Sports
1st SF America's Cup World Series Races
The Marina Green becomes sailing headquarters this week as the much anticipated America's World Cup Series finally begins. The race to win sport's oldest trophy has sailors from all over the world chomping at the bit. Only four nations have won the coveted title since the races began back in 1851. Cheer on your favorite team from the bleachers, or track the boats online and in real time with the help of Liveline technology.
When: Tues. 8/21–Sun. 8/26
Where: The AC Village at Marina Green between Fort Mason and the Presidio on Marina Blvd.

Shopping
Chronicle Books Back-to-School Warehouse Sale
Students, teachers, and parents have a reason to celebrate. Chronicle Books opens up its doors just in time for back to school shopping. Stock up on cookbooks, journals, and music titles during this three-day warehouse sale. Come prepared, bookworms. Everything in the store is 65% off.
When: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Wed. 8/22–Fri. 8/24
Where: Chronicle Books, 680 Second St.

Good Cause
Big River Man: Benefit Screening for John Maringouin
Back in 2007, director John Maringouin documented a man's quest to swim the entire length of the Amazon River. Now, the Bay Area filmmaker is faced with his own personal challenge: to come up with the funds to pay for a much needed lung cancer operation. Attend the screening of the Big River Man, and help raise money for the father and friend of many within SF's creative community.
When: 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8/24
Where: SF Film Society, 1746 Post St.

Music
Gentleman of the Road Monterey Stopover
Tickets for this week's Gentleman of the Road Monterey Stopover event may be sold out but isn't that what Craigslist is for? Find your ticket, and see Mumford & Sons, Gogol Bordello, Grouplove, Two Gallants, Apache Relay, Haim, and Slow Club.
When: 12 p.m., Sat. 8/25
Where: Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Rd., Monterey

Music
Esperanza Spalding at SFJAZZ
Jazz star Esperanza Spalding continues to prove why she won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2011. Her latest release, Radio Music Society, merges Brazilian music with hints of gospel, soul, and big band swing. Don't miss seeing this musical muse when she arrives in Oakland as part of SFJAZZ Fest, which turns 30 this year.
When: 8 p.m., Sat. 8/25
Where: Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland

Festival
J-Pop Summit
Test your Japanese pop culture knowledge at this year's J-Pop Summit Festival. Crowds can indulge in modern Japanese film, anime, fashion, music, art, and retail design at the "Cyberpop Overload"-themed, weekend-long celebration.
When: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat. 8/25–Sun. 8/26
Where: Japantown, Post St. between Webster St. and Laguna St. and NEW PEOPLE, 1746 Post St.

Lit
826 Valencia's Write-a-thon
No need to stretch or warm up for 826 Valencia's Write-a-thon, but rounding up pledges from friends and family will benefit free student programs for SF's favorite nonprofit. Attend a special workshop from The Grotto before sitting down for this 8-hour long writing competition. Is there a better way to celebrate National Youth Literacy Day? We think not.
When: 12 p.m. - 8:26 p.m., Sun. 8/26
Where: 826 Valencia St.