BARTable This Weekend: April 16-18

Last Updated On Apr. 13, 2021

Daymé Arocena performs at the SFJAZZ Fridays at Five. Photo courtesy of Pedro Margherito.

This weekend another San Francisco museum reopens its doors, farmers markets are aplenty and the weather should support anything outdoors you choose to do. Virtually, there are film festivals, concerts, ballet and comedy all for your viewing pleasure. Spring is in the air, everything around us is abloom and the arts are alive. Whatever you do and wherever you go, the weekend is upon us - take it in and enjoy it to the fullest!

The 18th Annual San Francisco Greek Film Festival begins this weekend. Image courtesy of SFGFF.

SF Restaurant Week | All over SF

Eat Drink SF presents San Francisco Restaurant Week through April 18 at participating restaurants city-wide! Celebrate the flavors of San Francisco's unique and diverse neighborhoods with special prix fixe menus and discounts at many restaurants across San Francisco.

18th Annual San Francisco Greek Film Festival (April 16-25) | Virtual

The San Francisco Greek Film Festival is dedicated to recognizing, supporting, and promoting the best film work by Greek and Cypriot filmmakers from around the world. The festival will take place online April 16-25, with all screenings free of charge. With screenings of new, innovative, and highly acclaimed films and different events around the annual film festival week, the SFGFF seeks to inspire, engage, and entertain its diverse audience. Visit online for instructions to start this free virtual experience.

Daymé Arocena: Fridays at Five | Virtual

With a voice possessed of equal parts grace and fire, Daymé Arocena has become one of the dynamic new faces of Cuban music, versed in jazz, Cuban neo-soul, and West African traditions. Brought to the world stage by Canadian saxophone great, June Bunnett, the singer came to the attention of taste-making British DJ Gilles Peterson, who signed Arocena to his label and released her 2015 debut album. Following a 2017-18 season double bill with Cuban piano genius Roberto Fonseca, she returned to SFJAZZ for this performance in November 2019, with music from her then recent release “Sonocardiogram”. Streaming begins at 5pm.

SFFilm Festival | Virtual

The longest-running film festival in the Americas, the SFFILM Festival is an extraordinary showcase of cinematic discovery and a major cultural event in the Bay Area. The annual lineup features marquee premieres, international competitions, new media work, live performances, and scintillating artist talks. Experience 103 films from 41 countries, including 13 world premieres in this year's festival that runs through April 18. Tickets and passes start at $8.

Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" | Virtual

Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison's debut novel, "The Bluest Eye" (which turns fifty this year), comes to Aurora Theatre in a stunning adaptation by playwright Lydia R. Diamond. Diamond expertly translates to the stage the emotional depths of Black girlhood, the poisonous effects of racism, and the heartbreak of shame in Morrison's work. Celebrated for a “profound and unrelenting vision,” (The New Yorker) Morrison sets The Bluest Eye in her hometown of Lorain, Ohio, and places three young Black girls—Claudia, Pecola, and Frieda—center stage as they strive to make sense of love, sisterhood, abuse, and hate. Tickets are $25 and runs through May 21.

Comedy Oakland | Virtual

Laughter continues to be the best medicine! Tune in to this free show at 7pm both Friday and Saturday with more chances to laugh at comedians from the likes of “Comedy Central,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “World Series of Comedy,” and more. Shows are free to watch on Zoom. Experience live online comedy at its finest and giggle yourself into some good weekend feels!

Tinkering at Home: The Exploratorium | Virtual

Get those creative juices flowing and visit the Exploratorium’s “Tinkering at Home” page where you will find experiments in science, art, technology, and lots of delightful ideas. Tinkering is an active, hands-on approach to discovering the richness and depth of the world around you. There are how-to videos and cool new finds in Digital Designs with TurtleArt, Tinkering with LEGO, Animate Your World, Cranky Contraptions, Exploring Spinning, STEAM Starters, Light and Shadow Play, Chain Reaction and more. For added fun, share your creations with other tinkering explorers on social media at #TinkeringAtHome.

The Contemporary Jewish Museum reopens to the public this weekend. Photo courtesy of the CJM.

Contemporary Jewish Museum | Reopening

The Contemporary Jewish Museum reopens to the public on Saturday, Apr. 17 at 11am! After a number of closures over the past 14 months due to the pandemic, visitors will finally be able to see exhibits that have only been available to view online. Visit to see Levi Strauss: A History of American Style; Threads of Jewish Life: Ritual and Other Textiles from the San Francisco Bay Area; and, Predicting the Past: Zohar Studios, The Lost Years. They can’t wait to welcome you back… and welcome you back safely! Timed tickets are available by reservation and begin at $14.

Peter Rowan at The Freight | Virtual

Grammy-award winner Peter Rowan is a singer-songwriter with a career spanning over five decades. From his early years to now, Rowan has built a devoted, international fan-base through a solid stream of recordings, collaborative projects, and constant touring. See him take his Bluegrass roots to the stage as part of the Freight at Home Streaming Concert series on Saturday at 7pm. Tickets are available by any donation amount starting at $10.

Northern CA Cherry Blossom Festival (Apr 17-18) | Virtual

Attend the 54th annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, brought to you virtually this year. The festival will stream from 3-5pm each day, showcasing many cultural performers, highlighting Japanese and Japanese American communities, and cherry blossoms blooming in our neighborhood. All are welcome to join! This event is free.

SF Ballet’s Program 04 “Jewels” | Virtual

A ballet in three parts, this is George Balanchine’s full-length masterpiece, inspired by displays at New York City jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels – Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds. Emeralds is a forest green meditation in long, romantic-style skirts, influenced by the French style of ballet. Rubies is like Times Square at midnight with bright lights, rushing crowds, and a touch of jazz. Diamonds is a glittering homage to Imperial Russia and the grand style of the father of classical ballet, Marius Petipa. Single stream 72-hour access available for $29 with digital packages available for the remaining season. Upload, sit back, relax and enjoy this breathtaking ballet from wherever you may be.

Living Room Dance Party | Virtual

Notoriously recognized as “Obama’s DJ," DJ Mel is hosting a nationwide virtual dance party – because you have the right to fight to dance (safely inside, of course). Join the free dance party from 4-8pm direct from your living room and let the good vibes take over!

Black Laughs Matter Comedy Show | Virtual

Laughter is truly the best medicine so immerse yourself and support Black comics as they come together for "Black Laughs Matter," an online comedy show live from San Francisco hosted by comedian and actor Terry Dorsey. The show begins at 8pm and is free with donations welcomed. Tune in for some feel-good chuckles.

“HellaSecret” Outdoor Comedy Show & Cocktail or Tiki Bar Night | Secret SF and Oakland locations

Get ready for some comic relief at this brought-back series of pop-up (and socially distanced) live outdoor comedy shows at unique spots in each city. Tickets are required and on the morning of each show, an email with the secret location will arrive in your inbox. Enjoy 70+ minutes of comedy from comics with credits that include Cobbs, Punchline, SF Sketchfest, NBC, Outside Lands and more. Tickets run $15-20 and are available for shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (act fast as some shows are selling out!). Tickets for San Francisco can be purchased here and for Oakland here. 21+ only.

San Francisco Chinatown Walkway Weekends | Montgomery St

Walkway weekends are back! SF’s Chinatown’s iconic Grant Avenue will be closed off to traffic and cars for a pleasant walkway every weekend (11am-5pm) through June. Enjoy a historic street stroll, outdoor dining, and a cultural shopping experience. Take BART to Montgomery St and walk four minutes to the Grant Avenue Chinatown entrance.

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market | Embarcadero

The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is widely acclaimed for both the quality and diversity of its fresh farm products, and artisan and prepared foods. Some of San Francisco’s best chefs, and most famous farmers, can be seen at the market that is known as one of the top markets in the country. While you’re there, pop inside the Ferry Building to grab a coffee at Blue Bottle and a tidbit to go with it at one of the resident vendors – you won’t be sorry you did! Take BART to Embarcadero and walk five minutes to the Ferry Building.

Ani DeFranco performs her new album live from her home on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Pitchfork.

Ani DeFranco presents “Revolutionary Love” | Virtual

Celebrate the release of Ani DeFranco’s 22nd studio album “Revolutionary Love” with a full concert from Ani, Terence Higgins, and special guest, Ivan Neville. Hang out virtually in Ani’s home, as the band reminisces about touring and performs energetic live versions from the new album along with some of Ani’s classics. Captured lovingly with seven cameras, the live concert documents Ani’s vision for this album hot off the presses. The concert live streams on Sunday at 5pm that includes replay access through Apr. 21. Concert tickets start at $20 with different levels that include swag and bundle options.

Live Comedy on Zoom | Virtual

Tune into SF Comedy Showcase on Zoom with co-presenters, Ronn Vigh and Drew Harmon. New comedians hit the virtual stage every Sunday, as seen on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and more! Free RSVPs are required with donations accepted for the performing comedians.

Heart of the City Farmers' Market | Every Sunday (& Wednesday)

This farmers' market is a uniquely independent, farmer operated, non-profit farmers' market located year-round on Sundays and Wednesdays in San Francisco’s United Nations Plaza. An iconic and beloved community resource, the market supports and sustains small farmers and makes fresh food accessible for all. The market is open every Sunday from 7am to 5pm and on Wednesdays from 7:30am to 5:30pm – rain or shine. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza and walk three minutes to UN Plaza/Civic Center.

San Jose Berryessa Flea Market | Multiple weekend dates

The San Jose Berryessa Flea Market is steps from our Berryessa/North San José station. The Flea Market is a not-to-be-missed San Jose tradition where "one person's junk is another person's treasure." With over 120 acres of shopping, activities, and food vendors, there's bound to be fun around every corner. The market is currently open from Wednesday, Friday-Sunday, 8am-5pm. Walk-in admission is $2-3 depending on which day you go, and the entrance is located near Garden at the Flea and the East Lot.

Let's get social.

What are you doing this weekend? Let us know via social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all of the best BARTable (virtual) events, places to eat (grab take out from) and have fun (outside) around the Bay.