San Francisco nightlife, club culture,DJ music, electronic music.

Bastille Day
Continue in the vein of red, white, and blue holidays celebrating revolution by coming out on Saturday for Bastille Day, or Fête Nationale, which commemorates the storming of the Bastille. Of the many places in the city to dance up a storm – and there are quite a few – Pink is by far one of the chicest, and certainly the most authentic, being that it is entirely French-run and hosted. If that alone doesn't entice you, know that the champagne will be popping, the staff will be in Parisian '30s attire, the San Francisco French Connection (Franky Boissy, Kevin Spicy and Lady LaStar) will be spinning excellent music, and French kisses will be planted left and right…if you're lucky. And if you're looking to hit up a string of Bastille parties (and who isn't?), also check out the Ruby Skye's shindig, the Monte Christo's fabulous affair, and the Irish Bank's sure-to-be-insane blowout. Santé! (EK)

Fire Arts Festival
It's hot outside and it's about to get even hotter, as The Crucible's annual celebration of creation with fire and light, the 7th Fire Arts Festival, goes off this week at the Fire Arena in Oakland. A showcase of fire performance, fire sculpture, and interactive fire art exhibitions, the festival includes the Fire Odyssey, a production that combines fire theatre with ballet, opera, aerial dance, and more to present a modernized version of Homer’s epic poem. A non-profit arts education center, The Crucible is dedicated to using fire and light creatively and is well-known for it's awe-inspiring performances at public events and fundraisers. There will be special workshops for all ages during the festival for those interested in exploring their abilities in welding, blacksmithing, iron casting, woodworking, and more. If you can't make those you'll be glad to hear that the organization offers over 400 classes annually in everything from bronze casting to neon, welding to glass working, blacksmithing to fire dancing. The festival closes with the Fire & Light Art Auction Soiree, a fundraiser and benefit for The Crucible. Date: Wednesday 7/11 - Saturday 7/14, Time: 8pm-12:30am, Place: The Crucible’s Fire Art Arena, Kirkham St @ 7th St, Oakland, Cover: $40-$45 general admission, $30-$35 Crucible members, $250 tickets for Sat night Soiree benefit. More Info (DKD)

Fete La Boum!
After the Bastille was stormed, the French aristocracy was ousted, but tonight at Fete La Boum the French aristocracy will again be in the spotlight! They'll be sharing it, however, with French maids, mimes, maitre d's, and whatever other character costumes we choose as party attire for this rendez-vous with fantasy and hedonism. With wild costumes and plenty of champagne, Fete La Boum will be celebrating all things French. You'll hear all sorts of French-inspired (and un-inspired) dance music, from the freaky deaky funky house sounds of DJ Laird, to the sexy melodies and slicked back beats of Delachaux. Unkle Paul will drive you up the wall and out the window with his fiery magic tricks and Charlotte La Belle Araignee may just draw you into her parlor. Ooh lala! Date: Saturday 7/14, Time: 10pm - late, Place: 285 9th Street @ Folsom, Cover: $10-$15 presale, $15-$20 door, More Info (DKD)

Tree Show III
Think – and see – green at Giant Robot’s Tree Show III, the third in a series of shows featuring art of the arboreal variety. Giant Robot San Francisco (GRSF) is the brick-and-mortar extension of the eponymous bi-monthly magazine of Asian and Asian American popular and alternative culture that covers everything from music to skateboarding to toys. Keeping it simple, there are two main reasons you should go to the reception for this show: 1) GRSF has assembled a freaking army of artists (painters, illustrators, designers…) to create mounds of art (street art, indie comics, printmaking, design, crafty art background…), with everyone from APAK! to Andrew Jeffrey Wright offering a tree-inspired piece. 2) Part of the proceeds go to Friends of the Urban Forest, a non-profit that plants over 1,500 trees a year in San Francisco. So there you have it. Because even a giant robot knows trees are awesome. Show runs July 14 to August 8. Opening and reception for the artists - Date: Saturday 7/14, Time: 6:30 – 10pm, Place: Giant Robot San Francisco, 618 Shrader Street, Cover: no cover, More Info. (EK)

Lucky 13 Katwalk & Trunk Show
If you're one of the many people who suffer from triskaidekaphobia, why not turn that fear into luck by attending the Lucky 13 Katwalk and trunk show? Bad Kitty Productions and SF Station have teamed up to make Friday the 13th a day full of GOOD luck instead of bad. Gypsies and Lords bring their trendsetting ladies jackets of leather, suede and corset stitched styles, guaranteed to dress up any outfit. Milkbomb tackles baby clothing, featuring hip tshirts and onesies. Betty Croaker combines entertaining and cooking to create a bright innovative apron perfect for the kitchen or even the bedroom. These are just three of the 30+ designers who'll have a booth set up, with a little something for everyone. Pconn and R. Revere handle the musical aspect, throwing down some sick beats to which to rock out while you shop. Date: Friday, 7/13, Time: 4pm-9pm, Place: 111 Minna Gallery, 111 Minna St. @ 2nd, Cover: no cover, More Info (CQ)