

After five award-winning solo shows, an off-Broadway run, appearances on "The Tonight Show", Netflix, Amazon Prime, NBC and elsewhere, Don Reed lets loose with his latest one-man comedy-variety show, ... [more+]

After five award-winning solo shows, an off-Broadway run, appearances on "The Tonight Show", Netflix, Amazon Prime, NBC and elsewhere, Don Reed lets loose with his latest one-man comedy-variety show, complete with irreverent sketches, edgy stand-up, short films and music. From original characters to celeb impressions, Reed does it all, and he's a regular at the Marsh, where he's staged hit shows like "Can You Dig It?, East 14th" and "The '80s", among many more. Catch his latest at the Berkeley stage. [less-]

For nearly 20 years, playwright Lauren Yee’s father Larry has been a driving force in the Yee Family Association, a seemingly obsolescent Chinese American men’s club formed 150 years ago in the wa... [more+]

For nearly 20 years, playwright Lauren Yee’s father Larry has been a driving force in the Yee Family Association, a seemingly obsolescent Chinese American men’s club formed 150 years ago in the wake of the Gold Rush. But when her father goes missing, Lauren must plunge into the rabbit hole of San Francisco Chinatown and confront a world both foreign and familiar. At once bitingly hilarious and heartbreakingly honest, "King of the Yees" is an epic joyride across cultural, national and familial borders that explores what it truly means to be a Yee. Don’t miss the Bay Area premiere of this cultural comedy at the San Francisco Playhouse. [less-]

Get ready for a high-energy Cinderella, with a not-so-familiar story line. Filled with dance, song, and a storyline a cut above, "Sincerella (Black Cinderella)" is making its debut at the Black Repert... [more+]

Get ready for a high-energy Cinderella, with a not-so-familiar story line. Filled with dance, song, and a storyline a cut above, "Sincerella (Black Cinderella)" is making its debut at the Black Repertory Group in Berkeley. This original piece is a transformative journey of a timeless classic. If you want a production with fabulous sets, fabulous costumes, dynamic singing and a host of spectacular actors, you've got it with "Sincerella (Black Cinderella)". [less-]