Who’s in town
Writer-performer Desiree Burch brings her hit solo show “52 Man Pick-up” to San Francisco’s Brava Theater for a Valentine’s Day regional launch. The evening centers on Burch’s journey of many loves. [8 p.m., 2781 24th St., S.F.]
Lectures
Rebecca MacKinnon and Jillian York: The Internet theorists discuss online rights and freedoms. [6 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
Jena LaFlamme: The creator of PleasureCamp.com and Jena Wellness Center gives a Valentine’s Day talk on how taking pleasure in life is a key to finding and keeping love. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Literary
Nathan Englander: The New Yorker contributor talks about “What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank,” a story collection. [7 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F.]
Book group: The Book Busters Middle Reader Book Club, for ages 9 to 12, discusses “The Dark Is Rising,” by Susan Cooper. [6 p.m., Books Inc., 74 Town and Country Village, Palo Alto]
At the colleges
Drum troupe: Tao: The Martial Art of Drumming performs a show. The troupe’s modern take on traditional Japanese drumming includes martial arts, new music and choreography. [8 p.m., Memorial Auditorium, Stanford University, 551 Serra Mall, Stanford]
At the public library
Book launch: Editor Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore, joined by contributors, celebrates the launch of the anthology “Why Are Faggots So Afraid of Faggots?” [6 p.m., Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Room, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
Valentine crafts: The gathering features valentine-making crafts and candy. [11:30 a.m., Ingleside Branch, 1298 Ocean Ave., S.F.]
Local activities
Acting like animals: The San Francisco Zoo hosts Woo at the Zoo. The evening includes dinner, a live animal encounter and Jane Tollini’s “Yin Yang Yippee!” presentation on animal sex. [6 to 9 p.m., 1 Zoo Road, S.F.; RSVP: (415) 753-7236]
Eternal love: The Eternity Ball, a wedding-themed black-tie celebration of love for people of all stripes, features dinner, dancing and drinks. Wedding dresses are encouraged. [6:30 p.m., Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, S.F.; www.eternityball.com]
Blues and jazz: Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers perform a Valentine’s Day show. Smith specializes in jazz and blues with authentic 1940s and 1950s style. [8 and 10 p.m., Biscuits and Blues, 401 Mason St., S.F.]
Indie love: IndieFest 2012, the San Francisco Independent Film Festival, presents a Valentine’s Day lineup. Films include “I Like You,” “Girlfriend” and romantic shorts. [7:15 p.m. onward, Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., S.F.; www.sfindie.com]
Sketch comedy: The Crackpot Crones — Terry Baum and Carolyn Myers — appear in “I Hate Valentine’s Day,” a “public service” show for the “romantically challenged.” [8 p.m., Dark Room, 2263 Mission St., S.F.]
Solo theater: “Tuesdays Too” series presents a love-themed show. Alicia Dattner (“The Oy of Sex”) and Sherri Rose (“Waiting: A Love Story”) perform comic solo work. [7:30 p.m., Stage Werx, 446 Valencia St., S.F.]
Spanish dance: Carolina Lugo and Carolé Acuña’s Ballet Flamenco present a Valentine’s Day dinner show. [5:30 and 8 p.m., Peña Pachamama Restaurant, 1630 Powell St., S.F.]
Ana Mandara: Chef Khai Duong is featuring a Valentine’s Day menu ($80). Main-course selections are lobster, filet mignon and salmon trout. Desserts are coconut valentine cake and chocolate napoleon. [891 Beach St., S.F.; (415) 771-6800]
