Not protesting this weekend? Here's what else is going on around town.
SketchFest NightLife
WHAT: For a much-needed, pre-inauguration laugh, check out the SF Sketchfest NightLife at California Academy of Sciences on Thursday night. The boozy event will include stand-up, improv, and even fake TED talks from local comedians.
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 19th, 6-10pm
WHERE: 55 Music Concourse Drive (Golden Gate Park), calacademy.org
"The Monster Show" Drag Spectacular
WHAT: The Edge Bar is doing their own take on the Oscars 'In Memoriam, by throwing a fabulous party with drag queens, booze, and DJs, while you remember your favorite celebrities that died in 2016. Expect to see drag tributes to Prince, David Bowie, Florence Henderson, Carrie Fisher, George Michael, and more. Cover fee is just $5.
WHEN: Thursday, Jan 19th, 9pm
WHERE: 4149 18th St (Castro), sf.funcheap.com
(Courtesy The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York / copyright © The Estate of Diane Arbus, LLC. )
Diane Arbus: In the Beginning
WHAT: SFMOMA hosts the West Coast debut of a fascinating new exhibit, Diane Arbus: In the Beginning, which includes over 100 photographs, many on display for the first time, from the iconic New York photographer. Arbus is known for capturing some of the most powerful portraits of the twentieth century and the exhibit highlights the first seven years of her short career, from 1956 to 1962.
WHEN: Exhibit opens Saturday, Jan 21, 10am
WHERE: 151 Third Street (SoMa), sfmoma.org
Sea Lions at Pier 39Courtesy of cruisebe.com
WHAT: To celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of sea lions to Pier 39 (and the fortieth anniversary of the pier itself), Pier 39 is hosting free Sea Lion Encounter walking tours that will depart hourly from noon until 3pm from the Sea Lion Statue west of the Pier 39 entrance plaza. It's a great chance to learn about California marine life and ocean conservation and get a chance to see the cute creatures themselves. After the tour, guests can enjoy special discounts at select merchants in the area.
WHEN: Friday, Jan. 20th through Sunday, Jan. 22nd, 12pm-3pm
WHERE: Pier 39 (North Beach), pier39.com
Chinese New Year Flower Fair
WHAT: San Francisco's Chinatown is ready to kickoff Chinese New Year celebrations with the annual flower fair, which is traditionally held the weekend before Chinese New Year. Besides being the perfect place to purchase fresh flowers, fruits, candies and other items used to celebrate the new lunar year, the event features performances from traditional Chinese magicians, acrobats, folk dancers and opera singers. Ring in the year of the Rooster in grand fashion.
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 21st, 7:30am–8pm and Sunday, Jan. 22nd, 7:30am–6pm
WHERE: Chinatown (San Francisco), chineseparade.com
"Buckyball" by Leo Villareal installed outside the ExploratoriumCourtesy of the Exploratorium
Free Entrance at the Exploratorium
WHAT: The Exploratorium is opening its doors to the public for free this Sunday. Take advantage of this chance to see all the science installations the museum has to offer without having to empty your wallet. Entry is subject to capacity and admission is not guaranteed—so be sure to get there early!
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 22nd, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Pier 15 (Embarcadero), exploratorium.edu
Family Concert Series: Bach + Mozart
WHAT: As part of the SF Chamber Orchestra's Family Concert Series, the Oakland Asian Cultural Society is hosting a special performance including Bach and Mozart compositions, up-and-coming composer and UC Davis professor Laurie San Martin, and young debut artists. Feel free to bring the kids—plus, it's free!
WHEN: Sunday, Jan 22nd, 12pm
WHERE: 388 9th Street (Oakland), sf.funcheap.com
In Conversation With Choreographer Bill T. Jones
WHAT: Renowned artistic director and choreographer Bill T. Jones of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company is at the JCCSF this weekend to discuss his tremendous life and career. Jones' many lifetime achievements include being a 1994 MacArthur Fellow, a 2010 Kennedy Center Honoree, a two-time Tony Award winner, and a recipient of the National Medal of Arts from President Obama in 2013. Tickets are $28 with 10% off for members.
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 22nd, 7pm
WHERE: 3200 California Street (Presidio Heights), jccsf.org
