The universe has you covered from sunset to sunrise in the coming days, plus there are concerts, a cultural celebration, some comedy, performances, and more. Read on for some suggestions for how to spend the next several days.
Thursday, Aug. 27
The universe has an almost total eclipse of the Moon planned for you tonight. The Moon and the Sun have coordinated to be exactly opposite each other in the sky, and then Earth interrupts the party and plans to cover 96 percent of the Moon. For viewing tips and more info, visit this site from our local (retired) astronomer Andrew Fraknoi, who has an asteroid named after him. Free admission.
The Grammy Award-winning hometown band Train is having a party, and you’re invited. Love on Haight is a Mad Dog in the Fog album release block party that is sure to be a lot of fun. “You really think we’d name our album Mad Dog in the Fog and not throw a party at the bar we named it after?” Doors 3:30 p.m.; show 5 p.m. Visit the link above to RSVP (required). Free admission.
The 5th annual Expansive is a showcase of trans and nonbinary classical artists. “Revolution is Just the Beginning” is this year’s theme and honors the 60th anniversary of Compton’s Cafeteria riot, a pivotal event that shaped trans worldwide liberation movements. 7:30 p.m. at the Strand Theater. Tickets from $15.
Friday, Aug. 28
The cozy Hôtel Biron Wine Bar & Art Gallery wants to celebrate National Red Wine Day with you. Enjoy red wine from around the world and food from the new organic restaurant Veg-O-licious. The wine bar has a new photography exhibition that opened yesterday, showcasing five local photographers, so enjoy that, too. 5 p.m. (doors), 6 p.m. (party). Wine: $11; food: free.
Join journalist, political commentator, author, and podcast host Ezra Klein in conversation with journalist and author Annie Lowrey. 7:30 p.m. at the Sydney Goldstein Theater. Tickets: $64
Hear Sixth Station bring Pokémon melodies to life in Pokémon in Concert with a classical twist featuring a trio of violin, cello, and piano. Tunes from the iconic video game series will be arranged to “evoke memories of your favorite adventures.” The concert celebrates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary and coincides with the Pokémon World Championships today through Sunday in the city. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Grace Cathedral. Tickets: $50.
Saturday, Aug. 29
The immersive exhibition, Life in Space, explores how life, whether human or extraterrestrial, might live in the extreme conditions beyond the planet. Through Sept. 13 at the Exploratorium. Tickets from $30.
We all know what happened in 1906. To learn more (like how city officials wanted to relocate residents of Chinatown) join the San Francisco Historical Society for this walking tour: 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire: Chinatown’s Devastation & Renewal. 11 a.m. start at the San Francisco Historical Society. Tickets: $20.
Sunday, Aug. 30
The BonPOP celebration is a reimagined Obon Odori, a 500-year- old ceremonial tradition celebrated in Japan that honors ancestors with song and dance, regardless of religion, faith, ethnicity, and cultural beliefs, and features taiko drumming, live folk music, dancing, and more. 2–6 p.m., Botanical Gardens Plaza, Golden Gate Park. Free admission.
Celebrate BATS Improv’s 40th anniversary with the BATS Jam-a-thon, a community open house with improv, creativity, connection, and of course, laughter, and we all need that. All ages welcome. 5 to 11:30 p.m. at the Bayfront Theatre in Fort Mason. Free admission; RSVP here.
Notable next week
Tuesday, Sept. 1
Rise and shine before the sun to catch the second “California Henge” of the year. For those not familiar with the term (I wasn’t), it’s when the sunrise is aligned with the Bay Bridge at the foot of California Street, and we all know about that. The corner of Gough and California streets is the popular viewing spot, and arrive early to nab your spot, well before the 6:40 a.m. rise. Of course, check the weather first, and be mindful of the cars. Free admission.
Wednesday, Sept. 2
Hear the indie-pop quartet Cindy at an intimate in-gallery performance inside the exhibition of GaHee Park: Behind the Curtain, which will be available for viewing before and after the performance. 7 to 8 p.m. at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Free, RSVP here.
Be safe and be kind whatever you choose to do.
