Who’s in town
Gloria Steinem — the feminist, journalist and co-founder of the Women’s Media Center — appears in conversation with young feminist leaders. The evening is a benefit for the center. [6 p.m., Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Lectures
Food memoirists: Bay Area authors Dayna Macy, Kate Moses and Romney Steele share their journeys in writing and eating. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Sex and dating: A panel of love gurus navigates the complex and confusing city dating world. [Program at 6:30 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.; party at 7:30 p.m., Eve, 575 Howard St., S.F.]
Literary events
Mark Childress: The novelist talks about “Georgia Bottoms.” [7:30 p.m., Booksmith, 1644 Haight St., S.F.]
Sarah Vowell: The essayist and journalist talks about “Unfamiliar Fishes.” [7 p.m., Books Inc., 601 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
James Carroll: The author of “Jerusalem, Jerusalem: How the Ancient City Ignited Our Modern World” appears in conversation. [7 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F.]
Karen Finley: The performing artist celebrates her new book, “The Reality Shows.” [7 p.m., City Lights Bookstore, 261 Columbus Ave., S.F.]
‘Not So Fast’: Local literary talents Kelly Beardsley, Alia Volz, Alan Black, Jack Boulware, Beth Lisick and Bucky Sinister read from new work. [8 p.m., Hemlock Tavern, 1131 Polk St., S.F.]
At the colleges
‘Boething Lecture’ series: Professor Alan Weisman discusses his book “The World Without Us.” The series addresses forests and the human predicament. [4 p.m., Hewlett Teaching Center, Auditorium 200, Stanford University]
At the public library
Thursday films: Movies from the 1930s screen this month. Today’s feature: “Wife vs. Secretary.” Clark Gable, Jean Harlow and Myrna Loy star. [Noon, Main Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
Book group: Bernal Book Group reads “Recollections of My Life as a Woman” by Diane di Prima. [4 p.m., Bernal Heights Branch, 500 Cortland Ave., S.F.]
Local activities
Major paws: Nightlife at the California Academy of Sciences presents “Big Cat Nightlife,” with the Felidae Conservation Fund. Party Ben and MyKill provide the music. [6 to 10 p.m., 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, S.F.]
Standup show: Comedian Steve Rannazzisi, seen on “The League,” kicks off a string of performances. [8 p.m., Punch Line Comedy Club, 444 Battery St., S.F.]
Balinese music: Artist I Made Suryasa demonstrates Balinese a cappella singing and discusses its place in the complex tapestry of Balinese performing arts and temple festivals. [6:30 p.m., Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St., S.F.]
Indian dance: The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble, a company from India that combines classical styles with contemporary concepts, presents “Sriyah,” choreographed by Surupa Sen. [8 p.m., Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St., S.F.]
Dining out
Palio d’Asti: Chef Dan Scherotter’s highlighted entree is roasted red snapper vignarola. The dish includes a spring-harvest ragout (peas, artichokes, fava beans, green garlic and cipollini onions). [640 Sacramento St., S.F., (415) 395-9800]
