Why won't the media call a lie a lie?
Plus: Giant flesh-eating alien plant, four cafes we love, AI that destroys itself
48 Hills Daily is supported by Maker Faire, Memorizing Alison, Litquake, King Lear, Terror Vault, Hag-stravaganza, Songs of the Slow Burning Earth, and Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. Find out more about advertising here. Become a sustaining member!
POLLS CLOSE SOON! VOTE NOW FOR BEST OF THE BAY 2026!
Best Burrito? Best Street Fair? Best Drag Show? Best Date Restaurant? Best Shoe Store? Best Dive Bar? Vote in our 52nd annual Best of the Bay Readers' Poll and tell us what you love!
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.
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND ACCLAIMED FILM 'SONGS OF THE SLOW BURNING EARTH'
Unflinching documentary depicts the mass tragedy of people who came face to face with a large-scale war in Ukraine—and how they had to adapt in dire circumstances. Meet director Olha Zhurba and producer Darya Bassel at Rialto Berkeley on Sept. 28 and Four Star SF on Oct. 1.
Today's headlines:
Why won't the media call a lie a lie?
By Bruce Mirken
Trump and RFK, Jr. constantly and deliberately spew falsehoods. We know this, they know this—why doesn't the press?
Good Taste: Summer’s gone—but it left us great cafes
By Tamara Palmer
A quartet of exceptional new spots where you can linger over coffee, pastries, and perhaps some great art in the making.
Drama Masks: There’s a flesh-eating alien plant inside the queer theater!
By Charles Lewis III
'Little Shop of Horrors' comes to NCTC. Plus: Long live the DNA Lounge parklet, a true and trusty survivor.
A Luddite AI that self-destructs? Why not?
By Joel Schechter
'End Times' and a 21st Century version of a 19th Century phenomenon
In case you missed it:
BIG WEEK: Dolly Day, Folsom Parties, 924 Gilman Benefit, Kevin Powell, Laurie Anderson...
With new incarnation, stoner doom metal legends Sleep sail on
Inspired by Maren Hassinger’s work, BAMPFA community bonds on paper
Best of the Bay 2026 Editors’ Pick: Tablehopper
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.
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.
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!
