When: Thursday, Aug. 18, 7 p.m.
Where: , 2150 Allston Way, Berkeley
Why go: Biodiesel evangelists and filmmakers Jock and Rebecca Tickell (Fuel) promote their new documentary, which follows their international quest for alternatives to petrochemicals.
When: Thursday, Aug. 18, 8 p.m., and through Sept. 4
Where: , 2025 Addison St., Berkeley
Why go: Anna Deveare Smith and her shape-shifting one-woman show return with portrayals of Lance Armstrong, supermodel Lauren Hutton, and former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, among others, to tell a stunning story about the vulnerability of the human body, the resilience of the spirit and the price of care.
When: Friday, Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Where: , 2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, $7
Why go: Carla Bozulich has collaborated with everyone from Lydia Lunch to Willie Nelson, but she and her current project, Evangelista, rarely perform live.
When: Friday-Saturday, Aug. 19-20 and Aug. 26-27, 8 p.m.
Where: Shawl-Anderson Dance, 2704 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley, $15-$18
Why go: Proud members of both the African-American and Deaf/Hard of Hearing communities, Antoine Hunter and his company integrate jazz dance with ballet, modern, hip hop, African dance and American Sign Language. Only 60 seats at each performance; advance booking essential.
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, 9 a.m.
Where: , 2837 Claremont Blvd., Berkeley, FREE
Why go: Best. Rummage. Ever.
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, noon-6 p.m.
Where: , Berkeley; meet at the Padre Picnic Area on South Park Drive; $10
Why go: Cringe and/or gloat at the cohort's middle-agedness at the third annual picnic of Berkeley High's disco- and Don McLean set. Families welcome; bring a musical instrument for the late-afternoon jam session.
When: Saturday, Aug. 20; cartoons, safari-costume contest and other events at 6 p.m.; feature film screens at 8:30 p.m.
Where: , 2148 Center St., Berkeley; chair rental $5; BYO seating free.
Why go: Harrison Ford based his portrayal of Indy in part on Egyptologist Kent Weeks, then teaching at UC Berkeley.
When: Saturday, Aug. 20; doors open 10 a.m.
Where: 1823 Fourth St., Berkeley, FREE
Why go: You know you want that Grand Opening T-shirt.
When: Film Saturday, Aug. 20, 6:30 p.m.; festival Sunday, Aug. 21, noon-6 p.m.
Where: Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland, FREE
Why go: Oshun, the goddess of love and fresh water in the Yoruba religion of Africa and the diaspora, asks both festive remembrance and serious thought. On Saturday, a screening of Irena Salina's documentary Flow: For Love of Water investigates the world water crisis. On Saturday, a community festival honors the mother of fresh water with music, food, dance and crafts.
When: Sunday-Monday, Aug. 22-23, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Bancroft Way, FREE
Why go: Everything anyone under 26 could possibly want to do, see or buy is represented at this gigantic two-day event. If you were intending to work out at the RSF this weekend, best to make other plans.
When: Sunday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m.
Where: Art House Gallery & Cultural Center, 2905 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, $10
Why go: The Zap Comics artist (of "Checkered Demon" and "Ruby the Dyke" fame) suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2008. Though cognitively impaired, he still draws, takes walks and enjoys life; this benefit by poets A.D. Winans, Clive Matson, Richard Krech and Luis Garcia will help with his ongoing care. Signed copies of Wilson's art will be available.
When: Sunday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m.
Where: , 2220 Cedar St, Berkeley, FREE
Why go: Christopher Putnam, All Souls' music director, wrote the original score that will accompany this 1928 silent classic on the trial of Joan of Arc, the charges against her and her stalwart yet human faith. The screening in All Souls' nave will be followed by a discussion.
When: Through Aug. 31
Where: , 1919 Fourth St., Berkeley
Why go: The , who run adventure camps for underprivileged youth, are collecting school backpacks for the kids they serve. Bring in a new or very gently used daypack this month and receive a certificate for $10 off lunch or dinner.
