BARTable This Weekend: Nov. 22-24
Bedford Gallery hosts the annual Craft Fest. Photo courtesy of Bedford Gallery.
Don't let the rain stop you from having a fun and festive weekend. Whether you're into Broadway hits, live music or local markets, BART's got you covered. Enjoy a live music performance at the opera or symphony in SF. In the East Bay, cheer on the Cal Bears in the annual "Big Game" against Stanford or snag a special gift at the Hella Plants Market. Keep reading our rundown of the best events happening near our stations. Hop on BART and let the adventures begin!
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Nov. 23 | Downtown Berkeley
Noon | 2227 Piedmont Ave.
Cheer on the Cal Bears as they take on Stanford in the annual "Big Game" at California Memorial Stadium. This game marks the 126th all-time meeting between Berkeley and Stanford. It’s also the last time these two will meet as members of the Pac-12 Conference. Catch the game 1.1 miles from Downtown Berkeley. Head east on Center St. and see this map for the most direct walking route. Alternatively, catch a free shuttle from Downtown Berkeley BART with drop-offs near the stadium. Service runs 2.5 hours before game time and continuously until one hour after kickoff. Service will resume at the start of the fourth quarter for postgame transportation.
Smuin’s "The Christmas Ballet"
Nov. 23-24 | Walnut Creek
Times Vary | 1601 Civic Dr.
It wouldn’t be the holidays without Smuin’s annual run of "The Christmas Ballet," which celebrates its 30th year bringing festive flair to the Bay Area. From the classical first act to the “Cool Yule” of the second, make your spirits bright with this big-hearted production. The San Francisco Chronicle declared that this beloved seasonal sensation will “drive the grinches away!” Take BART to Walnut Creek and dance 0.4 miles to the Lesher Center for the Arts.
"Kimberly Akimbo" at the Curran Theatre
Through Dec. 1 | Powell St
Times Vary | 445 Geary St.
"Kimberly Akimbo" is the winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. This new production is about growing up and growing old (in no particular order). Three-time Tony Award nominee Carolee Carmello stars as Kimberly on the National Tour. Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. In this comedy, Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure. Catch the show 0.3 miles from Powell St.
Through Dec. 22 | Ashby
Times Vary | 1901 Ashby Ave.
Don’t miss this world premiere play inspired by the Modern Love article from The New York Times. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest? Is there something that you've dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven't you done it? Tell your partner something you like about them, and more in this exploration of online dating, friendship, and the different approaches to it. This play by Shotgun Players at Ashby Stage is a must-see, and it’s only 0.1 miles from Ashby.
Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square
Through Jan. 20 | Powell St
10 a.m.-11 p.m. | Union Square
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in SF's Union Square is back for another magical season of outdoor skating and festivities in the heart of San Francisco. Hour-long sessions start every 90 minutes, so plan ahead! No skates? No problem! The ticket price includes skate rental. Hit the ice 0.4 miles away from Powell St and Montgomery St stations.
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!
Artists and craftspeople come together for a one-day pop-up shop in Walnut Creek. Photo courtesy of Bedford Gallery.
Nov. 23 | Walnut Creek
10 a.m.–5 p.m. | 1601 Civic Dr.
Bay Area craftspeople and artists are coming to Walnut Creek this weekend for a one-day pop-up shop. In its 15th year, this Craft Fest showcases jewelry, ceramics, home goods, clothing, toys and more. Celebrate independent makers and have fun shopping! Take BART to Walnut Creek Station to check out the vendors 0.4 miles away at the Bedford Gallery in the Lesher Center for the Arts.
Free Admission - Contemporary Jewish Museum
Through Dec. 15 | Powell St
10 a.m.–5 p.m. | 736 Mission St.
The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) welcomes visitors for free to allow everyone to experience its current exhibitions before it closes its doors on Dec. 15. Explore the dynamic culture of contemporary Jewish life through curated art. Five exhibits are currently on display, including the "California Jewish Open," which includes works from 47 Jewish-identifying artists. Spend the day exploring them all 0.4 miles away from Powell St.
Macy’s Holiday Windows: SF’s Cutest Puppies & Kittens
Through Dec. 31 | Powell St
Noon–6 p.m. | 170 O’Farrell St.
Rescue animals return to Macy’s holiday windows this weekend in San Francisco. Whether they’re playing or sleeping, they’re sure to steal your hearts. If you’re looking to adopt, or just looking for a reason to smile, stop by and say hello. Catch these cuties 0.2 miles from Powell 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!
Catch "Aurora" this weekend at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Photo courtesy of Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.
"Carmen" at the War Memorial Opera House
Nov. 22 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
7:30 p.m. | 301 Van Ness Ave.
It’s hard to escape the magnetic allure of Carmen. Entranced by her passionate seguidilla, the soldier Don José descends into a dangerous spiral of desire. Jealousy and obsession follow, leading to fatal consequences. Conductor Benjamin Manis leads the show. See this dynamic opera 0.3 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
Nov. 22-23 | Lake Merritt
11 a.m.–5 p.m. | 255 2nd St.
Spend the chilly weekend at the Hella Plants Holiday Market in Jack London Square. Vendors from across California will sell rare and unique plants and holiday-themed greenery to decorate your home. For a more hands-on experience, you can attend the terrarium workshop or create a plant-themed art piece. Shop to live music with the vibrant waterfront backdrop just 0.6 miles away from Lake Merritt.
Bay Area Rising Art & Music Festival
Nov. 23 | Montgomery St
4–9:30 p.m. | 2 New Montgomery St.
Experience an intimate night of music and art during this immersive show. Artists will come together to promote their new works in unique ways. Hidden performance spaces will pop up throughout the night, each showcasing a different type of art medium. From floral installations to pop-up performances, there will be something new to experience every hour of the night. The Palace Hotel in San Francisco hosts this immersive event less than one block from Montgomery St.
"Waitress" at the San Francisco Playhouse
Through Jan. 18 | Powell St.
Times Vary | 450 Post St.
Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, she fears she may have to abandon the dream of opening her own pie shop until a baking contest in a nearby county and the town's handsome new doctor offer her a tempting recipe for happiness. See this heartfelt show at the San Francisco Playhouse 0.3 miles from Powell St.
Looking for more BARTable things to do? There are plenty of ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. 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?
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