Conversation
Burning Man

Before making the trek to this month's Burning Man festival, get some tips from photographer Philippe Glade. The Frenchman sits down with Peter Dodge, Janika McFeely, and Harley K. Dubois to share his experiences after documenting dwellings, camps, and structures from the annual week-long debauchery for more than a decade. His new book, Black Rock City, NV: The Ephemeral Architecture of Burning Man, makes for insightful road trip reading. 

When: 6-8 p.m., Wed. 8/15
Where: AIA San Francisco, 130 Sutter St., Suite 600

Music

Dr. John

Make an appointment to see Dr. John and the Lower 911 perform at The Independent. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee just finished recording with the Black Keys' guitarist Dan Auerbach. Don't worry, fans can expect him to stick to his Big Easy roots during this two night run.  
When: 9 p.m., Thurs. 8/16 and Fri. 8/17
Where: The Independent, 628 Divisadero

Film
Flicks at the Roxie & SF Film Society

Two local theaters bring the language of love to the big screen. The Roxie provides Chocolat and Amelie lovers the chance to see the French film, Romantics Anonymous, while the San Francisco Film Society offers a taste of Italian love as told by six of Italy's most talented filmmakers in Love in the City.
When: 7 p.m., 9 p.m., Fri. 8/17-Thurs. 8/23, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., Sat. 8/18, Sun. 8/19 and 2 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:45 p.m., Fri. 8/17
Where: Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St. and SF Film Society, 1746 Post St.

Art

Alex Ramos

Go for a ride with photographer Alex Ramos during his opening reception for his first solo exhibition, "An Afternoon At The San Francisco Bay Railroad." The Oakland-based artist presents rare images from inside one of the Bay Area's oldest railroad institutions.
When: Opening reception, 6-10 p.m., Fri. 8/17; Exhibit through Fri. 9/21
Where: Mission Workshop, 40 Rondel Pl.

Music
Midnight Magic

Break out your bell-bottoms and dancing shoes because disco collective Midnight Magic is coming to town. The self-professed "secret love children of Donna and Summer and George Clinton" beam down their stylistic versions of funk, disco, electro and soul for the first time in SF.
When: 10 p.m., Sat. 8/18
Where: Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell St.

Shopping

Alamo Square Flea Market

Stock up on vintage goods and handmade items at the 29th Annual Alamo Square Flea Market. Off The Grid will provide the grub while the Creative Arts Charter School will keep the kiddos entertained.
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat. 8/18
Where: Scott St. between Fulton and Hayes Sts. and Grove St. between Scott and Divisadero Sts.

Dance
ODC House Special

For one night only, ODC Theater Director Christy Bolingbroke offers the audience a candid look into the artistic process. Watch the work of playwright Kim Yaged and choreographers David Schleiffers and Anna Sullivan intertwine in the summer highlight, House Special.
When: 8 p.m., Sat. 8/18
Where: ODC Theater, 3153 Seventeenth St.

Food
SF Street Food Fest

Foodies mark your calendars. Michellin starred chefs and James Beard award winners hit the Mission streets for The San Francisco Street Food Festival. Rye on the Road will pour the beer and cocktails. All you have to do is show up. Make room for more culinary goodness at the La Cocina's Food Entrepreneurship Conference happening on the 19-20.
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 8/18 and 10 a.m., Sun. 8/19, 9 a.m., Mon. 8/20
Where: Folsom St. from 20th to 26th, 21st and 25th from Treat St. to Shotwell St., Cesar Chavez Elementary School parking lot and SOMArts, 934 Brannan St.