BARTable This Weekend: May 3-5
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Kids, teens and young adults are invited to Bay Area Book Festival's Family Day event. Photo courtesy of Bay Area Book Festival.
The first weekend in May promises plenty of exciting BARTable events! In the East Bay, bring little ones to the Bay Area Book Festival’s Family Day, catch the two-person play "Blue Door," or enjoy margaritas and mariachis at Fruitvale’s Cinco de Mayo. Across the water, plan a date night in North Beach for the neighborhood’s monthly First Fridays Art Crawl or get weird at the city’s famous How Weird Street Faire. Grab your Clipper card and join the fun! Are you hosting an event near a BART station? Visit this page to learn about "what is BARTable."
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Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s “Tupelo Tornado” takes inspiration from Elvis at Smuin Contemporary Ballet's "Dance Series 2." Photo Courtesy of Smuin Contemporary Ballet.
Are you a member of SFMOMA? If so, you’ll get a sneak peek at their new special exhibit, “Art of Noise,” which cleverly intersects modern art, music and design. Expect concert posters, album covers, sound installations, radios, stereos and more. You’ll also get access to the Gina and Stuart Peterson White Box, the museum's private space on Floor 4, which features a cash bar, live DJ and free "Art of Noise” posters. Be the first to see this exhibit 0.3 miles from Montgomery St.
May 4 | Downtown Berkeley
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | 2090 Kittredge St.
One of the best literary events in the country, Family Day at the Berkeley Public Library is aimed at young readers through teens and young adults. Catch conversations with renowned and emerging authors. Attend a young reader's and writer's showcase, enjoy arts and crafts, learn something new through STEAM activities and participate in a free book giveaway. Most importantly, find out what’s most exciting in literature today. The literary fun is just 0.2 miles from Downtown Berkeley.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | 2090 Kittredge St.
One of the best literary events in the country, Family Day at the Berkeley Public Library is aimed at young readers through teens and young adults. Catch conversations with renowned and emerging authors. Attend a young reader's and writer's showcase, enjoy arts and crafts, learn something new through STEAM activities and participate in a free book giveaway. Most importantly, find out what’s most exciting in literature today. The literary fun is just 0.2 miles from Downtown Berkeley.
Kristina Wong "Sweatshop Overlord"
Through May 5 | Civic Center/ UN Plaza
Time Vary | 1127 Market St.
On Day 3 of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kristina Wong began sewing masks out of old bedsheets and bra straps on her Hello Kitty sewing machine. Before long, she was leading the Auntie Sewing Squad, a work-from-home sweatshop of hundreds of volunteers—including children and her own mother—to fix the U.S. public health care system while in quarantine. It was a feminist care utopia forming in the midst of crisis. Or was it a mutual aid doomsday cult? The answer to that question is something you’ll have to decide for yourself as Kristina takes you through her journey in this Pulitzer finalist play. Bear witness to the bizarre at the A.C.T.'s Strand Theater, 0.2 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
Through May 5 | Civic Center/ UN Plaza
Time Vary | 1127 Market St.
On Day 3 of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kristina Wong began sewing masks out of old bedsheets and bra straps on her Hello Kitty sewing machine. Before long, she was leading the Auntie Sewing Squad, a work-from-home sweatshop of hundreds of volunteers—including children and her own mother—to fix the U.S. public health care system while in quarantine. It was a feminist care utopia forming in the midst of crisis. Or was it a mutual aid doomsday cult? The answer to that question is something you’ll have to decide for yourself as Kristina takes you through her journey in this Pulitzer finalist play. Bear witness to the bizarre at the A.C.T.'s Strand Theater, 0.2 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
Through May 12 | Montgomery St
Times Vary | 1830 17th St.
Times Vary | 1830 17th St.
This weekend, spend an evening at the ballet. The "Dance Series 2" program at Smuin Contemporary Ballet offers quite the show. Enjoy “Starshadows,” a dreamy piece by Michael Smuin, “Untwine” by Brennan Wall, “Broken Open” by Amy Seiwert and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s first creation for Smuin, “Tupelo Tornado,” where she takes inspiration from the life of Elvis. Plus, composer/cellist Julia Kent will play live at the May 3-5 performances. For an inspiring evening at the ballet, travel 0.4 miles from Montgomery St to the Blue Shield of CA Theater at YBCA.
“A Strange Loop”
Through May 12 | Powell St
Times Vary | 415 Geary St.
The bold and heartfelt Tony Award-winning musical arrives directly from Broadway. Michael R. Jackson's Pulitzer Prize-winning funny work of art exposes the heart and soul of a Black queer writer, writing a musical about a Black queer writer, writing a musical about a Black queer writer. The thoughts in his head come to life on stage by the hilarious ensemble. See this unmissable show at A.C.T.'s Toni Rembe Theater, just 0.3 miles from Powell St.
"Blue Door"
Through May 19 | Downtown Berkeley
Times Vary | 2081 Addison St.
“A Strange Loop”
Through May 12 | Powell St
Times Vary | 415 Geary St.
The bold and heartfelt Tony Award-winning musical arrives directly from Broadway. Michael R. Jackson's Pulitzer Prize-winning funny work of art exposes the heart and soul of a Black queer writer, writing a musical about a Black queer writer, writing a musical about a Black queer writer. The thoughts in his head come to life on stage by the hilarious ensemble. See this unmissable show at A.C.T.'s Toni Rembe Theater, just 0.3 miles from Powell St.
"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.
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.
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!
Crowds at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. Photo Courtesy of Yerba Buena Gardens Festival.
This weekend, join in the fun at the Civic Center "Soundtrack," a free concert series featuring David Amago, Junior Correa and Three Flower Jam. Gather with friends and family, listen to music, check out new art installations and play games in the three spaces that comprise the Civic Center area—Civic Center Plaza, Fulton Plaza, and UN Plaza. Kick off the weekend right with live, diverse music at Fulton Plaza. Find the fun 0.2 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
Enjoy a free admission day at the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Innovative exhibits and programs explore Jewish culture, history, art and ideas through various mediums, including film, readings, conversations and live performances. One highlight this weekend is the current exhibit “RetroBlakesberg: The Music Never Stopped,” which captures fascinating musical moments in history from Bay Area photographer Jay Blakesberg. Check it out 0.4 miles from Powell St.
North Beach First Friday Art Crawl
May 3 | Montgomery St
5-9 p.m. | 736 Mission St.
Celebrate a unique San Francisco neighborhood this weekend. Over a dozen galleries, bars, restaurants and museums participate in North Beach’s First Fridays Art Crawl every month. This weekend, expect poetry at 5 p.m. in Kerouac Alley hosted by City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, art by Elia Inderle at Vesuvio Café, photos by Marcel Turner at The Fish Tank Gallery and much more. Feel inspired by unique artwork in a cool neighborhood just 0.8 miles away from Montgomery St.
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
May 4 | Montgomery St
1-3:30 p.m. | 501 Castro St.
May 3 | Montgomery St
5-9 p.m. | 736 Mission St.
Celebrate a unique San Francisco neighborhood this weekend. Over a dozen galleries, bars, restaurants and museums participate in North Beach’s First Fridays Art Crawl every month. This weekend, expect poetry at 5 p.m. in Kerouac Alley hosted by City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, art by Elia Inderle at Vesuvio Café, photos by Marcel Turner at The Fish Tank Gallery and much more. Feel inspired by unique artwork in a cool neighborhood just 0.8 miles away from Montgomery St.
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
May 4 | Montgomery St
1-3:30 p.m. | 501 Castro St.
The Yerba Buena Garden Festival has it all: live music, theater, contemporary and traditional dance, and even programs for families with kids. Pedrito Martinez, a Grammy-nominated Afro-Cuban percussionist, is kicking off the Yerba Buena Garden Festival’s 24th season, which will run from May through October. Bring a picnic, enjoy the entertainment and have fun with friends on the Great Lawn. Join the festivities 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!
See Mykalle Bielinski, performer at the San Francisco International Art Festival. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.
Healing Hearts: Walk/Run/Move!
May 4 | Lake Merritt
9 a.m. | Edoff Memorial Bandstand at Lake Merritt
Raise awareness for suicide prevention through community and movement at Lake Merritt. Keen to participate but don’t wish to run or walk around the lake? No problem. There will be lots of different ways to move your body in support of an important cause, including Tai Chi, dance and more. The opening ceremony starts at 9 a.m. The 5k (3.1 mile) fun run takes off shortly after that at 9:30 a.m. Take BART to Lake Merritt and walk 0.8 miles to join this important event.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year with a fun courtyard fiesta in the Fruitvale District. Dance to live mariachi music, sip margaritas and support the small businesses in the plaza. Cultivate a new season and embrace community at this fun event in the Fruitvale Plaza as you exit at Fruitvale.
SF International Arts Festival
Through May 12 | Stations Vary
Times Vary | City-wide
The San Francisco International Arts Festival brings a local and international community of artists together to showcase projects throughout the city. Luckily, many of these events are near BART. Check out Agua Pura for a mix of Cuban, Cumbia, Salsa and Timba music or R&B fusion at Bissap Baobab (0.3 miles from 16th St Mission). Watch Mykalle Bielinski use a bicycle to make electricity to power lights and sound for her performance at Studio 210 (0.4 miles from 24th St Mission). And so much more! Check out the full listing of performances this weekend near BART.
Through May 12 | Stations Vary
Times Vary | City-wide
The San Francisco International Arts Festival brings a local and international community of artists together to showcase projects throughout the city. Luckily, many of these events are near BART. Check out Agua Pura for a mix of Cuban, Cumbia, Salsa and Timba music or R&B fusion at Bissap Baobab (0.3 miles from 16th St Mission). Watch Mykalle Bielinski use a bicycle to make electricity to power lights and sound for her performance at Studio 210 (0.4 miles from 24th St Mission). And so much more! Check out the full listing of performances this weekend near BART.
Check out this article for our favorite weekly farmer's markets. Or click here for our favorite BARTable date night spots. Looking for the best BARTable restaurants? We have you covered with our favorite carnivorous restaurants and vegan eats. Seeking a refreshing adult beverage? Check out these BARTable breweries to get your beer on. Don't forget to use BART's Trip Planner to plan your day!
What are you doing this weekend?
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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.
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