An extraordinary pianist plays through immigration limbo
Plus: BIG WEEK event picks, a Mexican favorite booted by huge rent increase, new music we are digging, ATA is the Best
48 Hills Daily is supported by Maker Faire, Memorizing Alison, Litquake, King Lear, Terror Vault, Hag-stravaganza, The Buds, and Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. Find out more about advertising here. Become a sustaining member!
VOTE NOW IN OUR 2026 BEST OF THE BAY READERS' POLL!
From Best Burrito and Best Street Fair to Best Dive Bar and Best Shoe Store: Tell us what you love in our 52nd survey of the best things in the Bay Area! Polls close soon, vote now—and tell your friends!
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE AT TERROR VAULT: SLASHED
The latest immersive horror experience from diabolical creators Peaches Christ and Michael Flowers takes over the San Francisco Mint with a tale inspired by '80s slashers! October 1-November 7
A SLOW-BURN THRILLER ABOUT THE UNCERTAINTY OF LOVE AND MEMORY
Best known for his “audacious and skillful” (SF Chronicle) independent films, SF writer-director JP Allen, and his company Coffee and Language, begin their 25th Anniversary celebration with their 11th feature, MEMORIZING ALISON.
YOU'VE NEVER SEEN—OR HEARD—'LEAR' LIKE THIS
Michael Socrates Moran directs a bold new production of William Shakespeare’s epic tragedy King Lear, featuring a cast of 30 and live music composed by Paul Dresher. September 25—October 11 at Z Space!
Today's headlines:
An extraordinary pianist plays through immigration limbo
By Caitlin Donohue
Effectively exiled from Hong Kong after voicing dissent, and facing visa uncertainty here, Tin Yi Chelsea Wong still shares her art.
Good Taste: Mexican favorite Al Pastor Papi ousted by triple rent increase
By Tamara Palmer
Miguel Escobedo's Union Square brick-and-mortar was part of the Vacant to Vibrant program—then the building was sold.
Big Week: Lowrider Parade, Open Studios, Haight Ashbury Street Fair, Dark Dolly…
By 48 Hills Arts Team
Charlie Horse, Smuin Ballet, Greek Food Fest, Armenian Food Fest, Cut Chemist, Hot Laundry, more incredible things to do!
Under the Stars: Dig Erykah Badu and The Alchemist’s frequency directive
By John-Paul Shiver
Plus: Train's Haight Street bar tribute, Thao is back with anthem and imperative, Gryph and Dave Aju vibe, more music
Best of the Bay 2026 Editors’ Pick: Artists’ Television Access
By Charles Lewis III
Find the most experimental, personal, and weirdest art in the city in this passionately incendiary Valencia Street storefront.
In case you missed it:
Up against Palantir: A community forum confronts threats to privacy
Drama Masks: The curtain falls at SF Opera
Best of the Bay 2026 Editors’ Pick: Golden Thread Productions
OCTOBER KICKS OFF WITH A 'HAG-STRAVAGANZA'
Join us for a rare screening of Joan Crawford starring in William Castle's Strait-Jacket (1964) hosted by DJ Dank and Valentine. Drag performances by Katya Smirnoff-Skye, Thee Pristine Condition, and Lucy Borden, a Crawford costume contest, Joan trivia, and a Joan To The Bone video tribute. October 2, sponsored by Sunset Connect.
FREE SHOW WITH THE BUDS AT EL RIO, SEPTEMBER 23
For years, longtime band pals The Buds have carried on a not-so-secret love affair with El Rio. Let's garden-rock the patio on Bisexual Visibility Day!
20 YEARS OF MAKING FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Sparks fly. Robots walk. Rockets launch. Maker Faire Bay Area turns 20! September 25–27, Historic Mare Island Shipyard — thousands of makers, one unforgettable weekend. New builds, retro tech, robotics, bio-hacking, and glorious Rube Goldberg chaos. Bring your project. Bring your people. Bring your curiosity; take the ferry from SF, it's a beautiful ride! Use code BAS for 25% OFF tickets!
JOIN US FOR ANOTHER SEISMIC LITQUAKE
Litquake, San Francisco's literary festival, is back from October 8–24. Presenting 80+ events across the Bay Area, from readings and performances to panels and workshops. More than 75% of events are FREE to attend.
YERBA BUENA GARDENS FESTIVAL SEASON IS HERE
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is back with 100+ free outdoor shows in downtown SF. With free music concerts, dance events, circus, kids’ shows, and more, YBG Festival is the place for picnics and summertime vibes.