1) Noise Pop 2013 Festival Freebies
Billed as San Francisco’s favorite indie music, art, and film fest, the Noise Pop 2013 Festival runs from February 26 to March 3, with at least a dozen events in various venues around the City. Free events include nightly Noise Pop Happy Hours at Bender’s Bar & Grill (806 South Van Ness @ 19th) from 5 to 8pm. Happy Hour headliners include Great White Buffalo (rock) on Wednesday, Francisco the Man (alt pop) on Thursday, Golden Void (psychedelic) on Friday, and The White Barons (punk/rock & roll) on Saturday. Tiny Telephone recording studios is also hosting a free Open House and 15th Anniversary Party with drinks and indie music, starting at 7 pm on Thursday (2/28). Browse the full schedule of events online, or download the app.
2) Sip & Shop
Who needs candlelit dressing rooms when you can drink while shopping? If adult beverages would improve your shopping experience, try the Sip & Shop Party this Thursday (6 - 9 pm) at The Factory Label in SoMa (370 4th Street - entrance on Clara). They’ll be serving up free cocktails, a DJ, personal styling, and locally-produced fashions at a 15% discount. It’s free to join the shopping party, but RSVP is required.
3) Vaudeville Night
If free alcohol isn’t enough to make Thursday night shopping appealing, there’s always W*A*S*H Vaudeville Night at Red Devil Lounge (1695 Polk St., @ Clay). W*A*S*H stands for “We’re All Stars Here,” and a $5 cover charge grants you access to an experimental comedy and music variety show where the line between performers and audience is blurry, indeed. This week’s line-up features a singer, a stand-up comic, and DJ Real, a musical comedy act with costume changes and bad dance moves. Drink specials include $5 Cabaret Cosmos and draft beer, and $9 Strong Island Ice Teas (double Long Island). Roux the Day serves authentic Louisiana style dishes. Guests are also encouraged to bring in take-out from neighborhood restaurants.
4) Hillbilly Hootenanny
The Riptide (3639 Taraval) in Outer Sunset may be off the beaten path, but it’s gaining a reputation for hosting off-the-hook performances via The Hillbilly Hootenanny West Side Revue. The first Sunday of every month, Riptide hosts a new line-up of local and touring acts in Americana, Hillbilly, Honky Tonk, Bluegrass, and Country. They’ve featured as many as 20 acts in one night, so there’s sure to be something you’ll like. The show starts at 7:30 pm, and admission is free. The Bacon Bloody Mary elicits raves from regulars, as does the fireside seating.
5) Sunday Bloody Sunday
St. Mary’s Pub in Bernal Heights is uphill from wherever you are, but it’s worth the sacrifice on Sundays. The friendly bartenders will absolve your thirst with seven different Bloody Marys for $7, every Sunday, starting at noon. If penance is due, try the Inferno Mary, made with homemade habanero sauce. Located at 3845 Mission, between College and Crescent Ave., this dog-friendly dive bar is known for strong drinks, a kick-ass jukebox, and a pool table with short cue sticks, to accommodate the tight surroundings. They don’t serve food, but you can bring your own from Giovanni’s Pizza Bistro next door, or pop in to nearby La Santaneca for take-out pupusas.
