Optimo is set to play Saturday at Monarch.

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Well, it's February, and you know what that means: Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching. Yet, while the floral industry's favorite holiday lies on the horizon, that's no excuse for staying in, drinking wine, and "watching movies." Truth is that this weekend has quite a few options for those invested in the rhythm of the night. Read on -- your weekend awaits.

Friday, Feb. 10

What: Back2Back Seven Year Anniversary Celebration
Where: Mighty
When: 8 p.m. - 4 a.m.
Why: Few DJ crews are as emblematic of San Francisco's '90s rave boom as Wicked Sound System. Now long dead as a collective, two of the group's core members have been keeping the spirit alive. Those DJs are local legends Garth and Jeno, and their party is called Back2Back. Friday marks the seventh anniversary of the event, and to celebrate, they're getting back into the vibe of San Francisco's hippie days by keeping the party cheap. It's totally free before 11 p.m. and just $7 afterwards. For a taste of the evening, check out this recent appearance by the duo on WNYU's Beats in Space radio program.

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DJ Hell is a serious badass.

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We hope you had a refreshing time working all week, because this weekend's going to be hectic. It almost doesn't seem fair, does it? Just when you thought you had time to relax, the city's summerish winter nights begin calling you with their siren-like promises of good times, good tunes, and other good things. For this week's listing we have two big-budget events, and two others for the more economically minded. Read on -- your weekend awaits.

Friday, Feb. 3

What: Sunset & Public Works present DJ Hell
Where: Public Works
When: 9 p.m. - 4 a.m.
Why: DJ Hell predates the popular arrival of electroclash by a good five years. If that sounds like a good opening line for you, then you ought to check this out. Sunset is bringing the legendary Munich-based producer for his first San Francisco performance in a long time. A cult favorite, Hell's music is sexual and abrasive in all the right ways. Tracks like "For Your Love" and "Dominatrix" show off just how forward-thinking the producer was in 1997. Of course, that's not all he's famous for. Hell also logged a lot of time in the early '90s producing avant-garde house records for labels like R&S. We could get lost for days in "My Definition of House Music." Head to Public Works on Friday and you'll have the opportunity yourself.

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Masters at Work play 1015 Folsom on Friday

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House, house, and more house. If nothing else, this weekend offers a lot of rare opportunities for those whose tastes tend towards all things four-on-the-floor. First there's a performance by Masters at Work, then a showcase of canonical electronic music label Ghostly (and its Spectral Sound imprint), and finally, brain-melting futurism from Mosca and Altered Natives at Icee Hot's two-year anniversary. However, if you don't like your dance music electronic, don't worry: We've got you covered with one of the city's finest '60s soul parties. Read on -- your weekend awaits.

Friday, Jan. 27

What:Red Bull Music Academy presents Masters at Work
Where: 1015 Folsom
When: 10 p.m. - 4 a.m.
Why: Though each are held in high esteem on their own, together Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez and "Little" Louie Vega form the legendary New York house production outfit Masters at Work. Ever since they dropped their first single, "Justa Lil' Dope"/"Our Mute Horn," in 1991, they've had an indelible effect on the course of contemporary dance music. Their discography is long and covers a diverse multi-genre territory -- but always includes incredibly playful and clever sampling. Tracks like "The Ha Dance," "Deep Inside," their remix of Debbie Gibson's "One Step Ahead," and "The Nervous Track" show off the duo's unique creativity without even scratching surface of their total output. Now, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Masters at Work, the Red Bull Music Academy has teamed up with 1015 Folsom to have them play a rare live performance (with band) in San Francisco.

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Steve Aoki plays the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on Saturday

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There's so much going on in San Francisco these days that it can sometimes be hard to keep track of it all. This weekend is no exception, with a whole crop of alluring events. We've got a big party tonight (Jan. 19) featuring French techno mastermind Laurent Garnier, a performance on Friday by classic Detroit techno group Octave One, the grand opening of new superclub The Grand, a party with Steve Aoki that starts at 8 p.m., and even a DJ set by yours truly. Read on -- your weekend awaits.

Thursday, Jan. 19

What: Public Works and As You Like It presents Laurent Garnier
Where: Public Works
When: 9:30 p.m. - 3 a.m. (Garnier goes on at 10:30 p.m.)
Why: Though France might be better known for its poppy disco house and electro, dig a little deeper and you'll inevitably come across the storied career of Laurent Garnier. A DJ since the mid-'80s, he was one of the driving figures behind the popularization of house and techno in continental Europe. Since then Garnier has become one of the world's most respected DJs and producers, leaving a trail of singles, albums, remixes, and mixtapes in his wake. His first appearance in San Francisco in over ten years, his performance at As You Like It promises to be a special affair. A part of the "Live Booth Sessions" tour, the concept is that he'll play a live and improvisatory set aided by Scan X (on "machines") and Benjamin Rippert (on keyboards). Get into the mood by watching this promo video and this clip of Garnier and company performing "The Man With The Red Face."

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Club Cheval plays Friday at 103 Harriet

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Another week, another crop of parties. As you can imagine, the excellent weather pretty much ensures that this weekend is going to be characterized by heavy partying. We advise you follow suit and enjoy yourself at one of these excellent events. This week we've got four visitors from France, a drag extravaganza, some old-fashioned electro from The Hague, some tropical bass, and even a live cumbia band. Read on -- your weekend awaits.

Friday, Jan. 13

What: 103 Harriet presents Club Cheval
Where: 103 Harriet
When: 10 p.m. - 3 a.m.
Why: It seems as though every five years or so, French dance music pops back on the popular radar. The latest iteration of the Gallic craze comes to us in the form of DJ production quartet Club Cheval. Composed of Canblaster, Myd, Sam Tiba, and Panteros666, the group has been burning up charts and dancefloors with its hectic and futuristic "avant-groove" music. Now Club Cheval is poised to take over 1015 Folsom for its debut San Francisco performance in the upstairs of 103 Harriet. Get an idea of the Cheval sound by listening to Canblaster's "Chicken Run," Myd's "Rwall," and Sam Tiba's "Barbie Weed." Support for the evening comes from rising stars of the local bass scene 5kinAndBone5 and Joaquin Bartra.

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Lady Tragik plays Elbo Room on Friday

​ I have a theory. The reason there's been so many good parties recently has been due to our rapid approach to 2012. As you are no doubt aware, the Mayan calendar ends in the year in which we've just found ourselves. Perhaps savvy local promoters with an eye towards the apocalyptic have decided that it's in their interest to throw their best parties while they still can? Crackpot notions notwithstanding, this weekend has plenty of options for the nightlife-inclined: a darkly themed rap party at 120 Minutes, a chance to redo New Year's Eve at Blow Up, an evening of quality techno at Kontrol, and a performance by local star Alexis Blair Penney at Haceteria. Read on -- your weekend awaits.

Friday, Jan. 6

What: 120 Minutes Rap Party featuring Lady Tragik
Where: Elbo Room
When: 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Why: Back again for its first party of the new year, 120 Minutes returns with a special edition dedicated to rap. This comes as little surprise considering that the party's DJs have been mixing hip-hop and darker-hued rap sounds into their playlists for the better part of the last year. Headlining this special edition is L.A.-based rapper and multi-disciplinary artist Lady Tragik. A relatively new voice on the scene, her work with producer Stylo has led to a host of underground LGBT anthems such as "Dirty Bitch," "Hollywood," and "Man on the Moon." As always, visuals will be provided by the inimitable Future Weapons, while DJ support comes courtesy of S4NtA_MU3rTE, Nako, and GuMMyBeAR.

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Primo and Daniel at Oldies Night

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If last weekend was the city's slowest, this weekend is easily its most packed. New Years Eve is a tough night to sort out, but don't worry, we've collected a few of our top picks for you to peruse. We've got a triple headliner at 103 Harriet, a KiNK-y experience at Public Works, a classy soul party at Knockout, and a ravey affair that starts at 6 a.m. New Years Day. Read on -- your weekend awaits.

Friday, Dec. 30

What: 103 Harriet and Lights Down Low present Addison Groove, Sepalcure, and Mux Mool
Where: 103 Harriet
When: 9:30 p.m. - 3 a.m.
Why: There's no doubt about it, 103 Harriet and Lights Down Low throw solid parties. Addison Groove is a U.K.-based producer that's made a quick name for himself by way of his hyperactive Chicago juke productions. An uptempo maniac, his live sets are performed in the old style, with hardware (he lugs an 808 across the Atlantic -- that's dedication). Get an idea of his sound through his universally approved 2010 dancefloor smash, "Footcrab." Sepalcure is the uber-hyped duo of Travis Stewart (a.k.a. Machinedrum) and Praveen Sharma. Together they produce dubbed-out future house tracks like "Love Pressure" and "Pencil Pimp." Their recently released self-titled debut has earned them top marks; one of its cuts was even featured in the club scene from Darren Aronofsky's The Black Swan. Also on the bill is Mux Mool, one of Ghostly International's first beatsmith signees. Check out "Get Better John" from Mux Mool's 2010 LP Skulltaste.

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Jim-E Stack plays Monarch on Friday

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We're not going to lie: Christmas exacts a heavy toll on San Francisco nightlife. The weekend of Dec. 23-25 is pretty much the only no man's land in the world of local partying. Even still, the city offers quite a few choices for those of you that find yourselves unsatisfied or restless. Some highlights include classics at Public Works, low frequencies and Vice magazine giveaways at Monarch, a deep house birthday at Ruby Skye, and a party named after a breakfast cereal at Temple. Read on -- your weekend awaits you.

Friday, Dec. 23

What: Casual Encounter
Where: Public Works OddJob Loft
When: 10 p.m. - 4 a.m.
Why: Popping out of nowhere with perhaps this season's best conceived theme is Public Works' Casual Encounter party. A one-off in the OddJob loft, the event shows off the club's community vibe by bringing together DJs from the city's disparate parties. On the bill for the evening is Primo from 2 Men Will Move You, X2SIH from Jock Jamz, Alexis Blair Penney and Viv from High Fantasy, Monseuir M. from the original 7th Heaven Roller Disco, and Chris Orr (the friendly man behind Public Works' event blog). Expect a night of classics, heavy on the house, and with a fair helping of "transcendent musical content."

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Slow Hands performs Friday at Beatbox

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The holidays are rapidly approaching and, if you're anything like us, you're probably getting pretty stressed. If that's the case, take some time out for yourself and decompress at one of this weekend's many offerings. Here are four solid options for going out on the last weekend before Christmas. Live it up while you still can!

Friday, Dec. 16
What: As You Like It with Slow Hands
Where: BeatBox
When: 9 p.m. - 4 a.m.
Why: As You Like It returns with its latest installment featuring New York underground house producer Slow Hands. An affiliate of the tasteful Wolf + Lamb imprint, Slow Hands has a style that's been described as "make-out disco." It's a slowed down take on dance music that AYLI promises will "fill the air with sexuality and dancing late into the night." For a better idea of what that means, check out "Fast Tongue," "Rough Patch," and his cover of Sade's "Sweetest Taboo." For an idea of his DJ style, check out some of the podcasts on his SoundCloud. Support for the evening comes from Secrets, Michael Tello, and Briski.

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DJ Spinna plays Wonder-Full this Saturday at Mezzanine

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Following in the fashion of every other weekend for the past couple months, this weekend offers a diverse and excellent grouping of parties that ought to cater to just about everyone's tastes. Read on, your weekend awaits.

Friday, Dec. 9

What: You Are Hear w/ Patrice Scott, Aybee, Conor, Jason Kendig
Where: Public Works OddJob Loft
When: 10 p.m. - 4 a.m.
Why: Dance music label You Are Hear is throwing a one-off at Public Works with the debut performance by Patrice Scott and a handful of San Francisco's best selectors. Scott, a longtime face on the Detroit dance music scene, has only recently started to really build a name for himself outside the Motor City through his production work and label Sistrum Recordings. His sound has garnered a cult following through tracks like "Do You Feel Me,", "Raw Fusion," and Visions of Mantada." As a DJ, he traces his style back to the early years, citing Ken Collier, Juan Atkins, and WBMX as key influences. Expect an evening of house and dancefloor techno played in the Detroit style. For an idea of how the evening might go, check out this recent mix he did for U.K. nightclub Louche.

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