One of the most treasured comedies in English-speaking theater, Oscar Wilde’s THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST never fails to delight&nbsp;and amuse audiences - and it provides nine of the most delicious roles in the canon.&nbsp; A madcap farce about mistaken identities, secret romantic engagements, and acute&nbsp;social class satire, EARNEST also contains one of the theater’s wittiest and most&nbsp;sophisticated texts.
Plays October 2nd - 18th in the charming and intimate Live Oak Theater in north Berkeley, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30, Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets and more info at our website <a href="https://www.aeofberkeley.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">aeofberkeley.org</a> Directed by Jay Manley with Jane Goodwin, with: Jack - Nikolas Greene Lady Bracknell - Paulette Herring Gwendolen - Bri Hunter Algernon - Moshe Quinn Cecily - Sophie Ruf Miss Prism - Linda Scaparotti Rev. Chasuble - Mark Shepard Lane/Merriman - Jeff Trescott

Local Event: The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde

Alameda County

Berkeley

California

The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde

One of the most treasured comedies in English-speaking theater, Oscar Wilde’s THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST never fails to...

El Cerrito Community Center

Experience a full day of community and culture featuring various workshops and performances. This event is presented by the San Francisco Folk Music Club in association with the El Cerrito Arts &amp; Culture Commission.

Local Event: El Cerrito Free Folk Festival

Contra Costa County

El Cerrito

El Cerrito Free Folk Festival

Experience a full day of community and culture featuring various workshops and performances. This event is presented by the San...

Live Oak Theater

UC Gill Tract Community Farm

If you live in the East Bay, you live in Lisjan Nation homelands. One way to be in solidarity with Lisjan Nation people is to give Shuumi.&nbsp;This gift, or self-tax, contributes to Lisjan Nation sovereignty work including land rematriation. Come listen to neighbors sharing their stories of giving Shuumi, and hear from members of Sogorea Te' Land Trust, the Indigenous women-led land trust which stewards Shuumi. This event is organized by Good Guest Kensington in collaboration with Sogorea Te' Land Trust. It is free and open to the public. Learn more and register:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goodguestkensington.org/events-2-1/ipd-2026-shuumi-stories" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">goodguestkensington.org/events-2-1/ipd-2026-shuumi-stories</a>

Local Event: Shuumi Stories

Albany

Shuumi Stories

If you live in the East Bay, you live in Lisjan Nation homelands. One way to be in solidarity with Lisjan Nation people is to...

SF Eagle

Grin &amp; Bear It is Safe Words' bear lineup, back at the Eagle the night before the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bearrison.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">Bearrison Street Fair</a>. <a target="_blank" href="https://whatsupdanny.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Daniel Franzese</a>, who you may know as Damian in Mean Girls and Eddie on HBO's Looking, is our headliner, with Marquis The Honey Bear, Katie Bowman, and Edsel Mac rounding out our bear-tastic lineup. Hosted by certified Bear-chaser,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.teamwonderdave.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Wonder Dave</a>.
Stay after the show: Daniel is doing a free meet &amp; greet. Merch buyers go first in line, then everyone else for quick selfies. Add the free Meet &amp; Greet ticket at checkout so we know you're coming. Tickets are $30–$45, with a limited number of $15 Community Tickets for anyone who needs them. If that's still a barrier, join the Sponsored Seat waitlist. You can also sponsor a seat for someone else at checkout.
“Safe Words exists to create safe spaces for queer audiences and accelerate the careers of queer comedians.”
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<h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.marquishoney.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Marquis The Honey Bear</a></h3>
He/Him | Gay
An Emmy-nominated producer, writer, actor, and community organizer, Marquis The Honey Bear was also Mr. Bear LA 2023. Through his work and his signature event Black Bear Joy, he’s been creating space for Black bears and gender-nonconforming folks to be seen and celebrated. Bold, hilarious, and brimming with heart, Marquis brings his one-of-a-kind presence to the Safe Words stage.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/marquishoneybear/" rel="nofollow noopener">@marquishoneybear</a>
<h3><a target="_blank" href="https://katiebowman.rocks/" rel="nofollow noopener">Katie Bowman</a></h3>
She/They | Queer · Bisexual · Pansexual · Gender Queer
Katie Bowman is a Denver comedian, clown, and visual artist with a goofy, confessional style, turning her life as a social underdog into voices and act-outs. Her debut album, Neurodivergent Nightmare, hit #1 on iTunes and Amazon the week it came out. She’s been featured at the Limestone, High Plains, and West End comedy festivals, was Comic of the Week on The Jackie and Laurie Show, and has appeared on The Dork Forest and Lady to Lady. She has opened for Atsuko Okatsuka, Todd Barry, and Laurie Kilmartin.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/katiebowmancomedy/" rel="nofollow noopener">@katiebowmancomedy</a> · <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@katiebowmancomedy" rel="nofollow noopener">TikTok</a>
<h3>Edsel Mac</h3>
He/Him | Gay · Queer
Edsel Mac hails from Northern California, Sonoma County born and raised, where he still lives and works; juggling the life of a full time Elementary School teacher, while moonlighting as a stand up comedian. Edsel got his start at the Brainwash (SF), The Purple Onion and open mics all over the greater SF Bay Area. Edsel has performed at SF Punchline, Sally Tomatoes (Rohnert Park), in The Sacramento Comedy Festival, The Central Valley Comedy Competition (Fresno), as well as The Cinderblock Comedy Festival in Brooklyn, NY. Edsel cohosted The Hank Hardister Show, a local radio show in Napa,CA, for a few years, which can also be found in Apple Podcasts, as well as Swiped TV Show. Edsel weaves stories of being an educator in today’s crazy world, along with tales from his uncanny family upbringing, all from his own, unique and hysterical queer-perspective.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/the.edsel.mac/" rel="nofollow noopener">@the.edsel.mac</a> 
<h3><a target="_blank" href="https://whatsupdanny.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Daniel Franzese</a></h3>
He/Him | Gay | HEADLINER
Daniel Franzese is an actor, comedian and writer best known for his iconic role as Damian in Mean Girls and as Eddie on HBO’s Looking. His credits also include Bully, Party Monster, I Spit On Your Grave, The Comeback, Recovery Road, Conviction and RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race.
A longtime stand-up comedian, Daniel performs around the country with his mix of storytelling, crowd work, pop culture and unapologetically queer comedy. His debut stand-up special, It’s Not Easy!, is coming soon to YouTube.
Follow Daniel everywhere @whatsupdanny and subscribe at youtube.com/mymymytube to be the first to see It’s Not Easy!
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/whatsupdanny/" rel="nofollow noopener">@whatsupdanny</a> · <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/mymymytube" rel="nofollow noopener">mymymytube on YouTube</a> 
<h3><a target="_blank" href="https://www.teamwonderdave.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Wonder Dave</a></h3>
He/Him | Gay · Queer | HOST
Wonder Dave is a comedian, writer and performer from Minneapolis, MN, living in California. He has toured the country performing at comedy clubs, colleges, cabarets, comic and science fiction conventions, burlesque shows, theaters, strip clubs, and bowling alleys. Wonder Dave hosts and produces Safe Words Showcase - Queer Sex Positive Comedy and SMILF - Straight Men I'd Like to Friend with producer Jonah Price, hosts Hysteria: Open Mic for Women and Queers, hosts and produces Mental Health Comedy Hour with comedian Kristee Ono, and Co-Hosts Ruckus and Rumpus Revival with Jamie DeWolf. He is a frequent commentator for acclaimed independent wrestling show Hoodslam, has been a featured storyteller on the Risk podcast, and was a producer for the podcast Nerd Rage The Great Debates.
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Safe Words is San Francisco's longest-running queer comedy showcase, held monthly at The SF Eagle. Each show is carefully curated to highlight both emerging talent and seasoned voices from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Our goal is to create a space where queer and trans performers can take the stage without compromise—and where queer audiences feel seen, celebrated, and safe. Bring your people, grab a ticket, and join us at the Eagle for a night built around queer audiences and queer comics doing their best work.
Whether it's your first show or your fiftieth, welcome to the room. We're glad you're here.

Local Event: Grin & Bear It Featuring Daniel Franzese

San Francisco County

San Francisco

Grin & Bear It Featuring Daniel Franzese

Grin & Bear It is Safe Words' bear lineup, back at the Eagle the night before the Bearrison Street Fair. Daniel Franzese, who...

Fernando Haro

Bay Area

Rockridge

Piedmont

Pinole-Hercules

Alameda

Angela Woodall

Lamorinda

Marin County

Larkspur-Corte Madera

Pleasant Hill

Free 20-Minute Photo Coaching Session with Camera or Lens

Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters

Here in Berkeley, Looking Glass Photo is where gear, guidance, and community come together—since 1971. We’re a boutique-style camera shop that outfits photographers with exactly what they need and nothing they don’t. That means real conversations, hands-on help, and curated solutions across top brands like Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Sony and more. We carry new gear, offer a thoughtful selection of preowned and consignment cameras and lenses, and place special orders when the perfect fit isn’t on the shelf. Learning is at the heart of what we do. Join our small-group classes and workshops, sign up for photo adventures in the wild (from tide pools to elk rut season), or dig into image reviews and practical technique sessions. Our Rentals program makes it easy to test drive the latest bodies, lenses, lighting and accessories—perfect for a weekend project or a big assignment—while our “Try Before You Buy” and paid Gear Outfitting service help you make confident choices. What makes us unique? Personalized coaching before and after a purchase, community-driven events (including our Photo Friends network), and a values-driven approach that puts longevity and stewardship first. We stand behind the gear we sell, keep darkroom and printing essentials flowing, and cheer on your growth every step of the way. Whether you’re brand-new to photography or a seasoned pro, Looking Glass is your trusted partner for classes, adventures, rentals, consignment and used gear, and a welcoming community that lifts each other up.

Here in Berkeley, Looking Glass Photo is where gear, guidance, and community come together—since 1971. We’re a boutique-style camera shop that...

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State Edition

National Edition

Events and Things to Do in Albany, CA

Friday, October 9

The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde

OCT

9

7:30 PM

Berkeley, CA

Saturday, October 10

El Cerrito Free Folk Festival

OCT

10

12:00 PM

El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Ln, El Cerrito, CA

The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde

OCT

10

7:30 PM

Berkeley, CA

Sunday, October 11

The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde

OCT

11

2:00 PM

Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA

Friday, October 16

Shuumi Stories

OCT

16

7:00 PM

UC Gill Tract Community Farm, 1050 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Friday, October 9

Saturday, October 10

Sunday, October 11

Friday, October 16

The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde

El Cerrito Free Folk Festival

The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde

The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde

Shuumi Stories

Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters