Film: McSweeney's Wholpin Issue #12 + Spike Jonze's I'm Here
Get geeky with McSweeney's for the release party of Wholpin Issue #12, which will pan out as a night of curated films including the Oscar-nominated Australian short Miracle Fish, a hilarious depiction of the world's oldest pick-up artist. If that sounds a little too brainy, check out Spike Jonze's I'm Here, which premiered at Sundance. The story, about a robot who falls in love—with a soundtrack featuring Animal Collective and Girls—is new territory for Jonze, but he never disappoints. $10; Wednesday 9/29 - Thursday 9/30; The Roxie, 3117 16th St., roxie.com
Lit: Litquake
Now in its 11th year, our city's annual tribute to the written word is back. It's going to be a whirlwind of lectures, parties, and lit events, so check out the lineup and pick your poison now. Check out our list of the biggies—you'll find us at the final night's legendary Lit Crawl—and click here to find out who this year's big surprise guest is. Friday, 10/1 - Saturday, 10/9; various venues, litquake.org
Music: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
It's the music festival that so many of us San Franciscans wait for with great anticipation every year. This weekend marks Hardly Strictly's 10th anniversary and the lineup, chock full of world-class acts, is worth a grand celebration. Pack a picnic and head to the park with friends for a blowout weekend of folk and bluegrass. Get a load of our picks for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. And yes, MC Hammer is on our list. Free: Friday, 10/1 - Sunday, 10/3; Golden Gate Park, strictlybluegrass.com
Art: Open Studios
It's fall and art is in the air. This weekend marks the start of the annual month-long Open Studios, taking place each weekend in a different neighborhood. The affair kicks off this Saturday and Sunday with a launch and opening reception, with workshop doors officially opening 10/9. Pick a few hoods to explore and start setting your sights on what you might want to buy. 10/2 - 10/31; artspan.org
Music: Arcade Fire
Bets are you missed the tickets for Arcade Fire's show at the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur on 10/5 … because they sold out in half a second. It's also likely that the 10/2 tix at the Greek also slipped through your hands. Lucky for us, the Canadian indie powerhouse with more than just a cult following added a second show at the Greek to their tour. Get 'em while they're still hot so you can rock out to "Sprawl II" from this year's The Suburbs. $46; Sunday, 10/3; The Greek Theatre, Gayley Rd., Berkeley, apeconcerts.com
