Photo: Are you up for Edison’s challenge?
This week’s Curator: Kishore Hari from Inquiring Minds/Tested.com/Big Screen Science
I won’t lie – I have a huge bias towards science. But I’ve sat through enough powerpoint presentations for multiple lifetimes, so I’m always on the hunt for the more eclectic and bizarre science offerings. So this week, I’m highlighting a film about poo, a play about deep brain stimulation, a science themed escape room, another film about the craziest pyrotechnic festival in the world, and tour of a mattress factory. Plus Free Comic Book Day!
COMING UP THIS WEEK:
Palace Escape Room: The Edison Room
I’m addicted to escape rooms. I love the puzzles, the constraints, the potential for frayed friendships. After doing 20 in the past couple years, the Edison Room is an absolute standout. A mix of great storytelling, incredible props, and a bit of technology thrown-in – easily made this my favorite 100 minute escape experience. If they don’t have a booking afterwards, they may even show you a bit behind-the-scenes, which absolutely blew my mind (can’t share because spoilers). Plus, any reason to wander around the Palace of Fine Arts makes for a good day.
Pretty much every day. Multiple times, check website. Palace of Fine Arts, SF. $400 for the room, up to 8 players.
Flush – What Happens After We Go
Usually, after I go, I light a candle. But that’s just the beginning of the story. Flush follows your poop and the forces that are changing the ways we are handling waste across America. Following the film screening, a panel with an EBMUD rep, artists, and the team behind the film will discuss what to do do next.
MAY 3 – THU: 630-830 PM. Oakland. $5-10 donation requested.
Homo Ex-Machina – World Premiere
Imagine you are a brilliant scientist beset with a neurodegenerative disease. You undergo an experimental deep brain stimulation therapy that cures you, but are you the same person on the other side? This play takes you on an intimate journey of who we are and what we owe those we love the most.
MAY 3-6 – THU-SUN: 8 PM (Matinee 2 PM on Sunday too). $20, $5 student.
The Magnificent Detection of Gravitational Waves
Alex Filippenko might be the most entertaining astronomer in the Bay Area. He tackles gravitational waves in his latest talk, but the best part is the stargazing that happens atop Campbell Hall afterwards.
MAY 3 – THU. Talk 730 PM. Stargazing 830 PM. Campbell Hall, UC Berkeley. Free.
Brimstone & Glory Outdoor Screening
TIL San Juan de Dios is the patron saint of firework makers. Every year, Tultepec, Mexico literally lights up for 10 days in celebration of all things pyrotechnic. Most of the town works in the industry, so this documentary is part investigation of the town’s culture, part fireworks show.
MAY 4 – FRI: 7-10PM. Hayes Valley, SF. Get there early to get a spot. Free.
I grew up in my old comic book shop – heading in every afternoon to read everything from Infinity War to Knightfall. There are still dozens of comic book stores across the Bay Area – and no better time to visit than the annual free comic book day. Yea, the free books are hit or miss, but I go in just to people watch and chat up the owner.
MAY 5 – SAT: All Day, across the Bay Area. Find your local shop.
Sea Chantey Singing in San Francisco
Gather aboard the historic ships C. A. Thayer and Balclutha to sing chanteys and other sea songs! Park rangers provide the cider – bring your mug and jolliest voice. Here’s a taste of greatest hits.
MAY 5 – SAT: 8-11 PM, SF Maritime Park. Free. Reservations required, call 415-561-7171, or email.
2018 Backyard Chicken Coop Tour
People keep chickens in their backyard. Apparently, a lot of people. In Alameda, a bunch of them are opening up their backyards to show how they do it. Go to as many or as few as you want – people are encouraged to do a bike crawl between locations.
MAY 6 – SUN: 1-4 PM, Across Alameda. Free.
SF MADE is an annual celebration of local manufacturers – and the best part is the “How Its Made” type tours. 20+ over the week – with the best being a tour of a 100+ year old hand made mattress company along with a visit to the new brewery next door.
MAY 10 – THU: 2PM, Dogpatch, SF. $5, Tickets required.
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Caveat Eventor: just because we mention an event here, does not mean it won’t be terrible. Anglerfish curators are looking for events that sound like fun to them – your mileage may vary.