All Events

Julius Caesar

The A.C.T. OUT Tour’s production of Julius Caesar seeks to explore the dangers political figures pose to democracy amidst contemporary societal polarization. This adaptation features a modern verse translation by Shishir Kurup and is directed by Rebecca J. Ennals. With a tight 90-minute runtime, seven dynamic actors bring the classic story to life through engaging audience interactions. The production is structured to include public performances and school/community tours, making it accessible to a variety of audiences. It’s highly recommended for mature middle and high school students and adults due to its themes of violence and political conflict, portrayed through Shakespeare's deeply character-driven narrative and rich language.

American Conservatory Theater
Wed, Mar 12 • 5:00 PM

Tommy Orange with Kaveh Akbar

We are delighted that New York Times bestselling author Tommy Orange will be in conversation with Kaveh Akbar discussing *Wandering Stars*, the masterful sequel to his breakout bestseller *There There*. This event will explore the complex narratives surrounding historical events like the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864, examining the legacies through the eyes of a family across generations. Orange's storytelling weaves together the personal and collective traumas of Native American history, inviting readers to reflect on profound themes of identity and resilience. Join us to witness a powerful discussion that promises to be enlightening and moving, as both authors share their unique perspectives and engage with the audience about their literary journeys.

Kepler's Books
Wed, Mar 12 • 7:00 PM

April Non-Fiction Book Club

This month the Kepler’s Non-Fiction Book Club will discuss A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold. Few books have had a greater impact than A Sand County Almanac, which many credit with launching a revolution in land management. Written as a series of sketches based principally upon the flora and fauna in a rural part of Wisconsin, the book, originally published by Oxford in 1949, gathers informal pieces written by Leopold over a forty-year period as he traveled through the woodlands of Wisconsin, Iowa, Arizona, Sonora, Oregon, Manitoba, and elsewhere; a final section addresses the philosophical issues involved in wildlife conservation. Beloved for its description and evocation of the natural world, Leopold's book, which has sold well over 2 million copies, remains a foundational text in environmental science and a national treasure. You can order a copy of the book from Kepler’s here.

Kepler's Books
Tues, Apr 1 • 3:00 PM

Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, Marcus Gilmore

These four exclusive concerts bring together three of the greatest artists in jazz today, including pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Marcus Gilmore. Described by The New York Times as “the most influential jazz pianist of the last 20 years,” Mehldau has done more to extend and refine the piano trio’s possibilities than any artist in the last quarter century. Christian McBride, an eight-time GRAMMY winner and former SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Director, is considered the premier jazz bassist of the 21st century. Marcus Gilmore, heir to jazz royalty, is known for his dynamic performances with renowned artists. This collaboration promises a remarkable musical experience.

SFJAZZ Center
Thurs, Apr 3 • 7:30 PM

Dreamstate

Welcome to your trance destination. Created in 2015, Dreamstate carries the mantle for all forms of trance music—from deep progressive to psytrance and all BPMs in between—and aspires to create an experience as vivid and diverse as the genre it was inspired by. Envision a world where ethereal beats and timeless melodies transport you from the everyday to a higher state of understanding. Trance music has the power to connect, the power to soothe, and the power to heal. At Dreamstate, we experience that power together. A global movement backed by a passionate community, Dreamstate has held festivals in Mexico, the UK, Australia, Poland, Canada, and all throughout the United States. Dreamstate-hosted stages have also been featured at EDCs in China and India. Grab your boarding pass and prepare to enter Dreamstate. Ages 18 & Over. Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Cow Palace
Fri, Apr 4 • 12:00 AM

Dreamstate

Welcome to your trance destination. Created in 2015, Dreamstate carries the mantle for all forms of trance music—from deep progressive to psytrance and all BPMs in between—and aspires to create an experience as vivid and diverse as the genre it was inspired by. Envision a world where ethereal beats and timeless melodies transport you from the everyday to a higher state of understanding. Trance music has the power to connect, the power to soothe, and the power to heal. At Dreamstate, we experience that power together. A global movement backed by a passionate community, Dreamstate has held festivals in Mexico, the UK, Australia, Poland, Canada, and all throughout the United States. Dreamstate-hosted stages have also been featured at EDCs in China and India. Grab your boarding pass and prepare to enter Dreamstate. Ages 18 & Over.

Cow Palace
Sat, Apr 5 • 12:00 AM

The Avett Brothers

Three-time GRAMMY Award nominees The Avett Brothers made mainstream waves with their critically acclaimed 2009 major label debut, 'I and Love and You.' In 2012, 'The Carpenter' hit #4 on the Billboard 200, followed by 'Magpie and the Dandelion' in 2013, which debuted at #5. Their 2016 album, 'True Sadness,' debuted at #1 on multiple Billboard charts. In 2019, they released 'Closer Than Together,' featuring the single 'High Steppin’.' The band's recent album is a collection of songs that revealed themselves over time. They have earned accolades such as induction into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association. Don't miss this opportunity to see them live on April 10, 2025.

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Thurs, Apr 10 • 7:00 PM

The Comedy of Errors

Shakespeare’s quintessential comedy, this farcical tale of separated families and mistaken identities delights audiences young and old. Antipholus and his servant, Dromio, travel in search of a long-lost family member, only to get mixed up in a madcap race against the clock, love-at-first-double-take, run-ins with local law enforcement, and double trouble—times two. Christina Anderson’s translation maintains all we love about Shakespeare’s language even as it updates the jokes and wordplay, breathing new life into the double (and triple) entendres. This madcap whirl through bawdy adventures, mad scientists, romance, heartfelt reunions, and even a few happy endings will excite and titillate any audience. Additional support for The Comedy of Errors is provided by the Hitz Foundation and Play On Shakespeare. The play is directed by Devin Brain and is presented by The Acting Company.

American Conservatory Theater
Tues, Apr 22 • 7:30 PM

Pat Thomas / Evergreen Review: Dispatches from the Literary Underground: Covers & Essays 1957-1973

Join us for an engaging discussion with Pat Thomas about his new book, 'Evergreen Review: Dispatches from the Literary Underground: Covers & Essays 1957-1973'. This event celebrates the publication of an awe-inspiring compilation that reflects the radical art, essays, and photography from the groundbreaking magazine of the Beat Generation. The discussion will delve into the contributions of notable figures like Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs and explores the magazine's historical impact on outsider literature. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a vibrant exploration of a cornerstone of countercultural history, which will include full-color reprints of all issues from 1957 to 1973 and insights from the author himself.

City Lights Bookstore
Tues, May 13 • 7:00 PM

Jemimah Wei

Stegner Fellow Jemimah Wei joins us with her dazzling debut novel that explores the formation and dissolution of family bonds in a story of ambition and sisterhood in turn-of-the-millennium Singapore. Before Arin, Genevieve Yang was an only child, but when Arin appears, the shameful legacy of a grandfather long believed to be dead, everything changes. The sisters navigate the intensity of life, driven by their parents’ high expectations, ultimately forcing Genevieve to weigh ambition against familial love. The Original Daughter is a major literary debut, rich with emotional clarity and social insight. Jemimah Wei, currently a Stegner Fellow at Stanford, has received numerous accolades for her writing and creative contributions.

Kepler's Books
Thurs, May 15 • 7:00 PM

Shelby Van Pelt - Remarkably Bright Creatures

Join us at Book Passage for an author event in celebration of the paperback release of Shelby Van Pelt's highly acclaimed debut novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures! The novel tells a charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Tova Sullivan seeks solace in her nightly work amidst memories of her vanished son, leading to a remarkable friendship with Marcellus, an octopus who holds the key to Tova's past. This debut novel is a gentle reminder of the healing power of unexpected connections and the importance of facing one’s past to uncover a brighter future.

Book Passage
Sat, May 17 • 4:00 PM

Co-Founders

Witness the launch of the next great hip-hop musical, born in the heart of the Bay! Co-Founders is the story of an underrated young Oakland coder, Esata, who hacks her way into the most competitive startup accelerator in San Francisco. Determined to save her house as an influx of wealth threatens to push her community out, Esata forms an unlikely partnership with a prep-school dropout. In a field where the privileged make a killing while folks across the bridge grind to survive, can Esata win Silicon Valley’s game without leaving her community behind? Created by three extraordinary Bay Area voices, the piece features a deliciously catchy score that draws from the Bay’s rich hip-hop traditions, as well as soul, gospel, funk, jazz, R&B, and more. Employing visual technology entirely new to theater, Co-Founders is a sharply funny, deeply felt, exuberant celebration of the Bay and the dreamers, hustlers, and innovators that make it magical.

American Conservatory Theater
Thurs, May 29 • 7:30 PM

Do You Feel Anger?

Marin Theatre closes its 24-25 season with the Bay Area premiere of a hilarious workplace play that the New York Times called 'Flat-out hilarious. Ingenious and inspired.' An outrageous comedy that highlights the absurdity and danger of a world where some people's feelings are prioritized over others. Sofia is hired as an empathy coach at a debt collection agency, where she finds her work cut out for her. The employees can barely identify what an emotion is, much less practice deep, radical compassion for others. As they stumble towards enlightenment, hidden tensions of this carefree workplace bubble to the surface, leading to uproarious and eye-opening revelations. The New Yorker lauded it as 'Disquieting as it is funny. A rare throwback to classic absurdism.' Please be advised this production contains adult language.

Marin Theatre Company
Thurs, Jun 5 • 7:30 PM