Concerts, food festivals, movie screenings, art exhibits and more of the best events and things to do in San Francisco this weekend.
TUESDAY
Odd Salon might sound like a place to get your curls set for Burning Man, but it's actually a series of cocktail gatherings in which speakers, from the amateur to the professionally obsessed, present lectures on odd topics. This week, the discussion revolves around stealing—from the pillaging of King Tut’s tomb to the little-known grave robbing proclivities of our Pilgrim forefathers. With six speakers scheduled, there’s bound to be lots to mull over as you stumble home from the club. Public Works, 161 Erie St; July 11 at 6:30pm.
Photograph: Chloe Jackman, Courtesy P.S.C.
WEDNESDAY
Summer BBQ & Biergarten at Presidio Social Club
Presidio Social Club launched a popular barbecue biergarten last summer and it was such a hit, they’re doing it again. This kick-off party boasts all the BBQ classics, fixins and chef Rene Cruz’s famous cheddar jalapeño cornbread. The biergarten element comes courtesy of Fort Point Brewery, and they’ll be pouring flights of Scotch from Macallan Highland Scotch. Don’t fear if you miss this event — they’ll be out grilling every Wednesday this summer through August 23. 563 Ruger St, Building 563; July 12 at 3pm.
THURSDAY
ArtSpan is bringing the artsy set and the literary scene together at its latest Artist Mixer, in which talented book designers show off the impressive collection of letterpress prints and bookbinding equipment at San Francisco Center for the Book. Whether you linger around the bar or jump into the action to create your own dazzling piece, this spin on the dowdy networking scene is a welcome splash of pure creativity. San Francisco Center for the Book, 375 Rhode Island; July 13 at 6pm.
FRIDAY
The first artist to be signed to Jay Z's Roc Nation label back in 2009, Cole has proven himself adept at applying his zippy flows to a range of stylish beats—from soul to punchy, rock-sampling fist-pumpers. Now running his own show at Dreamville Records, this two-night event kicks off with support from the label’s songstress Ari Lennox and rapper J.I.D. Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland; July 14, 15 at 7pm.
Photograph: Megan Bayley, Courtesy Winter Renegade Craft Fair
SATURDAY
Held in urban epicenters such as Brooklyn, Chicago, Austin and of course, San Francisco, Renegade is a traveling marketplace showcasing work from hundreds of the country’s best contemporary indie craft artists. Aside from booths with traditional wares, Renegade offers all sorts of DIY fun: Learn a new skill from the creative minds of Razzle, partake in seasonal cocktails and be sure to swing by the photo booth for a souvenir. Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd; July 15, 16 at 11am.
You’ve seen the Pixar classics on the screen, and now you can experience your favorite flicks in a whole new way: performed live by the San Francisco Symphony. The program will include music from hits including Monsters, Inc., Ratatouille, and UP. Clips from each film will be shown simultaneously, so you and your family (or fellow child-free friends) can view the action while listening to the familiar tunes being played all around you. 201 Van Ness Ave; July 15 at 7pm, July 6 at 2pm.
A giant of weird pop, alt rock and anti-folk since the early ’90s, Beck makes a welcome return to the Bay Area. He’s touring behind the sneakily-leaked single “Wow” in advance of the highly-anticipated release of his first album since 2014’s Morning Phase. Our favorite Scientologist sold out Friday’s show at Berkeley’s Greek Theater, but you can still grab a ticket for this performance at the Fox. 1807 Telegraph, Oakland; July 15 at 8pm.
Photograph: Courtesy AIDS Walk
SUNDAY
Now in its 30th year, the San Francisco AIDS Walk has raised an astonishing $88 million for HIV programs and services in the Bay Area. The 10k stroll winds through Golden Gate Park, with money raised going to benefit Project Inform, Ward 86 at San Francisco General Hospital and Project Open Hand, among others. A post-walk show featuring Estelle and your favorite queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race is your reward for a good deed done well. Golden Gate Park; July 16 at 8:30am.
Eric Burdon & The Animals at Stern Grove
One of the greatest voices of the British Invasion is bringing his iconic hits to Stern Grove this Sunday as part of its free summer concert series. Pack a picnic, grab a spot early, and listen to classic rock anthems like “House of the Rising Sun” and “See See Rider” expertly performed by Eric Burdon & The Animals. Opening act The Stone Foxes are a bonafide San Francisco favorite, and will be performing a brand new tune as part of the Interplay local artist commission series. 19th Ave & Sloat Blvd; July 16 at 2pm.
Just off of his fourth season on S.N.L., comedian Kyle Mooney brings his endearingly stilted stylings to the cozy Independent theater for a live show. He'll be joined by his best friends and creative partner Dave McCary for an evening of character bits, video sketches (a medium that Mooney is known for on S.N.L.) and more. 628 Divisadero St; July 16 at 5pm, 8pm.