Baking apple pies, carving pumpkins, creating epic Halloween costumes…. October brings us many fun opportunities to express ourselves creatively, and we’re always on the lookout for new ways to get inspired.

Because there is a plethora of design and art events to choose from, In/Visible Talks’ co-founders and long-time practicing designers Arianna Orland and Dava Guthmiller curate their own list of “Must-Dos”. This month you might catch a new film, grab a book (to read or turn into a work of art), or delight your ears and your imagination with an aural time capsule.

Some events start in September, so check out the details now and book your reservations (where applicable) asap.

Japan Film Festival.

The lineup includes premieres of shorts, anime, documentaries, and chillers, and a few screenings include Q&As. Grab a Festival Passport ($170) for priority access to “all you can watch” and a VIP gift bag. Day-Of and Rush Line tickets may be available, but we recommend ordering in advance so you don’t miss out. September 28–October 7. NEW PEOPLE Cinema, 1746 Post Street, San Francisco.

Group Art Show: Chris Stokes, Fernando Reyes, and Daniel Chen.

We love this intimate gallery in the heart of the Mission. Luna Rienne features visual artists working in contemporary mediums who integrate elements of urban culture with traditional techniques. Pop by this show to see the works of three amazing artists—then discuss over a beer in the courtyard. Opening reception September 29, 6–9 pm; show runs through October. Luna Rienne Gallery, 3318 22nd Street, San Francisco.

Rams.

From Gary Hustwit, the director behind Helvetica, Objectified, and Urbanized, this film is a documentary portrait of Dieter Rams, one of the most influential designers alive. Expect a rumination on consumerism, sustainability, and the future of design. The 7:00 screening sold out, so a second screening was added. Order your ticket ($25 general admission) soon. October 2, 9:45 pm. Castro Theater, 429 Castro Street, San Francisco.

And Breathe: Untitled Art Fair + In/Visible Talks at CANOPY.

In/Visible Talks has partnered with Untitled, ART and CANOPY to bring you our next In/Visible Talks Salon. Join us as we discuss the benefits of breath and breathing and their relationship to the creative process. Panelists include research-based artist Miriam Simun; Creative Director at Imprint Projects, Chloë Greene; and Head of Product Design at Calm, Chris Delbuck. October 3, 6–9 pm. CANOPY Jackson Square, 595 Pacific Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco.

Lawrence Azerrad Aspiration by Design: Supersonic & The Voyager Golden Record.

California College of the Arts (CCA) celebrates the release of Grammy Award–winning Graphic Design alumnus Lawrence Azerrad’s new book Supersonic, The Design and Lifestyle of Concorde, published by Prestel. Lawrence will take us on an exploration of the process and intent behind the creation of two passion projects: Concorde and The Voyager Golden Record. The latter is an aural time capsule intended to communicate a story of our world to extraterrestrials. It’s so moving, it makes us weepy. Lawrence explores why the role of design matters more than ever in connecting to music, and how Voyager and Concorde still serve as ideals of design aspiration. October 4, 6–8 pm. California College of the Arts, 1111 8th Street, San Francisco.

Resist-a-Thon.

Join a supergroup of resistance organizations for a week of art, music, and direct action to rally for the last 30 days leading up to the 2018 midterm elections. Dava Guthmiller will be showing work at the art show. October 8–14. Resist/Release Art Show at Code & Canvas, 151 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco. (See website for other locations.)

Oakland Print Fair.

This outdoor event showcases local and national printmakers and features a large variety of prints, zines, and more. Free and open to the public. October 13 and 14, 11 am–5 pm. Flax Art & Design, 1501 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland.

SF Open Studios.

SF Open Studios, the oldest and largest open studios program in the country, is an annual event in October and November that showcases over 800 emerging and established local artists in their studios. The event runs for five weekends with a fresh neighborhood map and schedule each week. Free and kid-friendly. Weekend 1 is October 13 and 14, 11 am–6 pm. Various locations in San Francisco.

The Big Book Sale.

Books, books, and more books will be available at this iconic San Francisco event, now in its 54th year. Fill your shopping cart, then head back to your home or studio to read, to get inspired, or to make art (such as building a coffee table or creating something fabulous with papier-mâché). All proceeds benefit the San Francisco Public Library. October 31–November 4. Festival Pavilion Pier at Fort Mason, San Francisco.

The creatives on our In/Visible Talks team are always looking for new ways to get inspired. Check out our blog to read reviews of some of the other design and arts events we’ve attended recently.