Join nonprofit NextAid and the San Francisco House Music Community at Café Cocomo in San Francisco for their sixth annual benefit for children affected by AIDS in Africa. “For the Future” draws talent from the major DJ crews in the Bay Area, including: Om Records, PacificSound, Green Gorilla, thePeople Oakland, Stap[e, Forward and [Kontrol].
This 13-hour event will spread the word, garner hope, and raise funds for the construction of a “green” workshop and multipurpose facility for a youth-run business providing positive opportunities in impoverished Kenyan neighborhoods. For over 6 years …

Global Sol Festival, a self-proclaimed “Royal Mashup of Tech Nomadic Culture”, will be taking over the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond August 6 and 7 with two nights of dance, DJ and world music to benefit the Women’s Earth Alliance – all 100% solar-powered.
Designed to promote unity across the many different communities in the Bay Area, Global Sol offers up the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views across the Bay, relax in the large tea and chill-out tent by the water and take part in interactive light and art installations (including a …

On the hunt for the next DIY extravaganza? Head on over to Fort Mason July 31st for a smorgasbord of great handmade art, jewelry, clothing, and – get ready for it – some attachable beards made of yarn. Welcome to the 3rd Annual Renegade Craft Fair, featuring 225 independent artists.
Along with the myriad of goodies to be had, there will be live entertainment and workshops. You can learn about Craftivism with the Scarving Artists Knit-In, and enjoy some live music by the Troglodyte jug-band Thee Hobo Gobbelins. One of the …

Want to be a witness to street art history? Make sure you’re at 161 Erie Street this Sunday, August 1st from 11am to 7pm for a Block Party Benefit filled with art, music, food, and even score a free haircut.
Local artists, DJs and ororganizations are coming together in a combined effort to not only support art, music, and green living, but to finish a mural started by the elusive international street artist, Banksy. The live mural painting will be backed with some music, and you can even get a free …

YES! Yes. Yes. Yes.
That’s all we have to say about the Outside Lands night shows this year. Spattering across varied genres, audiences and venues – there really is something for everyone.
Setting the tone for the weekend, up-and-comers Dawes kick things off with their soulful rock ballads and Southern croon at Thursday night’s Nightlife at the Academy of Sciences.
The Independent sets up shop with the highly diverse bookings of ex-The Band member and country connoisseur, Levon Helm, Friday night and Colorado electro-party-beat-maker, Pretty Lights (grab his full album …