Now through 9/7 Saturday
Theater: Shipping & Handling
Crowded Fire Theater’s premiere of Star Finch’s Shipping & Handling offers a steamy cauldron of black magic. With a throughline story about artificial intelligence and robots, the production offers viewers an opportunity to listen in as a set of Black characters, individually and as a community, grapple with a longstanding, and still quite present, history of oppression and false promises while navigating a world about to change or stay very much the same. The audience is invited to become a part of the play, in a non-threatening but provocative way. Thursday, 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees, 3 p.m. Tickets $20+, no one turned away for lack of funds; http://www.crowdedfire.org/shipping. Magic Theatre Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd, Landmark Building D, San Francisco
Now through 11/2 Saturday
Art: Potrero Hill Perspectives
Potrero Hill Perspectives: A Neighborhood’s Artistic Legacy features work by influential Hill artists made between 1920 and 1990, alongside pieces by contemporary California artists. The exhibition showcases paintings, drawings, prints, and sculpture inspired by San Francisco’s views, architecture, and residents to spotlight the role artists play in defining a neighborhood. Artists include Robert Bechtle, Ruth Cravath, Bob Hayes, and Lionel Edwards. Organized by Peter Linenthal, author, illustrator, and Potrero Hill Archives Project director. Free. California College of the Arts, Campus Gallery, 1480 17th Street. For more information: https://bit.ly/3XbLKbd
9/5 Thursday
History: African American Shipyard History Quilt Project Reception
Shipyard Artists Stacey Carter and William Rhodes spent the past year uncovering the shipyard’s past. The exhibit will showcase historic documents and oral histories documented by Carter alongside collaborative quilts created by Rhodes. 6 to 8 p.m. Free. Hunters Point Shipyard, Building 101, 451 Galvez Avenue. For more information: https://bit.ly/3XcAwmZ
9/5 Thursday through 9/7 Saturday
Film: Bernal Outdoor Cinema
This year’s screenings will expand to a new corridor where Bernal’s western slope meets Mission and 29th streets. On Thursday 9/5, Mission Street Café will be transformed into a pop-up theater. On Friday 9/6, broadcasts return to Cortland Avenue, including at an art gallery, former bank space, framing shop, café, engineering office, and the library. On Saturday 9/7, Precita Park hosts the events traditional “Under the Stars” outdoor screening featuring films for all ages. Free. For more information: https://bhoutdoorcine.org/
9/6 Friday to 9/27 Friday
Art: Four-Week Painting Class
The Intuitive Painting is perfect for the beginner or the continuing student. All materials provided; high quality paint, brushes, paper. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., four Fridays. $257; online: $220. The Center for Creative Exploration, 300 Chenery Street. For more information: https://bit.ly/3Az34OA
9/8 Sunday
Architecture: Noe Valley Historic Home Tour
The Victorian Alliance of San Francisco hosts a historic home tour in Noe Valley. Visit seven unique historic homes on a self-guided tour. 1 to 5 p.m. $12 to $55. Group rate available. For more information: https://bit.ly/3yVyKx2
9/12 Thursday
Music: Flower Piano Opening Night Celebration and Concert
For 10 days Flower Piano will transform the San Francisco Botanical Garden into an alfresco concert hall where everyone is invited to play and listen. The opening night concert stars Orquesta La Moderna Tradición, an Afro-Cuban charanga orchestra, featuring violins and woodwinds interlocking with driving rhythms. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Opening night event: $63.75. 9/13 Friday to 9/22 Sunday: free. For more information: https://bit.ly/3YTspg9
9/14 Saturday – 9/15 Sunday
Community: Autumn Moon Festival
For two days, Chinatown will be filled with arts and crafts sellers, food stalls, live music, contemporary entertainment, mooncakes, lion dancing, and family-friendly fun. This year’s event will feature a dumpling contest for all ages, with prizes. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Grant Avenue between California and Broadway. For more information: https://www.moonfestival.org/
9/19 Thursday
Art: Artspan’s SF Open Studios Exhibition Artlaunch
The exhibition features the work of participating Open Studio artists. VIP Preview, $75 to $100, 6 to 7 p.m., includes membership level options. General admission, $25, 7 to 9 p.m. DJ music, one drink ticket, and donation-based bar for additional libations. 21+ event. SOMArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan Street. For more information: https://bit.ly/3MzMTDD
9/20 Friday
Jazz: Will Bernard/Beth Custer with Ellen Gronningen
Guitarist Will Bernard, clarinetist/singer Beth Custer and violinist Ellen Gronningen perform music from their release “SKY.” Doors: 7 p.m. Show: 7:30 p.m. $25 to $30. Red Poppy Art House, 2698 Folsom Street. For more information: https://bit.ly/3MjzJtW
9/27 Friday through 9/29 Sunday
Art: Don Hershman Open Studios
Don Hershman, long time Potrero Hill resident, is a podiatric surgeon and fine art painter. As a child, Hershman was profoundly influenced by field trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Although he felt he needed a “secure” career, he never lost sight of his creative side. His art has been exhibited at the de Young Open and galleries across the country. Fall Open Studios. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday preview: 6 to 9 p.m. Free. 1890 Bryant Street Studios, 1890 Bryant Street. For more information: https://bit.ly/46YzLkO
9/28 Saturday
Community: The Park Market at Crane Cove Park
Food and drink vendors and activities, including free paddle boarding lessons from Dogpatch Paddle. The September market will feature a section of vendors curated by Fierce Fat Femme. Live music by Mae Powell, with opener Michael Michael Motorcycle. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Crane Cove Park, Illinois and 18th streets. For more information: https://bit.ly/47cqyWd
9/28 Saturday
Dance: YBG Dance Day
Dance Day transforms Yerba Buena Gardens into an outdoor dance studio where participants can sample a variety of traditions and styles with Bay Area teachers. Classes are one-hour long. Genres include salsa, bachata, body percussion, rhythm & motion, soul line dance, contemporary dance, and dancehall. Bring comfortable shoes, a water bottle and curiosity for movement. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Great Lawn, Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission Street between Third and Fourth streets. For more information: https://bit.ly/46W92W3