events

Diane Ackerman Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness; 392-4400. 8pm, $18. Poet, essayist, and naturalist Ackerman speaks in conversation with Angie Coiro.

'Fighting Words' Bruno's, 2389 Mission; (510) 208-4555. 6pm, $5-10 donation. See 8 Days a Week.

'Press Credibility and the 2004 Elections' World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter; 293-4600. 6pm, free. Panelists John Diaz, Matt Mansfield, and Paul Ramirez and moderator Bill Woo discuss press credibility, accountability, and Election 2004 coverage.

Benefits

Gender Pirates! benefit El Rio, 3158 Mission; 282-3325. 9pm, $5-15. This benefit for United Genders of the Universe features Radical Cheerleaders, DJ Shanestar, Katastrophe, Julia Serano, Burlesque-esque, and others.

'Hospitality House's 19th Annual Art Auction' Andrea Schwartz Gallery, 525 Second St; www.asgallery.com. 6-9pm, $40-200. More than 120 works by nationally recognized artists will be auctioned at this event benefiting the Community Arts Program at Hospitality House.

thursday 27
Around town

Jim Lehrer Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness; 392-4400. 8pm, $18.50. Journalist and novelist Lehrer is interviewed by Judson True.

Merle Woo New Valencia Hall, 1908 Mission; 864-1278. 7pm, free. Asian American writer and activist Woo speaks.

Benefits

Faultlines magazine benefit Balazo/Mission Badlands Gallery, 2811 Mission; 550-1108. 9pm, $5-10 sliding scale. See 8 Days a Week.

friday 28
Around town

'Bookmark: Arty Expo #1' 111 Minna Gallery, 111 Minna; www.111minna.org. 9pm-2am, $5. This event features books, prints, toys, and other items by artists Tiffany Bozic, Sam Flores, David Choe, Damon Soule, Andrew Schultz, and others.

Benefits

'21 Grand's Fourth Annual Benefit Art Sale' 21 Grand, 449B 23rd St, Oakl; (510) 444-7263. 7-11pm, free. Buy artwork by local artists for $75 or less at this benefit sale.

saturday 29
Around town

'Carnaval San Francisco' Harrison, between 16th and 23rd Sts; 920-0125, www.carnavalsf.com. 10am-6pm, free. Also Sun/30. See 8 Days a Week.

'Digital Be-In 13' SomArts, 934 Brannan; www.be-in.com or www.acteva.com/go/verbum. 7pm-4am, $25. This cyberculture event features musical performances, exhibits, speakers, presentations, and more; highlights include a discussion with Ram Dass moderated by Wavy Gravy, a tribute to Allen Cohen, and a virtual drive on Mars exhibit.

'Maya Sacred Cycle Sunrise Ceremony and Celebration' Dolores Park, Dolores between 18th and 20th Sts; (510) 482-8097. 6-10am, free. See 8 Days a Week.

Bay Area

'Air and Space Show' NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Mountain View; (650) 599-5057, www.airshownetwork.com. 9am-5pm, $15-20. Flight demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds jet team and a hands-on exhibit about space exploration are the highlights of this event.

'Chocolate and Chalk Art on Solano' Solano Ave, Berk. and Albany; (510) 527-5358, www.solanoave.org. 9am-5pm, free. This street fair honoring chalk art features a chocolate-tasting event and sidewalks decorated by chalk-wielding artists of all ages and abilities.

'This Is a Political Statement' YWCA, 1515 Webster, Oakl; (510) 834-9455, ext 211. 4-7pm, free. The Asian Pacific Islander Youth Promoting Advocacy and Leadership hosts this youth-advocacy event featuring art, music, theater, and more.

sunday 30
Around town

'Brazil Women Rock for the Kids' Gift Center Pavilion, 888 Brannan; 351-1265. 7:30pm, $45-65. This concert features Brazilian musicians Kati Morias, Sonia Santos, Anna Gazzola, Maisa Duke, and Diana; proceeds benefit Angel for Children.

'Carnaval San Francisco' Parade: starts at corner of Bryant and 24th Sts, S.F. 9:30 a.m., free. Festival: Harrison, between 16th and 23rd Sts; 920-0125, www.carnavalsf.com. 10am-6pm, free. See Sat/29.

'Make Movies or DIY Trying' Sadie's Flying Elephant, 491 Potrero; www.lilycat.com. 4-8pm, free. This workshop presentation on filmmaking outlines the movie-making process and features a question-and-answer session with a panel of experienced filmmakers and a barbecue.

Bay Area

'Air and Space Show' NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Mountain View; (650) 599-5057, www.airshownetwork.com. 9am-5pm, $15-20. See Sat/29.

monday 31
Around town

'Lost Boat Ceremony' USS Pampanito, Taylor and Jefferson, Pier 45, Fisherman's Wharf; 561-6662. 11am, free. Celebrate Memorial Day aboard the USS Pampanito submarine and museum, where Bay Area World War II veterans will be honored and remembered.

Porch Light Storytelling: The Rock Edition Marsh, 1062 Valencia; 826-5750. 8pm, $7. This Mission Creek Music Festival event features local rock musicians talking about life on the road; speakers include Anthony Bedard, Diana Hayes, Nate Denver, Wendy Farina, Lynn Breedlove, and others.

tuesday 1
Around town

Nina Marie Martínez Café Niebaum-Coppola, 916 Kearny; info@all-story.com. 6:30pm, free. The author reads from and signs her novel, Caramba!: A Tale Told in Turns of the Card.