COMING UP THIS WEEK:

Science Fair screening at SETI
This is going to come as a shock to no one, but I was REALLY into science fairs growing up. But I never progressed to the highest of levels within that culture. Science Fair unpacks the weird, wild world of teens trying to solve some grand challenges in science with nothing more than a tri-fold board.
THU AUG 29, 6:30 PM; SETI Institute, Mountain View; Free

You’re Going to Die: Music from the Ash
The SF Columbarium (which is a treat unto itself) hosts a regular series of musicians playing songs about mortality. This month’s edition features the dynamic Calvin Arsenia on harp,  whose Toxic cover is an absolute force.
THU AUG 29, 7:00 PM; SF Columbarium, SF; $20

Mai Tai Roa-Ae – the 75th Anniversary!
The venerable cocktail, supposedly invented at Trader Vic’s in Oakland in 1934, turns 75 this weekend (This is in dispute by some in the cocktail community, but I wouldn’t bring it up over the weekend). Celebrate with a bevy of cocktail specials and tiki themed music.
SAT AUG 31, 1:00 PM; Trader Vic’s, Emeryville; $30 and up

Compton’s Cafeteria Riots 53rd Anniversary
53 years ago – one of the first LGBT riots broke out in the Tenderloin, signify the beginning of transgender activism. Compton’s Cafeteria instituted a service fee to harass transgender customers, leading to a picket of the restaurant – one of the first visible protests of that time period. Celebrate the history at this annual event at Flux in SF.
SAT AUG 31, 5:00 PM; FLUX, SF; Free

Kings Mountain Art Fair
50 art booths, snacks galore, family friendly activities – all under the canopy of redwood trees. The annual festival is back, bigger than ever, to benefit the local fire brigade. I love the early morning breakfast from the cookshack!
SAT – MON AUG 31-SEP 2, 10:00 AM – 5:00PM; Woodside; Free

Sunday Play Streets – Chinese American History Day
Learn about the diverse history Chinese Americans played in the formation and development of San Francisco in this family friendly event. I’m personally interested in the exhibit on Chinese Americans in WWII – something that wasn’t discussed in my history classes growing up.  The events features a number of Anglerfish favorites, like Western Neighborhoods Project and the California Historical Society.
SUN SEP 1, 11:00 AM; Waverly Place, SF; Free

SF Zine Fest
Before there was an app for that, there was a zine for that. Roam the aisles of 150+ zine exhibitors showcasing the still vibrant world of independent and irreverent writing. Plus, there are some panels to boot.
SUN SEP 1, 11:00 AM; County Fair Building in GGP, SF; Free

Bindery: Silent Reading Party
Sometimes, all I really want is a chance for the world to shut up so I can just read a book and enjoy a tasty beverage. The Bindery feels my pain, hosting their monthly silent reading party hosted by SF legend Daniel Handler. Bring a book, wet your beak – and get to reading. There’s a not so silent happy hour edition for those who like a little talk with their book.
TUE SEP 3, 6:00 PM; Book, The Bindery SF; Free, but drink sales benefit a local school