Conversation
Chuck Palahniuk and the Cacophony Society
The infamous Fight Club author and member of Portland's chapter of the Cacophony Society talks to the minds behind the counterculture club. John Law and Carrie Galbraith reveal its history, from its edgy prankster beginnings to its current social media fueled events. Law and Galbraith are co-authors of Tales of the San Francisco Cacophony Society.   
When: 7:30 p.m., Mon. 9/23
Where: Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St.

Art
Kara Walker
"Emancipating the Past: Kara Walker's Tales of Slavery and Power" may not be what it appears at first glance. The artist's one-dimensional silhouettes cut from black paper and attached to white gallery walls may appear like a children's fairy tale, but a deeper look reveals nightmarish scenes of cruelty, enslavement, and other horrifying scenarios from our collective past.  
When: Through Sun. 1/5/14
Where: Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St., Sacramento

Music
Lumineers
The Denver-based folk rock group puts on one heck of a live show, complete with a lengthy rendition of everyone's favorite "Ho Hey." Dr. Dog joins as the requisite opener.   
When: 6:30 p.m., Wed. 9/25
Where: America's Cup Pavilion, Piers 27-29

Lit
Fort Mason Big Book Sale
Now's the time to build that library you've always wanted. Fort Mason's annual Big Book Sale will have 500,000-plus books, DVDs, CDs, books on tape, vinyl, and more, all for $3 or less.
When: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Wed. 9/25–Sun. 9/29
Where: Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, Marina Blvd. and Buchanan St.

Art Talk
David Maisel's "Mining"
Artist David Maisel has been photographing open pit mines for three decades, and the body of work he's amassed considers both the aesthetics and politics of these environmentally impacted sites. Learn more when he sits down with Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco chief photography curator Julian Cox.
When: 5:30 p.m., Thurs. 9/26
Where: Haines Gallery, 49 Geary St., 5th floor

Music
Zola Jesus
Be mesmerized (and maybe a little spooked) by the haunting voice that is Zola Jesus. Her live shows will no doubt transform you to a trance-like state.   
When: 8 p.m., Thurs. 9/26
Where: Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St.

Music
Mollusk Big Sur Jamboree
Burning Man may be what everyone's talking about, but the more mellow Mollusk Jamboree is more my speed. Two days of music and camping amongst the redwoods of Big Sur—sign me up. Presented by Mollusk Surf Shop and folkYEAH, musical acts include Vetiver, Allah-Lahs, Sonny and the Sunsets, Little Wings, and more. There will also be art, site-specific installations, surfing flicks, and a few surfboards on hand if you're skilled enough to try the big waves.  
When: Fri. 9/27–Sat. 9/28
Where: Fernwood Resort, 47200 Hwy. 1, Big Sur

Art
Station to Station 
Check out the final stop on this 9-city cross-country mobile art tour. New York-based experimental installation artist Doug Aitken is the mastermind behind feat, where a train poses as a kinetic sculpture with an onboard recording studio and multidisciplinary minstrel of artists, musicians, filmmakers, chefs, authors, and more. The final event takes place at Oakland's historic 16th Street railroad depot and features site-specific works. It's an overground underground kind of gig.   
When: 6 p.m., Sat. 9/28
Where: 16th Street Station, Oakland

Science + Art
Exploratorium Fog Festival
It's about time you embrace the fog. Exploratorium is devoting an entire day to this meteorological phenomenon. From the science behind water vapor to more artistic explorations, you'll be able to dive head first into the wacky Bay Area weather pattern. Say goodbye to Fujiko Nakay's mystical Fog Bridge, set to close on 10/6, and check out Sam Green's film Fog City.   
When: 12 - 5 p.m., Sat. 9/28
Where: Exploratorium, Pier 15

Design
AIA Home Tours
This is your chance to indulge your voyeuristic side and be a Peeping Tom without any risk of getting caught. The American Institute of Architect's annual open house program lets you pick from a handful of distinctive homes, take a self-guided tour, and even meet the design teams behind these fabulous homes.   
When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sat. 9/28–Sun. 9/29
Where: various venues