Exhibit
"Return to Mars" at the Exploratorium
Coinciding with the Aug. 5 scheduled landing of NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars, the Exploratorium is hosting a similar full-scale model of the NASA rover, plus six weeks of special programming including behind-the-scenes interviews with NASA scientists and engineers. Don't miss the museum's Mars-themed After Dark event on Aug. 2.  
When: Wed. 8/1–Sun. 9/16
Where: Exploratorium, 3601 Lyon St.

Nightlife
Olympic-Inspired Cal Academy Nightlife
Take a break from watching the summer games to play some of your own. Cal Academy is hosting a seasonally inspired, Olympic-themed event with lawn games like bocce, ladderball, and the corn hole toss on offer. They've also got a ping pong table and an Olympic flag crafting station. Sip summery cocktails while Steven Raichlen (author of The Barbecue Bible and host of PBS's Barbecue University) teaches you smoky grill tricks.    
When: 6-10 p.m., Thurs. 8/2
Where: Cal Academy, 55 Music Concourse Dr.

Theater
War Horse
When The New York Times calls a play "theatrical magic," you know it's one worth watching. The winner of last year's Tony Award for best play, War Horse is the poignant tale of Albert who goes after his beloved horse Joey, who has been enlisted to fight for the English in World War I.
When:  Thurs. 8/2–Sun. 9/9
Where: Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St.

Talk
Travel Tavern
Network with other travelers and listen to tales of independent, DIY touring from a panel of people whose art, craft, or activism have taken them on tours around the country or around the world. An informal cocktail reception follows.
When: 7-10 p.m. Tues. 7/31 
Where: Public Works, 161 Erie St.

Music
SF Symphony Does The Beatles

The symphony teams up with tribute band Classical Mystery Tour to perform more than two dozen Beatles songs.
When: Thurs. 8/2–Fri. 8/3
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. 

Theater
Humor Abuse
Lorenzo Pisoni's one-man show returns to the American Conservatory Theater for a limited engagement after a sold-out run earlier this year. Pisoni weaves his tale of growing up in the Pickle Family Circus—a San Francisco institution since 1974—in a heartwarming performance.         
When: Fri. 8/3–Sun. 8/19
Where: American Conservatory Theater, 415 Geary St.

Film
Universal Pictures: Celebrating 100 Years
To celebrate the legacy of the company that has always challenged the distinctions between fine art and popular entertainment, BAM/PFA (Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive) in association with UCLA Film & Television Archive, presents a series of flicks that have defined Universal Pictures over the years, including Lewis Milestone's 1934 classic All Quiet on the Western Front and Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds.

UNESCO Fashion Show
Mélange 2012
Here's a fashion show with a cause. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has partnered with Mélange Productions to put on this year's show centered around fostering cultural diversity in the arts. The theme is a tribute to human rights. Jean Paul Gaultier's longstanding creative director, Guila Kessous, is spearheading the event, so you know it's got serious cred. Oh, and designers include Electronic Sheep (seen in Vogue and Elle), Tuan Tran, and more.   
When: 8 p.m., Sat. 8/4
Where: Regency Center Grand Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness Ave.

Food+Music
Noisette
The culinary concert block party brought to you by the folks at Noise Pop and Finger on the Pulse heats up this weekend. Hear The Dodos, Pillowfight (featuring Dan the Automator, Emily Wells, and Kid Koala), Craft Spells, and more while you nosh on bites by Adam Dulye of Monk's Kettle and Abbot's Cellar, Ryan Pollnow of Flour + Water, and Dennis Lee of Namu Gaji. Get tickets here.
When: 12-5 p.m., Sat. 8/4
Where: Public Works, 161 Erie St.

Film
Sixteen Candles
Grab your girlfriends, a bottle of wine, and a picnic and curl up on a cozy blanket to relive all of your favorite Molly Ringwald moments. It's a girls-only kind of affair.  
When: Dusk (about 8 p.m.), Sat. 8/4
Where: Dolores Park