BARTable This Weekend: Nov. 28–30
Last Updated On
Kick off the holiday season at Thrive Center's Winter Wonderland. Photo courtesy of Chase Center.
It’s that time of year again! From holiday ice rinks and tree lightings to concerts, blockbuster symphony shows, and brand-new exhibitions—the Bay Area is the place to be this weekend. Whether you’re entertaining Thanksgiving guests or exploring on your own, there’s something happening near every station. Here’s your guide to the best BARTable events this weekend.
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.
Catch an outdoor movie this weekend in Oakland. Photo courtesy of Eventbrite.
Nov. 28-30 | Powell St
Times vary | 800 Howard St.
Fan Expo returns with three days of comics, cosplay, gaming, celebrity guests and immersive fandom experiences. From celebrity autograph and photo opportunities, to cosplay competitions, red carpets, comic sketch duels, panels, demos and workshops—you can find it all at Moscone Center, just 0.4 miles from Powell St and 0.5 miles from Montgomery St. On Sunday, Nov. 30, look for the BART booth!
Nov. 28-Dec. 30 | Embarcadero
Times vary | 678 Green St.
Step into a world of holiday magic. Bursting with heart-pounding excitement and death-defying acrobatics, this cirque-like show will leave you awestruck and amazed! Take a 90-minute joy ride through the City by the Bay's busts and booms in a breathtaking aerial extravaganza sprinkled with holiday cheer and special guests. Jump on BART to Embarcadero and frolic the one mile to Club Fugazi.
College Football: University of California, Berkeley v. SMU Mustangs
Nov. 29 | Downtown Berkeley
7 p.m. | 115 Haas Pavilion
Nov. 29 | Downtown Berkeley
7 p.m. | 115 Haas Pavilion
Catch the Golden Bears as they take on the SMU Mustangs in a fall matchup at California Memorial Stadium. The game is 0.9 miles from Downtown Berkeley.
Through an Oakland Ballers partnership with Pixar, catch a free outdoor screening of “Inside Out” at Raimondi Park this weekend in the East Bay. Bring blankets, snacks and the whole family for a cozy community movie night under the stars. Take BART to West Oakland and walk 0.9 miles or jump on the AC Transit 22 bus to the park.
Nov. 29-Dec. 7 | 16th St Mission
Times vary | 351 Shotwell St.
ODC/Dance brings back its cherished Bay Area holiday tradition with the 39th anniversary of "The Velveteen Rabbit." This year, expect world-class dancers, cool costumes, and, of course, the beloved narration inspired by Margery Williams’ classic story. Don’t miss this show, 0.3 miles from 16th St Mission.
Step inside a 1970s recording studio and witness the highs and lows of rock ‘n’ roll in "Stereophonic," Broadway’s most Tony Award-winning show of 2024. Presented by BroadwaySF in association with American Conservatory Theater, it’s an unforgettable experience, 0.3 miles from Powell St.
“Sunday in the Park with George” at the Ashby Stage
Through Jan. 3 | Ashby
Times vary | Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave.
Through Jan. 3 | Ashby
Times vary | Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave.
Experience Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece about art, love and legacy in this intimate Bay Area production. Shotgun Players brings the musical’s vivid characters and haunting score to life just 0.1 miles from Ashby.
Through Jan. 18 | Embarcadero
Times vary | 24 Willie Mays Plaza
Cirque du Soleil transforms Oracle Park's Parking Lot A into a surreal, high-flying world of acrobatics, dance and jaw-dropping spectacle. With shows running through mid-January, it’s a festive outing for families, date nights or visiting friends. Take BART to Embarcadero and walk 1.2 miles, or transfer at Embarcadero to the Muni Metro N Line.
Walnut Creek on Ice is back, giving skaters a festive place to hang this holiday season. The rink offers public sessions, skate rentals and a festive atmosphere perfect for families or a fun night out. The rink is a quick 0.6 miles from Walnut Creek Station.
Through Jan. 19 | Powell
Times vary | 333 Post St.
Gather your family and friends for a beloved holiday tradition! This weekend, join fellow '80s lovers for Flashback Fridays, presented by Classic Hits 103.7. The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square is just 0.3 miles from Montgomery St or 0.2 miles from Powell St in the heart of downtown San Francisco.
"Glow" at the Exploratorium
Through Jan. 25 | Embarcadero
10 a.m.-11 p.m. | Pier 15 Embarcadero at Green St.
Through Jan. 25 | Embarcadero
10 a.m.-11 p.m. | Pier 15 Embarcadero at Green St.
Learn about science and light at this winter wonderland exhibit at San Francisco’s Exploratorium. Find dazzling artwork, play experimental LED dungeon crawlers, paint the walls with digital light and shadow, walk inside hypnotic 3D illusions and more. Find delightful surprises around every corner, 0.6 miles from Embarcadero.
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!
Don't miss the Nutcracker “Sweet” with SFCO and the Puppet Company. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Chamber Orchestra.
Nov. 28 & 29 | Montgomery St
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | 667 Grant Ave.
Support local artisans at this bustling holiday market filled with handcrafted gifts, festive treats and one-of-a-kind treasures. Held in the heart of historic Chinatown, this event is just a quick 0.4-mile walk from Montgomery St.
Nov. 28-30 | Multiple
Times vary | Multiple
Whether you’re exploring solo or showing the city to visiting family, everyone will love spending Thanksgiving weekend discovering San Francisco’s neighborhoods on foot. From historic districts to iconic landmarks, each route is unique. Tours run at various times and locations throughout Nov. 28–30.
Nov. 29 | 12th St/Oakland City Center
5:45-8 p.m. | in the Plaza near Plank
Gather at Jack London Square for a fun tree-lighting ceremony featuring live entertainment and seasonal cheer. The waterfront plaza becomes a hub of holiday magic as the community comes together to celebrate the season, just 0.6 miles from 12th St/Oakland City Center.
Nov. 30 | 24th St Mission
2 p.m. | 1021 Sanchez St.
Enjoy a family-friendly take on everyone’s favorite holiday classic as the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra teams up with the Puppet Company. Catch the whimsical performance of Nutcracker "Sweet"—complete with live music, puppetry and a cozy atmosphere just 0.7 miles from 24th St Mission.
Nov. 30 | Powell St
10 a.m.–1 p.m. | 1 Warriors Way
Kick off the season at Thrive City’s annual tree lighting celebration, featuring holiday activities, entertainment and a festive community vibe. Take BART to Powell St and walk or hop on the Muni T to the Chase Center to join the holiday party.
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!
See John Waters in his holiday show at Great American Music Hall. Photo courtesy of DoTheBay.
Nov. 28 | Coliseum
7:30 p.m. | 7000 Coliseum Way
This weekend, beloved Mexican singer Chelo takes the stage to celebrate her decades-long musical legacy. Expect iconic hits and high-energy norteño, cumbia and tropical rhythms just steps from Coliseum.
Nov. 28 & 29 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
7:30 p.m. | 201 Van Ness Ave.
Watch Barbie on the big screen while the SF Symphony performs live, bringing the vibrant soundtrack to life with full orchestral energy. This fun, feel-good experience is 0.3 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
Nov. 30 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
2 p.m. | 201 Van Ness Ave.
Ring in the season with the world-renowned Mariachi Sol de México. They’ll blend holiday classics with festive mariachi flair at Davies Symphony Hall, just 0.3 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
Nov. 30 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
8 p.m. | 859 O'Farrell St.
Cult icon John Waters returns with his funny take on the holidays in a one-night-only live show. Patrons get fantastic storytelling, sharp humor and the kind of irreverent commentary only Waters can deliver, 0.6 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
What are you doing this weekend?
Tell us about your weekend activities! Show us on social media tag #SFBARTable 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.
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.
