The 17 best events in SF this week, from secret raves to a Victorian holiday fair

Outgoers is a weekly column published in partnership with the event newsletter of the same name founded by Josh Constine. Each week, Outgoers texts readers a list of San Francisco events and activities worthy of their time. The Standard features those events, plus a few extra, every week. Sign up for Outgoers by clicking this link (opens in new tab) on your phone.

Seven exhibits, ranging from LED games to optical illusions, illuminate the Embarcadero’s Exploratorium.

Galleries, restaurants, and retailers host art exhibitions, concerts, and vendors up and and down Divis.

Hear work from a dozen poets and check out local designers’ clothes by the glow of the historic Phoenix Hotel pool.

One of SF’s top DJs, Starfari, soundtracks this body-positive party, with a discussion, marketplace, dance workshop, and more.

The Haight’s inspiring underground music venue/gallery the Faight Collective hosts cosmic art, singer/songwriters, and DJs.

Revel in the spicy comedy of a San Franciscan as she strips her way through losing her cushy tech job and trying to find a home.

In a lantern-lit alley, the Lion’s Den lounge fills with musicians, techno DJs, art showcases, tarot reading, and more at this free party.

Laszewo combines bouncy pop house beats with soulful vocals at 1015, a club the fast-rising act will soon be too big for.

Delight in exquisite tea, finger sandwiches, and scones from Lovejoy’s Tea Room, served on fine china in a gorgeous Victorian.

The ornate Saint Joseph’s Arts Society building hosts Garza of Thievery Corporation on the decks, casino games, and a silent auction to benefit the museum.

This legendary Bay Area house music crew curates a night of top DJs, headlined by Galen, at a secret location.

Strobe warning! Get overstimulated as the electronic music composer performs with sound and visuals on giant screens at the Midway.

Get immersed in the holiday spirit at the Cow Palace, filled with four acres of theater and music performances, Victorian-themed vendors and food, and collectible shopping.

Explore mini concerts scattered among art-installation stages throughout the Palace Hotel.

Divisadero’s Fresh Blades barbershop converts to an after-hours dance party with house, techno, and dark disco, plus costume and hairstyle contests.

Berlin queer dance party legends MCMLXXXV and CEM take over two rooms with techno on a Funktion One sound system at a secret venue.

Audio’s skylight-lit club hosts an afternoon rager with Tchami, who produced several Lady Gaga albums and has 1.5 million monthly Spotify listeners for his dark-wave house jams.