Things to do in San Francisco this week: August 3-7

Lionel Richie’s live shows are a masterclass in how to turn a stadium into a living room, and this summer’s date with Earth, Wind & Fire is the rare double bill that actually lives up to the hype. Richie’s catalog is basically a playlist of moments you forgot you loved—“All Night Long” still gets even the most reserved crowds moving, and “Hello” somehow hits harder in a room full of strangers. Pair that with Earth, Wind & Fire’s brass-driven funk and you’ve got a night that’s less about nostalgia and more about pure, communal joy. Don’t expect a rote run-through of the hits; Richie’s banter and the band’s energy keep things loose and genuinely fun. If you’re overdue for a night that feels like a celebration, this is the one to circle on your calendar.

Downtown First Thursdays has become the rare downtown event that actually feels designed around how people want to spend an evening now: outside, moving between music, food, art and friends without a strict itinerary. The monthly street party takes over Second Street with DJs, live performances, drag, food vendors, shopping and pop-up activations that turn a familiar business corridor into a social space. The appeal is in the mix. You might stop for a drink, catch a set, browse local vendors, then wander into a gallery or karaoke session nearby. The format leaves room for a spontaneous night out rather than a single destination. With programming that changes each month and a strong focus on local performers and businesses, DFT has become a reliable excuse to make downtown part of your evening plans again.

Modest Mouse shows have always felt a bit like controlled chaos, and this Night Show is shaping up to be no exception. The band’s knack for turning existential dread into singalong anthems is still unmatched, and there’s something about hearing “Float On” in a packed room that never gets old. If you’ve caught them at festivals, you know the big moments, but these smaller, late-night sets are where the band’s weirdest instincts come out to play. Expect deep cuts, oddball banter and the kind of setlist detours that only happen when the crowd is full of true believers. The venue’s intimate size means you’ll actually hear the details in those off-kilter guitar lines and Isaac Brock’s famously ragged delivery. If you want to see a band that’s still restless after all these years, this is the night to do it.

The Exploratorium's After Dark series works best when it takes a big idea and turns it into something you can actually play with. Quantum Leap looks at the strange, emerging world of quantum science through the museum's signature mix of hands-on exploration, conversation and experimentation. Rather than approaching quantum physics as something locked away in a lab, the evening invites adults to engage with the concepts behind the technology shaping the future. The program also includes a special presentation on quantum computer music, adding an unexpected creative angle to the science. Like the best Exploratorium nights, the appeal is not about having all the answers before you arrive. It is about following your curiosity, moving through the exhibits at your own pace and leaving with a few new questions. This is a smart choice for a Thursday night when you want something more interesting than the usual bar plans.

IVE’s world tour stop is shaping up to be one of those rare K-pop moments that actually lives up to the hype. If you’ve caught their music videos on loop or found yourself humming “After LIKE” in the grocery store, you already know the appeal: razor-sharp choreography, hooks that stick for days and a sense of fun that doesn’t feel manufactured. What’s different about seeing IVE live is how they play with scale—one minute it’s all high-gloss spectacle, the next it’s stripped back and unexpectedly intimate. The setlists tend to sneak in a few surprises, and the group’s knack for connecting with the crowd is real, not just fan service. Even if you’re not a diehard, this is the kind of show that makes you remember why K-pop took over the world in the first place. Don’t sleep on it.

Hip-hop and meditation might seem like unlikely partners, but Born I explores the space where rhythm, reflection and mindfulness overlap. This soundbath combines guided meditation, crystal bowl tones, spoken word and lo-fi hip-hop into an experience that asks listeners to engage with music in a more intentional way. Rather than treating hip-hop as background noise, the evening focuses on its deeper elements: voice, storytelling and the power of repetition. Born I’s approach feels less like a traditional wellness session and more like a fresh take on what a meditative gathering can be. It is a thoughtful choice for anyone curious about mindfulness but not drawn to familiar formats, or for hip-hop listeners interested in hearing the genre through a quieter, more reflective lens. Expect a space built around listening, slowing down and letting sound do the work.

The Lion King has never needed much help commanding attention, but pairing the 1994 classic with Napa Valley wine gives this screening a more grown-up reason to revisit it. The Walt Disney Family Museum's Perfect Pairing series brings together the film's sweeping storytelling with selections from Frank Family Vineyards, creating an evening that leans into both nostalgia and craft. Along with the screening, guests can take part in themed trivia and a scavenger hunt that add a playful layer without distracting from the main event. The appeal is in seeing a familiar favorite in a new setting, surrounded by fellow fans while enjoying a thoughtfully chosen local pairing. For anyone who considers Disney films part of their personal history, this offers a more relaxed way to reconnect with a classic than simply watching it at home.

Curiosity is part of the appeal here. Tiffany Rice's live mediumship shows have built a devoted following, but the intimate setup makes this stop especially compelling. With fewer than 80 seats, the evening feels closer to a conversation than a theater production, giving space for moments that are personal without promising certainty. If you're interested in how contemporary spiritual events have moved from wellness circles into the cultural mainstream, this is a chance to see that shift up close rather than through social media clips. Go in with an open mind, not a checklist. Readings are not guaranteed, and that's ultimately what keeps the focus on the shared experience instead of individual outcomes. It is an evening that invites reflection as much as belief, making it just as interesting for the curious as it is for longtime followers of this kind of work.

A jazz jam with a burlesque twist, this evening at Paris 75 leans into the playful side of live performance. The Dirty Works Jazz Band brings musicians and singers into the mix for an open jam built around improvisation, keeping the night loose and unpredictable rather than tied to a strict setlist. The burlesque element adds a classic variety show touch, pairing live jazz with performance that celebrates humor, personality and a little theatrical flair. The appeal is in watching musicians create in real time while performers add another layer of character to the room. It’s a good pick for anyone who likes jazz with a sense of spontaneity, especially those who prefer their nights out to feel more like a shared experience than a polished concert.

Free wine usually comes with a catch. This one comes with a spectacular glass atrium instead. Wine Wednesdays at the Conservatory invites a different California winery to One Sansome each week, making every Wednesday a little different from the last. You might discover a bottle you've never heard of, chat with the people who made it or simply find yourself lingering far longer than you planned in one of downtown's most beautiful spaces. The series disappears with summer, so every tasting is another chance to experience a side of the Financial District that feels a world away from the nine-to-five.