LGBTQ+ Community happy and celebrating at Queer Magic

BARTable This Weekend: April 12-14

Last Updated On Apr. 09, 2024

Attendees enjoying the Queer Magic event, the next will be on April 13. Photo courtesy of Queer Magic.

Enjoy this weekend at an exciting BARTable event around the Bay. Start in downtown Oakland at the return of First Fridays, or get wavy on a Happy Hour Cruise overlooking the Bay waters. Wander to San Francisco and partake in the last few days of San Francisco Restaurant Week, or take a leisurely stroll down the Embarcadero. Whatever you prefer to do, BART can get you there! Are you hosting an event near a BART station? Visit this page to learn about "what is BARTable."

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

BARTable partners with local organizations located near BART stations to shine a light on the incredible diversity of businesses, restaurants and happenings that are easily accessible by transit. Our partners provide special deals and prizes for our weekly giveaways, which you can find on our Contest and Deals page. Interested in becoming a BARTable partner? Learn more here.

San Francisco Restaurant Week is still running. Head to the city to try a new restaurant.

Tri-Valley Innovation Fair
April 13 | Dublin/Pleasanton
10 a.m-5 p.m. | 2005 Valley Ave, Gate 8

Bring the kids out to the Alameda County Fairgrounds for a day of fun and education at the annual Tri-Valley Innovation Fair. But don't worry, it’s not just for the kids; more than 70 activities and demos are geared towards everyone 5 years and up! Food trucks will be on-site to keep you fueled. Free. From Dublin/Pleasanton, board the Wheels 10R or 53 bus.

San Francisco Restaurant Week
Through April 14 | Stations Vary
Times Vary | City-wide

San Francisco Restaurant Week continues with plenty of deals at the city’s best eateries. Enjoy the unique and diverse flavors of San Francisco at discounted prices in its final weekend. With over 150 restaurants to choose from, expect everything from Michelin-Guide-listed Gozu to $10 lunch specials at Saigon Sandwich. Check out Golden Gate Restaurant Association for the complete list of participating restaurants.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream"
Through April 14 | Ashby
Times Vary | 1901 Ashby Ave.

Shakespearean classics make for the most romantic and exciting weekend dates. William Hodgson’s take on William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" will unearth passion, danger and sheer joy. Buckle up for adventurous, disarming and exasperating live theater performed by the Shotgun Players at Ashby Stage. Experience theatric bliss just 0.1 miles from Ashby.

Kristina Wong's "Sweatshop Overlord"

Through May 5 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times Vary | 1127 Market St.

On Day 3 of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kristina Wong began sewing masks out of old bedsheets and bra straps on her Hello Kitty sewing machine. Before long, she was leading the Auntie Sewing Squad, a work-from-home sweatshop of hundreds of volunteers—including children and her own mother—to fix the U.S. public health care system while in quarantine. It was a feminist care utopia forming in the midst of crisis. Or was it a mutual aid doomsday cult? The answer to that question is something you’ll have to decide for yourself as Kristina takes you through her journey in this Pulitzer finalist play. Bear witness to the bizarre at the American Conservatory Theater, 0.2 miles from Civic Center/ UN Plaza.

You needn’t pay a dime – or even a pretty penny! – to enjoy the breadth of the Bay Area’s offerings. Below you’ll find a roundup of free local events, including festivals, markets, museum admission-free days and more!

Head to Downtown Oakland for the return of First Fridays. Photo courtesy of Oakland First Fridays via Google.

Oakland First Fridays
April 12 | 19th St/Oakland
5-9 p.m. | 2633 Telegraph Ave.

Oakland First Fridays is a signature celebration where up to 30,000 attendees can experience arts, culture, food, music and community. The free event is open to people of all ages and shuts down Telegraph from 22nd to 27th Streets. Bring your friends, pick up some soul food, hear amazing local music and just vibe, 0.4 miles from the 19th St/Oakland.

Soul Signal Jam Session
April 12 | 12^th St/Oakland City Center
6-10 p.m. | 410 15th St.

Head to Baba's House to experience Soul Signal Jam Night with local musicians, DJs and MCs. All are welcome with a suggested $10 donation at the door (entry is free for musicians). Help create an intimate space for creativity and expression with other like-minded local artists. Get your jam on 0.2 miles away from 12^th St/Oakland City Center.

Vintage and Indie Fashion Pop-up
April 13 | MacArthur
2-6 p.m. | 461 43rd St.

Spring is here and it's time to reimagine your warm-weather wardrobe. Get fabulous and head out to the Vintage Fashion Pop-Up Shop with La Clotherie, for a fun afternoon of perusing vintage treasures from their extensive collection. La Clotherie's pieces have been lovingly collected over decades and curated by renowned local designers like Harumi K. Find your next one-of-a-kind wardrobe piece just 0.4 miles from MacArthur.

Sucka Flea Market
April 14 | 16th St Mission
11a.m.- 6 p.m. | 701 Valencia St.

Get a glimpse of the real heart of San Francisco at the original Sucka Flea Market & Swap. Sucka Flea Market happens every second Sunday at CITYSTATIONSF, on Valencia & 18th in San Francisco's Mission District. This outdoor market features local artists, music, food, designers, printmakers, thrift and vintage vendors, neighborhood organizations, and more. Sucka Flea is a free, family-friendly, accessible event just 0.4 miles from 16th St Mission.

New events have just arrived in the Bay Area! New shows, one-time events, unique workshops, annual events or anything that's just popped up on our radar. Learn more about what qualifies as "BARTable" or use hashtag #sfbartable for the chance to be featured!

Happy Hour Cruise by Bay Celebrations Start your weekend off with a Happy Hour Cruise on the Bay. Photo courtesy of Bay Celebrations.

Plant Swap and Mini Market
April 12 | 19th St/Oakland
2-6 p.m. | 1955 Broadway

Don't miss out on this plant-filled extravaganza! Bring your extra plants to swap with fellow plant lovers and explore Hella Plants Market's available selection for unique finds. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting your plant journey, this event is perfect for anyone looking to add some greenery to their life. Don't miss the chance to connect with like-minded plant enthusiasts and expand your collection. Plant swappers will have space to set up a swap shop. The host recommends bringing 10 or more plants to really get the party started! Get green just a few feet away from the 19th St/Oakland.

KQED "The Crossword Show"
April 12 | 16th St Mission
7 p.m. | 2601 Mariposa St.

Join comedian Dhaya Laksminarayanan and renowned drag artist and podcast host Peaches Christ to solve a life-sized on-stage crossword puzzle, with a displayed viewing for an audience. As the dynamic pair decipher various crossword clues, Peaches Christ takes the show down rabbit holes of comedy, music, wordplay and trivia inspired by the puzzle. Everything ties together at the end for a mind-boggling grand finale. You don’t need any crossword expertise to be dazzled by this hilarious, life-affirming, one-of-a-kind experience. Take a hint and get guessing 0.7 miles from 16th St Mission.

Friday Happy Hour Cruise

April 12 | 12^th St/Oakland City Center
7:30-10 p.m. | 2 Broadway

Set sail from Jack London Square and embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure cruise around the stunning San Francisco Bay. Sip on your favorite cocktails and groove to the beats of your favorite DJs, spinning a diverse range of music genres that will have you dancing all evening long. Raise a toast with friends and make this Happy Hour cruise an unforgettable experience. Pack your "duffel" and get ready for some fun, only 0.6 miles away from 12^th St/Oakland City Center.

The Holistic Health Saloon
April 13 | North Berkeley
12- 7 p.m. | 1970 Chestnut St.

Make your Saturday a day of self-care, relaxation and community at the Holistic Health Saloon. Experience a wide array of natural wellness workshops in modalities such as massage, bodywork, acupuncture, spiritual counseling, reiki, tarot, sound healing and neuromuscular therapy. Browse through a local artisan craft fair and indulge in delicious food. Fill up your cup and be in alignment with the community 0.5 miles from North Berkeley.

Queer Magic
April 13 | MacArthur
4-9 p.m. | 4115 Telegraph Ave.

Queer Magic is a mixer and day party where you can meet new folks and spark new friendships. This gathering aims to bring queer and trans people together to dance, laugh and stir up magic together as a spiritual practice (allies are welcome too!) Tarot and astrological insights/offerings will be offered for an additional fee. Get lit on the dance floor with incredible DJ sets all night, .0.3 miles away from MacArthur.

Check out this article for our favorite weekly farmer's markets. Or click here for our favorite BARTable date night spots. Looking for the best BARTable restaurants? We have you covered with our favorite carnivorous restaurants and vegan eats. Seeking a refreshing adult beverage? Check out these BARTable breweries to get your beer on. Don't forget to use BART's Trip Planner to plan your day! 

What are you doing this weekend?

Tell us about your weekend activities! Show us on social media at @SFBARTable and #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Instagram, Tik Tok and Facebook to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and where to have fun around the Bay.