The AI bros aren't slowing down—and it's getting worse
Plus: Moor Mother comes to town, Re:Vision Fest's fresh film eyes, Portola Fest Hot List
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!
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!
Score a pair of tickets to these naughty Folsom Street Fair parties this weekend
Time to get wild with thousands of fellow freaks at the fest's official bacchanals: Hunger, Magnitude, and Deviants. Learn more here.
Today's headlines:
AI operators aren’t slowing down; they are becoming even more of a threat to democracy
By Tim Redmond
Plus: Will Lurie support public power? We will find out this week—it's all in the Agenda for Sept 21-27.
Only connect: Poetic visionary Moor Mother returns to SF Electronic Music Fest
By Ronny Kerr
Polymath producer speaks of Hildegard of Bingen, working with incarcerated women, and new album 'Translations.'
‘Lost’ films seen through fresh eyes at Re:Vision Fest
By Dennis Harvey
A fascinating new showcase of restored and rediscovered movies, from 'My Name Ain't Suzie' to 'Lepers & Sex.'
Our Portola Fest 2026 Hot List
By Andrew Brobst and Adrian Spinelli
Kelela, Shadow, Clearcast... Six picks for the massive upcoming dance music bonanza, courtesy of our on-the-ground correspondents.
In case you missed it:
Best of the Bay 2026 Editors’ Pick: San Francisco Trans March
Kate Razo’s portraits are anything but by the book
The kids yearn for Weezer
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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!
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.