BARTable This Weekend: May 17-19

Last Updated On May. 16, 2024

The crowd at an Oakland Roots game. Photo courtesy of the Oakland Roots.

The middle of May is an exciting time in the Bay Area. No event portrays the personality of San Francisco better than Bay to Breakers. Take BART to the starting line (see special event schedule) and stick around to attend an Ube festival, watch an outdoor Polynesian dance, listen to music at Yerba Buena Gardens, watch a movie in Dolores Park or cheer on the Giants as they take on the Colorado Rockies. Fortunately, the East Bay promises every bit as much excitement this weekend. From live theater and Friday Nights at the OMCA to a fresh-air film festival and an exciting soccer matchup between Oakland Roots and Orange County, there are so many fun BARTable events happening around the Bay. 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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take BART to see a show at the Ashby Stage in Berkeley “Best Available” at the Ashby Stage in Berkeley. Photo courtesy Shotgun Players at the Ashby Stage.

Oakland Roots SC v. Orange County SC
May 18 | Hayward
7 p.m. | 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd.

More than just a game, the Oakland Roots believe sports is a social force for good. See the team in action this weekend as they take on Orange County at CSUEB Pioneer Stadium. Currently, the home team sits 11^th in the Western Conference, while Orange County sits third. Bring the family, hit the concession stand and get ready for a show! Take BART to Hayward Station and hop on the AC Transit 60 bus to Cal State East Bay to catch the match.

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Concert
May 18 | Montgomery St
1-3:30 p.m. | 760 Howard St.

Head to the Great Lawn at Yerba Buena Gardens this weekend for a music showcase featuring Thảo Nguyễn (aka Thao), a San Francisco-based guitarist and songwriter specializing in a unique genre-blending sound of country, folk, blues and pop. Thao’s vibrant music career includes working with legendary labels Kill Rock Stars, Domino Record Co. and Ribbon Music. Opening for Thao is Nikbo, a third culture artist born in Morocco and raised in Malawi, Canada and Kazakhstan before ultimately calling the Bay Area home. The concert kicks off 0.3 miles from Montgomery St.

"Best Available"
Through June 16 | Ashby
Times Vary | 1901 Ashby Ave.

Written by Jonathan Spector and directed by Jon Tracy, “Best Available” arrives in Berkeley this weekend. City Repertory Theater company launches a search for a new artistic director. Who is the best available candidate? Rising star and hometown hero Jonathan Spector interviewed dozens of theater makers to create this satirical tale. Pay-What-You-Can previews begin May 18. Take BART to the Ashby Stage to see this dark comedy about capitalism 0.1 miles from Ashby.

CAAMFest
Through May 19 | Stations Vary
Times Vary | City-wide

CAAMFest is an 11-day celebration of Asian American film, music and food hosted by the Center for Asian American Media. With 35 events scheduled across San Francisco and Oakland, there are multiple ways to engage with this beloved Bay Area festival. Watch films that shine a light on Asian American stories. Fill your ears with music from exciting, rising artists and experience delightful culinary creations from around the Bay. CAAMFest showcases the layered possibilities and complex forces that live within Asian America. Visit the CAAMFest event page for a list of events and use the BART Trip Planner to get directions.

"Blue Door"
Through May 19 | Downtown Berkeley
Times Vary | 2081 Addison St.

This two-man play at the Aurora Theatre Company showcases over a century of history in a very personal way. The story follows Lewis, a Black mathematics professor. During a night of sleepless delusion, he meets three generations of Black ancestors who lived during times of enslavement, Jim Crow and Black Power. Lewis's journey is full of joy, pain, resiliency and music. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley to see Lewis travel through the past to determine his future 0.3 miles away at 2081 Addison St.

"Funny Girl"

Through May 26 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times Vary | 1192 Market St.

Enjoy musical comedy heaven featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time at the Orpheum Theatre. The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway. The theater is 0.2 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.

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!

Friends at Sundown Cinema’s Movie Night in the Park. Photo courtesy of SF Parks Alliance.

Sundown Cinema’s Movie Night in the Park
May 17 | 16^th St/Mission
6-10 p.m. | 564 Dolores St.

Running from May through October, Sundown Cinema will screen free outdoor movies in San Francisco parks. This weekend, a “Selena” sing-along is coming to Dolores Park. Bring a blanket and your appetite (local food trucks are onsite), and enjoy the film. Sing along with Selena 0.6 miles from 16th St/Mission at 564 Dolores St.

Friday Nights at OMCA
May 17 | Lake Merritt
5-9 p.m. | 1000 Oak St.

The Oakland Museum of California hosts Friday nights full of live music and hands-on activities, like lawn and table games. Stay for dinner at the Off the Grid food trucks on 10th St. between Oak St. and Fallon St. Also, consider purchasing a museum ticket. It's optional but will get you late-night access to galleries and special exhibitions. Fun Friday nights are only 413 feet away from Lake Merritt.

Filipino “Tagalog Fest” at Kapwa Gardens
May 18 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
12-5 p.m. | 967 Mission St.

Ten years ago, the Filipino Language Ordinance acknowledged Filipino as the third language in the city. This fun community event at Kapwa Gardens commemorates the ten-year milestone. Expect live performances by Aventus, Rhyme and Peace, Aural Anthem and more. “The Rebuttal King” will also make an appearance. The Filipino rapper, emcee, and songwriter known for his rebuttals against emcees is sure to entertain. The Tagalog Fest can be found 0.4 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.

Outdoor Polynesian Dance at Salesforce Park
May 18 | Montgomery St
2-3:30 p.m. | 425 Mission St.

Learn more about Polynesian culture this weekend at Salesforce Park. Enjoy music and dancing from Hawai’i, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, and Tahiti. Everyone’s welcome at this free event near BART. Fall in love with Polynesian entertainment 0.3 miles from Montgomery 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!

Participants at San Francisco’s Bay to Breakers. Photo courtesy of SF Travel.

7th Annual “Oaklash” Drag & Queer Festival
May 17-19 | 12th St /Oakland City Center
Times vary | 485 9th St.

The Oaklash Festival in Oakland showcases the ultimate celebration of drag and queer culture. Spectators are treated to live performances, DJs, local art vendors, dancing and nonstop drag. While there are evening parties all three nights, the Oaklash Block Party in Old Oakland on May 18 at 1 p.m. is open to all ages. Take BART to 12^th St/Oakland City Center to join the fun 0.2 miles away.

San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies
May 17-19 | Embarcadero
Times vary | 24 Willie Mays Plaza

Spend the evening or afternoon at the ballpark this weekend! The home team will take the field against the Rockies at Oracle Park. Grab a hotdog and a cold drink, soak in the home team ambiance and enjoy the game. Take BART to Embarcadero and walk 1.2 miles, or transfer at Embarcadero to the Muni Metro N Line and pop out at the stadium at 24 Willie Mays Plaza.

San Francisco’s Ube Festival
May 18 | 16^th St/Mission
12-5 p.m. | 428 11th St.

San Francisco’s Ube Festival offers handpicked and beloved purple yams from twenty popular vendors like Senor Sisig and Marley’s Treats. Expect traditional Ube dishes and a few unexpected and innovative culinary creations. The festival also includes a small business marketplace and live music. Find Ube dishes, local vendors and entertainment galore 0.8 miles away from 16^th St Mission.

Fresh Air Film Festival
May 18 | 12^th St/Oakland City Center
6:30-10:30 p.m. | 1528 Webster St.

This family-friendly film festival takes place at Studio 1528. Watch short films under the open sky with the unique benefit of meeting the filmmakers. There will also be a live jazz band, popcorn, Hella Coastal Beer and more. A night of films in the fresh air is only 0.2 miles from 12th St/Oakland City Center.

Bay to Breakers
May 19 | Embarcadero
7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Howard St. and Main St.

There’s still time to register for this weekend’s annual Bay to Breakers. This legendary race from the Embarcadero to Ocean Beach really showcases the unique and playful personality of San Francisco. If you’re not in the mood to race, pop by to cheer on the runners. Spectating is completely free and undeniably entertaining. BART will be running a special event schedule to get participants to Embacadero by 7 a.m. Find the details here. The starting line is only 0.3 miles from Embarcadero.

Looking for more BARTable things to do? Stay warm at these BARTable indoor attractions. Need some new duds? Check out these BARTable vintage and consignment shops. Don't forget to use BART's Trip Planner to plan your outing!  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 Instagram, Tik Tok and Facebook to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and where to have fun around the Bay.

by Nicole Findlay

Nicole Findlay is a Bay Area native. As a freelance journalist, she covers travel destinations all around the world, but her favorite place to write about is home.