The Performing Arts

Special concerts and performances take place in San Francisco year-round. San Francisco Performances, 500 Sutter St., Suite 710 (tel. 415/398-6449; www.performances.org), has brought acclaimed artists to the Bay Area for 27 years. Shows run the gamut from chamber music to dance to jazz. Performances are in several venues, including the Herbst Theater and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. The season runs from late September to June. Tickets cost from $12 to $50 and are available through City Box Office (tel. 415/392-4400) or through the San Francisco Performances website.

Opera

In addition to San Francisco's major opera company, you might check out the amusing Pocket Opera, 469 Bryant St. (tel. 415/972-8930; www.pocketopera.org). From early March to mid-July, the comic company stages farcical performances of well-known operas in English. The staging is intimate and informal, without lavish costumes and sets. The cast ranges from 3 to 16 players, supported by a chamber orchestra. The rich repertoire includes such works as Don Giovanni, The Barber of Seville, and over 80 other operas. Performances are Friday at 7:30pm, throughout the day on Saturday, and Sunday at 2pm. Call the box office for complete information, location (which varies), and show times. Tickets cost from $18 (students) to $35.

Free Opera -- Every year, the San Francisco Opera stages a number of free performances. Every September, a free performance of Opera in the Park launches the season, followed by occasional free performances throughout the city as part of the Brown Bag Opera program. Schedule details can be found on the company's website at www.sfopera.com.

Comedy & Cabaret

ZinZany Dinner Party -- Hungry for dinner and a damned good time? It ain't cheap, but Teatro ZinZanni is a rollicking ride of food, whimsy, drama, and song within a stunningly elegant 1926 spiegeltent on the Embarcadero. Part musical theater and part comedy show, the 3-hour dinner theater includes a surprisingly decent five-course meal served by dozens of performers who weave both the audience and astounding physical acts (think Cirque du Soleil) into their wacky and playful world. Anyone in need of a night of lighthearted laughter should definitely book a table here. Shows are held Wednesday through Sunday and tickets are $123 to $147 including dinner. The tent is located at Pier 29 on the Embarcadero at Battery Street. Call tel. 415/438-2668 or see www.zinzanni.org for more details.

Dance

In addition to the local companies, top traveling troupes like the Joffrey Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre make regular appearances in San Francisco. Primary modern dance spaces include the Cowell Theater, at Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard at Buchanan Street (tel. 415/345-7575; www.fortmason.org/performingarts); and the ODC Theatre, 3153 17th St., at Shotwell Street in the Mission District (tel. 415/863-9834; www.odcdance.org). Tickets cost $18 to $25. Check the local papers for schedules or contact the theater box offices for more information.

San Francisco Drag Shows

If you're out on a Friday night and looking for something to do that's definitely off the straight-laced path, head to the Cinch for its weekly Charlie Horse drag show, hosted by the sassy Miss Tranyshack 2005, Anna Conda. Every week is a different theme, such as "Valley of the Dolls Night" based on the scandalous Jacqueline Susann novel, or "What is Your Take on Old School," where the "ladies" of the evening masquerade as their favorite divas such as Dolly Parton or Joni Mitchell. There's no cover charge, no drink minimum, and the performance is free. An added bonus: The show comes with complimentary popcorn.

If you prefer your drag queens with a slice of quiche, Harry Denton's Starlight Room hosts a weekly Sunday's a Drag brunch performance, where divas perform female impersonation acts and lip-sync Broadway tunes. The "brunch with an attitude" has two seatings every Sunday at noon and 2:30pm. The price of brunch is $40 per person which includes entertainment, brunch, coffee, tea, and fresh juices. For reservations call tel. 415/395-8595 or email reservations@harrydenton.com.