BARTable This Weekend: May 9-11
Celebrate Asian American film and culture at CAAMFEST. Photo courtesy of CAAMFEST.
Get ready for an action-packed weekend in the Bay Area. From musical performances and film festivals to art fairs and family events, the Bay Area is buzzing with fun things to do. Whether you're into classical guitar, animation or a lively night market, there's something exciting happening near BART. Check out our list of the best BARTable events around the Bay Area this weekend, and don't forget your Clipper card!
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Enjoy “Yellow Face” at Shotgun Players this weekend near BART. Photo courtesy of Berkeleyside, Credit: David Boyll.
“Beijing Guitar Duo,” Chamber Music San Francisco, Herbst Theatre
May 11 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
3 p.m. | 401 Van Ness Ave.
Since launching their international career in Carnegie Hall in 2010, the Beijing Guitar Duo has impressed fans so much that Classical Guitar Magazine claims they have "the potential to serve as inspiration for new generations of guitarists to come.” Catch this mesmerizing performance just 0.4 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
CAAMFEST 2025
Through May 11 | Stations vary
Times vary | City-wide
The Center for Asian American Media presents CAAMFEST to celebrate Asian American film, music and food. In its 43rd year and running from May 8 to 11, this event is the country's largest showcase for new Asian American films. Visit the CAAMFest schedule for a full list of events and use the BART Trip Planner to get directions.
“Yellow Face” at Shotgun Players
Through June 8 | Ashby
Times Vary | 1901 Ashby Ave.
Shotgun Players presents “Yellow Face,” a funny, semi-autobiographical play that follows a playwright as he casts a white actor for an Asian role. Inspired by the real-life casting of “Miss Saigon,” this production is a must-see performance that dives into identity and the complexities of representation in America. See the show 0.2 miles from Ashby.
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!
Head to Union Square this weekend for the Taiwanese American Cultural Festival. Photo courtesy of TAP-SF.
San Francisco Chinatown’s Night Market
May 9 | Montgomery St
5-9 p.m. | Grant Ave.
The Chinatown Night Market is back! Head to Grant Ave. (between California St. and Pacific Ave.) and Waverly Place (between Sacramento St. and Washington St.) on Friday night for tasty street food, live music and local vendors. In collaboration with the Chinatown Night Market, you’ll find a Mother’s Day-themed North Beach Night Market (from 5-10 p.m.) on Grant Ave. between Vallejo St. and Filbert St. Enjoy the festivities just 0.4 miles from Montgomery St.
Lafayette Artisan Walk
May 10 | Lafayette Station
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | 3584 Mt. Diablo Rd.
Need a Mother’s Day present, a Father’s Day gift or a special something for an upcoming graduate? Head to Lafayette’s Artisan Walk, where local retailers partner with local artists to showcase beautiful, handcrafted gifts. Find unique treasures for all your loved ones, steps from the Lafayette Station.
Taiwanese American Cultural Festival
May 10 | Powell St
10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Geary St. and Powell St.
The 32nd annual family-friendly Taiwanese American Cultural Festival is the largest Taiwanese American celebration on the West Coast. Witness lion dances and acrobats, savor beef noodle soup and peruse local artisans and vendors at this landmark event 0.3 miles from Powell St.
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Kickoff
May 10 | Montgomery St
2–4:30 p.m. | 773 Mission St.
This year, the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival includes a full lineup of music, circus, theater, poetry and programs for all ages. In its 25th season, it kicks off this Saturday with La Santa Cecilia and continues with six months of creative and free performances. Check out the schedule here and head to Yerba Buena Gardens to catch a show 0.3 miles from Montgomery St.
Jack London Square Art Festival
May 10 | 12th St/Oakland City Center
1–4 p.m. | 31 Webster St.
Head to Restaurant Row near Seabreeze to join the art festivities in Jack London Square this Saturday. Admire chalk artists, let little ones get creative in the kid’s chalk zone, participate in interactive art, and bust a move with a DJ, all just 0.6 miles from 12th St/Oakland City Center.
Blankets & Blockbusters “Moana 2” at Thrive City
May 11 | Powell St or 16th St Mission
11 a.m. | 1 Warriors Way
Bring your own blanket (and maybe an extra one to keep warm) to Thrive City this weekend to watch the Blockbuster hit “Moana 2” with friends and family on the plaza board. You can also expect a kids' zone with plenty of games and a face-painting station. Take BART to Powell St or 16th St Mission and walk or hop on Muni to the Chase Center.
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!
Don't miss iconic rock band Starship in Orinda this weekend. Photo courtesy of Orinda Theatre.
Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
May 9-10 | Orinda Station
8 p.m. | 4 Orinda Theatre Square
The iconic 1980s San Francisco rock band is coming home (to the Orinda Theatre) for two nights this weekend. Lucky patrons will experience classic hits like “We Built This City” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” Don’t miss this legendary band, 0.2 miles from Orinda Station.
“The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers” with the SF Symphony
May 9–10 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times Vary | 201 Van Ness Ave.
Davies Symphony Hall is the setting of a very special film and live orchestra this Friday and Saturday. Stop by the bar for a themed cocktail inspired by "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers." Enjoy one of your favorite films accompanied by live scores by the SF Symphony, 0.3 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
“The Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Stage” at Oakland Arena
May 10 | Coliseum
8 p.m. | 7000 Coliseum Way
Four legendary voices will grace the stage in Oakland this weekend. Catch Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and Stephanie Mills at the Oakland Arena for timeless hits in R&B, soul and pop. Walk across the bridge to catch the show, just 0.2 miles from Coliseum Station.
“Wizard of Oz” at the Lesher Center for the Arts
Through May 11 | Walnut Creek
Times vary | 1601 Civic Dr.
Follow Dorothy (alongside the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion) on her journey along the yellow brick road in search of the wizard in the Emerald City. The 45-minute family-friendly performance directed by Scott Denison is sure to bring a little magic into your day. Take BART to Walnut Creek Station, where "Wizard of Oz" plays at the Lesher Center for the Arts, just 0.4 miles away.
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” at SF Playhouse
Through June 21 | Powell St
Times vary | 450 Post St.
San Francisco Playhouse presents the Tony Award-winning drama “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” a story about a 15-year-old smart and neurodivergent teen investigating the murder of his neighbor’s dog. See this extraordinary production 0.3 miles from Powell St.
Looking for more BARTable things to do? Try one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants near BART. Join the One Book One BART book club and go to one of its events. Or find a place to eat, before or after a SF Giants game. 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.
