Who’s in town

Pulitzer-winning journalist Michael Hiltzik’s book “Big Science” chronicles the scientific impact of the cyclotron, a particle accelerator invented at UC Berkeley. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 555 Post St., S.F.]

Lectures

Circus girl: Kathleen Cremonesi describes her time as an ostrich-riding showgirl at a European circus in her new memoir, “Love in the Elephant
Tent: How Running Away with the Circus Brought Me Home.” [7 p.m., Book Passage, 1 Ferry Building Plaza, S.F.]

Literary events

Poetry reading: Heather Bourbeau and James Tracy are reading from their poetry. [6:30 p.m., Readers Bookstore, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, S.F.]

Author talk: Former newspaper reporter Delfin Vigil and Amtrak Writer in Residence Erika Krouse are chatting about their most recent books, “Death of a Newspaperman” and “Contenders,” respectively. [7 p.m., Books Inc., 601 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]

At the public library

Museum trip: The Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito is putting its exhibits and activities on the road this summer. Today’s event focuses on the science of gravity. [11 a.m., Eureka Valley Branch, 1 Jose Sarria Court, S.F.; baykidsmuseum.org]

Language lessons: The library is demonstrating Mango Languages software, which is free to use by all library card holders and includes 63 languages, along with several programs for English learners. [2:30 p.m., Richmond Branch, 351 Ninth Ave., S.F.]

Great Teen Book Swap: Teen readers can receive free books in exchange for short book reviews. [3-5:30 p.m., Excelsior Branch, 4400 Mission St., S.F.]

At the colleges

Central Valley battle: UC Hastings College of the Law is hosting a
panel of science and law experts discussing “Scorched Earth: How Climate Change Pits Big Oil Against Big Agriculture in California’s
Central Valley.” [5:30 p.m., Public Policy Institute of California, 500 Washington St., S.F.]

Local activities

Comedy show: Comedian Tommy Johnagin, who has appeared on “The Late Show With David Letterman,” is known for his humorous autobiographical stories. [8 p.m., Punch Line Comedy Club, 444 Battery St., S.F.]

Dance music: The dance-oriented HARD Music Festival features the Chemical Brothers, Brodinski and more. [8 p.m., Armory, 1800 Mission St., S.F.]

Weird history: The Oddball Films Archive’s program “Futurama — A Visit to the 1964-1965 World’s Fair” includes kitschy and quirky short videos about the New York World’s Fair. [8 p.m., Oddball Films, 275 Capp St., S.F.]

Stand-up comedy: Comedian Dan St. Germain has appeared on “Conan” and his own Comedy Central special. [9 p.m., Doc’s Lab, 124 Columbus Ave., S.F.]

Strummer documentary: “I Need A Dodge! Joe Strummer on the Run” chronicles the late guitarist for the Clash during his time in Spain. [9:30 p.m., Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., S.F.]

Hard rock: Danzig, led by former Misfits singer Glenn Danzig, is headlining a bill that also includes punk pioneers Pennywise and Cancer Bats. [8 p.m., Warfield Theatre, 982 Market St., S.F.]eventslocal activitiesstuff to dothings to do