Don't miss this weekend's 36th Annual Oakland Chinatown Streetfest. Photo courtesy of Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce.
From baseball games under the lights to lively street festivals and world-premiere performances, the Bay Area has plenty going on this weekend. Whether you’re in the mood for sports, shopping, music, or art — you’re in luck! Stroll through vibrant neighborhoods, celebrate local culture or catch free outdoor shows. Wherever you decide to go, enjoy a beautiful weekend in the Bay!
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.
Cheer on the Oakland Ballers this weekend! Photo courtesy of Oakland Ballers.
Aug. 23 | Rockridge
11 a.m.–6 p.m. | 5660 College Ave.
This weekend in the East Bay, Rock-N-Stroll transforms College Avenue into a one-mile, leisurely space full of artists, live music spots, pop-ups, tastings and shops along the charming neighborhood street. Take your time to soak in the sights, sounds and flavors 0.1 mile from Rockridge.
Aug. 23 | 12th St/Oakland City Center
10 a.m.–5 p.m. | 388 9th St.
The Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce presents the 36th Annual Oakland Chinatown StreetFest — a weekend of food, culture and community. Find over 90 local vendors, two stages of live entertainment and good vibes 0.2 miles from 12th St/Oakland City Center.
Saturday and Sunday, you can witness the world premiere of “Sammay: The Way Home Is An Upwards Spiral” — a site-responsive work that blends street and club dance forms to challenge Western concert dance norms. Catch the show 0.3 miles from Montgomery St.
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!
Fridays on Front is a fantastic way to kick off the weekend! Photo courtesy Downtown SF Partnership.
Aug. 22 | Embarcadero
4–9 p.m. | 240 Front St.
Head downtown for the ultimate after-work block party where local live music, open-air drinks, games and food pop-ups come together to create a lively buzz. Join the party 0.2 miles from Embarcadero.
Aug. 22 | Berryessa/North San José
5–9 p.m. | 1590 Berryessa Rd.
Live band. Free dance lessons. What more could you ask for? How about a beer garden and a few trucks! Don’t miss this fun salsa and cerveza event at Garden at the Flea. You’ll see the entrance to the flea market as you exit Berryessa/North San Jose.
Aug. 23 | Montgomery St
4–9 p.m. | 733 Kearny St.
This cool, family-friendly event in San Francisco’s Chinatown brings together interactive art, performances, local businesses and a dramatic “Ghost King Parade” that honors the spirit-world traditions of the Chinese diaspora. Mark your calendar and join the celebration 0.5 miles from Montgomery St.
Aug. 23 | Embarcadero
Noon–3 p.m. | 250 Main St.
The Crossing’s Annual Summer Backyard Party brings the community together with sports on jumbo screens, pickleball, soccer, cornhole, lawn games and plenty of food and drinks. Join the ultimate downtown summer hangout, located just 0.3 miles from Embarcadero.
Aug. 23 | 16th St Mission
Noon–5 p.m. | Noe Between Market & Beaver
Celebrate Castro-style with a free, family-friendly street festival with LGBTQ+ artists, live music and dazzling drag performances on Noe Street. You’ll find this fun event, hosted by
Castro Merchants, 0.8 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!
Enjoy a night of music from Shubh at the Oakland Arena. Photo courtesy of Live Nation.
Aug. 22 | Coliseum Station
8 p.m. | 7000 Coliseum Way
Shubhneet Singh is a Canada-based Indian rapper, singer, and songwriter making waves in Punjabi music. He broke into the mainstream in 2021 with his hit single "We Rollin" and released his debut album "Still Rollin" in 2023. Catch him at the Coliseum, 0.3 miles from Coliseum Station.
Aug. 22 | Montgomery St
10 p.m. | 540 Howard St.
The Grammy Award–winning rapper, singer and entrepreneur is one of the best-selling rap artists in American music history. With multiple platinum records and Billboard chart-toppers, Nelly is a defining voice of hip-hop, and you can catch him live this weekend just 0.4 miles from Montgomery St.
TURFinc at Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals
Aug. 23 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
5 p.m. | 10 Van Ness Ave.
Rooted in Oakland, TURF preserves its original culture by using dance as a powerful tool for healing and promoting body positivity—catch them as they compete in a national competition this weekend in San Francisco. Exit BART at Civic Center/UN Plaza and in just 0.3 miles, the excitement and good vibes will surround you!
Aug. 24 | 19th St/Oakland
12:30 p.m. | 474 24th St.
See a special film screening at The New Parkway Theater in Oakland, which includes three short films: “I Do” by Rahsaan Thomas, “Finding Má” by Thanh Tran and “Unhoused and Unseen” by Dante D. Jones. After the screening, engage with filmmakers via a panel discussion about how storytelling can humanize those impacted by incarceration, just 0.4 miles from 19th St/Oakland.
Aug. 24 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Noon–1:30 p.m. | 100 Larkin St.
Matthew Shipp is an acclaimed pianist and author. This Sunday at the San Francisco Public Library, he’ll join Justin Desmangles to discuss his new collection, “Black Mystery School Pianists and Other Writings.” Witness the exploration of themes spanning jazz, dance culture, improvisation, sports and more just steps from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
What are you doing this weekend?
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