This Thursday, the preview fashion show for "Traffic: The 2nd Annual Urban Entertainment Convention" will be going off at Suite 181. There, you'll not only get a sneak peak at the season's latest by Reebok, Bossalini, 41510, Nopal, Nefra, and many other top Bay Area designers, but you'll be shakin' your bum to fresh flows by Mobb Deep and Devin the Dude. Their live hip-hop performance alone makes this a worthy spot to spend $15, but Taylor Made Management and Traffic are also bringing hip-hop, dancehall, and soul djs Sake1, Mr. E , I-Jonah, and Sokrates as well to dish out local urban flavor and funk. This is an impressive combo of world-class hip-hop and fashion that fits like a glove. Date: Thurs., 7/8 Time: 9pm-3am Place: Suite 181  181 Eddy St. (btw Mason & Taylor) Cover: $15, More Info (DKD)

Festival Neruda Honors Poet
From July 12th, through the 18th, Theater Artaud is honoring the 100th birthday of one of the 20th century's true renaissance men, Chilean poet, artist, diplomat, politician and humanitarian Pablo Neruda. Neruda's writings spanned numerous genres, including a strong friendship with Pablo Picasso; a fury of political poems during the Spanish Civil War; an array of 1000-page epic poems and a large accumulation of romantic works. His poetry has been awarded a Nobel Prize, been translated into over ten languages, and been used as a catalyst for social rebellion. The highlight of this event is the screening of a documentary film about the artist, "Pablo Neruda! Presente!," and the release of "The Essential Neruda,"  translated works. The film shows every day during the week, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Live music, dancing, poetry readings, lectures and much more will be ongoing to raise awareness of  Neruda's stories and South American history. Date: 7/12-7/18 Time: All-day events, film at 8:30pm daily. Place: Theater Artaud-450 Florida St. @ 17th St. Cover: Varies, More Info (IA)

SF Magazine Best of the Bay
San Francisco Magazine’s "Best of the Bay" event has delivered a spectacular party in the past and this year should be no exception. This posh SF rag has Bat Makumba serving up Brazilian Funk from their self-titled debut release which just won the California Music Award for Outstanding Latin Alternative Album. Also on the bill is the much-loved, DJ Laird who has been working the San Francisco club scene since 1990. Laird deals out funky house and psychedelic breakbeats and is sure to manipulate even the staunchest tuxedo into a groove. Also on board are members of SoVoSo, an a cappella ensemble combining jazz, gospel and R&B. The art world will be represented by Gen Art who cover fashion, film and basically the entertainment world at large. Open your five senses and take in this gala of massive proportions! Date: July 8^th, Time: 6 p.m., Place: Concourse Exhibition Center, Cover: $75 main event, $145 VIP, More Info (RW)

Passion for Fashion Party
Passion for Fashion (& Other Groovy Things) is one big night with fifteen designers showcasing jewelry, clothing and eclectic accessories for head and home. But it's more than just a shopping bazaar as the drinks will be flowing from Mumm Napa and Mendocino Brewing Company and snacks are provided by Whole Foods. For your aural pleasure, DJ KFC will be cooking up kitchen fresh beats so you have a fun soundtrack to dance and shop by. If all that's not enough, there will also be Free give-aways throughout the evening. Come show love to your local fashion designer's. They work hard crafting away so the general public can wear the hippest looks Free from chain stores and corporations. Date: Friday July 9th, Time: 5pm - 9pm, Place: 508 4th St., Cover: Free, More Info (JP)