Saturday, September 3, Cliff House
Start with a continental breakfast at the historic Cliff House with its spectacular ocean views, then walk through Adolph Sutro’s magical “kingdom by the sea.” 1090 Point Lobos Avenue (at Great Highway), 415-666-4006, www.cliffhouse.com
Cymbelline
Saturdays through September & Monday, September 5; Presidio Main Post
Grab your blankets, low chairs and picnic for this free, fun production of Shakespeare’s fairy tale of forbidden love, mistaken identities, banishment, and a magic potion. Parade Ground Lawn (between Graham Street & Keyes Avenue), 415-558-0888, www.sfshakes.org
Wine and a Movie at The Mark
Tuesday, September 6, Top of the Mark Lounge
Enjoy complimentary wine tasting from Ravenswood and Brancott followed by a screening of Escape from Alcatraz. Light fare and cocktails also available. Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, One Nob Hill (Mason at California), 415-616-6940, www.topofthemark.com
20th Annual Autumn Moon Festival
Saturday–Sunday, September 10–11, Chinatown
Celebrated in Asia for more than 1,000 years, the Moon Festival marks a time to reflect upon the bounty of the summer harvest, the fullness of the moon, and the myth of the moon goddess. Festivities include a street bazaar, live entertainment on three stages, multiple parades, and more. Grant Avenue (between California and Broadway), 415-982-6306, www.moonfestival.org
Joy with Wings: A Daughter’s Tale
Wednesday & Thursday, September 14 through October 6, Alcove Theater
Performed by the Chaucer Theatre and told through the eyes of a daughter from childhood through adulthood, follow her journey with her mother through a turbulent family landscape in search of renewed hope. 414 Mason Street (near Geary), www.brownpapertickets.com
Richmond Senior Center Open Studio & Fundraiser
Friday, September 16, Richmond Senior Center
Featuring hand-painted ceramics, jewelry, fine art, dance and jazz performances, wine and food, and more to benefit seniors in the Richmond District. 6221 Geary Boulevard (at 26th) 415-752-6444, www.ggsenior.org
2nd annual San Francisco Lymewalk
Sunday, September 25, Main Library, northwest corner
Spread by ticks and often misdiagnosed in humans, left untreated Lyme disease causes chronic health problems. Walk to help raise awareness and funds for research, starting with a lunch and culminating with educational activities. 100 Larkin Street (at Grove), 415-202-0174, www.lymedisease.org
35th Annual San Francisco Comedy
Competition Semifinals
Tuesday, September 27, Jewish Community Center
Laugh your head off as the top five contenders from each of two preliminary rounds face off in this career-making contest. Alumni include Dana Carvey, Louis C.K., Ellen DeGeneres, Patton Oswalt and, of course, our very own Robin Williams. 3200 California Street (at Presidio), 415-292-1200, www.jccsf.org
To compel you to cross town:
Women’s Antique Vocal Ensemble Mission Project
Sunday, September 18, Mission Dolores
This series of concerts performed in California missions raises funds for their continued restoration. The concerts include Renaissance and Baroque music from New Spain (Latin America), which provided a basis for the music composed and performed in the missions. Mission and Dolores Streets, 510-233-1479, www.wavewomen.org
And to compel you to get out of town:
Bay Area Pet Fair & Adoptathon
Saturday–Sunday, September 10–11, Marin Center Fairgrounds
If you’re looking for a new pet or just love the ones you have, you’ll enjoy this: hundreds of adoptable pets, free microchipping and vaccinations, giveaways, pet shows, 200 vendors, a kids’ pavilion, and more – like Tillman, the skateboarding bulldog (Saturday only). 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, www.facebook.com/bayareapetfair