Freelancer Groups San Francisco

Stressless Taxes for Artists, Creatives, and Freelancers

Banish tax fear and get ahead with tips from this presentation on taxes for creatives and freelancers. Learn about what income is taxable and which expenses are deductible for self-employed creatives/artists. We will focus on the Schedule C form, and cover hobby losses, home offices, self-employed health insurance, the new deduction for tips, record keeping requirements and any updates to the tax code for the most recent year. A Q&A will follow the presentation. Sarah Lockhart is an Enrolled Agent with 25 years of professional tax preparation experience. Sarah’s tax clients are mostly artists and 501(c)3 non-profits. She has developed and presented tax workshops for Intersection for the Arts, Vital Arts, and SF Art Institute, among others. She also does forensic accounting and bookkeeping work. Sarah Lockhart was born and raised in the Bay Area, and has lived in Oakland for almost 30 years. Sarah’s artistic background is multi-disciplinary; her work includes music, video, radio, fashion and conceptual art. **This program takes place in the Steve Silver Music Center on the Fourth Floor of the Main Library (100 Larkin Street)** **MeetUp RSVP does not guarantee registration for SFPL in person programs.**

Side Project Saturday for Designers

Come down and work alongside fellow designers and creatives. Whether you prefer drafting tables, traditional digital, or AI tools—all mediums are welcome. Come down and learn and explore! **Who should join:** Product designers, UI/UX researchers, graphic artists, and anyone who wants to work on their project. **What to bring:** * Your laptop, tablet, sketchpad or tools of choice. * Current project or a blank canvas. * An open mind and creative spirit. The coffee shop has all the conventional options, a few lunch selections, and the best smoothies in town. Kindly patronize them. Thanks!

ODSC AI x NEBIUS | Hackathon

​**ODSC × Nebius Hackathon: Build a Research Agent** ​📅 **October 28–November 20, 2026** 🌎 **Kickoff at ODSC AI West \+ livestream \| Virtual build** 🎟️ **Free and open to everyone** **[Check the main website →](https://hackathon.odsc.ai/event?utm_source=luma)** ​Build an AI research agent that can search the web, bring evidence together, and give answers people can verify. ​Join **ODSC AI and Nebius** for a hackathon focused on turning a research question into a useful, sourced answer. Start with the kickoff on October 28, then build at your own pace through November 20, with live online support from Nebius engineers along the way. ​**Your challenge:** create a working research agent using **Nebius Token Factory** for open-model inference and **Tavily** for real-time web search. Your agent should connect its answers to credible sources, help users check key claims, and acknowledge when the evidence is incomplete. ​Come solo, bring your team, or find teammates at the kickoff or online. AI and ML engineers, data scientists, developers, agent builders, and startup teams are all welcome. ​Here’s how it works: * ​**October 28 - Kickoff:** Meet the Nebius team, get set up on Token Factory, and connect with other participants. Attend at ODSC AI West or join the livestream. * ​**October 28–November 20 - Build:** Develop your agent remotely, with online support available throughout the hackathon. * ​**November 20 - Submission deadline:** Submit a public repository with a README and a short demo. Registered participants will receive the submission link by email. ​Projects will be evaluated on the quality of their evidence, whether the agent works from question to answer, its usefulness, its design, and its use of both required tools. ​Registered participants also receive a **complimentary ODSC AI West Expo pass**. Winning projects will be promoted across ODSC channels, with a blog feature and an interview spotlight. Prizes and judges will be announced soon. ​**Registration is free, with no acceptance review. Join us and put your research agent to the test.**

San Francisco Networking Event

For tickets and information: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1968266366687](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1968266366687) **IMPORTANT NOTE: CLICKING THE RSVP AND PAY ORGANIZER BUTTON ON MEETUP DOES NOT GET YOU A TICKET/ SPOT. YOU HAVE TO CLICK THE LINK TO THE EVENTBRITE PAGE AND PURCHASE A TICKET THERE. PRICE GOES UP AS EVENT TIME APPROACHES AND MAY SELL OUT SO GET YOUR TICKET ON EVENTBRITE ASAP.** **\*This is a multigroup event so event responses are only a portion of the total number of attendees** SAN FRANCISCO NETWORKING EVENT: You Have To Get Tickets Here Online In Advance. Tickets Not Available At Venue Door Come mix & mingle at this networking event in San Francisco, California. This event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your network. Whether you're looking to expand your clientele, make new business connections, find new investment opportunities, hire or get hired or simply connect with others, have a few cocktails and make new friends you'll definitely want to be at this event. This Event Is For... Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, Startups, Freelancers, Gamechangers, Investors!, Crowdfunding Experts, Web & Marketing Experts, Job Seekers!, Etc. (and for people just looking to make some new friends). This event is the perfect opportunity to network with potential business partners, investors, industry professionals and new clients.... Or just come on out and make some new friends! We've witnessed countless business connections and friendships form at our past events.This event is a fun and easy way to connect with others in a relaxed, low pressure environment. There are no speakers or sales pitches. It's just a place to come mingle with like minded people. **ICEBREAKERS TO WIN PRIZES!!!** At the beginning of the event our host will hand you a sheet of paper with icebreaker questions that you can use to get to know the rest of the people at the event. The icebreakers are optional but most people love them because they really help you get to meet people. In the email we send you before the event we'll explain exactly how the icebreaker works but essentially you'll be asking and/or being asked 3 fun and easy but thought provoking icebreaker questions. If you complete the icebreaker you'll be entered into a raffle and one of the event attendees will win prizes! *An email we received about one of our recent events: "Thank you so much for throwing such a great event. The crowd was really great and everyone was super friendly. As a busy professional I don't get that much time to get out and meet people so it was nice to be in such a relaxed environment. Event well done!" - Danielle* **FAQ:** HOW MANY WILL BE ATTENDING? It ranges from event to event, but we usually expect over 50 people to attend. CAN I ARRIVE LATE? Absolutely. Arrive any time you'd like. CAN I COME ALONE? Yes, about 75% come on their own. WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE? While we don't have a dress code we ask that you please look neat/presentable. What you wear to work or what you'd where for after work happy hour drinks is fine. CAN I PAY AT THE EVENT DOOR? We do not accept payment at the event door. We also change the venue at each event and don't give out the location to those who don't sign up. You must pre-pay online. HOW LONG DOES THE EVENT GO? The event is 2.5 hours long. You can arrive any time you'd like. ARE THERE DRINKS? Yes, there's a full menu of great drinks you can order at the bar. WHAT IS THE AGE RANGE? Anyone of any age who wants to network is welcome WHO ATTENDS THE EVENT? Professionals of all sorts and ages IS THERE A REFUND POLICY? If you need to cancel, please email us and we can transfer you to a future event. However we do not offer transfers if you cancel on the day of the event or don't show up. For tickets and information: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1968266366687](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1968266366687)

Building Products For Agents

**IMPORTANT:** Please fill out this [form](https://forms.gle/tvNVEmfQ2nxMsw9e7) to ensure access to the building, even if you’ve already registered on Meetup. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Your next user might be an agent.** Products used to be built for humans through a UI and developers through an API. Now agents are users too. ​What changes when you build for agents? Which tools should your product offer? Should you build the connection yourself or buy it? And how do you charge when the user is an agent rather than a person? ​Join ProductTank SF and [Vapi](vapi.ai) for a panel on building for agents, pricing, and the tools that connect agents to products. Speakers will share lessons and patterns, not product demos. ​**KEY TAKEAWAYS** * ​What changes when **agents become users**, and what builders are seeing in practice * ​How to **price for agents**: charging by use or results rather than by person * ​How to **design the tools agents use**: what to offer, how to design it, and whether to build or buy * ​How product teams **manage agent use** inside their own organizations ​**THE PANELISTS** ​**Sagar Batchu** is **CEO and co-founder of Speakeasy**. He helps companies turn their APIs into tools agents can use, and sees what works across hundreds of teams. **Rami Banna** is a **Product Lead at Stripe**, working on developer ecosystems and Stripe Projects. He helps developers and agents build and launch businesses. He brings the billing-for-agents perspective. ​**Jake Sciotto** is a **Technical Customer Success Manager at PostHog**. He works hands-on with customers building for agents and brings lessons from that work. ​**Ibrahim Bashir** is a **product leader** who has worked at Amazon, Box, Amplitude, and Ontra. He brings the product-management perspective connecting the panel’s themes. ​*Attendance will be first-come, first-served. We will close doors once we reach capacity; arrive early to secure a spot.* ​*Special thanks to our generous sponsor:* * ​[Vapi](https://vapi.ai/?utm_source=luma): Build, deploy, and improve voice agents as fast as you ship.

Dance Fridays Halloween - Live Salsa Band Dancing, Bachata Dancing, Lessons

Dance Fridays Halloween — Live Salsa Band, Bachata, Lessons & Costume Party San Francisco's biggest Halloween dance party — and you don't need to know how to dance. Friday, October 30. Live music from Julio Bravo y su Orquesta, three rooms of salsa, bachata and more, and free beginner lessons so you can walk in knowing nothing and be dancing by 10. Costumes strongly encouraged. Prizes for the ones that earn it. TICKETS https://dancefridays10-30-26.eventbrite.com THE NIGHT 8:00 PM — Beginning Bachata No partner. No experience. Just show up. 9:00 PM — Beginning Salsa Same deal. Everyone starts here. 9:00 PM — Intermediate Bachata (Back Room) For anyone ready to level up. 9:45 PM — Dance floors open Three rooms. Live band. DJs until close. Live music from Julio Bravo y su Orquesta, plus Salsa, Bachata and more all night. THE VENUE Dance Fridays 550 Barneveld Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124 • Massive hardwood dance floors with sound and lighting to match • Up to three separate rooms of dancing • High ceilings and an outdoor patio • Full bar, coat check and vending machines • Plenty of free parking • A friendly crowd that actually dances with you TICKETS & PRICING $20 / $25 / $30 in advance $40 at the door Early bird tiers sell out, and Halloween sells out faster. Buy early: https://dancefridays10-30-26.eventbrite.com BEFORE YOU COME • 21+ with valid ID • Costumes strongly encouraged • All tickets are sold by credit card, including at the door • Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable • No outside food, drinks, cans or alcohol • Don't leave valuables in your car • Details can change—check the ticket page before heading out Every Friday. Lessons at 8. Dancing until late. VIP list and future events: https://linktr.ee/dancefridays

Beer & Beats - Music Feedback & Collaboration

JOIN THE DISCORD FOR MOST INFORMATION. Discord (very important updates): https://discord.gg/UNgGtXmu6K No RSVP needed on Meetup.com, but we do have a check-in link on our Discord. Want to just see a video or two about what this is?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn-cOooQ0oA Take a tour of the campus where the event is held: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1EvgwM0vSE What Happens Each Week? Feedback & Listening • Play what you made, a work‑in‑progress • Get constructive critiques, mix notes, and creative ideas from a supportive crowd. Open‑Studio Sessions (3 Commercial Studios!) • Grab a workstation, plug in, and start building beats, recording vocals, or jamming with new friends. Networking & Vibes • Meet producers, engineers, artists, and music‑tech pros. **Links** Discord (very important updates): https://discord.gg/UNgGtXmu6K Level‑up your skills with our music education programs: https://anthemmusicacademy.com/

Coworking at a Cafe in SF

Side Project Saturday for Artists

Come down and work alongside fellow artists and creatives. Whether you prefer traditional art, or the latest AI tools—all mediums are welcome. Come down and learn and explore! **Who should join:** Artists of all kinds, from hobbyists to seasoned creators, all are welcome. Just have fun working alongside friends. **What to bring:** * Your art materials of choice. * Current project, or a blank canvas. * An open mind and creative spirit. The coffee shop has all the conventional options, a few lunch selections, and the best smoothies in town. Kindly patronize them. Thanks!

Shut Up & Write!® at The Long Haul Info Shop (Berkeley)

**Who:** * **You!** These events are open to all, no genre or skill level or writing style necessary. Come work on your manuscript, dissertation, daily pages, blog post, journal entry, pen pal emails, fanzine, or any other form of scribbling. * Free, bring a friend! No RSVP needed (max of \~10 chairs though). **What:** * **Coworking for East Bay writers (and beyond)!** * Shut Up & Write hosts free in-person and online writing events for writers all over the world. Our goal is to ensure that every writer, regardless of genre or skill level, has access to the community, accountability, and resources they need to be successful in their personal writing goals. Our events use our proven formula: a few minutes of introductions, an hour of focused writing, and a final check-in to share the hour's progress. * To see other SU+W events, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) **When:** * Every **Monday** from 7pm-8:30pm * **7pm** — Introductions and Check-in * **7:10pm - 8:10pm** — 1 hr of silent writing * **8:10pm** **\- 8:30pm** — Check-ins and chatting (feel free to head home early or stick around late) * The Long Haul is open 6-9pm—as of now, we are the only official group using the space. Feel free to come by early or stay after until close! **Where:** * **The Long Haul** is a radical resource center & community space—all are welcome, but if you haven't been before, consider looking them up to see what they're all about! [https://thelonghaul.org/](https://thelonghaul.org/) * No purchases necessary (they have a kettle for hot water and a microwave to heat up your own food), but you can always give back by volunteering, [donating](https://thelonghaul.org/donate) to the space, and/or buying a book, zine, t-shirt, or patch :-) * Space has WiFi and a gender-neutral bathroom. * *Travel / Parking info:* 5 minute walk from Ashby BART. Free street parking available. Bike racks located outside (you can also bring your bike in). **Why:** * Dedicate some time to your works-in-progress & share space/ build community with local writers :-) **What else should I know?:** * RSVPs (and cancelled RSVPs) appreciated * Being late is OK! Just come in, get settled in, and the organizer will show you the screen that has the amount of time left to write. * *Organizer does not check Meetup--message @pistachio.55 on Signal for questions*

Architecture, Design & Drinks — October 2026

Architecture, Design & Drinks is a casual monthly gathering for people who work in, around, or are inspired by design. We meet on the last Friday of each month to unwind, trade ideas, and connect. No agenda, no pressure. Whether you’re an architect, designer, creative, or simply design-curious, this is an easy way to expand your circle and have meaningful conversations in a relaxed setting. New faces are always welcome. Grab a drink, join the conversation, and stay as long as you’d like.

Side Project Saturday for Engineers

Come down and work alongside fellow engineers and creatives. Whether you prefer writing code from scratch, tinkering with hardware, or using the latest AI coding tools—all mediums are welcome. Come down and learn and explore! **Who should join:** Engineers and makers of all kinds, from hobbyists to seasoned, all are welcome. Just have fun working alongside friends. **What to bring:** * Your laptop or tools of choice. * Current project * An open mind and creative spirit. The coffee shop has all the conventional options, a few lunch selections, and the best smoothies in town. Kindly patronize them. Thanks!