COYOTE Calendar: August 6-August 12

Welcome to the COYOTE Calendar. Here are this week's hand-picked events, just for you.

Huge thank you to everybody who came to the COYOTE Happy Hour on Friday! It was great to meet you all, and I hope you enjoyed the weird calendar event stickers I made :) For those who missed it, never fear, COYOTE is planning another party to celebrate one year of journalism with a BITE! More details on that to come. Watch this space, as they say (does anybody say that anymore?).

As a reminder, COYOTE is running a subscriber drive right now! This calendar is free to read for everybody, and will remain so, but the team has big dreams of doing more investigations, commissioning more freelance work, and branching out into things like events and maybe even print offerings. By joining as a paid subscriber, you help move the crew closer to those goals. As a reward, you'll get all our stories forever, as well as special treats like the Buy Tickets Now section of the Calendar, commenting privileges, discounts on our future merch store, and more. With the 25% off sale it's a great deal!

This weekend is Outsidelands which is sold out, as usual — wear sunscreen and stay hydrated if you're going. If you didn't get tickets, there's still plenty to do all weekend: Try the Sonoma County Fair which includes a "World Championship Grape Stomp," or the Gravenstein Apple Festival. For those looking for weird cutting-edge theatre, the In Front of Your Eyes Performance Festival starts soon in SF and then hops the bay to Berkeley for the following two weekends. This weekend is also the SF Aerial Arts Festival.  If you're looking for cute summer wares, check out the Summer Fair at the Santa Clara Convention Center. If you're a travel writer or photographer, there's a conference just for you at Book Passage in Corte Madera this weekend. And if you want to have a meditative experience, it's Monster Jam season (be sure to read this Rahawa essay before you go).

You're running out of time to see the Valkyries at home before tickets get even more expensive during the playoffs, so hop on that now if you want to go to Ballhalla this year. Also in sports event news, the Oakland Roots won't be playing at the Coliseum after this season so if you want to see them in the home of the original Scrappy, now is your chance (pro-tip: parking is ridiculously expensive at the stadium, but you either take BART or just park in the Coliseum BART parking lot and walk over the bridge).

This week we've also got a papal read-along, mimes, a whole lot of plants, absolutely awful music (on purpose), and pole dancing. We'll post new events each Wednesday. Go forth and enjoy!

• Opening Night at the Hall of Flowers at the Sonoma County Fair 〰️ Calling all flower geeks, this is for you — get an exclusive first look at the glorious blooms on offer at the Hall of Flowers for this year's Sonoma County Fair. Not only that, but you'll also get a preview performance of something called "the Cirque Ma'Ceo Equine show" which I'm hoping means horses doing Cirque du Soleil-style tricks. Nobody tell me if that's not what it is. 〰️ 5:30-7:30pm 〰️ Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa 〰️ $53.50 〰️ more info
• DYKON Story Hour 〰️ No, this is not a misspelling of daikon and an event dedicated to the glorious sweet crunch. DYKON = dyke icon. Also glorious and sometimes sweet and crunchy. Hear stories honoring local sapphic history and community. 〰️ 6-7pm 〰️ Golden Ratio, Oakland 〰️ FREE, but they ask guests for a two-drink minimum to support the bar, NA options available. 〰️ more info
• Strings Attached: Sapphic Speed Dating 〰️ This event is for BIPOC queer baddies only — come make a friendship bracelet, paint some portraits, and meet some cuties, without having to shout over music or touch a sticky bar. Go home with a new friend, lover, or at the very least a bunch of cute little crafts. These events usually sell out before I can get them on the calendar so you're all in luck here that there are still tickets left. 〰️ 6-9pm 〰️ Donkey & Goat Winery, Berkeley 〰️ $25.31 〰️ more info
• Workshop: Introduction to the World of Mime 〰️ Picture me trying to mime this to you, but badly, because I've never taken a mime class: Learn how to use your body to express words, emotions, actions, and more. "Mime is not mere pantomime—it is a metaphysical, soul-stirring discipline. Expect to sweat, play, push limits, reflect deeply, and rediscover the profound joy of physical creativity." No experience necessary, either in miming or any other form of performance. 〰️ 5-6pm 〰️ West Portal Children's Area, SF 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• SF Worst Beats Contest II 〰️ Forget finding the next summer banger. This event is all about finding the song that makes you want to bang your head against a wall. "Want to create the most garbage beat known to man? Or are you simply a fan of trash music and want to witness the worst that SF music producers have to offer?" Yes, there are cash prizes. No, I will not be held responsible for when you get one of these terrible songs stuck in your head. 〰️ 7:30-9:30 〰️ Paname, SF 〰️ $7.18 〰️ more info
• Babies First Drag 〰️ Come witness the future of drag, at this School of Drag graduation show. Everybody has to start somewhere, and one of these queens might wind up blowing your mind. Who knows, maybe in the future you'll be able to score extra gay points with an: "I saw her first show," when she winds up on Drag Race. 〰️ 9pm 〰️ The Stud, SF 〰️ sliding scale, bring your dollars 〰️ more info
• ICE OUT 5K Fundraiser 〰️ Sweat it out to raise money for CSO San Jose, who is working to support Chicane and immigrant rights. It's going to be hot this weekend, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen and snacks. As always, fuck ICE. 〰️ 6pm 〰️ William Street Park, San Jose 〰️ FREE but if you can donate please do 〰️ more info

• Dive In Movie Night: The Sandlot 〰️ So you've heard of a drive in, but have you heard of a "dive in?" Watch this sports classic by the pool with your family and friends, and try to keep your popcorn from getting soggy. This one is specifically aimed at kids ages 12 to 15. 〰️ 7pm 〰️ Terra Linda Community Pool, San Rafael 〰️ $15 in advance, $20 at the door 〰️ more info
• Strange But True: Clowns! 〰️ Team COYOTE is very split on clowns, but if you're a clown appreciator this double feature showing of Fears of a Clown (a documentary about a real clown living in LA) and Wrinkles the Clown (a documentary about a fake clown parents use to scare their children) is for you. Bart Bart Vandever, director of Fears of a Clown, will be there doing a Q&A as well. And I'm told there will be a "mystery host." My money is on them being... a clown. 〰️ 5-8pm 〰️ Spire the Church, Oakland 〰️ $10 suggested donation NOTAFLOF 〰️ more info
• Rebels, Criminals, Pioneers: Masc Heroes of the QPA Queer Photo Archive 〰️ Before Be Gay Do Crime became a rallying cry online (shoutout to Io who designed the original iconic shirt), these gays were doing crime as a lifestyle. Described as "a moodboard of masc ancestors," this show features archival photographs stretching from 1906-1976 that document an incredible and often criminalized history. This event is the opening reception, but if you miss it you can (and should) check out the exhibit before it ends on September 27th. 〰️ 5-8pm 〰️ Queer Arts Featured, SF 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Meeting New People with author Daniel M. Lavery and Tracy Clark-Flory 〰️ COYOTE co-founder Daniel Lavery will talk about his latest book — a rumination on imperfect people, aging, friendships, and change — with Tracy Clark-Flory. Expect conversations about both craft and the ideas behind the book. 〰️ 6pm 〰️ Mechanics' Institute, SF 〰️ $7.18+ 〰️ more info

• For the People Night Market 〰️ It's Leo Season (rawr) so bring your biggest energy to our beloved Understory for this night market featuring art, vegan Venezuelan food, music, cocktails, mocktails, and more. "Come out to enjoy a night of solidarity and embody what Leos are all about — fierceness, community, and generosity — by helping us raise urgent relief funds for areas of Venezuela that were devastated by recent earthquakes." 〰️ 5-9pm 〰️ Understory, Oakland 〰️ FREE but bring money to buy stuff! 〰️ more info
• West Division Ultimate Frisbee Championships 〰️ It's playoff time for Ultimate Frisbee and the Oakland Spiders are hosting the West Division Championship. Come see the Spiders (who have one of the best taglines in sports: “Eight legs one heart”) take on the Salt Lake Shred. If you don't know the rules to ultimate, don't worry — the MC always explains everything as it's happening. This one will be fun, and it's a great way to experience this sport for the first time if you're curious. 〰️ 4pm (first pull, which is basically kickoff at 5:10) 〰️ Fremont High School, Oakland 〰️ $30 〰️ more info
• Wetland Plant Tour at the EEC 〰️ This calendar is plant-heavy and I will not be apologizing for it. Take a walk through a local refuge and learn about all the native plants that make up our regional wetlands. You'll get to touch, smell, and even taste some of these plants. Be ready to walk about 0.8 miles on mostly flat terrain. 〰️ 9:30-11am 〰️ Don Edwards Refuge Headquarters & Visitors Center, Fremont 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Natural Dye Workshop 〰️ Make a beautiful hand-dyed silk bandana to take home at this event all about natural dyeing and how to harness the amazing colors in plants and flowers. You'll get addicted to this process, I promise. No experience necessary; just bring excitement and curiosity. 〰️ 10am-12:30pm 〰️ Fig Leaf Gardens, Oakland 〰️ $65-85 sliding scale 〰️ more info
• Plant Sale for Palestine 〰️ If the plant sale is for a good cause nobody can be mad at you for buying a plant! (Someone please print this out and hand it to my partner.) Get a new leafy green that won't give you cataclysmic diarrhea, and rest easy knowing that your money is going directly to Palestinians surviving genocide. 〰️ 10am-3pm 〰️ Eastshore Park, Oakland 〰️ FREE but bring money 〰️ more info
• Tool Time 〰️ Bring your kids and/or your biggest construction nerd to this behind the scenes look at how BART is actually built and maintained. "A series of equipment and vehicles BART uses to build, maintain, and run the system will be on display for the day, giving families the rare opportunity to see things like high railers, a vactor truck, a speed swing, and other cool tools up close, with staff on hand to answer questions." 〰️ 10am-12:30pm 〰️ Fremont BART Station 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• 24 Hours at a Time: All-Day Fundraiser Featuring Peven Everett Live 〰️ This is three events all rolled into one so buckle up: Start with a brunch featuring a Q&A with Peven Everett (a Chicago-based multi-genre musician), then bop over to an outdoor disco party, and end the day at a concert where Everett will perform with a full band. Tickets for each of those three things are handled separately, so click through and make sure you're getting the thing you want. 〰️ 10am-9pm 〰️ Open Doors, Berkeley 〰️ $5-100 sliding scale donation based 〰️ more info
• Rage Party: Burn It All Down! 〰️ "In honor of the collective fury of the attacks on our human rights in this country, our theme is RAGE PARTY: BURN IT DOWN! We invite you to let your rage be reflected in your outfit, its giving red, flames, you choose!" Come enjoy drag, learn to dance, teach newbies how to dance, and just generally have a good time in community. 〰️ 😷 COVID SAFE: masks required and provided 〰️ 11:30am 〰️ Open Test Kitchen, Oakland 〰️ $35 (free if you're a Leo/August baby, DM them to get on that list) 〰️ more info
• Nothing Over $20 Manic Pixie Dream Market 〰️ As Prince would say: you don't have to be rich to be my [manic pixie] dream girl. Rock up to this market with your creased and torn singles and your sad bank account, and still go home with some treasures. Bring your dog, who doesn't even understand what money is in the first place (bliss). 〰️ 11am-5pm 〰️ 1911 Telegraph Ave, Oakland 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Rare Plants and Animals of Oakland's Serpentine Prairie & Stone's Touch Sharpening Pop-Up 〰️ If you're active on Instagram or TikTok you might be familiar with Saumitra Kelkar's charming videos about the local flora and fauna of the East Bay. Now Kelkar is packaging that knowledge in a form longer than 90 seconds at a talk covering all the rare plants & animals of Oakland's serpentine prairies. Bring your dull knives because this is a two for one situation: Stone's Touch Sharpening will be there too, offering kitchen and garden tool sharpening in the afternoon. 〰️ 11am 〰️ The Watershed Nursery, Richmond 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• 25th Annual Laurel Street Fair 〰️  I confess I always am a little 👀 at the term “World Music” but the Laurel Street Fair World Music Festival is always a good time. Stroll through this cute little stretch, grab a bite, listen to some funk, soul, jazz and more, and peruse the local artists selling their work. Stay hydrated and sunscreen out there while you groove, my friends.  〰️ 11am-7pm 〰️ Laurel District, Oakland 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Don't Look Under the Bed 〰️ No matter what Costco has begun stocking, I refuse to concede that it is nearly spooky season. You sickos have to wait until at least September to start putting those skeletons out. But if you can't wait that long, come out and enjoy this transformed gallery dedicated to the scary, slithery, secret, forbidden, messy, and mad. "The monster is waiting. 😈 " 〰️ 12-5pm 〰️ Lucky Break Studios, Oakland 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Pole in the Park 〰️ This one is basically what it says on the tin: pole in the park! AfroPole is putting on a killer showcase, doing demos, and offering games, beverages, music, free STI testing, and more. No experience necessary if you want to try your hand on the pole. 〰️ 2-5pm 〰️ Mission Dolores Park, SF 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• CASTRO ON FIRE: A Queer Resistance Walking Tour 〰️ Most of the world thinks of SF as a mecca for queer rights and inclusion (whether or not that is now, or has ever really been true is up for debate) but probably can't actually name the people who fought for their liberation in the city. Take this walking tour to: "Go beyond the Harvey Milk story with details of how trans activists and People of Color fought for visibility and space in 'America's gay capital.'" 〰️ 3-5pm 〰️ The Castro Theatre, SF 〰️ $55.20 〰️ more info
• Labor in the Arts Working Group 〰️ Get an update on the work of CounterPulse Workers United group fighting for better conditions in their own workplace and more broadly in the arts. You'll also get to meet fellow artists and workers to talk solidarity, struggle, and share insights. 〰️ 3-5pm 〰️ Adobe Books, SF 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Femme Fest 〰️ Gritty, funny, synthy, this lineup rocks and is full of up and coming Bay Area acts that I've really enjoyed listening to in the last few weeks: Ladybug Headshot, Hello Mrs. Wong (this is on heavy rotation at my house), Spork, Bite the Bullet, and Catfight. 〰️ 4pm 〰️ Thrillhouse Records, SF 〰️ $10 NOTAFLOF 〰️ more info
• Growing a Garden: Where to Start Workshops 2026 〰️ If you went to one of those neighborhood garden tours we had on the last few calendars and felt inspired but also overwhelmed, this one is for you: a class for true gardening beginners on where to even begin. This is focused on flowers, not food, so if you want to grow something you can eat check out this other workshop instead. 〰️ 10am 〰️ Garden for the Environment, SF 〰️ $25-$59 sliding scale 〰️ more info
• A Taiwan-Ish Brunch Party 〰️ I still dream of some of the food I had when I was in Taiwan, and if you're either missing Taiwanese food, or want to try it for the first time, you're in luck. Come celebrate Ba Ba Day (Taiwanese Father's Day, also a lucky day) at this brunch pop-up party. Get down on some fantuan, hand-pulled noodles, pastries, kakigori and more. 〰️ 11am-2pm 〰️ Konbini, SF 〰️ $3 (to get a ticket then food at the block party costs money) 〰️ more info
• Rug Making Workshop 〰️ Weave your face on a rug. Weave your ex's face on a rug so you can step on it. Nobody can tell you what to do! But the first step is to learn how to make a rug in the first place. So start with this workshop, taught by Cynthia Yadira Gonzalez (they/them). All materials included in the cost. 〰️ 12-2:30pm 〰️ San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles 〰️ $60 〰️ more info
• Summer Plant Swap 〰️ Do we all remember the deal we've made about plant events? I will go to them, and if you see me you will pretend you don't and that I'm not banned from buying any more plants. Great! This one isn't even a sale so it's totally a loophole anyway. Bring a plant, swap a plant, and chat with local plant lovers. 〰️ 4-6pm 〰️ Sports Basement Almaden, San Jose 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• The Emo Night Tour 〰️ Gen Z, look away! This is for the Millennials who still scream the lyrics to Panic! At the Disco in their car when they think nobody can hear them. The DJ at this will be spinning non-stop emo bangers that you're maybe embarrassed to still know the words to. This is a safe space for you to cry to "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" and the rest. 〰️ 8pm 〰️ The Ritz, San Jose 〰️ $31.34 〰️ more info

• Fat Lake Swim 〰️ Put on your sunscreen and head to the lake to meet up with the fine folks behind Fat People Hiking Bay Area at this relaxing community day. Bring a book, snacks, your suit, your friends, your kids, and whatever else would make you happy on the lake (no dogs allowed). 〰️ 12-3pm 〰️ Lake Anza, Berkeley 〰️ $5 adults, $3 kids 〰️ more info
• Pre-Pride Art Picnic 〰️ Make an adorable little pinch pot for pride in the park! This is an all-ages event where you can craft, chill, and play with clay. Get there early if you want to be sure to secure your lump of wet dirt, because they might run out. 〰️ 12-3pm 〰️ Strawberry Creek Park, Berkeley 〰️ FREE, if you want your clay piece fired that costs $10-15 〰️ more info
• Long Haul Infoshop's 33rd Birthday 〰️ Celebrate an iconic Berkeley institution who's hitting 33 years of operation! There will be a punk show, a raffle, donuts, stories, and more. To 33 more years. 〰️ 6-9pm 〰️ Long Haul Infoshop, Berkeley 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Laurel: Cherries, Dairies, and Bungalows 〰️ Take a walking tour of a cute little Oakland neighborhood that was once dairies and veggie gardens before being transformed into a more residential spot when the streetcar (RIP) made its way up the hill from 38th Ave and Hopkins (which is now MacArthur Blvd.). This is a mostly level walk highlighting the history and surviving architecture of the 1920s still lurking in the area. 〰️ 9:30am-12pm 〰️ Laurel Art Garden at 35th Ave and Delaware St. 〰️ $15 for members, $20 for everybody else 〰️ more info
• The Sweet Spot Oakland Pride 〰️ Oakland Pride isn't officially until next weekend but it's never too early to pregame! Come celebrate and dance with this great DJ lineup at one of COYOTE's favorite bars. The theme for this one is: Rep the Bay! "Hyphy fashion, hometown sports, Oakland street style, Bay legends, or your freshest fit that tells us where you from!" 〰️ 4-9pm 〰️ Mad Oak, Oakland 〰️ $17.85 〰️ more info
• A Community Reading: The Pope’s AI Encyclical, Large Language Mojitos, and Being Human Together 〰️ This summer, the baseball pope published a 42,000-word takedown of AI, featuring illustrations, graphs, and some genuinely sick burns. You probably didn't read the whole 42,000-word thing (I did, because I'm a sicko) but even if you did, this group reading sounds incredible. What better way to resist AI than by gathering, in person, to read these words aloud to one another while drinking themed drinks? 〰️ 5-8pm 〰️ Local Economy, Oakland 〰️ FREE but you have to register 〰️ more info
• Sip & Game Expo 〰️ Over 100 tables for you to peruse for all your buying and selling needs. Normally Sip & Game brings together games and cards (think: Pokemon) and boba (think: slurp) in one place for a community that plays and hydrates together. In this case, no food or drink is allowed in the gym, so if the boba is non-negotiable for you check out their other events. 〰️ 10am-4pm 〰️ College of Alameda Gym 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Sapphic Day Party for Baddies and their Friends 〰️ Forget Outsidelands, all the broke-and-hot queer girlies are gonna be at this one. Wear your festival gear and rock up to this Club A$tro party that promises "astrological ass-shaking" in a "sexy sapphic safe space." 〰️ 3-8pm 〰️ El Rio, SF 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Valqueeries Watch Party 〰️ Join everybody's favorite queer Valks fans at this watch party as the Valkyries take on the LA Sparks. There will be a giveaway! Dogs welcome, and the bar has veggie and gluten-free options. 〰️ 3pm doors, tip off at 4pm 〰️ Out the Road, SF 〰️ FREE but bring money to buy a beverage 〰️ more info

• East Bay Permaculture Guild Potluck Meetup 〰️ Share knowledge, food and good company at this regular (monthly) meetup of permaculture nerds. "Whether you're a seasoned permaculturist or just starting out, everyone is welcome to join in the fun." Bring a dish to share and your own utensils. 〰️ 6-8:30pm 〰️ PLACE - Community Center, Makerspace & Permaculture Site, Oakland 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info

• Meet the Author: Adam Johnson - How to Sell a Genocide: The Media's Complicity in the Destruction of Gaza 〰️ So many institutions must align in order to allow a genocide to not just happen, but continue, and one of them is the media. At this talk you'll hear media analyst Adam Johnson talk about the ways in which US corporate media has enabled (and in some cases incited) the ongoing violence and destruction in Gaza. If you buy a copy of the book, all proceeds go to the Middle East Children's Alliance. Masks encouraged and provided at this event. 〰️ 6-7:30pm 〰️ Oakland Main Library 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
• Celebration: San Francisco Electronic Music Foundation at 25 〰️ This fall the San Francisco Electronic Music Festival will celebrate 25 years, and you can get a sneak peak/flashback of what this event has entailed at this little pre-emptive celebration. Watch a video of archival material from festivals past, and then hear a panel discussion featuring co-founders Miya Masaoka and Pamela Z along with some guests from the organization's Steering Committee. Plus, live performances and highlights from the upcoming festival lineup. 〰️ 5:30-7:15pm 〰️ Koret Auditorium, SFPL Main Library 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info

• Antenna Design and Showcase w/the Lefty Radio League! 〰️ Okay so you know, I suspect, that antennas are an important part of radios. Yes? But (Insane Clown Posse voice) how do they work? Understanding that can help you get the most out of your radio. And if you're like, "Why do I want to get the most out of a radio?" let me introduce you to the Lefty Radio League! A delightful group of nerds who can indoctrinate you (complimentary) into the world of radios for everything from communications in an emergency, to connecting with the local community over the airwaves. If you can't make this one, every Wednesday is radio night at sudoroom, so come through for radio love any time. 〰️ 7-9pm 〰️ sudoroom, Oakland 〰️ FREE (RSVP requested) 〰️ more info
• Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party 〰️ The upcoming total solar eclipse isn't going to pass over us here in the Bay Area (if you want to see it, book your ticket to Spain, Iceland or Greenland ASAP) but you can still partake in watching the eclipse happen with this live stream put on by the Exploratorium and NASA. 〰️ 10:30am-12:30pm 〰️ The Exploratorium, SF 〰️ $40 〰️ more info

You can see all of COYOTE's past calendar picks here. If you have an event you'd like to see on a future COYOTE Calendar, email us at calendar@coyotemedia.org. If you attended and enjoyed any of these events, we'd love to hear about it in the comments!

*NOTAFLOF = No One Turned Away For Lack Of Funds