BARTable This Weekend: Jan. 3-5

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Hit the ice at Union Square this weekend. Photo courtesy of Secret San Francisco. 

"Hamilton" at the Orpheum Theatre 

Jan. 3-5 | Civic Center/UN Plaza

Times Vary | 1192 Market St. 

"Hamilton" is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow's acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, "Hamilton" has profoundly impacted culture, politics and education. See this revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition and the dawn of a new nation 0.2 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.

"Kaleidoscope" at The Crossing at East Cut

Jan. 3-5 | Embarcadero 

Times Vary | 250 Main St.

Step right up for an unforgettable evening at Circus Bella’s "Kaleidoscope." The holiday spectacular and one-ring circus is a fantastic showcase of acrobatics, juggling and live music that is sure to produce plenty of fun and laughter inside its 350-seat circus tent. The show is 90 minutes long with one 15-minute intermission. Celebrate circus and community this holiday season 0.3 miles from Embarcadero. 

Walnut Creek on Ice 

Through Jan. 12 | Walnut Creek

Times vary | 1365 Civic Dr.

Glide on over to Walnut Creek on Ice where the 19th season of the beloved family fun rink is in full swing in the heart of downtown's Civic Park. The rink welcomes skaters of all ages and abilities and new this year, Frosty’s Summit! Hop on an inner tube and zoom down the 90-foot snow slide. Then, take a spin on the Bay Area’s largest covered ice rink! Skate off at Walnut Creek Station and glide 0.7 miles to the rink.

Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square 

Through Jan. 20 | Powell St or Montgomery St

10 a.m.–11 p.m. | Union Square

The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in SF's Union Square is back for another magical season of outdoor skating and festivities in the heart of San Francisco. Hour-long sessions start every 90 minutes, so plan ahead. No skates? No problem! The ticket price includes skate rental. Hit the ice 0.4 miles away from Powell St and Montgomery St stations. 

"Glow" at the Exploratorium 

Through Jan. 26 | Embarcadero

10 a.m.–11 p.m. | Pier 15 Embarcadero at Green St.

Learn about science and light at this winter wonderland exhibit at San Francisco’s Exploratorium. Here, you can see dazzling artwork, play experimental LED dungeon crawlers, paint the walls with digital light and shadow, walk inside hypnotic 3D illusions and more. Find delightful surprises around every corner 0.6 miles from Embarcadero.

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!

The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco is free this weekend and fun for all ages. Photo courtesy of the Asian Art Museum. 

North Beach First Fridays Art Crawl
Jan. 3 | Montgomery St
5-9 p.m. | Grant Ave. and Vallejo St.

San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood welcomes all art lovers to its galleries, museums, restaurants and bars for its First Fridays Art Crawl. Take a self-guided tour showcasing local artistic talent and entertainment during extended hours. After exploring, grab dinner at one of North Beach’s many fantastic eateries. Take BART to Montgomery St for art and more, just 0.8 miles away.

The “Tree of Hope” at Grace Cathedral

Jan. 4 | Powell St

9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. | 1100 California St.

Saturday is the last day to see the "Tree of Hope" at Grace Cathedral. The global symbol of peace and unity is decorated with white origami cranes, hand-folded with wishes for the future contributed by people worldwide. This unique initiative blends art and activism and provides a beacon of light during the holiday season. The walk from Powell St to Grace Cathedral is 0.7 miles.

Fiesta Saturdays in Oakland
Jan. 4 | 12th St/Oakland City Center
11:30 a.m.–midnight | 98 Broadway

This Saturday, head to Oakland for a family-friendly celebration. Arrive hungry—there will be elote, tamales, street tacos, tortas and more.  Plus, you’ll find discounts on drinks, double arcade bonuses and live Latin music. Eat, dance and play 0.6 miles from 12th St/Oakland City Center. 

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

This weekend in the Bay Area, take advantage of free admission days at two spectacular museums. 

• Asian Art Museum is free on the first Sunday of each month. While here, check out Film Talk: Korean Cinema's Alchemy of Time & Place to learn more about Korean cinema. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza to witness artwork from all major cultures in Asia only 0.1 miles away at 200 Larkin St.
• Oakland Museum of California is free on the first Sunday of each month. 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.
  

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 the funny and family-friendly "Dog Man: The Musical" at the Curran Theatre. Photo courtesy of BroadwaySF. 

“Dog Man: The Musical” at the Curran Theatre

Jan. 4-5 | Powell St

Times Vary | 445 Geary St. 

Looking for a fun family outing in the Bay Area? "Dog Man: The Musical," based on Dav Pilkey’s beloved book series (who also wrote the beloved “Captain Underpants”) is coming to the Curran Theatre this weekend in San Francisco. All ages will love the adventures of Dog Man on stage. Catch the show 0.3 miles from Powell St. 

2024 SECA Art Award at SFMOMA

Through May 26 | Montgomery St

10 a.m.–5 p.m. | 151 3rd St. 

SFMOMA’s SECA Art Award has celebrated talented Bay Area artists biennially since 1967. This year, the exhibit showcases the innovative works of Rose D'Amato, Angela Hennessy, and Rupy C. Tut. Don't miss these emerging talents pushing creative boundaries across diverse mediums. Exit BART at Montgomery St and stroll 0.3 miles to feel inspired and connect with the local arts community at SFMOMA.

Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center

Jan 4-5 | Powell St or 16th St/Mission

5:30 p.m. | 1 Warriors Way

This Saturday, the Warriors face the Memphis Grizzlies. On Sunday, they take on the Sacramento Kings. Watch the action live at the Chase Center. Take BART to Powell St or 16th St Mission and walk or hop on Muni to the Chase Center. For more travel details, visit Take BART to the Game.

"Waitress" at the San Francisco Playhouse

Through Jan. 18 | Powell St. 

Times Vary | 450 Post St. 

"Waitress" is a Tony-nominated musical about Jenna, a small-town waitress with a gift for baking pies and a dream of escaping her troubled life. It’s a heartfelt and humorous story of love and resiliency and features a catchy score by Sara Bareilles. Grab your tickets to experience this Broadway hit 0.3 miles from Powell St. 

Looking for more BARTable things to do? Try one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants near BART. Stay warm at these indoor attractions and museums. Or visit an indoor attraction with friends and family. Don't forget to use BART's Trip Planner to plan your outing!

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.