Things To Do In Sonoma

This week, there’s a Litquake reading wherever you look, sand castles spring up on Ocean Beach, Oakland goes to the dogs, short horror films play at The New Parish, and Iliza Shlesinger performs at Cobb’s Comedy Club. As always, check Groupon for more great things to do in San Francisco. Litquake Multiple Locations | Saturday, October 11–Saturday, October 18 Litquake honors stories in every way possible: readings, workshops, and, of course, a closing pub crawl through the Mission District. This year’s calendar welcomes special guests such as Marc Maron and Piper Kerman, author of Orange Is the New Black. For a laugh, check out Wednesday’s “Readings from the Best-Ever Craigslist Postings.” (ticket prices vary; buy tickets here) Leap’s 31st Annual Sandcastle Contest Ocean Beach | Saturday, October 11 Each year, elementary-school students team up with local architects, engineers, and sponsors to build the most impressive sand castle on Ocean Beach, thereby raising funds for Leap's educational art programs. They’ll have four hours to sculpt and carve their creations to suit this year’s theme, “Food, Glorious Food!” (Balboa Street and Great Highway; free; buy tickets here) Paws on the Square Oakland | Wednesday, October 15 Paws on the Square gives pups and owners a chance to frolic on the Oakland waterfront. The month-long series, held each Wednesday in October, features canine massages, complimentary dog caricatures, and vendors of pooch-pampering goods. Even if you don’t have a four-legged friend, you can enjoy the fun solo or sign up to adopt a dog of your own. (Jack London Square and Broadway; free) Scream 2014: East Bay Express’ Horror Film Festival Oakland | Thursday, October 16 With Halloween on the horizon, East Bay Express and the Oakland Underground Film Festival have conspired to showcase more than 12 frightening indie shorts at The New Parish. The festival runs from 7 p.m. until midnight and also entertains guests with spooky-sexy burlesque performances. (579 18th St.; $10–$12; buy tickets here) Iliza Shlesinger Russian Hill | Friday, October 17 Iliza Shlesinger didn’t slow down after becoming the first woman to win NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2008. Since then, she’s hosted a dating reality show, recorded a comedy album, and started a podcast, in addition to performing live. Catch her commentary about dating, television, and all else at Cobb’s Comedy Club on Friday. (915 Columbus Ave.; $22.50; buy tickets here, or save with a Groupon) Image credits: Litquake images courtesy of Litquake, sand castle photo courtesy of Trevor Mattea, dog photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

San Francisco has an infinite supply of two things: tech startups and out-of-town guests. And if you work at one, you might not have time for the other. So, what do you do when visitors ask for recommendations? You could direct them to the Golden Gate Bridge (again) … or, you could check out these cliché-free suggestions. And, as always, check Groupon for more great things to do in San Francisco. Beyond Canvas Why take home a postcard when you can create your own painting of a San Francisco monument? With Beyond Canvas, out-of-towners can spend three hours plein-air painting at an iconic location in the city. They’ll capture some of the gorgeous San Francisco scenery while creating their own souvenir, all under the guidance of a pro. Plus, the materials are legit: students use French easels and specialized brushes. SideTour It’s hard to sum up SideTour—it encompasses everything from sailing on the bay to rolling your own sushi. The curated activities are presented by local artisans, chefs, winemakers, and more, so they’re a great way for sightseers to experience San Francisco as a diverse cultural powerhouse. Cozymeal If you work nights, and you don’t want to leave your guests fending for themselves at a restaurant, Cozymeal has you covered. Customers visit a local’s home—some hosts are professional chefs, others just like to cook and entertain—where they can break bread, share stories, and learn new cooking techniques themselves. Nomaders Nomaders are people who love San Francisco and want to share its secrets with others. They might take your guests out for a killer cup of coffee, a short hike, or drinks at a local speakeasy. Clients can propose ideas for excursions or take a suggestion from the service, but either way, they’ll know more about the city than they did before. Images courtesy of Beyond Canvas and Nipkon Tran

This week: John Waters chats about riding in cars with strangers, Aimee Mann and Ted Leo rock out, and outdoor festivals fill up the weekend. The Green Arcade Presents: A Conversation with John Waters About Carsick McRoskey Mattress Factory, 3rd Floor | 1687 Market St. Monday, June 9, 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:15) How many cars does it take for John Waters to get across the country? The answer is 21—all driven by good samaritans who picked up the director as he hitchhiked from his home in Baltimore to his apartment in San Francisco. On Monday, Waters will sit down with Patrick Marks, owner of The Green Arcade, to talk about the memorable on-the-road moments that led to his new book, Carsick: John Waters Hitchhikes Across America. ($10, or free with purchase of Carsick from The Green Arcade; buy advance tickets at The Green Arcade) The Both Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St. Thursday, June 12, 8 p.m. (doors open at 7) Aimee Mann and Ted Leo have long since proven themselves to be strong solo artists, so their new collaborative effort, The Both, is promising quite a lot. Expect punchy, heartfelt rock songs with droll banter in between. ($26 for admission, $50.95 for dinner and admission; buy tickets here) Mortified Live DNA Lounge | 375 11th St. Friday, June 13th, 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30) Jonesing for some schadenfreude? Film producer and writer Stephen Scaia (Jericho, Human Target) will join other performers in reading examples of cringeworthy writing from their teenage years—letters, diary entries, poetry, and anything else embarrassing—for this Mortified show. ($14 in advance, $21 at the door; buy tickets here) Sunset Island Electronic Music Picnic The Great Lawn | Treasure Island Saturday, June 14, noon to 9 p.m. Original Phuture members DJ Pierre and Spanky have reunited and returned to their acid-house roots to headline the fest, where guests can barbecue when they aren’t dancing on the lawn. Kids and pets (on a leash) get in free. ($10–$25; buy tickets here) North Beach Festival North Beach District Saturday and Sunday, June 13–14, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Art will be everywhere at the 60th annual North Beach Festival, including on the ground. Be sure to look down at the Italian street paintings, and if your kids get inspired, buy them a square in the chalk-art area for their own masterpiece. The festival will also have live music on two stages, more than 125 craft booths, and 20 gourmet food booths. (free) Check Groupon for even more things to do in San Francisco. Mortified photo courtesy of Todd Hartman. North Beach Festival photo courtesy of Christina Spicuzza.