BARTable this weekend: Sept. 20-22
How Weird Street Faire. Photo courtesy of Howweird.org.
The weather is crisper and the lattes are pumpkin-spicier this weekend. That must mean fall is here! Grab a light jacket and head to an exciting BARTable event. The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival returns for two days of fun for everyone, and tickets for a tour of the historic Paramount Theatre in Oakland are available for free. In SF, the first Oktoberfest of the season is happening on Front St., free Shakespeare performances return to Sue Bierman Park and the San Francisco Greek festival will take over the streets of the Mission. Whatever you decide to do — have fun and don’t forget your Clipper card.
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Sept. 21 | Various Stations
Times Vary | Various locations
Oakland Creek to Bay Day is a day of environmental action that unites our city to protect our coast and oceans. In partnership with the International and California Coastal Cleanup Day and community partners, Oakland Public Works will lead projects that reduce pollution and safeguard waterways, including trash removal, habitat restoration, tree planting and more. Be part of the solution by participating at one of 35 project sites. Use the interactive map to view event locations and details!
Beethoven’s Ninth at the California Symphony
Sept. 21-22 | Walnut Creek
Times Vary | 1601 Civic Dr.
Instantly recognizable, Beethoven’s ninth and final symphony is widely regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces in classical music. Four internationally acclaimed singers with Bay Area connections—Laquita Mitchell, Kelley O’Connor, Nicholas Phan and Sidney Outlaw—lead a 100-strong choir of local singers from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Chorus. Bonus: Join a free pop-up play-along event before the Saturday concert. Take BART to Walnut Creek for classic fun 0.4 miles away at the Lesher Center for the Arts.
Sept. 21-22 | Lafayette
Times Vary | Mt. Diablo Blvd.
The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival is possibly the largest annual festival in Contra Costa County. Expect over 200 art and craft booths (mainly along Mt. Diablo Blvd.), a wide selection of wine and microbrewery offerings, local restaurants, food trucks and food booths. There will also be live music, a family fun zone and more. The event takes place west of Moraga Road and east of Dewing Ave., on Lafayette Circle and in La Fiesta Square. Take BART to Lafayette and grab the shuttle or walk the path south for 0.2 miles to Mt. Diablo Blvd. Just follow the signs!
Free Shakespeare at Sue Bierman Park
Sept. 21-22 | Embarcadero
2 p.m. | Washington St. & Drumm St.
Celebrate 42 years of Shakespeare in the Park this weekend. Performing is "The Tempest," which runs this weekend at its newest downtown venue, Sue Bierman Park. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and pack a picnic. Take BART to Embarcadero for a classic tale of magic, revenge and forgiveness 0.2 miles away at Washington St. and Drumm St.
Through Oct. 20 | Montgomery St
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | 736 Mission St.
The first major open-call exhibition invites Jewish-identifying artists in California to submit pieces in response to a central question: how are artists looking to the many aspects of Jewish culture, identity and community to foster, reimagine, hold or discover connection? The result? An exhibition of forty-seven artists reflecting on their connection to Judaism, the world and their own history. Expect paintings, sculptures, interactive video games, video works, photographs and more. Witness the exhibition 0.3 miles from Montgomery St.
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!
“Oktoberfest on Front” Block Party
Sept. 20 | Embarcadero
2-10 p.m. | 240 Front St.
Break out your lederhosen and dirndl! Celebrate Oktoberfest with the oldest Bavarian Beer Hall in SF at Oktoberfest on Front, hosted by the Downtown SF Partnership. Mouthwatering bratwurst, ice-cold beer, live music and traditional Oktoberfest games await. Find plenty of food and drinks, beer hall games, live music & DJs, axe throwing and a “pretzel” toss only 0.2 miles from Embarcadero.
Outdoor Rock Concert: Portugal. The Man
Sept. 20 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
7-9 p.m. | 335 McAllister St.
Head to Civic Center Plaza for a fun outdoor concert. Rock band Portugal. The Man is a festival favorite and live phenomenon. You might have heard their hit single “Feel It Still,” which earned the group a plethora of accolades – including a GRAMMY for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance." This concert is open to all ages. Just hop on BART for a fun evening in the city near Civic Center/UN Plaza.
Sept. 20-22 | 16th St Mission
11 a.m.-9 p.m. | 245 Valencia St.
Take a journey into Greek culture during the 73rd San Francisco Greek Food Festival. The huge event will showcase delicious and fresh homemade Greek food, including Spanakopita, Moussaka, Gemista (stuffed peppers), Gyros and other meat and vegetarian options. Expect plenty of vendors, Greek music and traditional dance performances by award-winning folk-dance groups. Join the intergenerational celebration 0.4 miles from 16th St Mission.
Sept. 22 | Montgomery St
10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 745 Kearny St.
Witness the traditional lion dance performed by skilled dancers to the beat of live drums. The lion will weave through Portsmouth Square. All who witness are blessed with good luck and fortune. Check out the captivating performance showcasing culture and community 0.5 miles from Montgomery St.
Sept. 21-22 | Civic Center/UN Plaza and Powell St
11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Market St., 5th to 9th St.
Enjoy a vibrant showcase of art and music across four blocks of Market St. Explore pop-up galleries, listen to live music and stop by the event hub at The Hibernia to shop at the Vendor Vault Artisan Market. Attendees will be surrounded by art covering the plazas, sidewalks, galleries, restaurants and more. Stroll Market St. between Civic Center/UN Plaza and Powell St to experience More Than Two Blocks of Art.
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!
Sept. 20 | Embarcadero
6 p.m. | 24 Willie Mays Plaza
America's finest pop-punk rebels are coming to the Bay Area this weekend. While they’re promoting their upcoming album “Saviors,” their tour also celebrates 30 years of "Dookie" and 20 years of "American Idiot." Catch the four-time Grammy winners near Embarcadero. Take BART to Embarcadero and head 1.2 miles, or transfer at Embarcadero to the Muni Metro N Line and pop out at the stadium. Learn more about taking BART to the Oracle Park here.
Disney Junior Live at the Golden Gate Theatre
Sept. 21 | Powell St
4 p.m. | 1 Taylor St.
Families are in for a treat this weekend. Everyone’s favorite mouse is visiting the Golden Gate Theatre. Mickey is getting ready for the biggest playdate ever at the Clubhouse with all his favorite pals, but mysterious weather keeps interrupting the fun. Watch the action unfold with Mickey’s friends, including Minnie, Goofy, the Puppy Dog Pals, Team Spidey and more. Catch the show 0.2 miles from Powell St.
Sept. 21 | 19th St/Oakland
10 a.m. | 2025 Broadway
Touring this iconic art deco building in downtown Oakland is a real treat. The historical landmark was restored to its original splendor and upgraded to modern standards. The building now serves all the arts. Learn more about the history of this beautiful building, which is 0.1 mile from 19th St/Oakland.
Sept. 21 | Montgomery St
Noon-8 p.m. | Howard St.
The theme of this year’s How Weird Street Faire is “Autumn Equinox." The celebration will feature an unforgettable day of music, art, costumes and dancing. Centered at Howard and 2nd Streets in downtown San Francisco, all ages will enjoy nine music stages, the art alley, a vibrant marketplace selling unique goods and an eclectic menu of food and drinks. Celebrate music, art, culture and weirdness 0.3 miles from Montgomery St.
Looking for more BARTable things to do? Grab lunch and enjoy a BARTable picnic. Take a stroll through 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
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