Conversation
Irvine Welsh
Can't wait for Litquake 2012? Get a preview when author Alan Black chats with fellow Scotsman and Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh about his new book, Skagboys. Get ready for inside prequel information with videos, music, a no-host bar, and an audience Q&A.
When: 7 p.m., Mon. 9/17
Where: Z Space, 450 Florida St.

Festival
SF Cocktail Week
Grab your Gatorade for extra hydration because SF Cocktail Week starts today. This mash-up of mixology seminars from bartenders across the country once again proves how much San Franciscans love their cocktailing.
When: Mon. 9/17–Sun. 9/23
Where: Various alcohol-friendly establishments throughout SF and Oakland

Art
Sound of Science
The Exploratorium and Swissnex San Francisco team up with the Zero1 Biennial to showcase the Sounds of Science. Pe Lang and Charles Lindsay demonstrate their artistic processes, "cl_loop" and "Trout Fishing in Space" for those who are curious.
When: 6:30 p.m., Tues. 9/18
Where: Swissnex San Francisco, 730 Montgomery St.

Food
All You Can Eat Wine and Cheese
Need a Paris staycation? Hit up Broke Ass Stuart's evening of all you can eat French wine, charcuterie, and fine cheese, all for $45. Purchase tickets online(not at the door).
When: 7-9 p.m., Thurs. 9/20
Where:Gourmet and More, 141 Gough

Conversation
Mark Bittman 
Foodies, unite! Columnist, author, and Cooking Channel personality Mark Bittman talks shop with food writer (and former 7x7 editor) Jessica Battilana at Herbst Theatre. Get your aprons and recipe cards ready.
When: 8 p.m., Tues. 9/18
Where: Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave.

Shopping
Big Book Sale at Fort Mason
If you've got a few extra dollars in your pocket, spend them at The Big Book Sale at Fort Mason's Festival Pavilion. Half a million books, DVDs, CDs, vinyl, books on tape, and other forms of media await you.
When: Members & Donor Reception 4 - 8 p.m., Tues. 9/18. Sale 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Wed. 9/19–Sat. 9/22, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun. 9/23
Where: Fort Mason Festival Pavilion, Marina Blvd. and Buchanan St.

Comedy
Chris Kattan
Have a Night at the Roxbury kind of evening at Cobb's Comedy Club. Ex-SNL star Chris Kattan brings his comedic antics and impersonations to the North Beach institution for a 4-night run. Mr. Peepers fans, be on the lookout.
When: 8 p.m., Thurs. 9/20; 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m., Fri. 9/21; 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., Sat. 9/22; 7:30 p.m., Sun. 9/23
Where: Cobb's Comedy Club, 915 Columbus Ave.

Music
Allen Toussaint and the California Honeydrops & the Polk Street Blues Festival
Help raise money to restore Louisiana's wetlands at the Bay for the Bayou Benefit Concert & Auction. Allen Tousaaint & Band perform at Bimbo's along with The California Honeydrops, The Shots, and other special guests. And don't forget to mark your calendars for next weekend's Polk Street Blues Festival. Who can resist two days of live music music, arts and crafts, and gourmet food?
When: 7 p.m., Fri. 9/21 and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat. 9/29–Sun. 9/30
Where: Bimbo's, 1025 Columbus Ave. and Polk St. from Jackson to California

Community
Park(ing) Day
Parking meter spaces turn into public gathering places this Friday thanks to Park(ing) Day 2012. Check out what's being done locally as artists take to the streets with everything from interactive installations to makeshift gardens.
When: Fri. 9/21
Where: Various locations across San Francisco

Conversation
Judith Jamison
When it comes to a career in dancing, Judith Jamison has done it all—graced the stage as a member of the American Ballet Theatre and led the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as artistic director. Learn more about this world-renowned artist when she sits down with journalist Farai Chideya as part of The Forum: Conversations at YBCA.  
When: 8 p.m., Sat. 9/22
Where: The Lam Research Theater at YBCA, 701 Mission St.

Beer
New Belgium’s Tour de Fat
What if you could bike through the city, drink beer, and hear live music all day long? The New Belgium Tour de Fat makes this dream a reality, with a bicycle parade to boot! Helmets encouraged.
When: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat. 9/22
Where: Lindley Meadow, Golden Gate Park at 30th Ave.

Fashion
Score! Pop Up Swap
Bring your old accessories and vinyl to the Score! Pop Up Swap event this weekend, and leave with an entirely new collection. Just pay $5 at the door and local non-profits Surfrider SF, 826 Valencia, and Dress For Success San Francisco will be forever grateful.
When: 1-4 p.m., Sat. 9/22
Where: Bold Italic HQ, 34 Page St.