Night of Ideas is a nocturnal marathon of arts, culture and dialogue across the U.S. It includes Afternoon of Ideas, a family program that invites younger generations to participate in workshops with children’s book authors, artists and educators. Join KQED, the Asian Art Museum, the San Francisco Public Library and Villa Albertine San Francisco, along with artistic curating partner Circuit Network, for an inspiring selection of talks, performances, food, art and collective imagination. DJs provided by EMPIRE!
Thursday, April 10 | 7 PM In Person: $30.10 | Livestream: Free
Go behind the scenes with Alonzo King LINES Ballet, one of San Francisco’s most revered artistic institutions. Learn about the company’s creative process and witness the artistry that has captivated audiences worldwide. Through intimate conversation with co-founders Alonzo King and Robert Rosenwasser and company dancers, along with live performances and excerpts from a film about their Kennedy Center performance Deep River — you’ll experience the fusion of movement, music and philosophy that defines LINES Ballet. Don’t miss this rare glimpse into the soul of a groundbreaking Bay Area dance company.
Participate in this scavenger hunt celebrating San Francisco's 175th birthday from Mission Loteria, The Native Experience and KQED. This self-guided adventure takes you through iconic and hidden spots, including the William Westerfield Mansion, the golden fire hydrant at Dolores Park and Caffe Trieste. Kicking off on April 11, this at-your-own-pace hunt culminates in an ice cream gathering at Ghirardelli Square on April 15, where we'll celebrate our city, hear from local artists and historians about selected landmarks, and award prizes to three lucky winners that completed the hunt!
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall April 8–13. This year’s programs feature Bay Area premieres of four works by Jamar Roberts, Matthew Rushing, Hope Boykin, and Lar Lubovitch; as well as classic works that illuminate the Black American experience. For tickets and information, visit calperformances.org.
The Crossword Show
Thursday, April 17 | 7 PM In Person: $35.80
In this edition of The Crossword Show, Zach Sherwin (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Epic Rap Battles of History, MAD Magazine) hosts local personalities to solve an actual crossword puzzle live onstage, with everything displayed on a big screen so the audience can follow along. As they decipher various clues, Zach takes the show down rabbit holes of comedy, music, wordplay, and trivia, all inspired by the answer words. Everything ties together at the end for a grand finale that’s as satisfying as it is mind-blowing. You don’t need ANY crossword expertise to be dazzled by this hilarious, life-affirming, one-of-a-kind experience!
Bring your family and friends to the heart of the Mission for a day of creativity and learning at our annual Día de los Niños / Día de los Libros festival! Since 1999, this beloved FREE celebration has brought the community together to honor children and books. Enjoy live performances with music, dance and storytelling, plus fun crafts and activities for all ages. Expect take-home goodies from community partners and surprises throughout the day.
Reframe your perspective with a provocative two-day ideas festival from PBS News and KQED! Pioneering thought meets discerning journalism live onstage as some of today's most inventive minds and changemakers join the hosts of PBS News Hour for in-depth interviews, timely discussions, and moving performances. Featuring Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, tech journalist Kara Swisher, former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, policy expert Lanhee Chen, California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, women's ensemble Kitka, singer Meklit Hadero, and more. Join us for an experience where ideas kindle action and you’re intimately involved in rethinking our shared future.
Thursday, May 8 In Person: $18.65 (Earlybird), $24.38 (Regular) | Livestream: Free
My Wildest Story is a national live storytelling and comedic trauma-bonding event series from the pop-up comedy collective Fools Circle. Featuring some of the Bay Area’s favorite comedians and storytellers, this edition showcases crazy and jaw-dropping personal experiences that could only happen here. Each presenter will tell a three- to five-minute story that will have audiences laughing, shouting and celebrating local culture.
Tuesday, May 13 In Person: $30.10 | Livestream: Free
In this game show from Check, Please! Bay Area producer Cecilia Phillips, foodies participate in challenges where they must answer, analyze and eat their way to the top of the food pyramid. Your ticket includes tasting portions of the theme food…which in this edition is: maiz! We’ll learn about all parts of this native food — fresh corn, sweet corn, grain, masa — and eat tostadas and drink atole from chef Emmanuel Galvan from Bolita Masa. Apply to be a contestant here!
