If Golden Gate Park is the last place you'd like to be this weekend, here are more fun things to do from SoMa to Santa Clara.

Outside Lands' Night Shows

What: You don't have to brave the throngs at GGP to see some of Outside Lands' hottest acts. The festival's Night Shows series is bringing bands to venues around San Francisco, including appearances by Minneapolis-based Poliça, tonight at the Independent; and DJ Aaron Axelsen, Friday at Rickshaw Stop and Sunday at Mezzanine.

When: Thursday, Aug, 4 through Sunday, Aug. 7

Where: Various venues; dothebay.com/sfoutsidelandsnightshows

Santa Clara County Fair

What: It's literally fun for the whole family at this four-day festival packed with everything from live music (Brett Young, The English Beat) to hypnotism (by Michael Mezmer) to a kids zone with a sea lion act. Purchase tickets ($8 for adults) online to avoid waiting in line.

When: Thursday, Aug. 4, 1 to 10pm; Aug. 5-6, 11am to 11pm; and Sunday, Aug. 7, 11am to 10pm

Where: Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Rd. (San Jose), thefairgrounds.org

Dancing Under the Stars

What: Oakland's Jack London Square is a hot spot for summer events under the stars. Starting this Friday, Dancing Under the Stars—a series of free evening dance lessons taught by professional dance instructor Bradley Montoya—returns to the waterfront plaza. Enjoy half an hour of dance lessons (this Friday the class focuses on East Coast Swing) and then show off your moves in the mixed dance party after.

When: Friday, August 5th, 8:30-10pm

Where: Jack London Square, 2 Broadway (Oakland), jacklondonsquare.com

Beer Bash Block Party

What: Forget the fog. It's still summer, and that means drinking beer and hearing music outside, dammit. On Saturday, Toasted Life hosts a classic block party at South Park's G Food Truck Lounge with tasty food, drinks, games, and an appearance by DJ DSharp, official DJ of the Golden State Warriors. Best of all: It's free.

When: Saturday, Aug. 6, 2 to 7pm

Where: G Food Truck Lounge, 431 2nd St. (SoMa), gfoodlounge.com