Workshops and classes in San Francisco

Hack for Social Impact 2026 Oct 24–25

Civics & PowerCommunity & Practice Conference / SymposiumWorkshop / Practice Free

Oct 24–25 Sat, Oct 24 ·9:00 am ·1885 Mission St ·San Francisco

A weekend hackathon tackling real-world challenges in climate, mental health, justice reform, and art & design in partnership with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and four Bay Area nonprofits. Developers and non-technical innovators form teams to build solutions including a satellite-based land-planning game for community engagement, mental health support tools for formerly incarcerated people, impact-tracking systems for rehabilitation programs, and scalable design-justice practices. Past winners have presented at UN conferences and launched YC-backed startups. $5,000 in total prizes. Hosted by Value Economy Network.

via Value Economy Network ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Community Arts Engagements

Community & PracticeCulture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeMuseum

Sat, Oct 24 ·11:00 am ·California Academy of Sciences ·San Francisco

Two hands-on artmaking workshops led by Osher Fellows in the East Garden. 'Marigold and Frames: Make a Frame, Hold a Memory' with Dev Heyrana explores memory and craft, while 'Día de los Muertos: Claude Forever' with Josué Rojas engages the Day of the Dead tradition. All ages welcome, no experience necessary.

via Cal Academy ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Build an LED Art Panel!

Community & Practice Workshop / Practice

Sat, Oct 24 ·11:00 am ·tiat ·San Francisco ·$200

Build and take home a custom LED art panel in this hands-on workshop inspired by San Francisco artist Jim Campbell's work. Learn soldering, microcontroller programming with the ESP32, and upload your own images, GIFs, and light patterns to a 32x32 LED matrix display. No experience needed. All proceeds support TIAT's ongoing workshops and teaching community.

via tiat ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Lit Crawl: So You Think You Can('t) Translate—Youth Edition!

Culture & HumanitiesCommunity & Practice Workshop / Practice

Sat, Oct 24 ·6:30 pm ·826 Valencia ·San Francisco

A hands-on poetry translation workshop where participants aged 12–18 (all ages welcome) unlock creativity by translating poems from around the world. Guided by 2025–2027 Poetry Inside Out Teaching Fellows and local translators, attendees work with glossaries and collaborate to dismantle and reassemble poems in new languages. No prior poetry or language skills required. The workshop celebrates translation's multiple possibilities, encouraging participants to share and defend their language choices, followed by spontaneous performance by youth writers.

via Center for the Art of Translation ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
NewKid: Growing Up in the Age of AI

Science & TechCulture & Humanities Conference / SymposiumWorkshop / Practice Free

Sun, Oct 25 ·10:00 am ·Address shared upon registration ·San Francisco

A full-day family event exploring AI's impact on child development, education, and human connection. The program features research presentations and founder conversations on how generative AI is reshaping childhood learning; panels on skills children need for an AI-driven world; workshops including a philosophy discussion ('Can a robot be a friend?') led by The Paradox Lab; an exhibition on brain development co-created with illustrator Linda Liukas; and a startup showcase where families can try emerging AI products for children. Speakers and workshop leaders include researchers, educators, and builders from leading institutions and startups.

via Bond AI ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Filipina/x Poetry+Poetics #PinayLit with Barbara Jane Reyes

Culture & Humanities Workshop / Practice

Sun, Oct 25 ·2:00 pm ·Medicine for Nightmares ·San Francisco

A writing workshop on Filipina/x poetry and poetics hosted by Barbara Jane Reyes, Bay Area author and educator. Participants will read and discuss poems by Filipina/x poets from the Philippines and diaspora, examining language, form, and themes of power, patriarchy, and subversion. The workshop concludes with participants writing their own poems. Reyes has published six books including Gravities of Center, Diwata, and Letters to a Young Brown Girl, with Daughtersong Diaspore forthcoming from Black Lawrence Press in 2027.

via Medicine for Nightmares ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Shape Your Shabbat: Candlesticks Ceramic Workshop

Community & Practice Workshop / Practice

Sun, Oct 25 ·3:00 pm ·Jewish Community Center of San Francisco ·San Francisco ·$39.8–$78.11

A hands-on ceramics workshop where participants hand-build a personalized set of Shabbat candlesticks. Learn fundamentals of hand-building, shape and refine your pieces, choose from three glaze options, and the venue will fire them for pickup later in the week. No prior ceramics experience needed; ages 14 and up welcome.

via JCCSF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
GTM AI Paradox: You Got Speed, But Lost the System

Business & Economy Workshop / PracticeLecture / Forum Free

Tue, Oct 27 ·4:00 pm ·Address shared upon registration ·San Francisco

A workshop on building scalable go-to-market systems for AI-native companies. Participants will learn why speed without a GTM operating system creates fragility, and what it takes to build systems that are fast, repeatable, and built to scale. Led by Lydia Flocchini and Tim Hillison—both 3x CMOs, GTM Partners Certified Partners, and repeat operators with a track record of nine successful builds across startups, scaleups, and Fortune 500 companies. Attendees will leave with a clear GTM operating system framework, a maturity assessment of their current GTM journey, and real examples from data to agentic GTM. A One Way Summit 2026 Official Side Event.

via Bond AI ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Women's Somatic Practice Lab: rewiring old patterns in love & connection

Community & Practice Workshop / Practice

Tue, Oct 27 ·7:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$20

A monthly somatic practice lab led by ICF-certified coach Annalisa Jackson for women working on how they show up in romantic connection. Through embodied practices, reflection, and small-group sharing, participants learn to rewire reactive patterns in love and connection — moving from intellectual understanding of attachment styles to felt, nervous-system-based change. This month's focus: finding groundedness when uncertainty activates your body in romantic situations. No prior experience needed; each session stands alone.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
ComfyUI Dev Platform Challenge Build Night

Science & Tech Workshop / Practice Free

Wed, Oct 28 ·3:00 pm ·San Francisco ·San Francisco

A hands-on build night focused on developing open-source alternatives to paid creative tools using ComfyUI. Participants will collaborate on projects competing for a $10K grand prize. Hosted at Frontier Tower.

via Bay Area AI Events ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
GenTeam Build Night: AI Agents for Real Estate

Business & EconomyScience & Tech Workshop / Practice Free

Wed, Oct 28 ·5:00 pm ·Address shared upon registration ·San Francisco

Build your own AI agents for real estate workflows — transaction coordination, acquisitions, property search, and construction — using Genspark's AI workspace. Led by Corey Griffin, a real estate business owner who has deployed 10 agents for his own company, this hands-on session walks you through setting up agents that plan, research, and execute work autonomously. No experience needed; bring your laptop and a free Genspark account (created before arrival). Designed for realtors, investors, contractors, title professionals, and business owners curious about AI agent capabilities.

via Bond AI ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Physical AI Workshop and Meetup

Science & Tech Workshop / Practice

Wed, Oct 28 ·5:30 pm ·Antler ·San Francisco

A hands-on workshop featuring real robotics demonstrations and practical AI applications, hosted by Nebius and Voxel51. Attendees will engage directly with physical AI systems and explore how machine learning integrates with robotics hardware.

via Bay Area AI Events ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
In-Person Lab — Microfluidic Cell-Free Manufacturing

Science & TechCommunity & Practice Workshop / Practice

Wed, Oct 28 ·6:00 pm ·Frontier Tower ·San Francisco ·$75

A hands-on workshop in microfluidic cell-free manufacturing—a technique for producing proteins and biologics outside living cells. Participants will work with microfluidic systems to understand the principles and applications of cell-free protein synthesis, a growing field in synthetic biology and biotech manufacturing.

via Social Impact SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
GitHub Universe Week: Multiplayer AI for Product Managers & Engineering Leaders (Hands-on Learnathon)

Science & TechBusiness & Economy Workshop / Practice Free

Thu, Oct 29 ·4:00 pm ·Address shared upon registration ·San Francisco

A hands-on workshop exploring how multiplayer AI can streamline product development workflows—from backlog to spec to implementation to team review. Participants will learn how to turn tickets into shareable specs, work with AI bots to build features, and capture team decisions for future context. Led by Anuhrut Gupta, Product & Applied AI Lead at PromptQL. Bring your laptop and a backlog item (sample data or authorized materials welcome). Dinner and non-alcoholic drinks provided.

via Bond AI ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Conversations with my AI: How to work with your new thought partner.

Science & TechCulture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeSalon

Thu, Oct 29 ·5:30 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$10

Explore how to have more productive conversations with AI tools by treating them as thought partners rather than vending machines. Facilitated by Chris Heuer, IBM futurist and author of *Conversations With My AI*, this workshop introduces a seven-part conversation framework, then guides participants through a real practice session with their own AI on something they're actually working on. You'll learn to ask better questions, provide necessary context, and leverage AI to think more clearly without outsourcing your own judgment. Bring a laptop or phone with access to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or similar, and one real problem or creative project you're stuck on.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Somatic Healing Workshop: Get Out of Your Head & Into Your Body

Community & Practice Workshop / Practice

Thu, Oct 29 ·5:30 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$20

A somatic healing workshop led by certified coach Anna Bolender using guided grounding exercises, breathwork, body awareness practices, and gentle movement to help participants shift out of overthinking and reconnect with their body's wisdom. The session explores how stress and survival patterns keep us stuck in our heads, the connection between body and intuition, and provides practical tools for managing overwhelm and building self-trust through nervous system regulation techniques.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
You Can't Wait for Certainty: A repeatable way to decide under pressure, one your team can use without you in the room

Business & Economy Workshop / PracticeSalon Free

Thu, Oct 29 ·6:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A structured decision-making workshop for middle managers through senior leaders who find themselves as organizational bottlenecks. Participants learn a repeatable process for delegating decisions to their teams, working through a real decision from their own work in pairs and individually. The session covers reorgs, tool adoption, AI rollouts, and shifting priorities — leaving attendees with a one-page process they can hand to their team immediately. Led by The Commons SF.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Vibecheck: Formal Methods Hackathon

Science & Tech Workshop / Practice

Sat, Oct 31 ·10:00 am · ·San Francisco

A weekend hackathon exploring whether formal methods are ready for production software. Participants will build a piece of production software and formally verify it, working hands-on to test the practical applicability of formal verification techniques in real-world development.

via AI Safety SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Sin and Syntax Workshop: Grammar Brush-up for Writers

Culture & Humanities Workshop / Practice

Sat, Oct 31 ·10:00 am ·The Writers Grotto ·San Francisco ·$234–$260

A one-day grammar and prose workshop led by Constance Hale, author of the bestselling *Sin and Syntax: How to Write Wicked Good Prose*. Through hilarious exercises and writing prompts, Hale guides writers of all genres through sentence dynamics, punctuation, voice, and common grammatical pitfalls—using her books *Sin and Syntax* and *Vex, Hex, Smash, Smooch* as texts. Participants will master subject-predicate structure, conquer the semicolon, avoid dangling participles, and explore how grammar shapes point of view and authorial voice. A former editor at Wired, Health, and the San Francisco Examiner, Hale has taught creative nonfiction at Harvard and UC Berkeley and published in *The Atlantic*, *The New York Times*, and *Smithsonian*. Six hours, includes bagels and a free book.

via The Writers Grotto ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Diwali Celebration

Culture & HumanitiesCommunity & Practice MuseumWorkshop / Practice

Sun, Nov 1 ·10:00 am ·Asian Art Museum ·San Francisco

Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights marking the beginning of the new year in the Indian lunar calendar, with a full day of art activities, talks, tastings, and performances. Drop-in rangoli-making and henna-art workshops run 1–4 PM and are appropriate for all ages. Observed by millions across India and its diaspora, including Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs worldwide, Diwali is a jubilant holiday rich in cultural tradition and artistic expression.

via Asian Art Museum ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
LPL Writing Meet-Up

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeBar / Cafe Talk

Sun, Nov 1 ·6:00 pm ·The Love Potion Library - Books, Tea, Wine ·San Francisco ·$5

A focused writing session for working writers at all levels. Bring a current project, draft, or idea you've been meaning to start. The evening opens with introductions and quick shares of what you're working on, then settles into quiet writing time with optional headphones for concentration. Afterward, regroup to celebrate progress and enjoy social time over drinks and snacks in the cozy bookstore setting.

via The Love Potion Library ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Make Your Own Perfume

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeBar / Cafe Talk

Mon, Nov 2 ·6:30 pm ·The Love Potion Library - Books, Tea, Wine ·San Francisco ·$60

A hands-on perfume-making workshop exploring the art and science of scent. Learn how fragrance notes, structure, and composition create depth and longevity, then build your own custom 10ml fragrance by blending from a curated palette of citrus, floral, fruity, woody, musky, and gourmand notes. No prior knowledge needed. Take home your bottled creation and personal fragrance formula.

via The Love Potion Library ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Somatic Breathwork Journey: Emotional Release, Clarity & Nervous System Reset

Community & Practice Workshop / Practice

Tue, Nov 3 ·5:30 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$20

A 60-minute guided somatic breathwork session with certified practitioner Anna Bolender designed to facilitate emotional release, nervous system reset, and clarity. Using circular connected breathing with rhythmic music, participants engage their body's innate healing capacity to discharge stored emotions, stress, and trauma responses. The session includes an opening check-in, the guided breathwork journey, and optional group integration and sharing. Suitable for anyone seeking release, clarity, or reconnection with their body.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Glow & Technique: K-Beauty Skincare and Makeup Masterclass

Culture & Humanities Lecture / ForumUniversity / CollegeWorkshop / Practice Free

Wed, Nov 4 ·5:00 pm ·Fromm Hall 115 - Berman Conference Room ·San Francisco

A live demonstration of dong-ahn (youthful) makeup technique with Aurelia Kim, founder and makeup artist of Aube Hair & Makeup. Kim will showcase Korean beauty's foundation method on a live model, exploring how subtle changes in placement, texture, and balance shape facial contours and create polished, natural looks. The event examines the artistry and intricacies of K-Beauty and how intentional details transform overall appearance. Hosted by the Center for Asia Pacific Studies at University of San Francisco.

via USF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Patch Bay — Translating Living Systems into Robotics and Music [Workshop]

Science & TechCulture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBar / Cafe Talk ✦ burnoff pick

Wed, Nov 4 ·6:00 pm ·Gray Area / Grand Theater ·San Francisco ·$25

A hands-on workshop exploring how biological signals can be translated into robotic movement and synthesized sound. Artists Scott Kildall and Kal Spelletich—collaborating with over 50 years of combined experience in experimental art and technology—will demonstrate their bio-art practices: Kildall transforms environmental data and fungal signals into sculptural sound installations, while Spelletich creates interactive robotic sound machines from plants. Participants will engage with working prototypes, learn electronics and data harvesting techniques, and develop strategies for their own bio-related art projects. No technical prerequisites required. Part of Gray Area's Patch Bay weekly series for media artists and creative technologists.

via Gray Area ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Spellbooks & Charms!

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeBar / Cafe Talk

Wed, Nov 4 ·6:00 pm ·The Love Potion Library - Books, Tea, Wine ·San Francisco ·$33

Join SF Craft Club for a Practical Magic-themed evening of hands-on crafting at The Love Potion Library. Make your own spellbook by decorating a blank hardcover notebook with paper, fabric, and leather scraps, then create potion keychains by filling tiny vials with dried herbs, florals, charms, and whimsical items. The ticket includes all supplies, tea, wine, pastries, a goodie bag, printed photobooth photos, and a raffle entry. Bring your own craft supplies or special potion fillings if desired; Practical Magic-inspired attire is encouraged.

via The Love Potion Library ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Workshop – Yiddish Song Smuggling, with Daniel Kahn

Culture & HumanitiesCommunity & Practice Workshop / Practice

Fri, Nov 6 ·11:00 am ·Jewish Community Center of San Francisco ·San Francisco ·$26.73

Explore the art of Yiddish 'song smuggling' — how songs cross borders between languages, cultures, and musical traditions — in this hands-on workshop led by Daniel Kahn, a Detroit-born, Hamburg-based troubadour and multi-instrumentalist. The workshop focuses on polyglot performance, tradaptation (translation plus adaptation), musical mixology, and other modes of border-crossing in modern Yiddish song work. Participants should bring their voice, languages, and willingness to experiment. For singers, musicians, and the polyglot-curious; advance registration required.

via JCCSF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
AI for Greater Good: RSI, AI Safety, Web Search, Climate Change

Civics & PowerScience & Tech Conference / SymposiumWorkshop / Practice Free ✦ burnoff pick

Fri, Nov 6 ·11:30 am ·Address shared upon registration ·San Francisco

A full-day symposium exploring how artificial intelligence can create meaningful real-world impact while ensuring its progress benefits society. Participants engage in five interconnected areas: Responsible & Sustainable Innovation, AI Safety, Long-Context Web Search, Climate Change, and the ethical implications of technological advancement. The program includes a resilience workshop, frontier exploration sessions, a hands-on 2-hour prototyping workshop with mentors from Neo, Frontier Lab, and major tech companies, live demos, judging, and networking. Designed for researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, students, and anyone curious about the future of AI.

via Social Impact SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Meaning-Making for Mental Health: A Creative Relief Practice

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeSalon

Fri, Nov 6 ·5:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$10

A creative gathering for processing difficult experiences through writing, art, reflection, and conversation. Nick Silva shares his story, followed by facilitated creative work with optional sharing. No artistic experience needed; materials provided. This is peer support and creative expression, not therapy. A space to witness, create, and connect around what has been hard to name.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Sin and Syntax Workshop: Grammar Brush-up for Writers

Culture & Humanities Workshop / Practice

Sat, Nov 7 ·10:00 am ·The Writers Grotto ·San Francisco ·$234–$260

A six-hour intensive workshop on grammar, syntax, and prose style led by Constance Hale, author of *Sin and Syntax* and former editor at Wired and the San Francisco Examiner. Through exercises, prompts, and guided practice, participants will master sentence structure, punctuation, voice, and common grammatical pitfalls—exploring how to exploit grammar as a tool for powerful writing rather than a set of rules to fear. Open to writers of all genres and experience levels. Includes book, bagels, and instruction on building writer's voice.

via The Writers Grotto ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Presentation on Know Your Banking Rights

Civics & Power Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Sat, Nov 7 ·11:00 am ·San Francisco Public Library – Main ·San Francisco

Learn your rights and responsibilities in banking, covering account options, unclaimed assets, fraud prevention, and financial emergency preparedness. Erick Tenorio, Bay Area Regional Manager of Self Help Federal Credit Union and Executive Director of RAICES, brings 25+ years in financial services and capability work. The workshop connects participants with local resources for financial coaching, planning, and money management to address economic inequities affecting Bay Area communities.

via SF Public Library ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Make a Kite with Jacob Hashimoto

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeMuseum

Sat, Nov 7 ·11:00 am ·SFMOMA ·San Francisco

Join artist Jacob Hashimoto in a hands-on kite-making workshop within his monumental installation Giant Arc, featuring over 70,000 handmade kites inspired by the Bay Area landscape. Learn traditional kite construction with bamboo and paper, then continue creating at your own pace. All ages and skill levels welcome. Hosted at SFMOMA.

via SFMOMA ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Family Studio: Lines That Move

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeMuseum

Sun, Nov 8 ·10:00 am ·SFMOMA ·San Francisco

A hands-on workshop for families inspired by South African artist William Kentridge's stop-motion charcoal drawings. Participants use a variety of materials to create their own animated drawings. The event includes a talk by Kentridge at 2 p.m. in Phillis Wattis Theater. No museum admission required for the workshop.

via SFMOMA ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Ha Chong-Hyun Community Art Lab

Culture & HumanitiesCommunity & Practice Workshop / PracticeMuseum

Sun, Nov 8 ·11:00 am ·Asian Art Museum ·San Francisco

A hands-on workshop exploring the experimental materials and processes of Korean-American artist Ha Chong-Hyun. Inspired by the Asian Art Museum's retrospective of his work, participants squish, cut, press, and manipulate materials to explore texture and discover unexpected creative possibilities. Your contributions become part of a collaborative community art project, with all participants credited. Perfect for anyone curious about contemporary art and material experimentation.

via Asian Art Museum ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Parol-Making Workshop with SOMA Pilipinas Nov 8–Dec 6

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeMuseum

Nov 8–Dec 6 Sun, Nov 8 ·1:00 pm ·SFMOMA ·San Francisco

Craft your own parol, the iconic Filipino star lantern, in this all-ages workshop led by SOMA Pilipinas. Materials provided. Finished lanterns can be carried in SOMA Pilipinas' 24th Annual Parol Lantern Festival on December 12, 2026. The parol symbolizes hope, peace, joy, and light, and historically signaled welcome and refuge. For San Francisco's Filipino community, it represents shared heritage and ritual.

via SFMOMA ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Music Hardware Is a Fashion Accessory: A Design Workshop

Culture & HumanitiesScience & Tech Workshop / Practice

Mon, Nov 9 ·6:30 pm ·tiat ·San Francisco ·$10

A design workshop exploring music hardware as fashion. Nick Susi and artist VÉRITÉ trace the evolution from the Walkman to AirPods, sharing design references and historical context on how musicians make their sonic worlds tangible through wearable devices. Attendees then sketch their own wearable music-inspired device and share the creative story behind it, gaining insight into the emerging intersection of music, fashion, and technology.

via tiat ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Emergence - a Relational Mindfulness Practice

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeSalon

Mon, Nov 9 ·7:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$10

A relational mindfulness practice combining elements of Circling and T-Groups. Participants gather to practice real-time dialogue about internal experience and interpersonal dynamics in the present moment. The format emphasizes heightened self-awareness, attunement to others, emotional intelligence, and practical relationship skills through structured group interaction and feedback. Designed as a laboratory for connection and embodied learning rather than therapy or external discussion.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Write your own love story

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBookshop

Tue, Nov 10 ·6:30 pm ·The Love Potion Library - Books, Tea, Wine ·San Francisco ·$5

A playful writing workshop exploring the many forms of love in ancient Greek philosophy—Eros, Philia, Storge, and Agape. Led by Katherine Okpara, participants will write poems, stories, or songs inspired by these concepts, experimenting with literary techniques like alliteration and sensory detail. Newcomers can riff on famous love stories, adding new stanzas, chapters, or alternate endings. $5 ticket includes a drink or purchase credit.

via The Love Potion Library ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Reflective Mediation Practice Group

Civics & Power SalonWorkshop / Practice Free

Wed, Nov 11 ·5:30 pm ·198 McAllister St. ·San Francisco

A 6-session monthly reflective practice group for practicing mediators, beginning January 2026. Led by Howard Herman, an experienced mediator and trainer currently at JAMS who pioneered practice groups at the U.S. District Court in San Francisco, the group creates a confidential space for mediators to present cases, explore their interventions, and learn collaboratively. Limited to 12 in-person participants committed to stable membership. Hosted by UC Law San Francisco's Center for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution.

via UC Law SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Patch Bay: Render Settings with Mikey J + Ratha Nou

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeBar / Cafe Talk Free

Wed, Nov 11 ·6:00 pm ·Gray Area / Grand Theater ·San Francisco

A hands-on creative workshop where visual artists, designers, and anyone curious about creative experimentation work from a shared brief to develop original work across digital and physical media—illustration, collage, painting, graphic design, 3D, and motion. Facilitators Mikey J Jensen (visual artist and founder of Render Settings) and Ratha Nou (multidisciplinary artist and creative director of Stablished Projects) introduce the challenge and source materials; participants create using their preferred tools; the evening closes with a group showcase and feedback. Work in progress welcome. Part of Gray Area's weekly Patch Bay series for media artists and creative technologists.

via Gray Area ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Somatic Healing 101: The Missing Link to Lasting Change

Community & Practice Workshop / Practice

Thu, Nov 12 ·5:30 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$15

A somatic workshop on nervous system regulation and embodied healing with Anna Bolender, certified Somatic Embodiment & Intuitive Life Coach. Participants will experience guided breathwork, body awareness, grounding exercises, and mindful movement while learning why body-based practices create lasting change beyond mindset work alone. The session covers how stress and emotions are stored in the body, practical nervous system tools for daily calm and presence, and simple embodiment practices for reconnecting with inner wisdom.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Call of the Siren: A Mythic Writing Workshop with Jennifer Barone

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBookshop

Thu, Nov 12 ·6:00 pm ·Telegraph Hill Books ·San Francisco

A generative writing workshop led by poet Jennifer Barone, author of Sirenland. Participants explore siren mythology of the Bay of Naples through photographs, ancient artifacts, and archaeological discoveries, engaging themes of death, transcendence, sensuality, longing, and transformation. The workshop uses guided writing prompts to awaken creativity and invite attendees into their own creative territory. Open to writers of all genres; no previous experience necessary. Limited to 15 participants.

via Telegraph Hill Books ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
BAND Dark Factory Buildathon

Science & Tech Workshop / PracticeConference / Symposium Free

Fri, Nov 13 ·10:00 am ·AWS Builder Loft, 2nd floor, 525 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105 ·San Francisco

A full-day hands-on workshop where participants build an AI Software Factory using Band's infrastructure for agent collaboration. Developers, designers, founders, and builders of all experience levels will learn how AI coding agents coordinate to produce working software from specifications, using Band Desktop tools. The day includes prize announcements, a panel discussion, and technical introductions. Participants may work solo or in teams; bring your laptop and relevant tools/accounts. Organized by HackerSquad at AWS Builder Loft.

via Bond AI ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Presentation on Repair, Reuse and Circular Living

Civics & PowerCommunity & Practice Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Fri, Nov 13 ·2:00 pm ·San Francisco Public Library – Visitacion Valley ·San Francisco

An interactive workshop on repair, reuse, and circular living led by San Francisco Environment. Learn practical skills and discover local resources for extending the life of everyday items, reducing waste, and supporting a circular economy. The workshop explores how repairing and sharing help conserve resources and advance climate action. Space is limited; reservations required.

via SF Public Library ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
You Aren't Alone Creative Relief Mini-Retreat

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeSalon

Sat, Nov 14 ·10:00 am ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$10

A one-day creative relief retreat exploring how creativity and mental health intersect to support wellbeing. The afternoon includes meditation and movement exercises, talks from guest artists and mental health practitioners, and a creative mental health workshop with tangible tools for daily practice. No artistic experience required—just bring an open mind. Hosted by the You Aren't Alone Project, a nonprofit creating safe, supportive spaces around shared creative journeys and mental health conversation.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Hansik Cooking Class Inspired by Little Forest

Community & PracticeCulture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeMuseum

Sat, Nov 14 ·11:00 am ·SFMOMA ·San Francisco

A hands-on cooking workshop led by chef and educator JiYoung Park, founder of Parks Kitchen in San Francisco. Participants will prepare sujebi (hand-torn dough soup) and baechujeon (Korean cabbage pancakes) — two dishes featured in Yim Soon-rye's 2018 film Little Forest — while learning about the cultural significance of Korean cuisine, how recipes evolve through families, and Park's own journey reinterpreting Korean food heritage. All materials provided; dishes prepared and enjoyed fresh after cooking.

via SFMOMA ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Biohackathon: Haus F26 — Members +3 Nov 14–15

Science & TechCommunity & Practice Workshop / PracticeConference / Symposium Free

Nov 14–15 Sat, Nov 14 ·12:00 pm ·Frontier Tower ·San Francisco

A beginner-friendly, hands-on hackathon where builders, hackers, artists, and scientists conduct real wet-lab experiments and compete for prizes. Tracks include longevity & AI, robotics, biosecurity, DeSci tooling, and real-time bio-imaging. No PhD, entry fee, or prior experience required—designed for anyone biocurious enough to engage with biotech as a tool for creative expression and learning. Judged by biotech founders and backed by frontier-science partners. Hosted at Frontier Tower.

via Frontier Tower ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Eliminate Superstition Right Meow! A Friday the 13th Protest

Civics & PowerCulture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeMuseum Free

Sat, Nov 14 ·2:00 pm ·Museum of the African Diaspora ·San Francisco

Join artist Dorian Reid for an afternoon of art making and collective action celebrating the Black Cat Revolution. Inspired by her Emerging Artist Program exhibition *Calling All Cats*, Reid connects Black history, civil rights, animal welfare, and the superstitions surrounding black cats—drawing parallels between how black cats and Black people have been treated with fear and prejudice. Participants will create hand-painted protest signs, then march with Reid around the museum while joining in protest songs and chants rooted in civil rights movements. Reid, a Berkeley native and daughter of historian Betty Reid Soskin, channels her family's legacy of activism and community into this joyous call for liberation, justice, and care for all.

via MoAD ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Presentation on Preventing Caregiver Burnout

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Sat, Nov 14 ·2:00 pm ·San Francisco Public Library – Ocean View ·San Francisco

A workshop on managing caregiver stress and burnout, led by Heart Bridge Care, a San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit of hospice nurses providing end-of-life care navigation and community education. Participants will learn practical strategies for supporting their own well-being, including meditation and mindfulness techniques to reduce stress, recognizing when additional support is needed, and developing skills for asking for help. Part of the San Francisco Public Library's One City One Book programming.

via SF Public Library ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Audio Lab: An Exploration into Bringing Objects to Life

Science & TechCulture & Humanities Workshop / Practice

Mon, Nov 16 ·6:00 pm ·tiat ·San Francisco ·$10

A hands-on exploration of how AI and voice technology are reshaping our relationships with everyday objects. After a short talk on personification in media, technology, and culture, attendees will interact with several installations where ordinary things—water bottles, sketchbooks, and more—have been given distinct voices and personalities. Experiment with remixing personas, test your emotional reactions, and collectively imagine what this emerging era of talking objects could or should feel like.

via tiat ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Hilo DRAW & CRAFT Holiday Event

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBookshop

Mon, Nov 16 ·6:30 pm ·Noe Valley Books ·San Francisco

A drawing and craft workshop led by Judd Winick, author and illustrator of the Hilo graphic novel series. Winick begins with a presentation on creating Hilo: The Holiday Special, then guides young readers and artists through drawing Hilo characters themselves. After Winick's departure, staff lead a surprise holiday craft activity. Attendees who preordered the new book receive 20% off all Hilo titles. Designed for ages 8–12; tickets $5.

via Noe Valley Books ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Intro to Contemporary Poetry Workshop

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBookshop

Mon, Nov 16 ·7:00 pm ·Black Bird Bookstore ·San Francisco ·$40–$60

A hands-on poetry workshop with Hannah Ensworth, a San Francisco poet and CSU Long Beach instructor (MFA, recipient of the 2021 Atlantis Award). Through generative prompts, writing exercises, and shared discussion, participants will explore what makes poetry resonate. Designed for beginners and returning writers—a space to experiment, write, and share work in community.

via Black Bird Bookstore ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Build Your First Phone Voice Agent — Deepgram × Vapi Workshop

Science & Tech Workshop / Practice Free

Tue, Nov 17 ·6:00 pm ·505 Howard St ·San Francisco

Build your first phone voice agent in one evening with developer advocates from Deepgram and Vapi. This hands-on workshop guides you through creating a working voice agent that can pick up calls — no prior AI experience required. Bring a laptop; dinner and drinks provided.

via Bond AI ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
The Unknowing Lab

Community & Practice Workshop / Practice

Tue, Nov 17 ·6:30 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$20

An experiential workshop blending nervous system science with meditation, somatic practice, and relational exercises. Led by somatic facilitator Pauline Romas, the gathering explores the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and contemplative traditions—moving from intellectual understanding to embodied experience through gentle regulation practices, meditation, playful experiments, and partner inquiry. Designed for curious people drawn to the relationship between science and spirituality, no prior meditation experience required.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Hava NaBaby: Becoming A Grandparent

Community & Practice Workshop / Practice Free

Wed, Nov 18 ·1:00 pm ·Jewish Community Center of San Francisco ·San Francisco

A creative workshop for expectant grandparents to reflect on family stories, traditions, values, and wisdom they hope to pass to the next generation. Participants create a personal 'gift basket' of family memories—treasured stories, photographs, recipes, letters to future grandchildren, and an ethical will—while exploring what they've inherited and learned. The session also introduces Hava NaBaby, a new expectant parents program combining childbirth education, Jewish wisdom, and community support, offering grandparents a meaningful way to support their adult children as they prepare for parenthood.

via JCCSF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Patch Bay — Computational Poetry: Tools for Playing with Language

Science & TechCulture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBar / Cafe Talk

Wed, Nov 18 ·6:00 pm ·Gray Area / Grand Theater ·San Francisco ·$25

Learn computational poetry—treating language as material shaped through algorithms and code—in this hands-on workshop led by Alicia Guo, a computational poet and HCI researcher at the University of Washington. Participants will explore the history of computational poetry through artists and writers, recreate existing works using tools like RiTa and Nounsing, then create their own generative poem—whether endlessly evolving, time-shifting, or a strange language machine. No coding experience necessary; laptops required. Part of Gray Area's new Patch Bay series, a weekly program for media artists and creative technologists exploring emerging technology, AI's role in creative work, and experimental practice.

via Gray Area ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Holiday Candle Making Workshop: Create Your Own Signature Scent

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeBar / Cafe Talk

Wed, Nov 18 ·6:30 pm ·Manny's ·San Francisco ·$65.92

Create three handcrafted soy wax candles in this step-by-step workshop. Choose your seasonal fragrances, wax colors, and holiday-inspired molds, then craft three finished candles to take home. No experience necessary. Ticket holders receive 18% off drinks at Manny's Cafe bar.

via Manny's ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Papercut Workshop: Tradition Takes Shape

Community & Practice Workshop / Practice

Thu, Nov 19 ·6:00 pm ·Jewish Community Center of San Francisco ·San Francisco ·$19.52–$58.96

A hands-on papercutting workshop led by artist Molly Almeida, inspired by the Ketubah Renaissance exhibition. Learn the basics of papercutting—planning, cutting, and composition—while exploring the decorative traditions and symbolic patterns of ketubah art. Work with shape, pattern, and negative space to create a one-of-a-kind paper work. No prior experience needed; ages 14+.

via JCCSF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Megumi Inouye - Origami Gift Wrap Workshop

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBook TalkBookshop

Thu, Nov 19 ·7:00 pm ·Black Bird Bookstore ·San Francisco

Join artist and author Megumi Inouye for a hands-on workshop exploring gift wrapping as a practice of gratitude and mindfulness. Through conversation and guided making, Inouye will discuss her book *Origami Gift Wrap* and lead participants in creating an origami-inspired gift box, embellishments, and learning a tape-free technique for wrapping books. No previous experience needed; all materials provided. Tea will be served. Inouye will be available to sign books after the workshop.

via Black Bird Bookstore ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
SF Creative Writing Institute’s Dispatches from the City of Awe

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Fri, Nov 20 ·12:00 pm ·San Francisco Public Library – Main ·San Francisco

A hands-on writing workshop curated by Alexandra Kostoulas, an award-winning poet, fiction writer, and journalist who founded the San Francisco Creative Writing Institute. Participants exercise their imagination through guided writing projects and the Jack Grapes METHOD WRITING approach. All materials are provided.

via SF Public Library ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Twist of Tradition: Hands-On Challah – Mizrachi Heritage Month with JIMENA

Community & Practice Workshop / Practice

Fri, Nov 20 ·2:30 pm ·Jewish Community Center of San Francisco ·San Francisco ·$0–$6.15

A hands-on challah-braiding workshop exploring Mizrahi Jewish food traditions. Participants mix, fill, and top their own loaves with spices and ingredients including za'atar, sumac, date, tahini, sesame, cardamom, and rose, then braid and take home their creation to bake. Part of a monthly drop-in series on the fourth Friday, featuring seasonal flavors and creative braids alongside classics. No culinary experience needed.

via JCCSF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Voice AI for Real Life - Members +3

Science & TechBusiness & Economy Workshop / PracticeSalon Free

Fri, Nov 20 ·5:00 pm ·Frontier Tower ·San Francisco

A structured community discovery event exploring real-world applications for voice AI technology. Participants—founders, builders, operators, and community leaders—will engage in small-group conversations to identify meaningful challenges across small business, education, accessibility, healthcare, workforce development, and community services. Selected ideas will advance to a mini hackathon and demo showcase, creating a conversation-to-creation pipeline. First in a three-part series presented by NemulAI and Lynkable.

via Frontier Tower ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Community Arts Engagement with Josué Rojas

Culture & HumanitiesCommunity & Practice Workshop / PracticeMuseum

Sat, Nov 21 ·11:00 am ·California Academy of Sciences ·San Francisco

A hands-on artmaking workshop exploring the landscapes of California and beyond, led by Josué Rojas, 2027 Osher Fellow. Connect with natural and cultural landscapes through creative practice in the East Garden.

via Cal Academy ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Axolotl and Friends

Community & PracticeScience & Tech Workshop / PracticeMuseum

Sat, Nov 21 ·11:00 am ·California Academy of Sciences ·San Francisco

Learn about the axolotl and its cultural and ecological importance in this hands-on watercolor workshop led by 2027 Osher Fellow Josué Rojas. Connect with these amphibians and explore their significance through art-making in the East Garden.

via Cal Academy ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Krazy Kites with SCRAP

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeMuseum

Sun, Nov 22 ·10:00 am ·SFMOMA ·San Francisco

Make a wacky kite at this drop-in workshop led by educators from SCRAP, a San Francisco arts organization founded in 1976 that makes art materials accessible to everyone. SCRAP provides all materials—sourced from their creative reuse center—and participants create make-and-take art projects inspired by SFMOMA exhibitions. Your kite doesn't have to fly, but it can certainly soar through your imagination. No museum admission required.

via SFMOMA ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Handmade for Hanukkah: Menorah Ceramic Workshop

Community & Practice Workshop / Practice

Sun, Nov 22 ·3:00 pm ·Jewish Community Center of San Francisco ·San Francisco ·$39.8–$78.11

Hand-build and personalize a ceramic menorah (hanukkiyah) in this workshop for ages 14+. Learn basic hand-building techniques as you shape your piece, then select from three glaze options. The JCC will handle glazing and firing; your finished menorah will be ready for pickup on Friday, December 4. Stay for a community candle-lighting ceremony at 4:30 pm in the atrium to light your new menorah for the first time. No ceramics experience needed. Space is limited; registration required.

via JCCSF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Blue Muse & The Celestial Voice: Sound Bath Experience

Community & Practice Workshop / Practice

Sun, Nov 29 ·5:00 pm ·Conservatory of Flowers ·San Francisco

A guided sound bath meditation at the Conservatory of Flowers' Orchid Pavilion featuring crystal singing bowls, gongs, hand pan, monochord, drums, chimes, and vocals. Designed to promote calm, release anxiety and stress, and stimulate healing through frequency and vibration. All experience levels welcome; bring a yoga mat and blankets for comfort. Multiple dates throughout 2026.

via UCSF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Holiday Wreath Workshop: Create Your Own Fresh Wreath This Season

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeBar / Cafe Talk

Thu, Dec 3 ·6:30 pm ·Manny's ·San Francisco ·$86.52

Create a custom 14-inch holiday wreath from premium greenery, ribbons, ornaments, florals, and seasonal accents. Participants choose their own design—classic Christmas, elegant winter, or entirely personal—and receive step-by-step instruction to assemble their one-of-a-kind wreath to take home. No experience necessary. Your ticket includes all materials and a selection of premade accents.

via Manny's ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Somatic Breathwork Journey: Emotional Release, Clarity & Nervous System Reset

Community & Practice Workshop / Practice

Tue, Dec 8 ·5:30 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$20

A 60-minute guided somatic breathwork session using circular connected breathing and rhythmic music to facilitate emotional release, nervous system regulation, and clarity. Led by Anna Bolender, a certified Somatic Embodiment & Intuitive Life Coach and Somatic Breathwork Practitioner, this experience combines breathwork with movement and sound to help participants discharge stored emotions and trauma, reset their nervous system, and reconnect with their body's innate healing capacity. The session includes an opening check-in, guided breathwork journey, and optional group integration and sharing.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Masa Making Party with Bolita Masa

Culture & Humanities Workshop / Practice

Thu, Dec 10 ·7:00 pm ·The Commons at KQED ·San Francisco ·$30

A hands-on workshop exploring the ancient process of nixtamal and the craft of tortilla-making from scratch. Chef Emmanuel Galvan guides participants through corn preparation, discusses heirloom corn varieties and their culinary nuance, then presses and tastes together. Participants leave with practical skills and homemade gorditas.

via KQED ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Tarot & Ritual by Candlelight: A Jewish Mystical Workshop

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeLecture / Forum

Mon, Dec 14 ·6:00 pm ·Jewish Community Center of San Francisco ·San Francisco ·$19.52–$58.96

An evening exploring tarot through a Jewish mystical lens. Heather Cohen, an intuitive guide with backgrounds in tarot, astrology, Jewish mysticism, counseling, and expressive arts therapy, will lead candlelit readings and group interpretation of tarot imagery while examining connections between tarot and Kabbalah—the Jewish mystical tradition. Participants will discover how these traditions intersect, sip tea, and engage in reflection and shared discussion. No prior experience with tarot or Kabbalah required; ages 14+.

via JCCSF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Reflect, Release, & Reset: Create Your Vision for 2027

Community & Practice Workshop / Practice

Thu, Dec 17 ·5:30 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$20

A year-end ritual workshop led by somatic coach Anna Bolender combining breathwork, gentle movement, visualization, and journaling to reflect on 2026, release what no longer serves, and set intentions for 2027. Participants will ground into the body, move through stuck energy, and reconnect with their vision for the new year through a guided closing circle. Bring a journal and water bottle; arrive on time as doors close promptly.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Community Arts Engagement

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeMuseum

Sun, Dec 20 ·11:00 am ·California Academy of Sciences ·San Francisco

An artist walk and creative workshop led by Dev Heyrana, 2027 Osher Fellow and artist-in-residence on a recent scientific expedition to the Verde Island Passage in the Philippines. Participants will explore the California Academy of Sciences, find inspiration in what they observe, and create art together. All ages welcome, no experience necessary.

via Cal Academy ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Community Arts Engagement

Community & PracticeCulture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeMuseum

Tue, Dec 22 ·11:00 am ·California Academy of Sciences ·San Francisco

A creative workshop for ages 12–19 exploring portraiture, self-expression, and emotional awareness. Dev Heyrana, 2027 Osher Fellow, and photographer Priscilla Gragg—whose commercial work spans Nike, Gap, and Target campaigns—lead a hybrid portrait session and guided creative experience. Participants slow down, notice their feelings, and express themselves without pressure to find words. No prior art or photography experience required.

via Cal Academy ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Paint Your Pet!

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeBar / Cafe Talk

Tue, Jan 12 ·6:30 pm ·Manny's ·San Francisco ·$76.22

Create a custom portrait of your pet in this guided painting workshop. Before the session, email a photo of your pet's face to the artist, who will hand-sketch it onto your canvas. During the workshop, you'll receive step-by-step instruction on painting details like fur, feathers, eyes, and noses. All materials and techniques are provided; no prior painting experience is necessary. Leave with a one-of-a-kind portrait keepsake.

via Manny's ↗ Event link ↗ Edit

Hack for Social Impact 2026 Oct 24–25

Parol-Making Workshop with SOMA Pilipinas Nov 8–Dec 6

Biohackathon: Haus F26 — Members +3 Nov 14–15