BARTable This Weekend: Nov. 13-15

Browse the exhibitions and enjoy special events with free admission at the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) this Saturday during “Thrive @ MoAD.” Photo courtesy of MoAD.

Every week, BARTable finds the most fun and unique events accessible by public transportation. From holiday ice skating to festivals and live music, there is plenty to do in the Bay Area this weekend. Check out the San Francisco International Tea Festival, Berkeley Public Library Comic Con, the 30th Arab Film Festival and much more. 

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.

Celebrate comics, graphic novels, art and storytelling at Berkeley Public Library Comic Con. Photo courtesy of the Berkeley Public Library.

General Skating + Learn to Skate at the Union Square Holiday Ice Rink 
Saturdays and Sundays | Powell St. 
8-9 a.m. (for lessons) | 300 Powell St.

Enjoy daily ice skating, special events and free weekend lessons at the Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square through January 18th. Skaters with little to no experience are welcome to learn from professional skate instructors every weekend. Lessons are free to those who sign up in advance, though space is limited to 50 participants per day. Reservations will be allotted through a lottery system. Sign up at unionsquareicerink.com. Union Square is only about 0.2 miles from Powell St.

Stanley Clarke and Ron Carter at SFJAZZ
Nov. 12-15 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times vary | 201 Franklin St.

Two true legends of the low end unite for four momentous nights, November 12–15 at the SFJAZZ Center. Between them, 2022 NEA Jazz Master Stanley Clarke and 1998 NEA Jazz Master Ron Carter have continually defined – and redefined – the bass’s role in modern jazz, from the hard-bop breakthroughs of the early 1960s to the jazz-fusion revolution of the 1970s and ’80s. The two bassists are joined by a superlative ensemble. The SFJAZZ Center is 0.5 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.

“John Proctor is the Villain” 
Nov. 12-Dec. 6 | Powell St. 
Times vary | 415 Geary St. 

The American Conservatory Theater presents the Tony-nominated play “John Proctor is the Villain.” In a one-stoplight town in Georgia, in a high school AP English class, five young women begin questioning the stories and the heroes they’ve been taught to believe in, against a soundtrack of pop music and fury. As their class dissects a canonical work of literature, the parallels between the play and their own lives become uncomfortably real, and they begin to re-examine who we deem heroic, who we call a villain and who gets burned in the process. A.C.T.'s Toni Rembe Theater is just 0.3 miles from Powell St. 

Bhangra & Beats Night Market (Diwali edition)
Nov. 13 | Montgomery St. 
4-9 p.m. | 750 Howard St. 

This bhangra-themed night market returns for a special Diwali edition. Held at Yerba Buena Gardens, the free event includes traditional Punjabi bhangra music with a dance floor, performances and dance lessons. As a night market, it also features local food vendors and artisans, along with family-friendly activities. Take BART to Montgomery St., and walk about 0.3 miles to Yerba Buena Gardens.

Let’s Glow: Neon Night Market
Nov. 13 | San Leandro
4-9 p.m. | 1446 Washington Ave. 

Downtown San Leandro’s Neon Night Market is back this Friday. The final market in the 2026 San Leandro Second Friday event series, the market features local vendors, great food, music and more. Join the festivities to help light up the night! The San Leandro Station is about 0.4 miles away from the event. 

Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet”
Nov. 13-15 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times vary | 201 Van Ness Ave. 

Experience love, heartbreak and high drama through the power of live music in Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Prokofiev’s ballet music for “Romeo and Juliet” is every bit as singular as the Shakespeare tragedy that inspired it. The San Francisco Symphony brings it to life, capturing every moment of passion, tenderness and tragedy. An Inside Music Talk with members of the SF Symphony will be presented on stage one hour before each concert. The performances take place at Davies Symphony Hall, located 0.3 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.

Berkeley Public Library Comic Con 
Nov. 14 | Downtown Berkeley
10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | 2090 Kittredge St. 

Berkeley Comic Con is back with a free day of all things comics, including community discussions celebrating comics, graphic novels, art and storytelling. Learn about the creative process from writers, illustrators and more. Dress in cosplay, join an interactive drawing workshop and bring your ideas for your own brainstorming and for a collaborative comic creation. The event will feature more than 30 creators speaking and another 35-plus tabling. The library is just 0.2 miles from Downtown Berkeley.

Club DARC by Goldenvoice
Nov. 14 | Powell St.
8 p.m.-2 a.m. | Pier 48

From the organizers behind Portola Festival and Coachella comes Club DARC, an electronic music club experience at San Francisco’s Pier 48 featuring a season of shows. This weekend, catch sets by Sara Landry, Alt8, Simone, Alex Farell and Miss Crafty. Take BART to Powell St., and then walk approximately 1.3 miles or transfer to Muni’s T Third Street line and exit at Mission Rock.

Classical Sundays at the Union Square Holiday Ice Rink
Sundays | Powell St. 
10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. | 300 Powell St.

Head to the Union Square Holiday Ice Rink on Sundays for Classical Sunday Skate Sessions! Enjoy the holiday spirit as you skate to the soothing sounds of classical music, brought to you by Classical California. Get tickets ahead of time at unionsquareicerink.com. Take BART to Powell St., and walk about 0.2 miles to Union Square to join the fun.

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!

Take in the beautiful holiday lights and special events at the Fourth St. Dazzling Holiday Lights Festival in Berkeley. Photo courtesy of Visit Berkeley. 

Performing Arts Showcase
Nov. 13 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
5-8 p.m. | Fulton St. at Larkin St.

San Francisco’s Fulton Plaza lights up for the holiday season while bringing together some of the city’s top performing arts organizations. See performances from the San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Ballet musicians, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the African American Shakespeare Company, RAWdance and more. And it all takes place under stunning SPECTRA lights. Fulton Plaza is just 0.1 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.

Festival of Black Dolls Show & Sale
Nov. 14 | 19th St./Oakland
10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 659 14th St. 

Doll artists from around the globe present Black dolls for exhibition and sale at this unique event for families or anyone who wants to add to their doll collection. It’s also a great opportunity to shop for holiday gifts. Attendees can participate in community workshops and listen to live music by the Oaktown JAZZ Workshops as well. Head to the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO) for the festival – it’s just 0.3 miles from 19th St. Oakland. 

Coraline’s Whimsi-Goth Fest 
Nov. 14 | 19th St./Oakland
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | 1911 Telegraph Ave. 

Enjoy more than 70 vendors, vintage items, gothic art, jewelry, tarot, photo booths, DJs and more at this whimsical goth fest in Oakland. Browse Coraline-inspired goods while exploring the free vintage and makers’ market. The event is open to all ages. This festival is approximately 0.3 miles from 19th St. Oakland. 

Thrive @ MoAD
Nov. 14 | Montgomery St.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | 685 Mission St.

The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) is hosting its monthly Community Day on Saturday with free admission to all exhibitions. Special events include a guided tour of Dorian Reid’s “Calling All Cats!” exhibit at 1 p.m. and art-making and collective action at the “MEOW! A Friday the 13th Protest” event from 2-4 p.m. Enjoy this opportunity to explore the museum and its offerings. Montgomery St. Station is just 0.2 miles away.

Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Lights Festival 
Nov. 14 | North Berkeley
5-7 p.m. | Delaware at Fourth St.

Berkeley’s Fourth St. shopping district celebrates the start of the holiday season with beautiful lights and a festive program. In addition to live music, art projects and performances, visitors can enjoy complimentary hot beverages and cookies. The Fourth St. holiday lights will turn on each night at about 5 p.m. for the entire holiday season. This event is just about a mile from North Berkeley Station. 

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!

Sip teas from around the world and learn about tea making at the San Francisco International Tea Festival. Photo courtesy of Do the Bay.

Jo Koy: Koy Meets World Tour
Nov. 13 | Coliseum
8 p.m. | 7000 Coliseum Way

One of today’s top stand-up comedians, Jo Koy brings his “Koy Meets World” tour to the Oakland Arena on Friday. Koy draws on his family experiences and Filipino heritage, connecting with audiences across cultures through relatable comedy. His 2023 Netflix special was the sixth-most-watched special on the streaming service that year. To see him live, head to Oakland Arena, about 0.3 miles from Coliseum Station via the pedestrian overpass bridge.

The Banksy Art Exhibit
Nov. 13-Jan. 3 | Lake Merritt
Times vary | 10 10th St.

Opening Friday, Nov. 13th, the Banksy Art Exhibit at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts features some of the artist’s iconic works, like “Girl with Balloon” and “Flower Thrower.” The exhibition includes more than 60 original pieces from the England-based street artist, activist and film director. To take BART to the exhibit, get off at Lake Merritt, and you’ll be just 0.3 miles away.

30th Arab Film Festival
Through Nov. 14 | 19th St./Oakland
Times vary | 474 24th St. 

The 30th Arab Film Festival wraps up this weekend with a number of screenings at Oakland’s New Parkway Theater. The longest running film festival of its kind in North America, the festival reflects the richness of Arab culture through contemporary films that provide insight into the beauty and complexity of the Arab world. The New Parkway Theater, where most of the remaining screenings will be held, is located 0.3 miles from 19th St. Oakland. 

An Evening with David Sedaris
Nov. 14 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
8 p.m. | 301 Van Ness Ave.

Hear humorist and social satirist David Sedaris in San Francisco this Saturday, following the publication of his latest short-story collection, “The Land and Its People.” The reading will include a pre- and post-show book signing. Get ready to laugh at his humorous stories and commentary! This event takes place at the War Memorial Opera House, 0.3 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.

San Francisco International Tea Festival 
Nov. 14-15 | Embarcadero
10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 1 Ferry Building

At this exciting event for tea lovers, you’ll have the opportunity to savor hundreds of different types of teas from local and global producers in the festival tea market. Connect with the biggest names in tea, and learn how each cup can be a different experience. Attend lectures like “Blend Your Own Chai Workshop” and “Biodynamic Korean Tea.” Attendees can take home a porcelain tasting cup. This two-day festival takes place at San Francisco’s Ferry Building Marketplace, 0.3 miles from Embarcadero.

Check out this article for places to eat and drink before a live show in the Bay Area. Or click here to explore the San Francisco Main Public Library. Interested in learning something new? Take a look at these classes, workshops and labs near BART. And don’t miss these fall museum exhibitions either. 

What are your plans for the weekend? Tag @sfbayarearapidtransit on social media and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and where to have fun around the Bay.