Q Bar returns along with ‘Booty Call Wednesdays’ — and Castro becomes a little more whole
It’s a homecoming for a party that once defined the midweek in Castro. Juanita More brings queer community and fun back inside the cramped space.
Q Bar has risen from the ashes — literally. The storied watering hole finally reopened a few weeks ago after an intense fire sent the bar on a 5-year hiatus. Now in its triumphant return, Q Bar’s dance floor is already packed with energy and nostalgia.
With dreaded Thanksgiving family time hanging in the air, Juanita More provided space to drink ourselves stupid with Booty Call Wednesdays, an OG party with drinks, sweaty bodies, and a high-end photo booth run by Cabure Bonugli and other queer nightlife photographers. It’s a simple setup that was insanely popular in the 2000s and 2010s — enough to charge a $10 cover on a weekday just to peer inside last week. And the small space was packed to the gills.
Read the latest by Christopher J. Beale
The legacy of SF Oasis will live on, following its successful gala
I remember a different Oasis that opened 10 years ago. The raw space on 11th and Folsom was sparsely decorated, with events that likewise gave attendees many unvarnished, heartfelt drag performances. But the club’s lifeblood pumped through the hearts of owners Heklina and D’Arcy Drollinger — ambitious queens with their eyes on business, fame, creating community, and supporting artists.
Today we’ll see the next chapter of their dream thanks to its first gala that raked in more than $200,000. That money supports a much grander Oasis of today, one with a flashy runway, rooftop space, and sparks that fly while drag queens do death drops. Notably though, it’s the new nonprofit arm that attendees threw their dollars at — Oasis Arts — which wants queer film and theater to thrive in a city that’s often too expensive to encourage it.
Read the latest by Saul Sugarman
The Boomers and Gen X love Cyndi Lauper — I thought she was fine
Cyndi Lauper — known for her unique voice, activism, and bleach-blonde 80s hairstyles — delivered less of a self-sendoff and more of a Sesame Street variety hour on Tuesday night at the Chase Center. Did I hate it? No. I genuinely liked the show, but I didn’t love it. This concert delivered some high notes amid a simple setup that needed editing and a few more frills. And since the good vibes are overflowing in other reviews, I’m mostly here to spill some tea.
Read the latest by Saul Sugarman
What we’re doing this week
Civic Center Tree Lighting
The annual Civic Center Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting in San Francisco is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4, featuring performances led by Boxcar Theatre's Artistic Director Nick A. Olivero, including music, theatrical acts, and appearances by Santa Claus. Attendees can enjoy artificial snow flurries and a toy giveaway for the first 400 children aged 12 and under, organized by Another Planet Entertainment in collaboration with the San Francisco Police Foundation and the Civic Center Community Benefit District.
The 50-foot noble fir tree will be illuminated at 5:30 p.m., set against the backdrop of the illuminated City Hall.
When: Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 4–7 p.m.
Where: Civic Center Plaza, 335 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Let’s Glow SF
San Francisco’s iconic architecture becomes a canvas for massive holiday-themed light projections. Stroll through downtown and watch as art and animation light up the night in spectacular fashion. This event is perfect for an evening walk with friends or family, soaking in the beauty of winter without the chill. Read our review of last year’s Let’s Glow SF.
When: December 6–15, 2024
Where: Various downtown San Francisco buildings
Santa Skivvies Run
Strip down to your festive underwear and join hundreds in this cheeky charity run through the Castro. It’s a fun, body-positive event that supports the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, with participants often decked out in creative holiday-themed lingerie. Expect a lively crowd, music, and a lot of good-natured laughs as runners race to spread awareness and joy. It’s one of the most lighthearted and visually festive ways to give back during the holidays.
When: December 8, 2024, 9:00 AM
Where: Castro District, San Francisco
The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes
Experience the classic TV show’s holiday episodes performed live on stage by an all-drag cast. This hilarious tribute combines nostalgia with outrageous performances, offering a fresh perspective on your favorite Golden Girls moments. The drag performances are both affectionate and over-the-top, turning this into a unique holiday tradition. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the show, this production will leave you laughing and humming along to its theme song.
When: December 5–22, 2024 (various times)
Where: The Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102
San Francisco Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
Experience the magic of the holiday season with the San Francisco Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker. This cherished production, celebrating its 20th anniversary under Helgi Tomasson's direction, transports audiences to a fantastical world where snowflakes dance and the Sugarplum Fairy reigns.
WHEN: December 6–29, 2024
WHERE: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA
We keep content mostly fun and light at The Bold Italic, but the future of the Bay Area interests us, too. Here’s what we are thinking about in local news. Brought to you by GrowSF.
Noe Valley’s literary heart beats again
After seven months without a bookstore, Noe Valley is celebrating the grand return of a beloved space. Rising from the closure of Folio Books, the new Noe Valley Books opened with a $150,000 crowdfunding boost from 700 devoted donors. Former manager Katerina Argyres spearheaded the revival just in time for the holidays, transforming the shop into a vibrant hub for everything from queer romance to escapist fantasy.
For Argyres, who has spent her life in bookstores, the project is deeply personal. “Maybe you just want dragons drinking tea,” she said in the SF Standard, summing up the cozy, inclusive vibe. Locals didn’t let a rainy day stop them from pouring in to explore the eclectic collection.
Stanford’s Terry Karl was among the visitors, shopping for children’s books while celebrating her birthday and a human rights award. “I love this bookstore,” she said, echoing the joy shared by the neighborhood as its literary cornerstone returns.
Join us for the GrowSF Election Victory Party
Join us for the GrowSF Election Victory Party at ANINA. We're having a celebration to honor all the hard work that went into this election season.
We're thrilled to announce that Supervisors-elect Bilal Mahmood and Danny Sauter will be joining us, and who knows, maybe a few other surprise guests will pop in too! See you there!
WHEN: Tuesday, December 17 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
WHERE: ANINA, 482 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102
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