Free Events

Analog Mondays @ Manny's

Unplug and Hang... and join us for a Bibliomancy Session! Unplug in the comfort of Manny's café as you connect with friends old and new over classic board games and card decks (provided by Manny's), or bring along your favorite books, crafts, journals, sketchbooks, etc. Whether playing a game or quietly working on a passion project, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for sparking inspiration and meeting new people. Ongoing, we will offer Bibliomancy, or book divination - an ancient practice that offers us insight about our personal lives, much like tarot card reading. Bibliomancy readings are offered by Scott Sessions at a sliding scale of $10-$45. This will be a phone-free event.

Manny's

Mon, Mar 2 • 7:00 PM

Judith Enck with Adam Mahoney / The Problem with Plastic

Join Judith Enck in conversation with Adam Mahoney as they discuss their new book, 'The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It’s Too Late.' This virtual event, presented by City Lights in collaboration with Beyond Plastics and the SF Bay Chapter Physicians for Social Responsibility, will explore the impact of plastic pollution on human health and the environment. Enck and Mahoney will emphasize the urgent need for action against plastic’s toxic legacy by revealing how plastic pollution contributes to significant environmental issues and discusses practical tools to drive legislative change.

City Lights Bookstore

Mon, Mar 9 • 6:00 PM

Sana Javeri Kadri & Asha Loupy Author Talk • The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook

Join us for an engaging author talk with Sana Javeri Kadri, founder of the Diaspora Spice Co., and Asha Loupy, co-author of The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook. Happening on Thursday, March 12th at 6:30 PM at Omnivore Books, this event is free to attend. The authors will discuss their journey in building a sustainable spice trade and the recipes from their cookbook, which celebrates seasonal cooking from India's and Sri Lanka’s best spice farms. Both authors have significant backgrounds in food writing and sustainable practices, making this a unique opportunity to learn about their work as well as enjoy a vibrant community gathering.

Omnivore Books

Thurs, Mar 12 • 6:30 PM

Ella Quittner Author Talk • Obsessed with the Best

Join us for a captivating evening with Ella Quittner, a food writer, cultural journalist, and screenwriter known for her work with The New York Times and other prominent publications. Ella will discuss her latest project, 'Obsessed with the Best,' which explores culinary perfection through creative recipes and meticulous cooking methods. This event is free to attend and will be held at Omnivore Books on Food on March 16th at 6:30 PM. Seating is on a first come, first served basis, and the author will be mic'd for clarity. Books will be available for pre-order and on-site purchase. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to engage with culinary insights and a lively conversation about the art of cooking.

Omnivore Books

Mon, Mar 16 • 6:30 PM

Amon & Jenna Muller Author Talk • Full Belly: Recipes and Stories from a Family Farm

Join Amon and Jenna Muller, second-generation owners of Full Belly Farm, for an engaging author talk about their book "Full Belly: Recipes and Stories from a Family Farm." The event will take place on Tuesday, March 17th at 6:30 PM at Omnivore Books on Food. This talk features insights into their experiences running one of California's oldest sustainable farms, sharing recipes that highlight seasonal ingredients and sustainable practices. Attendees will learn about the importance of connection to food systems. The event is free to attend, and pre-orders of the book are available for pickup.

Omnivore Books

Tues, Mar 17 • 6:30 PM

Trevor Warmedahl Author Talk • Cheese Trekking: How Microbes, Landscapes, Livestock, and Human Cultures Shape Terroir

Join us for an engaging author talk with Trevor Warmedahl, a nomadic cheesemaker, as he discusses his experiences in cheese making and the socio-cultural aspects related to it. Trevor shares insights from his book 'Cheese Trekking,' where he recounts his journeys to various pastoral communities around the world. This event will take place on Thursday, March 19th at 6:30 PM, and is free to attend at our shop. First come, first served seating is available, and overflow seating will be outdoors if necessary.

Omnivore Books

Thurs, Mar 19 • 6:30 PM

Hannah Lillith Assadi

Join us for an evening with Hannah Lillith Assadi as she reads from her new novel, 'Paradiso 17', published by Alfred A. Knopf. This event is brought to you by Litquake and City Lights, celebrating literature and community engagement. The story explores the life of Sufien, born in Palestine on the brink of 1948’s Nakba, detailing his journey through exile, love, and finding his path. Assadi, a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 honoree, has been recognized for her compelling storytelling and connection to immigrant experiences.

City Lights Bookstore

Tues, Mar 24 • 7:00 PM

Ham El-Waylly Author Talk • Hello, Home Cooking: Do-Able Dishes for Every Day

Join us for an engaging author talk with chef and recipe developer Ham El-Waylly, who will discuss his new book, 'Hello, Home Cooking: Do-Able Dishes for Every Day'. Ham El-Waylly is known for his acclaimed Brooklyn restaurant, Strange Delight, and his contributions to NYT Cooking. The event will feature discussion about comfort meals that use core flavors from various cuisines. Attendees can expect a variety of recipes and cooking tips aimed at both novice and experienced cooks. This free event will be held on March 30th at 6:30 PM in our shop, and seating is first-come, first-served.

Omnivore Books

Mon, Mar 30 • 6:30 PM

Judith A. Peraino and Tom McEnaney / Punk Archives for the Present

Join Judith A. Peraino and Tom McEnaney as they discuss their new book, 'We’re Having Much More Fun: Punk Archives for the Present from CBGB to Gilman and Beyond', published by Cornell University Press. This event, part of the celebration for the book's launch, explores how punks have built and documented their own misfit collectives since the mid-1970s, featuring diverse voices and perspectives. The book showcases over four hundred color images of rare punk artifacts, interviews, and essays that reflect the evolution of punk culture and its significant impact on music and art.

City Lights Bookstore

Tues, Mar 31 • 7:00 PM

KidZone

Step into the magical world of the Kid Zone at Stern Grove Festival, where Little Grovers can explore a wonderland of activities like face painting, an Instrument Petting Zoo, games, and more every week! Spark your child's love for music and fun while creating unforgettable memories in our enchanting family-friendly space. KidZone is located in the Esplanade and has fun programming each week from 12:30-3pm.

Stern Grove

Wed, Apr 1 • 12:30 PM

Wayne Koestenbaum / My Lover, the Rabbi: A Novel

City Lights welcomes back Wayne Koestenbaum in honor of his new novel: 'My Lover, the Rabbi: A Novel.' This virtual event is a celebration of Koestenbaum's latest work, published by FSG Originals, exploring a psychosexual relationship between a rabbi and the man devoted to him. As the narrator navigates a complex and obsessive bond, the narrative delves into themes of desire and identity, leading to a captivating exploration of love's intricacies. The event features Wayne Koestenbaum in conversation with Tausif Noor, providing insights into this unique literary work. Registration is required for participation.

City Lights Bookstore

Wed, Apr 1 • 6:00 PM

TW Lim Author Talk • Little Perfections: Eating in Singapore

Join us for an engaging author talk with TW Lim, who is known for his exploration of food and value in his new book, 'Little Perfections: Eating in Singapore.' This event will allow attendees to delve into the culinary culture of Singapore through the eyes of an author who is also a chef and restaurant owner. The talk will take place on Thursday, April 2nd, starting at 6:30 PM, and is free to attend at our shop. Seating is first come, first served, with additional overflow seating available outside.

Omnivore Books

Thurs, Apr 2 • 6:30 PM

Analog Mondays @ Manny's

Unplug in the comfort of Manny’s café as you connect with friends old and new over classic board games and card decks (provided by Manny’s), or bring along your favorite books, crafts, journals, sketchbooks etc. Whether playing a game or quietly working on a passion project, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for sparking inspiration and meeting new people. Ongoing, we will offer Bibliomancy, or book divination - an ancient practice that offers us insight into our personal lives, much like tarot card reading. Bibliomancy readings are offered by Scott Sessions at a sliding scale of $10-$45. This will be a phone-free event, with phone pouches provided by Yondr.

Manny's

Mon, Apr 6 • 7:00 PM

Khiara M. Bridges in conversation with Jyesha Wren

City Lights and The MIT Press celebrate the publication of 'Expecting Inequity: How the Maternal Health Crisis Affects Even the Wealthiest Black Americans' by Khiara M. Bridges. This virtual event will explore the critical issues surrounding maternal healthcare inequities, particularly affecting Black women, and features the author in discussion with Certified Nurse-Midwife Jyesha Wren. Join us on Zoom for an insightful conversation about this important topic.

City Lights Bookstore

Tues, Apr 7 • 6:00 PM

Fort Mason Night Market 2026

The Night Market is presented by Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture (FMCAC), Stern Grove Festival, West Coast Craft, Off The Grid, and FMCAC Resident Groups. This popular indoor/outdoor market transforms the historic FMCAC campus into a dynamic showcase of local artisans, cuisine, and entertainment. Following the success of an inaugural night market in December 2024, FMCAC and partners are teaming up again for the monthly Fort Mason Friday Night Market series. The outdoor market features various food vendors, crafts, workshops, and live music, attracting both locals and visitors to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere along the stunning waterfront views.

Fort Mason Center

Fri, Apr 24 • 5:00 PM

Bug Day

Check out an incredible array of insects at the Randall Museum’s annual Bug Day, one of San Francisco’s best family activities. Do you adore arthropods, or do creepy crawlies make you queasy? Either way you’ll find something here to inspire your inner entomologist. Join in the insect-inspired fun and learn how important these little creatures are to the earth and our survival here. Kids and their families can make their own fabulous bug-related crafts to take home, see and touch live exotic insects, take a scientific look at insects through microscopes, compete in the Insect Olympics, and perhaps even EAT a bug or two.

Randall Museum

Thurs, Apr 30

Linford D. Fisher / Stealing America: The Hidden Story of Indigenous Slavery in U.S. History

Join Linford D. Fisher as he discusses his new book, 'Stealing America: The Hidden Story of Indigenous Slavery in U.S. History,' published by Liveright. This virtual event, hosted by City Lights Booksellers and Stolen Relations, focuses on the largely overlooked history of Indigenous enslavement in America from the arrival of Europeans in 1492, highlighting the experiences of Native people and the long-lasting impact of this dark chapter in American history. Registration is required to attend this insightful conversation on Zoom.

City Lights Bookstore

Mon, May 11 • 6:00 PM

FOOD & DRINK

The Food & Drink event at Stern Grove Festival invites attendees to enjoy a delightful variety of culinary experiences. Participants can indulge in delicious offerings from Tante's Concessions located in the Esplanade, where a range of tasty foods is available. The festival also features a selection of food trucks in the West Meadow, changing weekly, providing fresh options for guests. Visitors are encouraged to stop by three different bars throughout the festival for a diverse assortment of beverages. Additionally, attendees are invited to bring their own picnics, allowing them to showcase their favorite foods, share with neighbors, and enjoy a relaxed, communal atmosphere.

Stern Grove

Mon, Jun 1

2026 Picnic Table Reservations

Plan ahead for an unforgettable summer gathering with friends and family at the Grove. Your donation not only secures your table, but also supports free, live music for all to enjoy. Join us for a summer of joyous celebration and communal enjoyment at the Stern Grove Festival.

Stern Grove

Mon, Jun 1

Stern Grove Festival

The Stern Grove Festival is the longest running non-profit music festival in the United States, providing FREE live music to San Francisco for 89 years. The festival features a diverse lineup of musical performances in a lush outdoor setting, making it a beloved community event. Attendees can enjoy a variety of genres in beautiful surroundings, suitable for all ages. This popular event not only showcases talented artists but also promotes community spirit and engagement.

Stern Grove

Mon, Jun 1 • 2:00 PM

SUSTAINABILITY

Stern Grove is YOUR park. Leave it better than you found IT. Help reduce waste and keep our park beautiful by bringing reusable food containers and water bottles. Please put trash, recycling & compost in the proper receptacles located throughout the festival. Make sure to bring your reusable bottle along and top it up at the free water stations scattered across the festival site! You can enjoy freshly filtered water and dive straight back into the music.

Stern Grove

Mon, Jun 15

Sunset Series

Join us at the Stern Grove Sunset Series, a weekly party in San Francisco to keep the summer vibes going after the festival ends. Enjoy local venues, support musicians, get drink deals, and giveaways! Don't forget to show your Stern Grove ticket at the door for exclusive offers. Dates include exciting events featuring local artists like The Heeters, Harlan Records, and Kilowatt, each with unique specials. Let’s celebrate the spirit of summer together!

Stern Grove

Mon, Jun 15 • 7:00 PM

Bug Day

Check out an incredible array of insects at the Randall Museum's annual Bug Day, one of San Francisco's best family activities. Do you adore arthropods, or do creepy crawlies make you queasy? Either way, you'll find something here to inspire your inner entomologist. Join in the insect-inspired fun and learn how important these little creatures are to the earth and our survival here. Kids and their families can make their own fabulous bug-related crafts to take home, see and touch live exotic insects, take a scientific look at insects through microscopes, compete in the Insect Olympics, and perhaps even EAT a bug or two.

Randall Museum

Wed, Sep 30 • 10:00 AM