Let's kick off 2020 with some new and classic arts events. Make a resolution to soak up more culture.
THU 2
Beyond the Rainbow: Building Queer Symbologies @ GLBT History Museum
Presentation and workshop exploring the history of LGTQ symbols, including Gilbert Baker's rainbow flag. $5. 7pm. Also, Performance, Protest & Politics: Gilbert Baker's Art, an exhibit of the works and ephemera by and about the creator of the Rainbow Flag. $5. 4127 18th St. www.glbthistory.org
Classic and New Films @ Castro Theatre
Jan 2: Pedro Almodovar's Pain and Glory (6:30) and Volver (8:35). Jan 2: Pain and Glory (7pm) and Law of Desire (9pm). Jan 4: Anna Karina double-feature, with Vivre Sa Vie (7pm) and Band of Outsiders (8:35). Jan 5: Disney's The Little Mermaid sing-along (2pm). Jan 5: Gay Chorus, Deep South (5pm, 7pm). Jan 6 & 7: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (4pm, 6:15, 8:30). Jan 8: David Bowie double-feature with Labyrinth (7pm) and The Hunger (9pm). Jan 9: SF Sketchfest opening night with Maria Bamford and josie Long ($29-$49, www.sfsketchfest.com). $8-$16. 429 Castro St. http://www.castrotheatre.com
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child @ Curran Theater
The West Coast premiere of the acclaimed two-part play about Harry Potter's son, and his time-traveling misadventures at Hogwarts Academy, includes amazing special effects in the transformed Curran Theater. Same-day and subsequent night tickets available. $59-$300. Thru July 12, 2020. 445 Geary St. www.harrypottertheplay.com https://sfcurran.com/
Strange @ BAM/PFA
Strange, a Surrealist-inspired group exhibit of works by Goya, Magritte, Cidny Sherman, Jack Smith, and many others, thru Jan 5. Film screenings, too. 2155 Center St., Berkeley. www.bampfa.org
Survival Architecture @ Museum of Craft & Design
Survival Architecture and the Art of Resilience and Linda Gass: And Then This Happened..., fabric maps and multimedia (both thru May 3). 2569 3rd St. www.sfmcd.org
FRI 3
Eric McCracken @ Strut
Opening reception for Me, Myself and My Dirty Mind, the artist's exhibit of surrealist erotic gay art; drinks and snacks, too. 8pm-10pm. Exhibit thru Jan. 470 Castro St. www.strutsf.org
Groundhog Day the Musical @ SF Playhouse
Tim Minchin and Danny Rubin's musical adaptation of the surreal-comic Bill Murray film about a weatherman who gets stuck repeating the same day. $35-$125. Thru Jan 18. 450 Post St. www.sfplayhouse.org
Older and Out @ North Berkeley Senior Center
Weekly group discussion about problems for elders in the LGBT community. 3:15pm. 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley. www.pacificcenter.org
SAT 4
Animation Exhibits @ Walt Disney Museum
Mickey Mouse: From Walt to the World (extended thru Feb. 17), and other exhibits of animation art by the prolific studio's artists. 104 Montgomery St, The Presidio. $5-$25. 10am-6pm. Closed Tue. http://wdfmuseum.org/
The Batman Armory @ Cartoon Art Museum
Artwork, Batman props and costumes on display, thru Feb. 16. Pre-Code Horror: Scary Stories and Ghastly Graphics from EC Comics, thru March 1. Gemma Correll's witty cartoons in the Emerging Artist Showcase, thru March 29. Free/$10. 11am-5pm daily; closed Wed. 781 Beach St. www.cartoonart.org
Cockettes Are Golden @ Victoria Theatre
50th anniversary celebration of the legendary SF gender-bending musical ensemble whose performers included Sylvester, Divine, Mink Stole, Scrumbly Koldewyn, Pristine Condition, Pam Tent and other fabulous people, with onstage interviews and live performances. $30-$50. 8pm. 2961 16th St. www.victoriatheatre.org
Events @ Manny's
Jan 4, 8pm: Live Comedy night. 1/6, 6:30pm: Lessons From the 2010s. 1/7, 6:30pm: Science of Earthquakes. 1/8, 5pm: Aspen Tech Policy Hub. 7pm: Ben Wilker, WI Democratic Chair. 1/9, 6pm: Greg Dalton on 2020 elections. 3092 16th St. www.welcometomannys.com
Head Over Heels @ New Conservatory Theatre Center
The music of the Go-Go's, with story and book by Sir Philip Sydney and Jeff Whitty, presents a royal modern fairy tale. $34-$49. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Jan 12. 25 Van Ness Ave., lower level. www.nctcsf.org
Kaleidoscope @ Exploratorium
Artist Karina Smigla-Bobinski's exhibit of interactive swirling electronic colors panels; thru Jan 20. Also, Cells to Self, an exhibit with amazing displays showing how single cells in the human body work, portraits engineered from DNA and more (talks, hands-on workshops and nightlife events). $10-$30. Pier 15 at Embarcadero. www.exploratorium.edu
LGBTQ Histories from the WWII Home Front
@ Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center, Richmond
Park indoor exhibit that showcases the lives of historic LGBT people. Open daily 10am-5pm. 1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000, Richmond. www.nps.gov/rori/index.htm
Modern Art Exhibits @ SF MOMA
Soft Power, a new exhibit of 20 artists, 12 countries, 58 new works. The Chronicles of San Francisco, photo-muralist JR's interactive community giant group portrait; also, Don't! Photography and the Art of Mistakes; Far Out: Suits, Habs, and Labs for Outer Space; other exhibits of Modern art. Free/$25. Fri-Tue 10am-5pm; Thu 10am-9pm. 151 3rd St. www.sfmoma.org
Other Cinema @ ATA Gallery
Weekly screenings of wacky, unusual, short, documentary and animated films; free books, vinyl, VHS and wine. $7. 8:30pm. 992 Valencia St. www.othercinema.com
Skate Night @ Church on 8 Wheels
Wheeled fun at the former Sacred Heart Church-turned disco roller skate party space, hosted by John D. Miles, the "Godfather of Skate," including Saturday's Black Rock night (Burning Man garb encouraged). 7pm-10pm. Sat afternoon sessions 1pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm. $10. Kids 12 and under $5. Skate rentals $5. 554 Fillmore St at Fell. www.churchof8wheels.com
The Tale of Despereaux @ Berkeley Rep
Pigpen Theatre Co.'s inventive and imaginative musical retelling of the beloved, Newbery Medal-winning modern fable. $35-$85. 7pm & 2pm thru Jan. 5. 2015 Addison Ave., Berkeley. www.berkeleyrep.org
Vintage Paper Fair @ County Fair Bldg.
Peruse postcards, posters, ephemera and more. Free. 10am-6pm. Also Jan 6 11am-5pm. 9th Ave. at Lincoln Way, Golden Gate Park. www.vintagepaperfair.com
SUN 5
Cirque du Soleil @ Oracle Park
The amazing circus company brings Amal�na to the big tent. Pre-show festivities 6:30pm. Show 8pm. $54-$300. Wed-Mon most 8pm, +matinees. Thru Jan. 12. 24 Willie Mays Plaza (cross bridge to parking lot). www.cirquedusoleil.com
Ecstatic Dance @ Sacred Heart Church
Weekly group freeform dance with a spiritual flavor at the former church-turned event space. $15. 9am-12pm. Also Wed. and Fridays in Oakland and Fairfax. 554 Fillmore St. www.ecstaticdance.org
Exclusion @ Presidio Officers Club
Exhibit documenting the Presidio's Japanese-American incarceration during World War II; other exhibits show the history of the former military base and the SF peninsula. Also, Andy Goldsworthy's fascinating outdoor sculpture exhibit three-mile walking tour. Free, Tue-Sun 10am-5pm; extended thru June 2020. 50 Maraga Ave. www.presidio.gov/officers-club/exhibitions/
Lost at Sea @ Asian Art Museum
Recovered Art From Shipwrecks, a new exhibit of antiquities discovered in oceans (thru Mar. 22); also, Chang Dai-chien (thru April 26), contemporary works by Tanabe Chikuunsai IV, Kim Heecheon and Liu Jianhua; and exhibits of historic sculptures, prints and antiquities. Sunday caf� specialties from $7-$16. Free-$20. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. http://www.asianart.org/
No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man @ Oakland Museum
No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man, an exhibit of amazing large artworks; thru Feb 16. Free/$15. 1000 Oak St. www.museumca.org
Queer Tango @ Finnish Hall, Berkeley
Same-sex partner tango dancing, including lessons for newbies, food and drinks. $5-$10. 3:30pm-6:30pm. 1970 Chestnut St, Berkeley. www.finnishhall.org
Sprightly @ SF Public Library
Weekly hangout for LGBTQ youth, with crafts, snacks and activities. 12:30pm-2:30pm. James C. Hormel Center, 3rd floor, 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org
Various Exhibits @ de Young Museum
Exhibits of Modern and historic art, including embroidery, Maori portraits and installations. Free/$28. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.famsf.org
Winter Park @ Civic Center
Enjoy holiday festivities, ice skating, and concessions. 12pm-9pm thru Jan 5. $13-$18. Civic Center, Grove St. at Polk. www.winterparkicerinksf.com
MON 6
Andy Goldsworthy @ Presidio
Enjoy a fascinating outdoor sculpture exhibit and three-mile walking tour. Free, extended thru June 2020. 50 Maraga Ave. www.presidio.gov/officers-club/exhibitions/
Fiberful @ NIAD Art Center, Richmond
Exhibits of art by visiting professionals, and art made by developmentally disabled people; new exhibits include Fiberful, a fabric sculpture group exhibit, Tippy Toes: Terry Hoff, and Right Here, Right Now, Richmond. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. 551 23rd St., Richmond. (510) 620-0290. www.niadart.org
William Blake in Color @ William Blake Gallery
Exhibit of classic plates in the new gallery of historic art by the 18th- and 19th-century poet and illustrator. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Sat 11am-5pm. 49 Geary St. #205. www.williamblakegallery.com
TUE 7
Exhibits @ Tenderloin Museum
Multimedia exhibit about the historic Tenderloin district. 398 Eddy St. http://www.tenderloinmuseum.org/
Floral Exhibits @ SF Botanical Garden
Visit the lush gardens with displays of trees, flowers and shrubs from around the world, including the annual Magnolia bloom. Monthly plant sales, plus art exhibits and gift shop; free entry with SF proof of residency. $5-$10 for others. 7:30am-closing. 9th Ave at Lincoln Way. https://sfbotanicalgarden.org/
Expedition Reef @ California Academy of Sciences
Exhibits and planetarium shows with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about animals, plants and the earth; Skin, a multi-species hands-on exhibit; Deep Reefs, Giants of Land and Sea, Gems and Minerals, and more. $20-$35. Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm. Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org
Gallery of Illustrious Queers @ SF Main Library
Photographer Jordan Reznick's LGBT portrait photo exhibit; thru Jan. 16. Hormel Center, 3rd floor, 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org
Remarkable WWII Rosie @ Jewett Gallery, SF Main Library
Painter Carol Witten's exhibit of portraits of women factory workers during World War II; thru Jan. 26. 100 Larkin St, lower level. www.sfpl.org
Richard Caldwell Brewer @ Lost Art Salon
Exhibit of works by the late gay artist (1923-2014). Also, Cappi and Michael Insinna. Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm. 245 South Van Ness Ave., #303. https://lostartsalon.com/
World Tree of Hope @ Grace Cathedral
See the 14th annual Rainbow World Fund annual holiday tree with 1000s of origami cranes, a symbol of global unity. Also open New Year's Day; thru Jan. 11. 1100 California St. www.worldtreeofhope.org
WED 8
Exhibits @ Chabot Space & Science Museum, Oakland
Space, science and planetary exhibits, including planetarium shows and the Observatory; special nighttime events like meteor shower shows. Free-$18. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. www.chabotspace.org
Illuminate SF @ Citywide
40+ installations of light art sculptures in and outside buildings by more than 30 local artists. Free; walking tour info at www.illuminatesf.com
James Tissot @ Legion of Honor
James Tissot: Fashion & Faith (thru Feb 9); other beautiful exhibits of classical and modern art. Free/$30. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave. www.legionofhonor.famsf.org
Naked Men's Sketch @ Eros
Get naked and take turns modeling at the sex club's popular weekly event. Donations/no entrance fee. 7pm-9pm. 2051 Market St. www.erossf.com
Safeway Holiday Ice Rink @ Union Square
The ice rink in the middle of downtown SF is open for skating fun. Jan. 1 is a Polar Bear Skate (swimsuit & sunglasses skating), 2pm-3:30pm. Skate rentals $3-$18. 10am-11:30pm thru Jan. 20. Union Square, 333 Post St. www.unionsquareicerink.com
THU 9
Comedy @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley
Lisa Geduldig (Kung Pao Kosher Comedy producer) welcomes comics Zahra Noorbakhsh, Lynn Ruth Miller and Aundre the Wonderwoman at the event's last night. $15-$25. 8pm. 1317 Ave., Berkeley. www.koshercomedy.com www.ashkenaz.com
Black is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite @ MOAD
Exhibit of prints by the Harlem Renaissance photographer of the 1950s and '60s; thru Mar. 1. $5-$10. 685 Mission St. www.moadsf.org
Plant Exhibits @ Conservatory of Flowers
Artfully arranged plant and floral exhibits; special evening events and parties, including Night Bloom evening events, 5pm-11pm. 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.conservatoryofflowers.org
Margo Seibert @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
The Broadway performer brings her cabaret concert — including songs from her debut album, 77th Street — to the elegant nightclub. $35-$55 ($20 food/drink min.). 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.feinsteinssf.com
Sketchfest Comedy Festival @ Multiple Venues
19th annual festival of comedy, cinema and more, with dozens of celebrity actors, comics, directors and musicians, including Tony Shaloub, Molly Shannon, Busy Philipps, Sandra Bernhard, Kevin Nealon, Crispin Glover, Robert Klein, Eugene Mirman, Brian Regan, Phoebe Robinson, and The Monkees with Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz; Maria Bamford, Macaulay Culkin, Margaret Cho, Tony Hale, Rachel Dratch, Fred Armisen, Patton Oswalt, Phoebe Robinson, Kristen Schaal, Doug Benson, Michael Ian Black, the cast and creators of SpongeBob SquarePants; film tributes to Airplane!, Clue, Rocky Horror Picture Show and many more; thru Jan. 26. Free-$150. www.sfsketchfest.com
Trans Filmmaker Benefit @ Saint Joseph's Arts Society
Benefit for the Provincetown Film Society's trans-inclusive filmmakers' funding. $250. 7pm-11pm. (celebrity discussion panel Jan 11). 1401 Howard St. http://www.provincetownfilmsociety.org
Various Events @ Oakland LGBTQ Center
Social events and meetings at the new LGBTQ center include film screenings and workshops, including Bruthas Rising, trans men of color meetings, 4th Tuesdays, 6:30pm. Film screenings, 4th Saturdays, 7:30pm. Game nights, Fridays 7:30pm-11pm. Vogue sessions, first Saturdays. 3207 Lakeshore Ave. Oakland. https://www.oaklandlgbtqcenter.org/
Various Exhibits @ Treasure Island Museum
Collections of historic Golden Gate Exposition photos and memorabilia, military ephemera and more. Building One, Treasure Island, One Avenue of the Palms. www.treasureislandmuseum.org
Who's Your Mami Comedy @ Brava Theatre
Women's comedy night with Marga Gomez, Chelsea Bearce, Dhaya Lakshminarayanan, Justin Lucas, Glory Maga�a and "Improv" duo Sheesh and Schlong. $10-$15. 8pm. 2773 24th St. www.brava.org
To add your arts or nightlife event to listings, email [email protected]