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Culture

Mardi Gras, pole dancing, and (of course) raves top SF events this week

It's Fat Tuesday and Carnival all weekend as the city's revelers head into spring.

A lively brass band plays in a parade, with musicians wearing beads. They play trumpets, saxophones, and other instruments, dressed casually with hats and sunglasses.
Catch a Second Line March during this year’s Mardi Gras celebrations. | Source: Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images

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. Sign up for Outgoers by clicking this link on your phone.

Chat Room: Music

Musicians, industry execs, and journalists gather to discuss creative AI, supporting local artists, and protecting nightlife, with performances by up-and-comers.

Date and time
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6 to 9 p.m.

Noise Pop happy hours

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A dozen indie bands perform throughout the week at Mission dive bar Bender’s.

A lively, crowded club scene with people raising their hands, some holding drinks, and the atmosphere is dimly lit with lights and shadows enhancing the energy.
Noise Pop Festival continues with 3 nights at Benders. | Source: Theo Labrusciano-Carris
Website
Noise Pop
Date and time
Thursday, Feb. 27, to Saturday, March 1

‘Crushing’ theater show

This show, which sold out its NYC debut, sees writers present hysterical and heartfelt monologues about their messiest romances.

A person in white clothing sits on a dark chair against a black background, leaning forward with hands clasped, appearing thoughtful or engaged.
'Crushing' presents five first-person monologues about formative experiences in love. | Source: Bowspirit Productions
Website
Tickets
Date and time
Thursday, Feb. 27, and Friday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.

SF Tech Connect party

The Intern Ship crew hosts a tech-industry happy hour at Thriller arcade bar.

Website
Tickets
Date and time
Thursday, Feb. 27, 6 to 9 p.m.

Inner Circle

One of SF’s best dance parties fills the Summer of Love-themed Marina bar White Rabbit with big beats and bouncy people.

Date and time
Thursday, Feb. 27, 9 p.m.

Mardi Gras Second Line March

North Beach gets a a legit New Orleans brass-band parade, starting at NorthStar Cafe and ending with jambalaya at Tupelo.

Website
Tickets
Date and time
Saturday, March 1, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Special Request

Mission club Public Works connects all its rooms for Diplo collaborator Paul Woolford, plus DJs from Garage Access and YerbaFM.

Website
Tickets
Date and time
Friday, Feb. 28, 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Black and White rave

Nicaragua’s Klaus and Philly’s Ty Salone pump house and minimal until late at a secret location.

Website
Tickets
Date and time
Friday, Feb. 28, 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Pole dance competition

The professional Pole Sport Organization hosts 150 dancers presenting their athleticism and grace.

Website
Tickets
Date and time
Saturday, March 1, and Sunday, March 2

Alex Tatarsky’s ‘Material’

Originally commissioned by the Whitney Museum of Art, this gonzo performance by the trained clown combines comedy, poetry, dance theater, and original songs.

Website
Tickets
Date and time
Saturday, March 1, 8 to 10 p.m.

Wajatta concert

Musical comedian Reggie Watts and electronic composer Jon Tejada team up as Wajatta to make some mind-bending beats.

Website
Tickets
Date and time
Saturday, March 1, 9 p.m.

ElectroFlux DJ party

Edinburgh Castle Pub crackles with electro and youthful energy at this party from Fluxions x Flux Aeterna.

Website
Tickets
Date and time
Saturday, March 1, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Safada Carnival

Catch a live band, Carnival dancers, and two rooms of DJs celebrating the beats of Brazil.

Website
Tickets
Date and time
Saturday, March 1, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

TwoAM warehouse rave

The fun starts at 1 a.m. at this secret warehouse location, so bring your dancing shoes, ear plugs, and stamina.

Website
RSVP
Date and time
Saturday, March 1, doors open at 11:59 p.m.

The Klituation day party

The Outer Mission’s premier patio ropes in half a dozen DJs and performers, pop-up vendors, and more to celebrate Women’s Month.

Website
Tickets
Date and time
Sunday, March 2, 3 to 8 p.m.

Paul McCartney tribute

Golden Gate Bandshell hosts local singer-songwriters playing the legend’s hits, followed by performances by soul band Christie Aida & the Free Press Music and Brazilian percussionists Batuki.

Date and time
Saturday, March 1, noon to 4 p.m.

Rebirth Brass Band for Fat Tuesday

The 40-year New Orleans brass legends take over The Chapel to celebrate the peak of Mardi Gras.

Website
Tickets
Date and time
Tuesday, March 4, 8:30 p.m.

Josh Constine can be reached at outgoers@sfstandard.com