Welcome to the COYOTE Calendar. Here are this week's hand picked events, just for you.
Some Housekeeping Items
Hey did you all know it's July? Not June, like I somehow managed to put in the subject line of last week's email? You'd think that being the Calendar Guy at COYOTE would mean I would know what month it is, and yet I am apparently still in denial that we are 55% of the way through this year.
A huge thank you to everybody who filled out the reader survey. I wanted to quickly address two things that came up in a few responses. This first is links to Instagram and, more specifically, how much some of you hate seeing them given Meta's love of fascism and surveillance. I cannot stress to you enough that I completely agree (I noted my hatred for Instagramin this post about how the calendar is made). I try my very best to only use Instagram links when that is the only place you can find information about an event, and I would love it for event organizers to put their information up elsewhere. If you run events, please know that the people are begging for a non-Instagram link!
The second is organization. In the survey, a couple of you also asked for us to consider changing the formatting of the calendar to organize the events by geography rather than chronology. Traditionally the list of events for each date is ordered by time of day, from early to late. In this edition of the calendar, I've grouped the events for each date roughly by location (North Bay, East Bay, West Bay, South Bay). Does this help? I'd love to know if this makes things easier or harder for folks when it comes to finding things to do, and to that end you can always email me at calendar@coyotemedia.org.
This week we've also got bees, vampires, a bunch of night markets, sunken ships, and more. We'll post new events each Wednesday. Go forth and enjoy!
Zine Making for Spiritual Baddies 〰️ Zines now and forever, as COYOTE always says — and here is another opportunity to make zines with present and future friends. All supplies are provided, just bring a zest for zines. 〰️ 3-7pm 〰️ Mystic Flora Apothecary, San Mateo 〰️ $15-25 suggested donation 〰️more info
Galas Are For The Birds 〰️ Celebrate birds and the humans who love (and work to protect) them. This gala raises money for the Bird Rescue Center of Santa Rosa, where they rescue, treat, rehabilitate, and release native birds. Even if you can't attend this, check outthis video of a Western screech owl being released back into the wild 😭. 〰️ 5:30 〰️ 〰️ The Backdrop, Santa Rosa 〰️ $250 〰️more info
Expressions in Metal 〰️ Metal artwork doesn't have to be all cold brutalism (although that can be great too). Come see all the amazing ways that you can bend, stretch, pierce, patina, twist, tweak, and melt metal. Warning: You might be tempted to learn how to weld afterwards. (In which case, might I recommendLaney College Welding? That's where I learned and it was great.) 〰️ 5:30pm 〰️ Petaluma Arts Center 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
Uncle Jer's Traveling Bee Show 〰️ I really feel like I shouldn't have to write a compelling description for this given that the title of this event is perfect? Bring the kids (this event is geared towards grades K-6) to learn about honey making, bee safety, and to meet real-life bees up close in a safe hive environment. 〰️ 11am-12pm 〰️ Healdsburg Regional Library 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
How to Write for Current 〰️ Our comrades over at Bay Area Current have put on a couple of great events to teach people how to pitch, report, and in this particular one, how to write for their publication. Anything you learn from them will almost certainly work on us too. 〰️ 6:30pm 〰️ 1610 Harrison Street, Oakland 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
The Red Sacrament: Vampires and The Paris Commune 〰️ As an avowed weenie, I reject the claim that spooky season has started this early. However, if you are hoping for a hit of those vibes, head out to this event put on by Seeing Red featuring Sara Hinkley, author ofThe Red Sacrament — a “savage, hypnotic dive into the lives and deaths of a theatre troupe of vampires in 19th century Paris on the brink of revolution and upheaval." 〰️ 6pm 〰️ Spire the Church, Oakland 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
Jazz & Pole 〰️ Live jazz and baddies on the pole, what more do you want? This one is always a good time. 〰️ 7:30pm 〰️ 〰️ Eli's Mile High Club, Oakland 〰️ $15, bring cash to tip the dancers 〰️more info
Latine Goth Night feat. Hot Goth GF, La Chucha Rude, and DJ Sizzle 〰️ A killer lineup on this KQED co-hosted night featuring DJ Sizzle, La Chucha Rude, Goth Tio, and Christina Villanueva, founder of Hot Goth GF, for an event "that traces the roots of goth across borders, highlighting how themes of melancholy, resistance, spirituality, and romance resonate within the Latine experience." 〰️ 7pm 〰️ Crybaby, Oakland 〰️ $25 〰️more info
The Science Behind Cat Color, Personality Traits and Intelligence 〰️ Are orange cats actually operating on one single shared brain cell? What's the smartest breed? Are tortoiseshells all assholes? Come find out what the science actually says about this from Karol Maybury, co-founder of the Maine Cat Lab, who has now assessed nearly 9,000 cats on personality and intelligence. 〰️ 6-7:30pm 〰️ SFPL Koret Auditorium 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
Summer Renaissance 〰️ A fun summer market and community gathering featuring vendors and art activities in Oakland's Chinatown. Stroll on down, support local businesses, and make yourself something cute. 〰️ 4-8pm 〰️ Pacific Renaissance Plaza, Oakland 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
The Imprisoned Voice 〰️ This is a recurring series, exclusively featuring words from folks producing work within the American prison system — voices we absolutely must hear. This one highlights Nora Igova, a writer and illustrator who last year received recognition as the Women Prison Journalist of the Year. All proceeds from this event go to programs supporting incarcerated writers and scholars. 〰️ 6:30-8:30pm 〰️ Clio’s Books, Oakland 〰️ $10 〰️ more info
Bhangra & Beats Night Market 〰️ It's peak night-market season here in the Bay Area and here's another one, this time centered around South Asian culture. Featuring interactive dance lessons, performances, live dhol drumming, DJs, and an open dance floor, along with a marketplace full of food vendors, local makers, community activations, restaurant and bar specials, and family-friendly activities. 〰️ 4-9pm 〰️ Yerba Buena Gardens, SF 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
Fort Mason Night Market 〰️ Another night market here, this time for the artsy freaks of the West Bay who want to browse a big selection of ceramics, jewelry, fragrances, food, clothing, candles, and more at an iconic venue. 〰️ 5-10pm 〰️ Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, SF 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
Drop the Charges Cops Out Of Everywhere 〰️ Join the trans community in solidarity with the trans people attacked by SFPD during pride a few weeks ago. "Bring banners, signs, drums, friends, lovers, exes and more." Mask up, take care of one another. We keep each other safe isn't just a motto; it has to come with action. 〰️ 7pm 〰️ Castro & Market, SF 〰️more info
Nyan Nights: Overdrive 〰️ This one is a hot ticket. Advance RSVP's have already filled up, but you can still show up to this fun night full of DJs paying homage to anime and other digital baddies. 〰️ 9pm-1am 〰️ Guildhouse, San Jose 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
Moonlight Madness 〰️ This one is a bit further afield than I usually do, butI'm a sucker for the moon. Head South for some jazz, interactive astronomy booths, games, crafts, and a moonlight walk through a redwood grove. All hail the moon. 〰️ 6-11pm 〰️ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Visitor Center, Santa Cruz 〰️ $10 parking fee 〰️more info
Mosh Like It’s WWIII: A Charity Show for Peace & Love 〰️ Doctors don't want you to know this one weird trick: moshing. Moshing will clear your skin, whiten your teeth, and cure your diabetes. Okay, not really, but I do genuinely believe that moshing to local punk music can powerwash your brain in the best way. And whomst amongst us does not need our brain deep-cleaned these days? Plus: face painting and button making! 〰️ 6:30-10:30pm 〰️ Arlene Francis Center, Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa 〰️ FREE but donate something if you can 〰️more info
Puppet-Making Workshop & Book Reading 〰️ You know how I keep telling you all that puppets are hot right now? Well if you're interested in puppet stuff but not really sure how to make one, this is a great chance to learn. Make a bird puppet with artist Sophie Wood Brinker, who is also the author of Birds of Santa Cruz. Bring your bird to the next puppet parade, or protest, or just wherever you go! 〰️ 11am-1pm 〰️ Tama One, Olema 〰️ $10-20 suggested donation, email sophiewoodbrinker@gmail.com to reserve a spot 〰️more info
Petaluma Music Festival 〰️ Every so often I remember that in the late 1990's the radio regularly played music from a band called the Cherry Poppin' Daddies. Turns out you can still see them play, along with a bunch of other bands at this North Bay music festival. 〰️ 11:30am-9:30pm 〰️ Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, Petaluma 〰️ $73 〰️ more info
Glenview Open Edible Gardens 〰️ Have you ever peered over a neighbors fence and admired their garden? Or wished you could ask them how they’re keeping their berries from being eaten by squirrels? Or wanted to talk irrigation and planter boxes? If you’re in the Glenview neighborhood (or nearby), you’re in luck because neighbors are opening up their yards for tours and connections. 〰️ 10am-1pm 〰️ Glenview, Oakland 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
Octavia’s Legacy: Imagining Futures She Made Possible 〰️ Octavia Butler’s fiction is full of visionary ideas and narratives that continue to shape not just modern scifi, but also activism, politics, fashion, art, and more. This conversation features Be Steadwell, Eboni Dunbar, Duane Horton, and Imani Sims talk about how Butler’s work still resonates and provides building blocks for work today. 〰️ 2pm 〰️ Berkeley Public Library, South Branch 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
Dirty Dancing Lights-on Crafting Matinee 〰️ Did you know that Dirty Dancing is about abortion? Amidst all the slick moves is a film packed with commentary about economic inequality, independence, and, yes, abortion. Bring a craft to work on while you watch this film and pay attention to it in a new light. 〰️ 3pm 〰️ The New Parkway, Oakland 〰️ $14 〰️more info
Speed Friending 〰️ We've had a bunch of speed dating events on the calendar, but I think this is perhaps our first speed friending event! Come meet your next bestie, or just someone who's willing to go see TheOdyssey with you when nobody else wants to. Take your new friend to another event you find on this calendar! 〰️ 11am-1:30pm 〰️ Home Bass, Oakland 〰️ $5 suggested donation, NOTAFLOF 〰️more info
Summer Sausal Creek Fair 〰️ Friends of Sausal Creek have been protecting and maintaining this small but mighty Sausal Creek Watershed for thirty years now, and that's certainly something to celebrate. Swing by for all sorts of goodies: custom block printing, live wild birds, face painting, cyanotypes, live music, and more. Bring a picnic and your pals. 〰️ 11am-2pm 〰️ Dimond Park, Oakland 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
Hey Diva x Dot's Pizza Popup 〰️ Here's a silly question: do you want a hat that says MUNI SLUT? Yes, I know the answer is "obviously!?" Well now's your chance to get one, eat pizza, and contribute to a good cause! $5 from each hat sold will be donated to Market Street Railway. 〰️ 11am-4pm 〰️ Clarion Alley Mural Project, SF 〰️ FREE but bring money for a hat and pizza 〰️ more info
Soundwall Festival 2026 〰️ If you're in the mood for wall-to-wall shoegaze, park yourself at this festival and let yourself soak in sets from Ringo Deathstarr, Suzy Clue, Her New Knife, Blossom, Starling, and Misandrist. 〰️ 5pm 〰️ Great American Music Hall, SF 〰️ $45 〰️more info
The Art of Kanzashi 〰️ Learn about the Japanese art of Kanzashi — a method of folding fabric to create intricate and adorable floral designs — with artist and educator Leila Ghasempor. All materials are provided for this one, just come curious about historical textile traditions. 〰️ 1-3p 〰️ San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles 〰️ $75 〰️more info
Masked Hangout 〰️ Join fellow COVID cautious folks at this low key game night full of games, puzzles, coloring, and other socializing. 〰️ 😷 COVID SAFE, masks required 〰️ 2-8pm 〰️ 15980 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
Side Quest Open House 〰️ Come let yourself be surprised and delighted by the creative minds of the current Winslow House Project cohort. Featuring collaborative artwork, puppets, poetry, movement, and more. Don't think too much about this one, just come see what they're up to. 〰️ 3-7pm 〰️ Winslow House Project, Vallejo 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
Rhythm at the Lake 〰️ Some people like to go hard (you know who you are). But what about those who like to go soft? Well this one is for the softies out there — a community day for rhythm, movement, art, and more. Lots of local vendors, and the first 20 ladies get a free Polaroid. 〰️ 1-6pm 〰️ Lake Merritt, Oakland 〰️ first part FREE, art experience $25 〰️more info
Cyanotype Animation with Lije 〰️ There's nothing more magical than cyanotypes (prints made using the sun), and now you can bring that magic to life using stop motion animation techniques. A really fun blend of traditional techniques with digital technology. 〰️ 1pm 〰️ BAMPFA, Berkeley 〰️ included with admission, RSVP required 〰️more info
Worldwide Rollout Day 〰️ Lace up those skates you got during the pandemic, and join fellow rollers to meet, hang, play, and spread the joy of the wheel. All skill levels welcome. Wear a helmet. (That's me telling you to do that, not them, but concussions are no joke okay!) 〰️ 12pm 〰️ Lake Merritt, Oakland 〰️more info
Up Your Alley 〰️ One of San Francisco’s premier leather and kink block parties (how many cities can say they have more than one premier leather and kink block parties?) that is half wholesome vendors and half dirty (complimentary) demos. 〰️ 11am-6pm 〰️ Folsom Street, SF 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
Raptor Encounter 〰️ Get to know several species of native owls, falcons, and hawks with master falconer (very cool job) Antonio Balestreri and learn about how they're not just cool looking but actually serve key functions in the environment. Bring a blanket to sit on, and know that a bird might fly over your head, so be cool. Kids are allowed, but note that this is a two hour event that is mostly sitting and listening. 〰️ 5:30-8pm 〰️ Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, Morgan Hill 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
Free Coffee Collective Care 〰️ For the last two years a small group of Oaklanders have been building a regular practice of community care via free coffee popups that also offer resources and a counterculture library. Come through and meet these cool as hell people, learn how you can support, and grab a coffee. 〰️ 9am-1pm 〰️ F.M. Smith Park, Oakland 〰️ FREE 〰️ more info
When the Smoke Comes 〰️ Join a welcoming and generative environment to write, discuss, and reflect on a shared theme (revealed when you get there). The ethos of this space is "the personal is political" and that writing can be used as "a vehicle to explore how the creative can, must be, and already is political." 〰️ 6-8pm 〰️ Kinfolx, Oakland 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
Finding Shackleton’s Endurance 〰️ Did you know that there's a guy known as “Indiana Jones of the Deep?" His name is Mensun Bund and at this event you can hear him talk about his quest to find the remains of Earnest Shackleton’s ship Endurance, which got stuck in the ice during an expedition in 1915 and hasn't been found (yet). 〰️ 6-7pm 〰️ Hopkins Marine Station, Boatworks Lecture Hall, Pacific Grove 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
Flash Fiction — How to Create More with Less 〰️ Writing short is harder than writing long, and that is a hill I will die on. If you love flash fiction (usually defined as under 1,000 words) this event brings together writers with lots of experience to talk about how to write something tight and satisfying with very little space. 〰️ 6-7:30pm 〰️ The Page, SFPL 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
Art & Business for Vendors 〰️ I don't put a ton of online events on this calendar (the point is to help you leave your house), but this one looks cool and useful so I'm breaking my own rule. Join fellow artists talking about how to survive capitalism, maximize your actual creative time, start and maintain a business, and how not to walk into the sea when it comes to tax time. 〰️ 6:30pm 〰️ ONLINE 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
Valkyries Game Watch Party 〰️ The Valkyries are on a hot streak right now, and there's no better way to watch sports than with other sickos at the bar. Bring your friends, wear your gear, and cheerfor the gays. 〰️ 7pm 〰️ Golden Ratio, Oakland 〰️ FREE 〰️more info
Art Battle San Francisco 〰️ I actually scoped one of these events out (with fellow COYOTEEmma) a few months ago, and it's fun! Watch artists paint like mad as the clock ticks down, and then vote for your favorite piece. And if you really love a painting, you can bid on it at the end of the night. 〰️ 7-10pm 〰️ Public Works, SF 〰️ $25 〰️more info
You can see all of COYOTE's past calendar pickshere. If you have an event you'd like to see on a future COYOTE Calendar, email me at calendar@coyotemedia.org. If you attended and enjoyed any of these events, I'd love to hear about it in the comments!
Reo Eveleth is an award-winning reporter and writer who has covered everything from fake tumbleweed farms to million-dollar baccarat heists. Their work has been nominated for a Peabody, an Emmy, and an Eisner Award.
