chinese dragons oakland chinatown lunar new year bazaar

BARTable This Weekend: Jan. 26-28

Last Updated On Jan. 18, 2024

Two Chinese dragons dance during a Lunar New Year celebration. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.

The Lunar New Year hasn't begun yet, but the celebrations start early in Oakland during the Lunar New Year Bazaar. Head across the Bay to catch a few laughs during SF's comedy festival, SF Sketchfest. Bring the kids to a live wrestling show or visit Habitot's Mobile Museum in Orinda for a more unique activity. Don't miss all the BARTable fun this weekend 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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See "Gershwin in New York" by the California Symphony. Photo courtesy of the California Symphony.

Lunar New Year Bazaar

Jan. 27-28 | 12th St/Oakland City Center

10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 388 9th St.

The Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the Lunar New Year during a two-day celebration. The 32nd Annual Lunar New Year Bazaar will highlight Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and other cultural traditions and art forms connected to the Lunar New Year holiday. Enjoy two days full of entertainment, art, food, beverages and an opportunity to support local businesses. Take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center, and the celebration is 0.3 miles away.

"Gershwin in New York"

Jan. 27-28 | Walnut Creek

Times vary | 1601 Civic Dr.

The California Symphony, conducted by Artistic and Music Director Donato Cabrera, presents "Gershwin in New York," which spotlights the promise of the American Dream. Famed jazz combo the Marcus Roberts Trio—jazz pianist Marcus Roberts, NEA Jazz Master drummer Jason Marsalis, and bassist Marty Jaffe—brings a modern interpretation to George Gershwin’s "Rhapsody in Blue," which celebrates its 100th birthday this year. Take BART to Walnut Creek Station, and the Lesher Center for the Arts is 0.5 miles away.

Cirque du Soleil "KOOZA"

Through March 17 | Powell St
Times Vary | 7000 S Coliseum Way

"KOOZA" is an innovative journey viewed through the perspective of The Innocent, an endearing yet naïve clown looking for his place in the world. A mystery item is delivered to The Innocent one day when he is flying his kite. Experience an electrifying show where larger-than-life characters meet daredevil acrobatics that will leave you on the edge of your seat! Catch the show under the big top at Oracle Park, just 1.1 miles from Powell St Station.

"The Wiz"

Through March 17 | Powell St
Times Vary | 1 Taylor St.

"The Wiz" returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new Broadway-bound tour, the first one in 40 years. This groundbreaking twist on "The Wizard of Oz" changed the face of Broadway – from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock and finger-snapping ‘70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. The Golden Gate Theatre hosts the award-winning show 0.2 miles from Powell St.

Discover the Art of Light at "Glow"

Through Jan. 28 | Embarcadero

Times vary | 15 Embarcadero

Compose music with light, touch quantum physics, play LED dungeon crawlers, unveil hidden crystals, see yourself in mechanical mirrors, and more! Don’t miss this radiant seasonal expansion of the Exploratorium's iconic exhibits on light. Take BART to Embarcadero and walk 0.6 miles to Pier 15.

Pacita Abad

Through Jan. 28 | Montgomery St
Times Vary | 151 Third St.

Over a 32-year career, this prolific artist made a vast number of artworks that traverse a diversity of subjects—from colorful masks to intricately constructed underwater scenes to abstract compositions—revealing visual, material and conceptual concerns that still resonate to this day. Originally from the Philippines with a stop in San Francisco, the daring Pacita Abad traveled across more than 60 countries interacting with a myriad of artistic communities that can be seen in her more than 40 works on display at SFMOMA. BART to Montgomery St and walk 0.3 miles to the museum.

Illuminate SF Festival of Light
Through Jan. 31 | San Francisco
Times Vary | City-wide

Christmas trees and holiday decorations aren't the only things that are glowing bright this holiday season. Illuminate SF is the annual light art festival that brightens all of San Francisco throughout the season. While there are more than 40 permanent and temporary light art installations throughout the city, new holiday light installations are on display that will make for an illuminating and joyful experience. Find the light art trail to map your experience

"Murakami: Monsterized"

Through Feb. 12 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times Vary | 200 Larkin St.

See the first solo exhibition in SF by internationally recognized artist Takashi Murakami. Murakami is a major figure in global pop culture whose influence extends to fashion, consumer products, curation and entertainment. With a boldly colored, upbeat style and a pop sensibility that draws inspiration from anime and manga, Murakami’s accessible and fun creations deliver more than meets the eye. See the ongoing exhibit at the Asian Art Museum, which is 0.2 miles from the Civic Center/UN Plaza BART Station.

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!

Bring the kids to Habitot's mobile museum for an afternoon of educational fun. Photo courtesy of Habitot Museum.

Into the Brightness at OMCA
Jan. 26 | Lake Merritt
5- 8 p.m. | 1000 Oak St.

Brighten up your weekend at the OMCA Garden Light Celebration. The museum’s outdoor courtyard will be transformed with radiant light structures that pay homage to the aesthetic themes of their feature exhibit "Into the Brightness." There will be music and toasty hot drinks by Town Fare Cafe. Exit BART at Lake Merritt, and the museum is 0.1 miles away.

Creative Concord art pop-up
Jan. 26 | Concord
10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 2151 Salvio St.

The live art experience, Creative Concord, returns with another iteration of their popular event. Come to the art pop-up that features the final pieces from the 2023 event. See live-scale displays done by 20 local artists, all available for purchase. The art lounge is 0.5 miles away from Concord Station.

Habitot Mobile Museum
Jan. 28 | Orinda
10:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. | 28 Orinda Way

Habitot's traveling mini-museum of mobile exhibits, art, STEM and maker activities are stopping in the East Bay. The exhibits and activities are best for kids up to five, and siblings and adults are encouraged to play, too! Find the fun 0.1 miles from Orinda Station.

Jammin' at the Crossing
Jan. 28 | Embarcadero
11:30 a.m. | 250 Main St.

Enjoy a fun kids' music class at The Crossing at East Cut. Music and movement are critical for children's early brain development. Singing and the rhythm and rhyme that happens with it help shape kids' social skills, vocabulary, and ability to regulate emotions. This fun and free class happens on the last Sunday of every month, 0.3 miles from Embarcadero.

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!

things to do near BART Catch a comedy show during San Francisco's comedy festival. Photo courtesy of SF Sketchfest.

Sensational 7 Wrestling
Jan. 27 | West Oakland
4-7 p.m. | 1255 7th St.

Don't miss this exciting live pro wrestling match at 7th West. While the wrestling takes place out back, enjoy a calm setting inside with food, drinks, games, karaoke and more. The show is open to all ages. Take BART to West Oakland, and the ring is 0.3 miles away.

Suckaflea Market
Jan. 28 | Embarcadero
10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Locations vary

This pop-up market is located at Hub Embarcadero and has an epic view of the Bay Bridge, which is located directly across the street. This outdoor market features local artists, designers, printmakers, thrift and vintage vendors, neighborhood organizations, community resources and more. Find the goods 0.4 miles from Embarcadero.

SF Sketchfest
Through Feb 4 | City-wide
Time vary | Locations vary

The SF Sketchfest is a nationally recognized comedy festival that mixes national headliners, local favorites and the best up-and-coming groups throughout North America for a month of sketch, improv, stand-up and alternative comedy. The comedy festival will take over venues throughout San Francisco, so visit the ticket page to see the full schedule.

More BARTable Fun

Looking for more BARTable things to do? Stay warm at these BARTable indoor attractions. Need some need duds? Check out these BARTable vintage and consignment shops. Don't forget to use BART's  Trip Planner to plan your day! 

What are you doing this weekend?

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