Sofar Sounds Pops Up And More In The Bay Area This Month

Bring on a new season, especially with these can't-miss activities and attractions in the Bay Area.

Fiat Lux interior designer Noz Nozawa, piercing artist Perry Doig and owner Marie McCarthy.

SHINE

With decades of experience in jewelry and body arts, designer and tattoo artist Marie McCarthy is renowned for thoughtful and expressive adornment. “It’s an impressive empowerment tool,” she shares about the power of piercings. “People use it as an adornment but also a way to take back their bodies.” Her local jewelry company, Fiat Lux, recently expanded into a second location in Fillmore, where gold resin drips, cobalt-framed display windows and aviary-inspired wallpaper reign, thanks to interior designer Noz Nozawa. The vibrant shop features selections by customer favorite jewelers like Harwell Godfrey, Celine Daoust, Victoria Walker, Venyx and a luxe vintage collection, while also offering permanent jewelry in the form of 14K gold-fused bracelets. 1942 Fillmore St.

GIVE BACK

Art-inspired mannequin on auction this month

At the historic Jefferson Street Mansion, a selection of uniquely conceived and decorated mannequins will be up for auction this month. The event benefits local charities, including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Coral Reef Alliance. The auction features completely transformed mannequins crafted by a lineup of local poets, painters, multimedia artists and sculptors—all who’ve selected their favorite charities to support. “All of the art is original, but a couple of mannequins are derivative,” shares organizer Michael Caleb Lester. “Although I suspect that Claude Monet would admire muralist Dorrie Langley’s waterlily mannequin, and Victoria’s Secret would envy painter Scott Kambic’s sexy mannequin.” With myriad designs, from insightful to comically sublime, bidders might just uncover a new favorite artwork while benefiting incredible causes. Sept. 14, 1063 Jefferson St., Benicia

PAMPER

Totally revitalizing and energizing, the B12 vitamin is known for its restorative and immune-boosting properties—and luxury California-based spa Burke Williams is the first to feature its own unique B12-solution in its brand-new Vitality Massage. This unprecedented service, which can be booked at its San Francisco location, merges traditional techniques like dry brushing and percussion massage with innovative remedies like natural B12, vitamin C and a complementary blend of essential oils—it leaves patrons feeling enlivened and looking radiant. “We wanted to take the transformative qualities our guests receive from traditional B12 injections and bring those benefits into a more relaxed spa experience,” says Bill Armour, Burke Williams president and founder. Multiple locations

LIVE

The rooftop lounge at Crescent Nob Hill

Grosvenor Americas, renowned Robert A.M. Stern Architects and interior design firm Champalimaud Design teamed up to create Crescent Nob Hill: 44 custom condominiums, world-class architecture and opulent residential interiors. The building, which marks Robert A.M. Stern Architects’ first multifamily residential project in San Francisco, has just started sales of its contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom and penthouse units. Accompanied by gracious city views, outdoor terraces and amenities like a fully equipped gym, Crescent Nob Hill defines luxury living in the heart of the city. 875 California St., from low $1 millions

LISTEN

It’s brilliant, stealth music on the fly: Welcome to the world of Sofar Sounds, a concept where audiences discover the lineup for a show only 36 hours in advance. The whimsical approach actually works, as the bands are exceptional and the crowds are limited, making for a memorable evening. This fall, Hotel Zeppelin in Union Square hosts the concerts. Guests can expect to see two to three independent artists over the course of a three-hour evening; the event also is BYOB—meaning bespoke cocktails are in the mix, along with discovering and supporting local bands. Sept. 10 & Oct. 8

SEE

The 44th Mill Valley Film Festival is coming to the CinéArts Sequoia and the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center this fall, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. The in-person festival is set to once again celebrate cinema by showcasing engaging documentaries, family flicks and short films, along with some of the season’s most anticipated and prestigious pictures. Be sure to also check out the event’s roster of Q&As, panels and talks with a range of hosts throughout the fest. This year, MVFF, which hosted a widely successful virtual event last year, will also offer a robust program of online screenings for those who wish to tune in from the comfort of their home. While members and donors of the California Film Institute had early access to festival tickets in August, general tickets are slated to go on sale this month. Oct. 7-17