Litquake turns 24 and under the leadership of a new Executive Director, expect amazing events over the next month; check out highlights we found for you. Fall theatre is here, Berkeley rep shines with laugh out loud show POTUS and THE BALD SISTERS shines at San Jose Stage. A fab new panoramic restaurant opens in October, views and food unparalleled. Fleet week is almost upon us, the skies will soon be alive with the sound of fighter planes.

Oct. 5-21. Litquake

Many of you tomatoes may remember the first LITQUAKE 24 years ago and wow has this event expanded and matured. There are so many ways to expand our knowledge and visit some of our favorite authors, hear them speak, learn their secrets and more. Here are some highlights coming up.

When singer/songwriter Susanna Hoffs was herself barely a quarter-century young, her band The Bangles had just released its first full-length album. The group’s sophomore album went double-platinum three years later with mega-hits including “Manic Monday” and “Walk Like An Egyptian.” Hoffs will be a headliner at Litquake 2023, on stage with her guitar at Verdi Club to talk up her debut novel This Bird Has Flown, about, you guessed it, a young woman in music.

AI is set to eat the entire world, which makes this mashup of tech and lit especially relevant. Join ZYZZYVA editor-in-chief Oscar Villalon as he moderates a panel of Silicon Valley types—including Raiya Kind (Google), Jessica Powell (Audioshake), and James Yu (Sudowrite)—along with Oakland-based writer Ryan Sloan, on a topic that’s gnawing most writers today: How will AI change our writing process? Can literature be automated? Will writers become like floppy disks? Will our job as editors change as well? https://www.litquake.org/

Chotto Matte to Open at 100 Stockton

International restaurant Chotto Matte is opening a massive new rooftop dining experience at 100 Stockton, set to be larger than its flagship restaurant in London. We were not familiar with this style of food preparation, but certainly look forward to it. Chotto Matte celebrates the very best of authentic and innovative Nikkei cuisine, set in vibrant, stylish architectural spaces, in exciting city locations around the world. Nikkei is a unique blend of Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions, a lively combination of ingredients and techniques.

Chotto Matte’s innovative menu stays true to the Nikkei staples – Ceviche, Tiradito, Anticucho BBQ, Sushi, Sashimi and Tempura – while ensuring the ingredients are organic and sustainably sourced. This incredible new eating experience will be located on the top of the reimagined Macy’s Men’s store. The views are unparalleled, and the restaurant will seat 400 with event spaces for private parties available.  The opening date is not exact, but we have been told, sometime in October. Let’s hear it for the new and noteworthy. https://chotto-matte.com/sanfrancisco/

Now-Oct. 22. POTUS

Berkeley Rep does it again with a play so hilarious you will need your tissues for the tears. Behind every great dumbass are seven women trying to keep him alive. This all-female cast in POTUS plays at the Rep now through October 22. This gleefully feminist satire is just in time for the Presidential primaries.

When the president unwittingly spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis, the seven brilliant and beleaguered women he relies upon most, risk life, liberty and the pursuit of sanity to keep the commander in chief out of trouble. Any resemblance to past White House shenanigans is purely coincidental. https://www.berkeleyrep.org/shows/potus/

West Coast Premiere of BALD SISTERS

San Joe Stage hosts the west coast premiere of BALD SISTERS a new play by Vichet Chum. BALD SISTERS revolves around two sisters who have been at odds since their birth. Now, tasked with the responsibility of organizing their strong-willed, quick-witted mother’s affairs, they must also come to terms with their family’s Cambodian heritage, intricately woven into the complexities of their American present. Through a mix of irreverent humor and heartfelt moments, the story delves into the bonds formed by history, spirituality, and the power of laughter.

This is the season opener for San Jose Stage and once more this unique theatre company offers powerful, provocative and profound theatre. Their mission is to expand community, forge creative partnerships and challenge individuals in order to illuminate the human condition. The farthest seat in the house is no more than 15 feet from the stage and the connection between actor and audience is profoundly visceral. https://www.thestage.org/

Oct. 6-8. Fleet Week

Yes pumpkin spice signifies fall, however we feel the arrival of the annual Blue Angels means fall has arrived in the bay. The sun is usually shining, the weather sublime and the crowds just happy to be outside and watching the maneuvers of these graceful pilots. It thrills each year and now is the time. The pilots show off their daring skills Friday – Sunday October 6 – 8th. Ship tours take place starting Wednesday the 4.

You can also attend the K9 demonstrations on the 7, a wonderful experience if you haven’t seen it. 10am to 2pm at Duboce Park –K9 demos include search and rescue and detection. These magnificent dogs are true heroes. Another highlight of the week takes place on the 8^th where you can enjoy a performance by the United States Marine Corps 1st Marine Division Band in a poignant tribute to the service members who volunteered to defend their country and gave the ultimate sacrifice during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Tickets are free, but you must reserve in advance. https://fleetweeksf.org/air-show/

Now-Oct. 22. The Renaissance Faire

Entertainers fill the streets and stages with traditional music, dance and comedy. Hearty food and drink, unique handcrafted wares at the Artisan’s marketplace and more. https://norcalrenfaire.com/