Film + Music: Sir Arne's Treasure with Mountain Goats
Silent but deadly—this winning combo of Mauritz Stiller's classic silent film Sir Arne's Treasure and live score by Mountain Goats' John Darnielle should be on your to-do list this week. The haunting tale of murder, betrayal, and divine redemption is riveting enough without sound, but with Darnielle's poignant lyrics accompanying, the movie truly comes to life. $17-$22.50; Tuesday 12/14; Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., sffs.org

Discussion: Mary Roach on Packing for Mars
The local author best known for looking at subjects from a scientific angle—Stiff, Spook, Bonk—is touring with her latest book, this time about space travel. Mary Roach will answers the questions you really want answers to like, "What happens if you vomit in your helmet during a space walk?" And as an added treat, Michael Hearst and Joshua Camp of One Ring Zero will play music from Planets, an album devoted to the complexity of our celestial neighbors. $17-$20; Tuesday, 12/14; Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., jccsf.org

Performance: Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The Rockettes bring their leggy precision to the West Coast for the first Radio City Christmas Spectacular, now in its 78th year. Yes, the famous chorus line kick is part of the audition process. $25-$100; Thursday 12/16 - Friday 12/17; Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, radiocitychristmas.com

Film + Art: Howl
If you still haven't seen Howl starring James Franco as the young Allen Ginsberg, it's about time. Artist Eric Drooker will be on hand after the Friday 7:15 showing to talk about his process animating the movie. Drooker collaborated with Ginsberg on his final book, Illuminated Poems, and his animation of Howl is mind expanding. $9; Friday 12/17 - Saturday 12/18; Red Vic Movie House, 1727 Haight St., redvicmoviehouse.com

Music: Cyndi Lauper
Oh yes, girls just wanna have fun. Don your side ponytail and snag some florescent leggings from American Apparel before heading to the Independent for this all-out dance party. Last we checked, tickets were sold out, but it's worth giving Craigslist a whirl. $65; Saturday 12/18; The Independent, 628 Divisadero St., apeconcerts.com