The best summer events are near BART

See your favorite movie under the summer sun at Sundown Cinema. Photo courtesy of Sundown Cinema. 

Nothing beats the Bay Area's arts and cultural scene, especially in spring and summer. From concerts in the park and outdoor movies to rooftop happy hours, the Chinatown Night Market and San Francisco’s new Downtown First Thursdays, there’s plenty to do in the Bay Area. Plus, these fun happenings are easy to get to. So, grab your Clipper card and enjoy the entertainment. Here’s our list of recurring spring and summer events near BART. 

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

Photo courtesy of SF Chronicle. 

Chinatown Night Market | Montgomery St

Head to the beautiful lanterned-lined Grant Avenue in San Francisco’s Chinatown on the second Friday of every month. From now until the end of the year, three blocks (from Sacramento to Jackson) light up for an Asian Style Night Market that really shouldn’t be missed. Enjoy food, local merchants, entertainment and a lively atmosphere in the vibrant heart of Chinatown. Take BART to Montgomery St to join the celebration 0.5 miles away at Grant Avenue and Sacramento Street. 

Photo courtesy of SF Funcheap.

Downtown First Thursdays | Montgomery St

This free monthly street party in San Francisco features beer gardens, DJs, bands, dancing, shopping and local art. Head downtown on the first Thursday of every month from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. to join in on the fun. All ages are welcome! Take BART to Montgomery St to join thousands of partygoers downtown a mere 56 feet away at Market and Second streets.

Photo courtesy of SF Station.

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival | Montgomery St

Enjoy Yerba Buena Gardens outdoor, family-friendly and admission-free performances showcasing the diversity and creativity of our beautiful Bay Area. The festival runs for six months and includes a variety of fun programs. Join weekend sessions for world-class music, dance and theater. Find poetry readings on Tuesdays and Bay Area musicians on Thursdays at lunchtime. There’s even a children’s garden series, which includes interactive 30-minute shows. Over the years, this popular festival has attracted over 2 million attendees and no wonder why. There really is something here for everyone. Check out the full calendar here. Take BART to Montgomery St and find Yerba Buena Gardens 0.3 miles away at 750 Howard St. 

Photo courtesy of SF Funcheap.

Sundown Cinema | Multiple Locations

Running from May through October, Sundown Cinema screenings occur in San Francisco parks, including many that are BARTable! Bring a blanket, meet friends, share a picnic and enjoy the show. Favorites include “Selena” on May 17 at Dolores Park (0.6 miles from 16th St/Mission), “Labyrinth” on July 12 at Glen Park (0.5 miles from Glen Park) and “Barbie” on Aug. 2 at The Ferry Building (0.2 miles from Embarcadero). The best part? Admission is free! Arrive early for live music and pre-show entertainment. 

Photo courtesy of Proper Hotel.

Charmaine’s at The San Francisco Proper Hotel | Civic Center/UN Plaza

Starting Memorial Day Weekend, stop by the Layover Rooftop Happy Hour at Charmaine’s. With a vantage point atop the San Francisco Proper Hotel, guests are treated to a European-style terrace with laid-back California vibes and stunning city views. This fun recurring event near BART happens on the last Sunday of every month and features craft cocktails (like a Watermelon Catapult) and light bites, like crispy fish tacos or pretzel rolls. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza for the yummy cocktails and gorgeous views 476 feet away at 45 McAllister St.

Photo courtesy of the Civic Center Community Benefit District. 

Civic Center Concert Series | Civic Center/UN Plaza

This six-month free concert series takes place Tuesday and Friday from noon to 3 p.m. and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Check out the full schedule here. Gather with friends and family and enjoy live music at Fulton Plaza, between the San Francisco Main Library and the Asian Art Museum. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza for fun music in a unique venue just 0.2 miles to 355 McAllister St.

Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.

Oakland First Fridays | 19th St/Oakland

Oakland First Fridays occurs on the first Friday every month. Enjoy the creativity and community spirit in Oakland’s KONO district. Experience striking art, devour delicious food, listen to live music and witness musicians, dancers and poets in this fun, free event. Take BART to 19^th St/Oakland to feel inspired 0.5 miles away at 2633 Telegraph Ave. 

Photo courtesy of SF Funcheap.

Friday Nights at OMCA | Lake Merritt

Head to the Oakland Museum of California on Friday nights for live music, hands-on activities and Off the Grid food trucks (on 10th St. between Oak and Fallon streets). Consider purchasing a museum ticket. It's optional but will get you late-night access to galleries and special exhibitions. Take BART to Lake Merritt for a night at the museum, which is only 413 feet away at 1000 Oak St.

Photo courtesy of Garden at the Flea.

Friday Night at the Flea | Berryessa/North San Jose

Every Friday until October, guests at Friday Night at the Flea can enjoy food trucks, vintage shopping, local artwork, live music, craft beer and much more. Admission is free. Take BART to Berryessa/North San Jose and find the San Jose Flea Market 0.4 miles away at 1590 Berryessa Rd.

Photo courtesy of Lamorinda Patch.

Summer Concerts in the Park | Orinda

Spend Thursday evenings with family and friends at Orinda’s Summer Concerts in the Park. Held at the Orinda Community Center Park weekly from June 6 to Sept. 12, this musical free weekly event is offered jointly with Taste of the World food trucks. Bring a blanket and your appetite! Take BART to Orinda Station for bites and tunes 0.5 miles to 28 Orinda Way.  

Photo courtesy of Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.

Rock the Plaza Summer Concert Series | Lafayette

Free downtown concerts kick off in Lafayette Plaza every Friday evening from June 7 to June 28. Bring a picnic dinner, have a dance, and listen to a new band every week. The first three Friday events also include activities for little ones. On June 14 and 21, guests are treated to free popcorn. Take BART to Lafayette Station for weekly summer concerts 0.5 miles away at 3530 Plaza Way. 

What is Your Favorite BARTable Recurring Event?

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