BARTable This Weekend: Aug. 7-9

Head to the Outside Lands music festival in San Francisco this weekend. Photo courtesy of Outside Lands.

Every week, BARTable finds the most fun and unique events accessible by public transportation. From live music to theater, there is plenty to do in the Bay Area this weekend. Check out Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” at the Orpheum Theatre, Jill Scott at the Paramount Theatre, Outside Lands at Golden Gate Park, the BARTmobile in the Pistahan Parade and much more. 

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.

Enjoy the work of celebrated choreographers at “ODC/Dance Presents: Summer Sampler.” Photo courtesy of ODC.

Outside Lands
Aug. 7-9 | Montgomery St. or Civic Center/UN Plaza
Noon-10 p.m. | Golden Gate Park

The Bay Area’s biggest music festival returns to San Francisco this weekend with three days of entertainment in Golden Gate Park. Artists include Charli XCX on Friday, The Strokes and Ethel Cain on Saturday and Death Cab for Cutie on Sunday. With multiple stages and a hundred restaurant partners serving delicious bites, it’s sure to be a memorable weekend. To avoid the stress of parking at the festival, you can take BART to Outside Lands by transferring at Montgomery St. or Civic Center/UN Plaza to SF Muni or to the Outside Lands prepaid local shuttles to get to the event. 

Into the Streets: Live on Larkin
Aug. 8 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Noon-5 p.m. | Larkin St. and Eddy St.

Celebrate the Tenderloin and see why it’s a cultural crossroads and destination for food, art and history. This community event features live music, performances, free activities, games, food, shopping and more. It’s a great way to spend Saturday afternoon in the city. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza, which is just 0.4 miles away.

Pistahan Parade and Festival
Aug. 8-9 | Civic Center/UN Plaza (parade start); Powell St. (festival)
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | 750 Howard St. (Yerba Buena Gardens)

The 33rd annual Pistahan Parade and Festival features the largest Filipino parade on the West Coast. With entertainment ranging from dance to hip-hop, jazz and martial arts, there will be something for everyone during the two days of festivities. The event also features a food court, exhibit hall and marketplace. The parade (on Saturday) from 11 a.m. to noon begins at Civic Center Plaza (near Civic Center/UN Plaza BART) and travels along Market St. between 8th and 4th St., ending at Yerba Buena Gardens (keep your eyes open for the BARTmobile!). The festival takes place at Yerba Buena Gardens, about 0.3 miles from Powell St.

Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast"
Through August 9 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times vary | 1192 Market St. 

This enchanting and timeless tale, filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love, has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts an Oscar-winning, Tony Award-nominated score, including the classic songs "Be Our Guest" and "Beauty and the Beast." Head to the Orpheum Theatre for this beloved musical that will fill your heart with joy and Disney magic. The Civic Center/UN Plaza Station is just steps away.

"Life in Space"
Through Sept. 13 | Embarcadero
11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Pier 15, The Embarcadero at Green St.

Would you survive living in space? Find out what it’s like to stay alive in the extreme conditions beyond Earth at the Exploratorium’s "Life in Space" exhibition. Through science, art and hands-on programs, this exhibition is for space enthusiasts of all ages. The Exploratorium is located 0.7 miles from Embarcadero BART.

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!

Enjoy live music, food and more at this month’s Oakland First Fridays event. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.

Oakland First Fridays: "Oakland Rides & Town Vibes"
Aug. 7 | 19th St. Oakland
5-9 p.m. | Telegraph Ave. between W. Grand Ave & 27th St.

Oakland First Fridays presents “Oakland Rides & Town Vibes,” a celebration of the city’s rich culture and classic car community. You’ll find stunning cars, live music, food, local art and more on Telegraph Ave. In addition, a Youth Fest will include a back-to-school celebration with free school supply giveaways and interactive activities. The 19th St. Oakland BART Station is just 0.3 miles away.

Tool Time with BART 
Aug. 8 | Fremont
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 2000 BART Way

Gain insight into the inner workings of BART and the equipment that keeps it going with this special Tool Time event with BART Deputy General Manager Michael Jones. Held at the Fremont Station parking lot next to the construction area on the north side of the station, this all-ages event includes a live crane demo at 11 a.m. featuring the second largest crane of its kind on the West Coast. Other activities include a BART Police K9 demonstration, BART engineer show-and-tell tables, a merch pop-up shop and more. Head to the Fremont Station on Saturday for this unique event. 

Second Saturdays ‘Round the World (Union Square)
Aug. 8 | Powell St.
11 a.m.-2 p.m. | 333 Post St.

Celebrate the vibrant cultures of the Pacific at this family-friendly event in Union Square. Presented with the Pacific Islander Cultural District, this event features traditional and contemporary dance, arts and crafts, island music and cultural performances. You’ll have the opportunity to experience the richness of Pacific Island traditions and support talented local artists and cultural organizations – all while enjoying an afternoon at Union Square. Take BART to Powell St., just a few blocks (about 0.2 miles) away. 

Thrive @ MoAD
Aug. 8 | Montgomery St.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | 685 Mission St.

The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) is hosting its monthly Community Day on Saturday with free admission to all exhibitions. Special events include a family art activity and tarot readings. Enjoy this special opportunity to explore the museum and all its offerings. The Montgomery St. BART Station is just 0.2 miles away.

Harmonic Jam at Thrive City
Aug. 9 | Powell St.
11:15 a.m.-5 p.m. | 1725 3rd St.

Thrive City hosts a day of live music featuring Stu Allen and Mars Hotel, Grøwler and Dead Set 805. Hear some of the best of the Bay’s Jam Scene while enjoying drinks and food from Thrive City restaurants and bars. The event will take place in the Esplanade on the corner of Warriors Way and Terry A. Francois Blvd. Take BART to Powell St. and transfer to the Muni T Third Line to the UCSF/Chase Center (16th St.) platform.

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!

Watch monster trucks in action and meet the drivers at Monster Jam in Oakland. Photo courtesy of Monster Jam.

Jill Scott at the Paramount Theatre
Aug. 6-7 | 19th St. Oakland
7:30 p.m. | 2025 Broadway

Head to Oakland’s Paramount Theatre to see Jill Scott live in concert. The Grammy Award-winning singer infuses jazz, opera, R&B, spoken word and hip-hop into her “neo-soul” sound. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear her in person. The 19th St. Oakland BART Station is just steps away from the theater. 

"R.O.I (Return on Investment)"
Aug. 6-Sept. 5 | Powell St.
Times vary | 221 4th St.

Set in the high-pressure world of Silicon Valley, this play tells the story of a venture capitalist dealing with conflicting issues of ambition, power, beliefs and ethics. This is a fast-moving play about innovation and the cost of trying to change the world. A San Francisco Playhouse production, it opens this week at the Creativity Theater in SOMA. Powell St. BART is just 0.4 miles away.

Orquesta Akokán
Aug. 7 | Downtown Berkeley
8 p.m. | 2020 Addison St.

Orquesta Akokán brings its Cuban mambo sound to the Bay Area with a show in Berkeley. Formed by musicians from Cuba and New York, this Latin jazz ensemble was nominated for a Grammy in 2019. Hear their soulful mambo sound at The Freight on Friday. It’s just a quick walk (0.1 miles) from Downtown Berkeley BART. 

"Twelfth Night"
Aug. 7-16 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times vary | 1127 Market St.

It’s the opening weekend of the A.C.T. Young Conservatory’s “Twelfth Night,” a contemporary musical adaptation of the classic Shakespearean romantic comedy. This tale about mistaken identity and self-discovery tells the story of Viola, a young woman who navigates a new land and finds her true self and love in the process. The production features an original jazz-funk score. Watch the action at the A.C.T. Strand Theater, located a short walk (0.1 miles) from Civic Center/UN Plaza.

Monster Jam
Aug. 8-9 | Coliseum
Times vary | 7000 Coliseum Way

Monster Jam is coming to the Oakland Arena this weekend with two days of head-to-head racing and freestyle stunts. The family-friendly event features massive 12,000-pound trucks competing in intense competitions. You can also purchase a Pit Party pass to see the trucks up close and meet the drivers. The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum is right next to the Coliseum Station, connected by a 600-foot (about 0.11 mile) pedestrian bridge. 

Check out this article for the Bay Area’s best BARTable food tours. Or click here to plan a day at the San Francisco Ferry Building. Heading to Outside Lands? Learn how you can take BART to the festival. And don’t miss these kid-friendly summer activities near BART.  

What are your plans for the weekend? Tag @sfbayarearapidtransit on social media and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and where to have fun around the Bay.