On the Cheap listings are compiled by Guardian staff. Submit items for the listings at listings@sfbg.com. For further information on how to submit items for the listings, see Selector.
WEDNESDAY 21
“Myths and Truths About Going Solar: Is Now A Good Time?” Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo, Berk; www.ecologycenter.org. 7-9pm, donations accepted. Transition Berkeley hosts a panel of experts for this discussion of residential solar power. Questions from the audience are encouraged.
Graham A. Rayman Books Inc., 1760 Fourth St, Berk; www.booksinc.net. 7pm, free. The author discusses his crooked-cop exposé The NYPD Tapes.
THURSDAY 22
Tony Johnson, Bill Weinreb Books Inc., 1344 Park, Alameda; www.booksinc.net. 7pm, free. The authors read from their respective books: Johnson’s The Captain and Mr. Shrode and Weinreb’s The Gift of Sleep.
“Poetry Thursdays” Readers Bookstore, Fort Mason Center, Bldg D, Room 165, SF; www.friendssfpl.org. 6:30pm, free. Readings by poets Gary Hicks and Doreen Stock.
“Summer Stories” LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market, SF; facebook.com/outloudradio. 7pm, free. LGBTQ youth radio organization OutLoud Radio celebrates the release of podcasts by its summer 2013 youth producers.
FRIDAY 23
Gary Soto Books Inc., 1344 Park, Alameda; www.booksinc.net. 7pm, free. The Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet reads from his memoir, What Poets Are Like.
SATURDAY 24
Carolyn Cooke Book Passage, 1 Ferry Bldg, SF; www.bookpassage.com. 6pm, free. The award-winning author reads from her 11-story collection Amor and Psycho.
“Peace in the Park” Golden Gate Park Bandshell, SF; www.peaceintheparksf.org. 11am-6pm, free. At this “festival to energize your inner peace,” expect world music and folk-dance performances; uplifting guided activities like yoga, meditation, and juggling; and exhibits highlighting peace efforts around the world.
Treasure Island Flea Market Great Lawn, Avenue of the Palms, Treasure Island; www.treasureislandflea.com. 10am-4pm, $3. Through Sun/25. Shop over 300 locally curated vendors, including food (over 15 food trucks, y’all), crafts, collectibles, antiques, and more. Also, the view across the water is awesome.
20th Street Block Party 20th St between Harrison and Bryant, SF; Facebook: 20th Street Block Party. Noon-6pm, free. Noise Pop curates the bands at this family-friendly block party (Two Gallants headlines; music from 1-6pm), which also features delicious food (it’s the Mission, duh) for sale by Trick Dog, flour + water, Central Kitchen, and other buzz worthy spots.
J. Maarten Troost Books Inc., 2251 Chestnut, SF; www.booksinc.net. 7pm, free. Books Inc. and the San Francisco Travel Book Club co-host this reading of the travel writer’s latest memoir, Headhunters on My Doorstep.
SUNDAY 25
Free National Park Day Various locations; nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm. It’s the National Park Service’s birthday, but it’s giving a gift to you: free entry and parking at Muir Woods, and Yosemite waives its $20 per car fee. Visit the website to check out reduced and free rates at other parks within driving distance.
Yoshi’s Jazzfest Jack London Square, Harrison at Water, Oakl; www.jacklondonsquare.com. Noon-5pm, free. Waterfront musical performances by Salvador Santana, Julian Coryell Trio, Dos Four, and the Oakland Jazz Workshop Performance Ensemble.
TUESDAY 27
“From Tesla to Tomorrow: A Monthly Film and Discussion Series on Energy Issues” Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar, Berk; www.bfuu.org. 7pm, $5-10 suggested donation. Screening and discussion of the film Tesla and the Race to Zero Point Energy, sponsored by the BFUU Social Justice Committee.
“Historypin: Year of the Bay” St. Philip’s Catholic Church, 725 Diamond, SF; www.sanfranciscohistory.org. 7:30pm, $5. Longtime SF resident Jon Voss discusses Historypin, described as a “not-for-profit online history project” that aims to help users share photos, stories, and audio and visual recordings. This presentation focuses on San Francisco history and includes then-and-now slide shows and an interactive map of the city.
Joyce Maynard Booksmith, 1644 Haight, SF; www.booksmith.com. 7:30pm, free. The author reads from her new novel, After Her.
“Radar Reading Series” San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin, SF; www.radarproductions.org. 6pm, free. Michelle Tea hosts this monthly series of readings by underground and independent writers and artists. This edition features Dodie Bellamy, Alejandro Murguía, Stephen Boyer, and Carmella Fleming. *