For the last six years New York has kicked off the Fall fashion week, followed by London, Milan and Paris. Will worldwide fashion editors now need to make plans in their schedule for San Francisco? It's not likely but we have to start somewhere and this year SF begins its first week-long fashion affair showcasing the hottest local designers. The latest Spring looks will be parading down runways Friday through Sunday at the Palace of Fine Arts with smaller trunk shows, sales, parties and events taking place throughout the week. Some participating designers include Fornarina, Rock & Republic, Lily Samii and more. Check out the official schedule for details. Also on the roster is a FIDM Alumni Show – sort of like a "VHI Where are They Now?" series for star fashion students. Despite SF's dismal or rather um...experimental fashion history, the events are poised for success as 2 of the girls from "America's Top Model" are set to walk the walk. If that is not enough, Mayor Gavin Newsom has officially declared the dates SF Fashion Week. You never know, we could end up in Vogue! Date: Thurs. 8/26 – 8/29 Sun., Time: varies, Place: Palace of Fine Arts, Cover: varies. More Info (JP)

Burning Man
What can I say about the biggest freak feast in the world? If you don't know about it by now than you never should because that means you are either ultra right wing, over 80, under 17, an animal or dead. All of which are not welcome in the harsh elements at Burningman. The good part is everybody else is and they all show up: naked, purple, driving couches, dancing on poles, painted, purposeful, sailing ships, creating lightning, climbing 40' flowers and building castles out of paper. That's just in the first 100 feet of entering the desert known as Black Rock City in Nevada. This year's theme is "The Vault of Heaven". Tickets are available in the Spring for around $80 but should be nearing $250 as the gates open this week until the celebration ends on Labor Day. I've paid it and never looked back. It's like a Dr. Seuss book on acid...or was that just the name of my camp? Check out all the important details on the extensive Burningman site including how much water you need, the importance of packing out your garbage and of course the underlying theme that glues the B-man community together, RESPECT for everyone! More Info (JP)

Beastie Boys + Talib Kweli
Legends without need of introduction, the Beastie Boys revolutionized the hip-hop/rap genre and were among the groups most responsible for launching it into the mainstream. On tour with them is Talib Kweli, another New York native, whose name translates to "student of truth" and who formed Black Star along with Mos Def. Their group turned the materialistic mid-90's rap scene upside down by putting social issues and current events at the front of their musical messages. They have just added an extra show in San Francisco, on Fri. Sept. 17, after their first show sold out so quickly. Get your tickets early for what's going to be an historic show. Date 9/17, Time: 8pm, Place: Bill Graham Auditorium, Cover: $ 37.50. (IA)

Appel & Frank Fashion Fete
Appel & Frank have created a super dynamic San Francisco evening, bringing together hip & fashion-crazed shoppers with cutting-edge designers for amazing parties of style, cocktails, cuisine and music! 60 carefully selected local designers of jewelry, clothing, accessories and art will be there to dazzle and delight with their latest offerings. DJ Danman will also be on hand providing diverse beats while guests are treated to tons of complimentary perks, including wine, make-overs by Benefit, massages and acupuncture by Earth & Sky Oasis and hand treatments by Bamboo Salon. For an added dash of celebrity glitz, Trista Sutter from ABC's The Bachelorette will be showing off her new line of handbags. As if all this weren't enough to satisfy your self-indulgent side, there will be exclusive giveaways from San Francisco's choicest boutiques, spas and other hot spots, including a 3 month membership for 2 at the Krav Maga Training Center (value $764), a gift certificate to Ooma for a free pair of shoes, a one hour massage at Marilyn Jaeger and more. Is that enough stimulation for you? Date: Wed. 8/25, Time: 5:30-10pm Place: Regency Center (1270 Sutter @ Van Ness) Cover: $10. More Info (SG)

Feather River Reggae Festival
Yeah, it's a little over 200 miles away, but if you're looking for one more adventure before the summer ends, this just may be it. A show comparable to Reggae on the River, but without all the new-found sensationalism, Feather River Festival offers three days of camping and partying; plus, here the showers are warm and the campsites cool. The benefits of the roughly 3 hour ride are indoor and outdoor shows until 3am, with music starting Friday at 6pm and winding down Sunday about 10pm. Eek-A-Mouse, an 80's dancehall pioneer and still a large presence in club scenes, headlines Friday. Former Pharcyde member Tre Hardson performs Saturday, followed by spiritual reggae rocker President Brown. Burning Spear, the Grammy Award winner and 35-year reggae veteran, brings his legendary style center stage to close the show Sunday. Date: Fri. 8/27 to Sun. 8/29, Time: 6pm Fri. to 10pm Sun., Place: Plumas County Fairgrounds, Quincy, CA, Cover: $30 day pass, $80 event pass. More Info (IA)

 

Nitevibe presents the September BPM Magazine release party. DJ DAN and CHARLES FEELGOOD mixin’ 80’s style! This month’s party is a very special one not to be missed. Globe-trotting masters DJ Dan and Charles Feelgood will be stopping in San Francisco to spin an exclusive 80’s remixed set, full throttle all night long! DJ M3 of Green Gorilla will be joining in the fun and warming us up for the ride. Please join us Tuesday, September 14th at the sleek and stylish, Fluid Ultra Lounge. This is a guest list only event, RSVP here. Event: Nitevibe/BPM Magazine Release Event Dj's: DJ Dan, Charles Feelgood and DJ M3 Date: Tuesday, September 14th (9pm - 2am) Location: Fluid Ultra Lounge (662 Mission St.) Admission: Guestlist Only - RSVP Here