The Bay Area's shelter-in-place order has brought countless events usually held as in-person gatherings online. We're aiming to support local businesses in San Francisco and Oakland by highlighting five of these events each day.
Got a suggestion for an online event based in SF or Oakland? Email our events reporter, Teresa Hammerl.
Here's your SF event calendar for Wednesday, May 20. Sing during a bike-themed karaoke night, watch a drag pianist play pop hits and learn how to prevent a second wave of COVID-19 — all from the comfort of your couch.
COVID Conversations: Second Wave of Infection and Immunity
Curious what the pandemic will look like as we slowly return to "normal life"?Join Exploratorium scientist Jennifer Frazier, Ph.D. as she talks to Dr. George Rutherford, head of epidemiology at UCSF, about how the Bay Area can prevent a second wave of infection. The discussion will span decades, including lessons from the 1918 flu pandemic and the latest science on immunity to recurrences of COVID-19.
When: Wednesday, May 20, 4 p.m.
How to join: Via YouTube
Price: Free
Community Brainstorm: Manny's Next Chapter
Mission-based community center Manny's has hosted more than 100 "civic cyber conversations" since the pandemic started, with authors, Congresspeople, CEOs and other notable figures. Now, it's hosting a virtual brainstorm session to figure out how it can continue to engage the community in the months to come, as businesses tentatively begin to reopen.
When: Wednesday, May 20, 6 p.m.
How to join: Via Eventbrite
Price: Free
Paige Turner presents Piano Lounge: Dirty Pop
Join drag pianist Paige Turner as she plays and sings some sexy tunes from the top of the pop charts. This week, she'll perform hits from the likes of Robyn, Arianna Grande, Dua Lipa, Lizzo, and more, with a dash of her signature vintage style. Got a request? Put it in the comments ahead of time, and Turner will work it up for you.
When: Wednesday, May 20, 6 p.m.
How to join: Via Facebook Live
Price: Free
SFDFF Digital Season Presents: Raising Voices
The San Francisco Dance Film Festival is encouraging viewers to tune in to "Raising Voices," a collection of mini-documentaries and experimental shorts spanning a wide cross-section of the dance community. The program focuses on underrepresented communities, with select filmmakers and artists joining to share thoughts about their films and the moment we find ourselves in.
When: Wednesday, May 20, 7 p.m.
How to join: Via SF Dance Film Festival
Price: Free
Bike-Themed Karaoke Night
SF Bicycle Coalition member Sarah Katz-Hyman has been leading online karaoke parties throughout shelter-in-place — and now she's hosting a bike-themed edition for the city's cyclists. Any song is welcome, but you'll get bonus points for choosing something bike-related. There will also be a few opportunities for the group to sing together.
When: Wednesday, May 20, 7 p.m.
How to join: RSVP via SF Bicycle Coalition's website
Price: Free
