Who’s in town
Violinist Hilary Hahn, performing Prokofiev’s “Violin Concerto No. 1,” appears with the San Francisco Symphony. [2 p.m., Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Literary events
Russell Hill: The novelist reads from “Deadly Negatives.” [7 p.m., Green Apple Books, 506 Clement St., S.F.]
Lorri Ungaretti: The local historian talks about “Stories in the Sand.” [7 p.m., BookShop West Portal, 80 West Portal Ave., S.F.]
Two poets: Eileen Myles (“Snowflake/Different Streets”) and Anna Joy Springer (“The Vicious Red Relic, Love”) read their poetry. [7 p.m., City Lights Bookstore, 261 Columbus Ave., S.F.]
Lectures
Marc Lynch: The director of the Institute for Middle East Studies, George Washington University, discusses the continuing transformations that he believes will occur in the Middle East. [7 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
U.S.-Cuba relations: Speakers discuss the Cuban economy and U.S.-Cuba economic and political relations. [1 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Golden Gate Bridge: Speakers discuss the history of the Golden Gate Bridge and how the structure has achieved iconic status both aesthetically and emotionally. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
At the public library
Dance program: Lois Ann Flood of Diablo Dance Theater explores the artistry and the times of choreographer-dancer Isadora Duncan. [6 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
Baseball family: Kerry Yo Nakagawa talks about the Obata family, a Japanese-American family whose love for baseball left a substantial mark on the game. [6:30 p.m., Latino/Hispanic Room, Main Library, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
At the colleges
Author talk: Ava Farmer, aka Sandy Lerner, reads from “Second Impressions,” a sequel to Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” [6:30 p.m., Stanford Bookstore, Stanford University, 519 Lasuen Mall, Stanford]
Local activities
Blues and more: Contino, a band mixing blues, Americana, rockabilly and zydeco, celebrates the release of its recording “Back Porch Dogma.” [8 and 10 p.m., Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason St., S.F.]
Literary theater: The Word for Word Performing Arts Company presents a theatrical version of “The Kugelmass Episode,” Woody Allen’s short story. [8 p.m., Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Foster care benefit: The John Burton Foundation hosts a fundraiser supporting homeless, foster and former foster youths. The event includes food, wine and a silent auction. [6 p.m., Herbst Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, S.F.]
Serbian arts: The Serbian cultural ensembles Oplenac, from Toronto, and Kolo, from Belgrade, perform “A Serbian Story 2,” a program of Serbian folkloric dance and music. [8 p.m., Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, S.F.]
Ame Restaurant: From the raw bar, the sashimi salad and tempura “poke” are recommended today. “Chawan-mushi” Japanese savory custard is a highlighted appetizer. [689 Mission St., S.F.; (415) 284-4040]
Movie
Eric Rohmer double bill: The San Francisco Film Society presents “Four Adventures of Reinette and Mirabelle” (1987) and “Summer” (1986), romantic dramas by the distinctively styled French master of the genre. [4:30 and 9 p.m. (“Four Adventures”), 2:15 and 6:45 p.m. (“Summer”), S.F. Film Society Cinema, 1746 Post St., S.F.]
Party
Bridge bash: NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences celebrates the Golden Gate Bridge. The evening includes swing music and an acrylic model of the span made by design students. [6 to 10 p.m., 50 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, S.F.]
Music
Tango music: Tango No. 9, an ensemble that mixes jazz, improvisation and chamber music to create a modern tango sound, performs in Yerba Buena Gardens. [12:30 p.m., 770 Mission St., S.F.]
