Esports San Francisco

Board Game Playtesting at Victory Point Cafe Berkeley - 3rd Mondays

Come to Victory Point Cafe in Berkeley to playtest some games in development! This event is twice a month, 1st Wednesdays and 3rd Mondays, and exists as two separate listings on our meetup. This is a relaxed chance to try new board / card / tabletop games, get feedback on your own prototypes, and learn about the game industry. Designers and interested players welcome, no experience needed. Please be courteous to other designers and stay to test their games if you are bringing your own prototype to be tested. Drop in and out any time and participate as much as you'd like, and just observing is fine too. RSVPing is appreciated but not required. Organizers: Glenn and Velgus * COST - Participants may pay the regular $12/person reserved gaming fee or waive it by buying at least two menu items from the cafe. Pay or start a tab at the front counter upon entering. * PARKING - Street meters should be free from 6pm onwards. There is free street parking on the street behind the venue and on surrounding streets during the day and evening. * BART - Downtown Berkeley BART station is a straight 8-minute walk away. [See GGG's full Code of Conduct here](https://goldengategamemakers.com/Code_Of_Conduct/). Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at [meetup.com/playgoldengate](https://www.meetup.com/playgoldengate).

Spiritual Support Group (Virtual)

Welcome to this Spiritual Support group! This is a spiritual support group for people of all faiths or no faith, for those who themselves have a mental illness and for those who love someone who has a mental illness. Send request to [Pjevans02@gmail.com](mailto:Pjevans02@gmail.com) to get a link. We ask those who wish to, bring a quote from a source of inspiration on the topic of the week. We also would like to offer to anyone who would like to sing a song or read a poem to open or close, to please send an email to [Pjevans02@gmail.com](mailto:Pjevans02@gmail.com) so that we can put you on the schedule. We also offer an in-person support group on the 2nd Thursdays of each month! If you are interested, email [Pjevans02@gmail.com](mailto:Pjevans02@gmail.com) for the full details. **What to expect in our groups:** We will take turns reading a quote, and then we or others in the group may make short comments about the quote. Each person is asked to follow the guidelines of being respectful, keeping comments upbeat (let's leave politics out of it), contributing from your own perspective, and remembering that we want all voices to be heard. We want this to be a positive experience for everyone. Upcoming Topics: 1st Thursday of September: Courage 3rd Thursday of September: Peace 1st Thursday of October: Justice 3rd Thursday of October: Mercy 1st Thursday of November: Radiance 3rd Thursday of November: Gratitude 1st Thursday of December: Charity 3rd Thursday of December: Illumination

SF- Meet & Greet

Come hang out with fellow game developers at the Saluhall SF on **Aug 23, 2026 at 12 PM**. It's a great opportunity to network, share ideas, and have some fun! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out in the industry, this event is open to everyone. Don't miss out on this chance to connect with like-minded individuals and enjoy a afternoon for a board game. Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of gaming discussions, laughter, and maybe even some friendly competition. We can't wait to see you there!

Spiritual Support Group (In-Person)

**In-person Spiritual Support Group:** An interfaith devotional and discussion group that seeks to identify, define and put into action specific virtues or spiritual attributes that can uplift us and help us to rise above the limitations and sufferings of mental illness and the daily challenges that we and our families experience. For invitation email and location please write to: pjevans02@gmail.com 2023: 4th Thursday for July: Kindness (2nd Thursday meeting canceled for July) 2nd Thursday of August: Service-oriented 4th Thursday of August: Reliability 2nd Thursday of September: Tactfulness 4th Thursday of September: Purposefulness 2nd Thursday of October: Courtesy 4th Thursday of October: Flexibility 2nd Thursday of November: Determination 4th Thursday of November: Gratitude 2nd Thursday of December: Generosity 4th Thursday of December: Idealism

Let's Play "Cairn"

For this month's game we are playing the narrative mountain climber, "**Cairn**." From the developer: *Reach a summit never climbed before in this survival-climber from the creators of Furi and Haven. Climb anywhere and plan your route carefully, managing pitons and resources to survive the unforgiving Mount Kami. Discover what Aava is willing to sacrifice to achieve the ascent of a lifetime.* It is available for PC an PlayStation 5. Play through it this month and we will discuss it on **August 22nd**! Play through as much as you can and be prepared to be spoiled at the meeting. :) p.s. [Here](https://discord.gg/TYQmS3GgBK) is a link to our **Discord**, pop in to meet folks ahead of the meetup.

East Bay Chronic Pain & Illness Peer Support Group Meetup

**About us:** The Bay Area Chronic Pain & Illness Peer Support Group is a friendly, unstructured, in-person peer support group for anybody 18+ who lives with chronic pain, illness(es), invisible disabilities, and any type of mental health experiences. The group is a casual safe space to hang out, talk about our lives, share coping strategies, form friendships, create community, and get support. **Location:** 2727 California Street, Berkeley, CA 94703 Look for a corner gallery in a residential neighborhood! **Accessibility Info:** * The meeting space is in a wheelchair accessible gallery. * There are bathrooms accessible via ramp within the gallery. * The lighting is relatively gentle, though of course feel free to bring hats, sunglasses to adjust! * Seating provided by the gallery are wooden, foldout chairs. If a metal foldout chair would be preferable, let me know, and I'll try to procure some! * Feel free to bring heating pads, yoga mats, cooling pads, to make yourself as comfortable as possible! \*\*\*Please refrain from wearing anything scented, including lotion, dry-cleaned clothes, etc. This is to ensure that the group is safe for people with chemical sensitivities.\*\*\* **Scheduling Info: While this group runs every other week, there are a few dates when the space will not be available. Those dates are: 4/7, 5/5, 6/2, and 11/3! To play it safe, check on the meetup page to be sure that we are meeting!** **COVID Safety:** * We are asking folks to mask! If you have any questions about the event, feel free to email Anna at herschlaga@gmail.com

Showcase Showdown

**WIKI:** https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Showcase_Showdown # Showcase Showdown 2nd & 4th Fridays Showcase Showdown is an indie game showcase and fighting game tourney featuring Smash Melee competition. * **WHEN: 2**nd and 4th Fridays at [Noisebridge](https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Noisebridge "Noisebridge") at 7pm-12am. * **WHAT:** Play indie games showcases & competitive games like [Super Smash Brothers Melee](https://www.noisebridge.net/index.php?title=Super_Smash_Brothers_Melee&action=edit&redlink=1 "Super Smash Brothers Melee (page does not exist)"). * It is part of our [Fighting Game Fridays](https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Category:Fighting_Game_Fridays "Category:Fighting Game Fridays") alternating with [School of Melee](https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/School_of_Melee "School of Melee") 1st and 4th Fridays. * It started as Noisebridge's first [GDC](https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/GDC "GDC") IndieSmash event in 2026. * **WHERE:** [Noisebridge](https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Noisebridge "Noisebridge") Hackerspace, [272](https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/272 "272") Capp St. San Francisco, CA * **COST:** **FREE!** Noisebridge runs on donations and 24 hour access card memberships. # Indie Games Showcases * **GAMERS:** Do you want to see the next generation of games being showcased and playtested? * **DEVS"** Do you have a game in the works or released that you'd like to share? ## GAMERS COME PLAY THE NEXT WAVE We have a wide variety of exciting new games in development or recently released for you to try! * Meet the developers and share your playtesting feedback to help shape the future of gaming. ## DEVS COME SHOW YOUR HARD WORK We are seeking games to show so get in touch and show up with your games to share! * We can help you set up your demo station and promotional materials to help attendees play, wishlist, give feedback and buy your game. * Come to [Gamebridge](https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Gamebridge "Gamebridge") Wednesdays and we'll set you up. * Introduce yourself on our [Discord](https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Discord "Discord") #games channel and tell us about the game you want to showcase and what promo material and setup you plan to have. # Competitive Game Tournaments ## Smash Melee Tourney Smash Melee is our founding game tourney that we began with and will continue every event. ## Halo We are planning a Halo tourney soon with some folks volunteering to do that. ## Street Fighter & Marvel VS Capcom Street Fighter games are at the roots of the fighting game community and we play these games too. ## Soul Calibur A tale of souls and swords, the soul still burns from our days with the Dreamcast. * We would like to have a Soul Calibur 6 tournament soon. * We could play console Calibur games if we get the right set of consoles and discs or figure out how to get them. ## Aether A newer kind of fighting game. ## Skull Girls A really artistic and cool fighting game. ## Bring them blue sparks! Suggest a game Do you have a game you'd like to arrange to play at Showcase Showdown?

Gaga (Handball/Dodgeball variation) & Other Lawn Games @ Alameda Gaga Court

Join us for games of **GAGA**! Gaga is similar to handball and is a low-impact, fast moving fun game that rotates players quickly, so its a great way to meet new people and keep moving! The location of the court on Alameda island is here: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/VeqmD6oz6AbAksYB8 ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/VeqmD6oz6AbAksYB8) The rules of Gaga are super simple and as follows: * *All players start with one hand touching a wall of the pit.* * *The game begins with a referee throwing the ball into the center of the pit.* * *Once the ball is in play, any player can hit the ball with an open or closed hand.* * *If a ball touches a player below the knee (even if the player hits himself or herself) they are out and they leave the pit. If a player is hit above the knees, the play continues.* * *Players cannot hold the ball* If you have any other games like spike ball, cornhole, or soccer or volleyballs, please feel free to bring them as well! We will have some additional activities set up on the sides for people to play and socialize while in between games of gaga.

Play Go and Socialize

Visit our Japan Center Go Club and play Go with others. We are open every Friday 4-8pm with more times coming soon.

School of Melee (1st & 3rd NB Fighting Game Fridays)

**School of Melee - SSBM Workshop & Tournament: Singles Competition & Self Improvement Mentorship** **Featuring Guest Speaker: LanTurN** **VOD Reviews and Mid-Set Coaching available to all (Bring your own USB with gameplay file)** School of Melee is a Melee focused workshop. The event will begin with a planned presentation, followed by in person VOD reviews as well as mid set friendlies coaching. **Free Entry + Lossless Adapter Raffle** **Event Details** * Melee "TED-Talk" focusing on a variety of topics (tech skill, match-ups, etc.): 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM * Mid Set Friendlies Coaching provided by guest speaker * Melee Singles (32 player cap) * Singles: 8:30 PM - 11:30 PM ##### Location ##### NoiseBridge - 272 Capp St, San Francisco, CA 94110 **What is Noisebridge?** We are an accessible, community-operated, non-profit hackerspace for artists and audiences interested in the intersection of art, technology, and creative expression. We are a place to learn, play, create, and share. Our facilities seek to provide infrastructure for work utilizing textiles, music, wood, metal, computer programming, electronics, science, robotics, space for performance or display, and collaboration. You don't have to be a member or pay anything to participate in Noisebridge, we're free and open. You just have to follow the one rule: Be Excellent to Each Other! **NOISEBRIDGE WEB SITE:** [http://www.noisebridge.net/](http://www.noisebridge.net/) **EVENT WIKI PAGE:** https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/School_of_Melee **Getting Here:** Noisebridge is close to the 16th & Mission BART station, and the 14 Mission, 33 Stanyan, and 49 Van Ness-Mission Muni buses. The 22 Fillmore and 12 Folsom Muni buses are within a couple blocks. ##### Parking: There are paid parking lots within walking distance, or if you're lucky you can find street parking. **Hosts:** Angelo ([angelolyonsmedia@gmail.com](mailto:angelolyonsmedia@gmail.com)) **Discord:** Noisebridge Discord #School-of-Melee ##### Policies: Be excellent to each other is the guiding principle of Noisebridge. Wikipedia uses a somewhat similar rule, which they call "the fundamental rule of all social spaces. Every other policy for getting along is a special case of it." Unlike Wikipedia, Noisebridge takes a positive approach, and avoids the practice of officially enumerating the myriad potential special cases; "be excellent" is enough. ###### Limited spare controllers are available at request ###### Controller experts wanted for controller repair workshop

Plus Arcade Party

AWS Agentic AI Summit - Grafana, CrowdStrike, Fireworks, LaunchPad, TiDB

**Important note:** Register on the [AICamp Event Website ](https://www.aicamp.ai/event/eventdetails/W2026082017)is REQUIRED for admission. **From Code to Production - Building Production-Ready AI Agents on AWS** The AWS Agentic AI Partner Showcase features experts from **AWS,** **TiDB, Fireworks AI, LaunchPad, Grafana Lab, CrowdStrike**, who will demonstrate how to build production-ready agentic AI systems from code to deployment. This focused session presents a complete development stack through live demonstrations, technical deep dives, and interactive discussions. In addition to main stage tech talks and demos, partner booths will be available onsite throughout the event for attendees to visit, engage in Q&A, and deep dive into each partner's solution. The speakers will share practical insights into building, monitoring, and validating agentic AI applications that enhance your business processes and drive innovation. **What You Will Learn:** ✔ Production-Ready Agentic AI – See live demonstrations of the complete development stack for building agentic AI systems, from coding environments through deployment and monitoring. ✔ Technical Implementation Strategies – Gain insights from AWS and partner experts on deploying agentic AI solutions with real-world use cases and AWS integration patterns. ✔ Expert Q&A & Networking – Engage directly with technical leaders from AWS and partner companies at dedicated booth stations, plus connect with fellow developers and practitioners building agentic AI applications. **Agenda** * 4:30PM - 5:30PM Check-In, Food and Booth Visiting * 5:30PM - 7:45PM Kick-off, Tech talks, Live Demo * 7:45PM - 8:30PM Networking, Q&A over Booths **Featured Speakers:** * Srinivas Kesanapally, Sr PSA Manager, AWS * Chris Hofmann, Senior Product Manager, TiDB * Tim Miranda, Tech Fellow, LaunchPad * Shawn Pitts, Senior Technical Manager, Grafana Lab * Chad Lumsden-Dolence, Sr Solution Engineer, CrowdStrike * Scott Gee, Lead Applied AI Engineer, Fireworks AI #####