BARTable This Weekend: July 4-7

Last Updated On Jul. 01, 2024

See fireworks at events across the Bay Area. Photo courtesy of Christopher Micheal.

This weekend kicks off early with Fourth of July celebrations, and it only gets better! Seriously, there's so much to do this weekend near BART. Head to the city to see "Mrs. Doubtfire" at the Orpheum Theatre, peruse the Castro Art Mart, or participate in the San Francisco Bike Party. Across the Bay, cheer on the Oakland Roots, gather with friends at Oakland First Fridays, or sip and savor at the Oakland Zinfandel and BBQ Festival. More BARTable events include a pool party, a plant party, plenty of free museum days and much more. Check out our list of fun BARTable events happening this weekend, including the many Independence Day fireworks and parades near BART.

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Check out an Oakland Roots match. Photo courtesy of U.S. Soccer Federation.

"Mrs. Doubtfire" at the Orpheum Theatre
Through July 28 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times Vary | 1192 Market St.

BroadwaySF presents a new musical comedy based on a classic, beloved and funny film. Starring Tony-nominated Rob McClure as everyone's favorite Scottish nanny, "Mrs. Doubtfire" arrives in San Francisco with rave reviews. The feel-good story about an out-of-work father who will do anything for his kids is as heartwarming as it is hilarious. Catch the show at the Orpheum Theatre just 3 feet from Civic Center/UN Plaza. After the show, head to The Madrigal (0.4 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza) for an on-theme cocktail menu. Sip featured drinks inspired by the play, like "A Scotch Man," "Run By Fruiting" and "Oh, Helllooo."

Oakland Roots SC v. Louisville FC
July 6 | Hayward
7 p.m. | 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd.

Cheer on the Oakland Roots as they take on Louisville City this weekend at home. Oakland Roots SC is a purpose-driven professional men’s soccer team that harnesses the magic of Oakland and the power of sports as a social force for good. Witness them in action as they take that energy onto the pitch! Take BART to Hayward Station and hop on the AC Transit 60 bus to Cal State East Bay to catch the match.

"The Lifespan of a Fact"
Through July 21 | Downtown Berkeley
Times Vary | 2081 Addison St.

An intern at a top magazine is given the assignment of a lifetime – fact-checking a masterpiece by a legendary essayist. What the no-nonsense editor means as a simple task becomes a hilarious misadventure when it's revealed that most of the facts in the essay are embellished, adjusted, or just made up. Has the essayist undermined his own work or revealed a deeper truth by playing fast and loose to make his point? Facts battle with truth when the intern bucks his instructions and confronts the essayist in this Broadway hit by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell, and Gordon Farrell. Take a journey into the dimensions of truth at the Aurora Theatre Company, 0.1 miles from Downtown Berkeley.

Children’s Fairyland 510 Summer Fridays
Through Aug. 30 | 19^th St/Oakland
10 a.m.–4 p.m. | 699 Bellevue Ave.

The Bay Area’s favorite storybook theme park in Oakland introduces 510 Summer Fridays, a special discount for Oakland residents. For over 75 years, Children’s Fairyland has been a place of imagination, exploration and dreams. This summer, take advantage of the reduced entrance fees and create lasting memories with loved ones while experiencing multicultural programs, fairy-tale settings, rides, stories and animal interactions. This fairyland adventure is only 0.4 miles from 19^th St/Oakland.

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!

Oakland First Fridays. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.

Oakland First Fridays
July 5 | 19th St/Oakland
5–9 p.m. | 2633 Telegraph Ave.

Celebrate community and art this weekend near BART at Oakland First Fridays. This free and family-friendly monthly event attracts up to 30,000. Gather with friends and family, savor delicious dishes, shop at local vendors, and listen to live music. Enjoy art, culture and food 0.4 miles from 19^th St/Oakland.

Castro Art Mart
July 7 | 16th St Mission
Noon-5 p.m. | Noe St. at Market St.

San Francisco’s iconic Castro neighborhood hosts the Castro Art Mart on the first Sunday of every month. Featuring dozens of local artists and small businesses, it’s the perfect place to shop unique finds. Not your average market, this one also provides vibrant entertainment that embodies the lively spirit of the Castro. For a fun dose of creative energy, take BART to 16^th St Mission and head 0.7 miles to the Castro Art Mart.

San Francisco Bike Party
July 5 | Embarcadero
7:30 p.m. | 1 Ferry Building

The Sweet Summer Cookie Ride is happening this Friday night! Bring treats and your lovely self to the Ferry Building at 7:30 p.m. for an 8 p.m. ride. Stops include Dana Bowers Rest Area, Vista Point and Golden Gate Park (near the skaters) and will eventually end at Dolores Park. Join the crew for a sweet ride 0.2 miles from Embarcadero.

Plant Party at Garden at the Flea
July 5 | Berryessa/North San Jose
5 - 9 p.m. | 1590 Berryessa Rd.

The Berryessa Night Market presents Plant Party, hosted by NorCal Exotics Aroids & Tropicals. While there will be a wide selection of rare and exotic plants to peruse and purchase, visitors can also expect food trucks, local vendors, live music, plenty of games and a beer garden. Admission is free. Take BART to Berryessa/North San Jose and find the ultimate plant party 0.6 miles away.

Free Museum Days
Dates Vary | Multiple stations
Times Vary | Locations Vary

The Bay Area offers many world-class museums with incredible exhibits and beautiful art. This weekend, take advantage of free admission days. Check out a new space or return to an old favorite.

Asian Art Museum is free on the first Sunday of each month (July 7). Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza to witness artwork from all major cultures in Asia only 0.1 miles away at 200 Larkin St.
Contemporary Jewish Museum is free on the first Friday of each month (July 5). Take BART to Montgomery St to learn more about Jewish life 0.3 miles away at 736 Mission St.
Oakland Museum of California is free on the first Sunday of each month (July 7). Take BART to Lake Merritt to enjoy OMCA’s Galleries of California Art, History and Natural Sciences 0.1 miles away at 1000 Oak 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!

Head to District Six to try new food dishes for Chop Life Fest. Photo courtesy of Eventbrite.

Cultural Feasts and Beasts at Restaurant Row
July 6 | Montgomery St
Noon-2 p.m. | 636 Jackson St.

Head to vibrant Restaurant Row in Chinatown to pick up an authentic culinary treat before heading to the Great Star Theater’s lobby to savor it while enjoying cultural activities. Events include live guzheng music and traditional Asian art, like Chinese calligraphy and watercolor painting. Bring your culinary passport, and don’t forget to have it stamped. You can win prizes if you patronize 9 out of 12 restaurants on Restaurant Row between May and August! Enjoy lunch and culture 0.6 miles from Montgomery St.

Oakland Zinfandel and BBQ Festival
July 5 | Rockridge
1-6 p.m. | 482 49th St.

Head to the Sapphire Hill Winery - Oakland Outpost this weekend near BART to enjoy wine and barbecue in Temescal Alley. Sapphire Hill Winery has produced Zinfandel in Sonoma for over 20 years, and they’ll be celebrating their love for this flavorful grape while pouring for the community this weekend. Each ticket comes with the quintessential pairing of one barbecue entrée and one side from Smokeland Barbecue. Enjoy Sonoma County Zinfandel and American Barbecue 0.9 miles from Rockridge.

Chop Life Fest
July 6 | 16th St Mission
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | 428 11^th St.

Spend the afternoon enjoying delicious food, listening to great music and feeling all the good vibes at Chop Life Fest at District Six. In Nigerian slang, “Chop Life” means to enjoy life to the fullest. This weekend, patrons can do just that. With global flavors from around the world, live beats from talented DJs and vibrant culture, this extraordinary event is one you won’t want to miss. Find the fun 0.8 miles from 16^th St Mission.

July 4^th BBQ and Brews Party at Lake Chalet
July 4 | Lake Merritt
Noon - 6 p.m. | 1520 Lakeside Dr.

This lakeside barbeque and beer party is a festive way to celebrate July 4^th this year near BART. Enjoy panoramic views of Oakland’s gorgeous Lake Merritt while celebrating the holiday with friends and family. Opt for the pre-sale VIP ticket special for barbecue ribs, slow-cooked chicken, classic summer side dishes and VIP seating on the dock. Fourth of July specials include $4 beers, punch, bubbles or oysters. Head to Lake Chalet this weekend for barbeque and beers 0.4 miles from Lake Merritt.

Rich Flex at the Phoenix Hotel
July 7 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
2 - 7 p.m. | 601 Eddy St.

Fancy a summer pool party in San Francisco? The Phoenix Hotel is a hidden oasis and cultural gem in the heart of the Tenderloin. Their lively pool is the perfect spot for a summertime party. This weekend, guests are treated to the sounds of J. Espinosa, Shabazz, Drew Banga, Sean G and Gulu. The pool party is 0.4 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.

More BARTable Fun

Looking for more BARTable things to do? Take BART to the best summer events. Enjoy the summer sunshine during a BARTable walk in San Jose. Or revamp your wardrobe at these BARTable shopping centers. 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.

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.