Who’s in town
Australia-born, London-based author M. L. Stedman talks about her debut novel, “The Light Between Oceans.” [7 p.m., Belmont Library, 1110 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Belmont]
Lectures
Elisa Stephens: The president of the Academy of Art University, San Francisco, discusses how the academy’s programs prepare students for successful employment in the arts. [Noon, Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Olivia Fox Cabane: The charisma coach and author of “The Charisma Myth” explores what makes people charismatic and which aspects of charisma can be learned. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Literary events
Wayne Moniz: The Maui author shares his latest story collection, “Beyond the Reef.” The event includes a performance by Hawaiian musician Kumu Kawika Alfiche. [7 p.m., Books Inc., 601 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Juliet Bell: The debut novelist talks about “Kepler’s Dream.” [7 p.m., Books Inc., 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto]
Two authors: Writers and artists Anna Joy Springer (“The Vicious Red Relic, Love,” a fabulist memoir) and Janice Lee (“Daughter,” a novel ) read from their works. [7 p.m., Modern Times Bookstore, 2919 24th St., S.F.]
At the colleges
Musical theater: Foothill Music Theatre presents “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” the 1961 musical about corporate life. [8 p.m., Smithwick Theatre, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills]
At the public library
‘Hands-on Snakes’: Douglas Hall and his nonvenomous California snakes visit the library for an educational session. [3:30 p.m., Golden Gate Valley Branch, 1801 Green St., S.F.]
Shadow puppetry: Sean Powers presents his shadow puppet show inspired by an old folk tale about a magic measuring cup that brings a lot back to its owner. [4 p.m., Ocean View Branch, 345 Randolph St., S.F.]
Local activities
Science and dining: NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences presents best-selling author Steven Raichlen lecturing on “Man Food Fire: The Evolution of Barbecue.” [6 to 10 p.m., 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, S.F.]
Red planet: After Dark, an adult event at the Exploratorium, has a Mars theme this month. Mars-related facts, films and activities are on the slate. Guests include Princeton University’s Janet Vertesi. [6 to 10 p.m., 3601 Lyon St., S.F.]
Improv theater: “Un-Abridged: The Best of Ten Years of Un-Scripted,” by the Un-Scripted Theater Company, presents “A Tale of Two Genres,” an improv musical, as if written by Dickens. [8 p.m., SF Playhouse Stage Two, 533 Sutter St., S.F.]
Opera buffa: Merola Opera presents “La Finta Giardiniera,” Mozart’s opera buffa featuring disguises, attempted murder, jealousy, kidnapping, intrigue, insanity and love won and lost. [8 p.m., Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, S.F.]
Comedy shows: Comedian Greg Proops performs at the Punch Line Comedy Club. A stand-up show (8 p.m.) and a live taping (10 p.m.) of his podcast, “The Smartest Man in the World,” are slated. [444 Battery St., S.F.]
Dining out
Palio d’Asti: A burrata dish containing mozzarella and pan-roasted padron peppers is recommended today. Happy-hour offer: Pizza is $1 with a purchase of two drinks. [640 Sacramento St., S.F.; (415) 395-9800]
Music
Rock band: Tears for Fears, the British rock and new-wave band, performs at the Nob Hill Masonic Center. [7:30 p.m., 1111 California St., S.F.]
Symphonic Beatles: The San Francisco Symphony presents a concert of songs by the Beatles, performed by Classical Mystery Tour and accompanied by the symphony. [7:30 p.m., Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Movies
Community screening: Redwood City’s Movies on the Square series presents Martin Scorsese’s “Hugo.” [8:30 p.m., Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City]
Film and tunes: (((FolkYeah))) and CinemaSF present “City Scenes,” a musician-curated program featuring a musical performance paired with a film. John Vanderslice performs David Bowie’s “Diamond Dogs” and Michel Gondry’s “The Science of Sleep” screens. [8 p.m., Vogue Theatre, 3290 Sacramento St., S.F.]
