BARTable This Weekend: Aug. 2-4

Last Updated On Jul. 13, 2024

Stroll through the galleries in the Castro during the Castro Art Walk. Photo courtesy of the Castro Art Walk.

There’s never a shortage of fun things to do in the Bay Area. This weekend is no different. Watch “Barbie” at the Ferry Building, exercise atop Salesforce Park, stroll the Castro Art Walk, meet friends at Oakland First Fridays or take advantage of one of the many free museum days. Plus, Monster Jam is in town, and “La La Land" is playing alongside the live music from the San Francisco Symphony. This weekend, grab your Clipper card and take advantage of all the Bay has to offer. 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.

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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.

“Collective Rage: A Play in Five Betties.” Photo courtesy of Do the Bay.

Fremont Festival of the Arts

Aug. 3-4 | Fremont

10am-6pm | Paseo Padre Pkwy, Walnut Ave & Liberty St

Billed as the largest free street festival west of the Mississippi, the Fremont Festival of the Arts presents two days of fun for the whole family. Besides tons of kids' activities, the festival offers shopping opportunities for food and crafts and plenty of food and drink to enjoy. Two stages host live music throughout the day. Free admission. Travel to Fremont Station and find the fun in just 0.5 miles.

“Collective Rage: A Play in Five Betties”
Through Aug. 18 | Ashby
Times Vary | 1901 Ashby Ave.

This play is about five women, all named Betty. The five Betties collide, and as their view of each other shifts and fractures, so too does the way in which they see themselves. This narrative invites the audience to embrace a more courageous and dynamic imagination about our own identities and capabilities. The production by Shotgun Players at Ashby Stage is a wildly raw, comic exploration of the human heart and more, and it’s only 0.1 miles from Ashby.

Children’s Fairyland 510 Summer Fridays
Through Aug. 30 | 19th St/Oakland
10 a.m.–4 p.m. | 699 Bellevue Ave.

The Bay Area’s favorite storybook-theme park in Oakland is running 510 Summer Fridays with a special discount for Oakland residents ($5 per child, $10 per adult). For over 75 years, Children’s Fairyland has been a place of imagination, exploration and dreams. This summer, take advantage of the reduced entrance fees and create lasting memories with loved ones while experiencing multicultural programs, fairy-tale settings, rides, stories and animal interactions. This fairyland adventure is only 0.4 miles from 19th St/Oakland.

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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!

Sundown Cinema’s Outdoor Movie Night. Photo courtesy of SF Funcheap.

Outdoor Movie Night at the Ferry Building: “Barbie”
Aug. 2 | Embarcadero
6 p.m. | 1 Ferry Building

This free film screening at The Ferry Building is a fantastic way to spend a summer night near BART. Watch Barbie and Ken learn about life in their colorful Barbie Land. The screening will be held on the ground floor of the Ferry Building Plaza. Bring a lawn chair and a blanket. It can be cold on summer city nights! Catch the show 0.2 miles from Embarcadero.

Castro Art Walk
Aug. 2 | 16^th St Mission
5-8 p.m. | 2324 Market St.

Explore the iconic neighborhood and enjoy a journey of art exhibits on the Castro Art Walk. The walk is an invitation to discover the creativity and artistic talent that thrives in the Castro neighborhood. Twenty art galleries and local merchants extend their business hours to host special events and share artwork with the community. Be sure to RSVP for the digital map and guide to art exhibits on the walk. Immerse yourself in this self-guided tour and see what the Castro District offers, 0.8 miles from 16^th St Mission.

Oakland First Fridays
Aug. 2 | 19^th St/Oakland
5-9 p.m. | 2633 Telegraph Ave.

Oakland First Fridays is a signature monthly 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, grab food from a food truck or a local restaurant, dance to live music and just vibe, 0.4 miles from the 19^th St/Oakland.

Metcon at Salesforce Park
Aug. 3 | Montgomery St
10–11 a.m. | 415 Mission St.

This class is tough but worth it. A total-body workout, this metabolic conditioning event aims to increase cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength. Start Saturday morning off right and join the fitness community at Salesforce Park. You won’t regret it. Enjoy your workout 0.3 miles from Montgomery St.

Free Museum Days
Dates Vary | Multiple stations
Times Vary | Locations Vary

The Bay Area offers many world-class museums with incredible exhibits and beautiful art. This weekend, take advantage of free admission days. Check out a new space or return to an old favorite.

Asian Art Museum is free on the first Sunday of each month (Aug. 4). Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza to witness artwork from major Asian cultures only 0.1 miles away at 200 Larkin St.
Contemporary Jewish Museum is free on the first Friday of each month (Aug. 2). Take BART to Montgomery St to learn more about Jewish life 0.3 miles away at 736 Mission St.
Oakland Museum of California is free on the first Sunday of each month (Aug. 4). Take BART to Lake Merritt to enjoy OMCA’s Galleries of California Art, History and Natural Sciences 0.1 miles away at 1000 Oak St.

header new events 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!

Join in the action at Monster Jam. Photos courtesy of Monster Jam.

Paramount Theatre Tour
Aug. 3 | 19^th St/Oakland
10 a.m. | 2025 Broadway

Touring this iconic art deco building in downtown Oakland is a real treat. The historical landmark was restored to its original splendor and upgraded to include modern standards. The building now serves all the arts. Learn more about the history of this beautiful building 0.1 mile from 19^th St/Oakland.

Salesforce Park Rooftop Rhythms with Christian Kuria
Aug. 3 | Montgomery St
2 p.m. | 425 Mission St.

Join the Salesforce Transit Center's 6th anniversary celebration. Christian Kuria, an alternative R&B producer and singer-songwriter from the Bay Area, will provide the rooftop rhythms. Special guests will also be there. The party is 0.3 miles from Montgomery St.

“La La Land” Film with Live Orchestra
Aug. 3-4 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times vary | 201 Van Ness Ave.

Immerse yourself in the Golden Age of Hollywood this weekend at Davies Symphony Hall. Enjoy two consecutive evenings of “La La Land” accompanied by the San Francisco Symphony. A true delight is in store for audiences to witness composer Justin Hurwitz conduct his Academy Award-winning score! Enjoy the show 0.3 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.

Monster Jam
Aug. 3-4 | Coliseum
Times Vary | 7000 S. Coliseum Way

Love trucks? This family-friendly event showcases 12,000-pound vehicles as they speed across dirt, do crazy stunts and battle head-to-head to win the event championship. The world’s most famous trucks, like Grave Digger®, Max-D™, Megalodon® will be there! See the action 0.5 miles from Coliseum Station.

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Looking for more BARTable things to do? Take BART to the best summer events. Enjoy the summer sunshine during a BARTable walk in San Jose. Or revamp your wardrobe at these BARTable shopping centers. Don't forget to use BART's Trip Planner to plan your outing!  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 and Facebook to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and where to have fun around the Bay.

by Nicole Findlay

Nicole Findlay is a Bay Area native. As a freelance journalist, she covers travel destinations all around the world, but her favorite place to write about is home.