BARTable This Weekend: Jan 5-7

Last Updated On Jan. 02, 2024

Learn about California as you stroll through the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA). Photo courtesy of OMCA.

Hello, and Happy New Year, BARTable fam! The holidays might be over, but there's still a ton of fun to be had. Enjoy the last few weeks of outdoor ice rinks and light shows. Enjoy free admission to a few of our favorite museums. If you're aiming to hit a New Year fitness goal, grab your bike and join the SF Bike Party or check out the BARTable wellness guide. Epic shows, art markets and community events are just a BART ride away. 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.

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.

See the lights shine during the "Glow" exhibit at the Exploratorium. Photo courtesy of the Exploratorium.

Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square
Through Jan. 15 | Montgomery St or Powell St
Daily | 333 Post St.

The annual holiday ice rink in SF's Union Square is back for its 16th magical season of outdoor skating and festivities in the heart of downtown San Francisco. The rink is open daily from Nov. 1–Jan. 15. Make sure to plan ahead because the hour-long sessions run every 90 minutes. No skates? No problem! The ticket price includes a skate rental. The ice rink sits 0.4 miles away from Powell St and Montgomery St stations.

Walnut Creek on Ice
Through Jan. 15 | Walnut Creek
Daily | 1365 Civic Dr.

Downtown Walnut Creek’s ice rink always provides joyful holiday fun. Ice skating outdoors is also a great way to burn off those holiday treats! Book your skating session online or consider hosting a party or private event at the pop-up rink. Private skating lessons are also offered. Hours vary depending on the day; Friday and Saturday sessions run until 11pm. Take BART to Walnut Creek Station and travel 0.9 miles to 1365 Civic Drive.

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 and keep your holiday season bright!

"Murakami: Monsterized"

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

See the first solo exhibition in SF by artist Takashi Murakami, an internationally recognized artist. 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 that's 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!

Kids enjoy a lively show during a Castro Art Walk performance. Photo courtesy of Castro Art Walk.

OMCA (Free Admission Day)
Jan. 7 | Lake Merritt
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | 1000 Oak St.

The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) explores the big ideas that shape the lives of Californians. They bring untold and under-told stories to life with their engaging exhibits. Learn more about California's history from a "distinctly Oakland" point of view during OMCA's free admission day. Tickets include access to the exhibits and community garden, so bring a lunch or grab a bite from their award-winning restaurant, Town Fare. Find the museum 0.1 miles away from Lake Merritt Station.

Asian Art Museum (Free Admission Day)
Jan. 7 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 200 Larkin St.

The Asian Art Museum hosts its monthly free admission day on Sunday. Free tickets are limited and special exhibits like the "Murakami: Monsterized" are an additional fee so book in advance. The museum includes over 6,000 works from seven regions, dating back to 960 CE. Plan to spend a full day with the most comprehensive Asian art collections in the world. Exit BART at Civic Center/UN Plaza and head 0.2 miles to the entrance.

Castro Art Mart
Jan. 7 | 16th St Mission
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | 3600 16th St.

Meet the Artyhood Community Network 0.9 miles away from 16th St Mission Station for an afternoon of live music and drag performances. Support LGBTQ artists by purchasing a new piece for your home, office or as a gift.

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!

SF Bike Party things to do near BART 2024 Grab your gear and head to San Francisco for a group bike ride. Photo courtesy of SF Bike Party.

San Francico Bike Party
Jan. 5 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 1208 Howard St.

Bring in the new year during a jammin’ bike party with SF Bike Party! Wear your favorite band shirt, but keep those rock n roll hairstyles under a helmet. Join hundreds of dedicated riders during this month's celebration of biking. The route will be announced on Friday, but expect frequent stops to dance and hydrate. Exit BART at Civic Center/UN Plaza and head 0.3 miles to the meetup.

BAMPFA Open Art Lab
Jan. 5-7 | Downtown Berkeley
Times vary | 2155 Center St.

Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) is one of the nation's leading university museums. The BAMPFA is dedicated to art and film, and its regular programming includes exhibits, screenings and public programs like the weekly open art lab. Drop in during regular hours to participate in hands-on art marking. Get ideas from the docent or partake in free-form expression with the provided materials. Start your project 0.1 miles away from Downtown Berkeley Station.

More BARTable Fun

Looking for more BARTable things to do? Download BART's Digital Holiday Passport. It's chilly out! 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?

Tell us about your weekend activities! Show us on social media at SFBARTable and #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and where to have fun around the Bay.