BARTable This Weekend: January 1-3

Maceo Parker plays his annual show at SFJAZZ... virtually. Photo courtesy of SFJAZZ.

The wind-down from the holidays is here and it's time to sit back and relax a bit on this first weekend of 2021. While the events calendar may be a little lighter than usual, it still offers up some fun ideas for things to do and enjoy while bringing the energy down a notch. That said, let the low-key weekend commence and Happy New Year!

See the last night of holiday illumination as SF City Hall goes all gold! Photo courtesy of SF City Hall Events.

SFJAZZ "Fridays at Five" New Year celebration with Maceo Parker | Virtual

This annual appearance at SFJAZZ for New Year’s will not miss a beat, tune in to see Maceo Parker in his “Funky New Year” performance that was originally recorded on Jan. 3, 2015 at SFJAZZ. For $5 for a one-month (or $60 for an annual) membership, you can check out exclusive SFJAZZ concerts that stream every Friday night at 5pm. SFJAZZ has created this membership-based online series that brings people closer to the music during COVID while supporting musical artists at the same time. This week is no exception and keeps this beloved annual event alive and well!

New Year Musical Celebration | Virtual

Join the “Cal Performances at Home” artists for a celebration through exclusive performances recorded especially for bringing in the new year. Artists include Yo-Yo Ma, Julia Bullock, Bria Skonberg, Leif Ove Andsnes, Matthew Whitaker, and more! All performers have carefully chosen their programs to convey joy, hope, warmth, along with the spirit of the holidays. Continue celebrating the New Year with the uplifting power of music and the arts! Tickets are required and run $5-$98. Performances viewable through Jan. 2 at 4am.

Burning Man presents: Black Rock City VR New Year’s celebration | Virtual

Over the weekend, tune-in virtually to the “digital dust” for global dance parties, collaborative healing circles, interactive talks, intention-setting activities and more, brought to you by Burning Man Project. Events are free (with donations accepted) and does require software or app download that includes a step-by-step guide. Events run through Sunday, Jan. 3.

Christmas at Grace Cathedral | Virtual

The 25 days of Christmas continues from San Francisco’s magnificent church atop Nob Hill as it opens its virtual doors for three 50-minute concerts through “Twelfth Night” (Jan. 5). “A Cathedral Christmas”, “Soulful Joy”, and “A Merry Christmas” will add sparkle to your holiday with all the seasonal favorites featuring sing-alongs, the beloved Choir of Men and Boys, the famous 7,466-pipe organ, and more. Tickets run $15-100 - confirmation with link to streaming will be emailed following ticket purchase.

California Symphony's "Season in Song" | Virtual

The California Symphony presents “Season in Song” for a holiday treat from home. Tune in for classics and favorites as Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor and standout tenor Nicholas Phan join the California Symphony Brass Quintet for the unmistakable sound of the season. Join 30 minutes ahead of the concert to hear Maestro Cabrera in conversation with the featured artists. The performance is pre-recorded, and the encore runs through Jan. 8.

Gold Happy New Year San Francisco City Hall Lighting | In-person

Every evening at sunset, over 220 state-of-the-art LED lighting fixtures illuminate City Hall's exterior throughout the month of December. New Year's night is the last night the lights will be illuminated in celebration of the holidays and will be all in gold! View it via camcorder live here.

Illuminate SF Festival of Lights | In-person

Experience San Francisco as a shining gallery of light during the eighth annual Illuminate SF Festival of Lights, now through Jan. 23, 2021. This year's annual event celebrates 44 dramatic, eco-friendly light art installations – including iconic works in the Mission Bay and Civic Center neighborhoods. Take a self-guided tour along the Light Art Trail, 11 hand-picked art installations on and near Market St.

Mark Simmons headlines this weekend as Terry Dorsey hosts Black Laughs Matter. Photos courtesy of Facebook (L) and Eventbrite (R).

Black Laughs Matter Comedy Show | Virtual

Laughter is truly the best medicine so immerse yourself and support Black comics as they come together for "Black Laughs Matter," an online comedy show live from San Francisco. Hosted by comedian and actor Terry Dorsey, the show this week features Mark Simmons (MTV2, BET, Barbership 1 & 2). The show begins at 8pm and is free but donations are welcome. Tune in for some feel-good chuckles.

The San Jose Flea Market welcomes visitors safely all weekend. Photo courtesy of SPUR.

Magic with Frisco Fred | Virtual

Let magician and juggler, Frisco Fred and friends entertain you with a show of magic, mind-reading, stunts, and laughs at this virtual performance you can watch at home - even in your pajamas if you want to. The show begins at 5pm with tickets starting at $45 that includes a seat for a virtual friend!

San Jose Berryessa Flea Market | Multiple dates

The San Jose Berryessa Flea Market is steps from our Berryessa/North San José Station. The Flea Market is a not to be missed San Jose tradition where "one person's junk is another person's treasure." With over 120 acres of shopping, activities, and food vendors, there's bound to be fun around every corner. The market is currently open from Wednesday, Friday-Sunday, 8am-5pm. Walk-in admission is $2-3 depending on which day you go, and the entrance is located near Garden at the Flea and the East Lot.

Let's get social. 

What are you doing this weekend? Let us know via social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all of the best BARTable (virtual) events, places to eat (grab take out from) and have fun (outside) around the Bay.