BARTable This Weekend: Jan. 17-20

BARTable partners with local organizations located near BART stations to shine a light on the incredible diversity of businesses, restaurants and happenings that are easily accessible by transit. Our partners provide special deals and prizes for our weekly giveaways, which you can find on our Contest and Deals page. Interested in becoming a BARTable partner? Learn more here.

Enjoy the Oakland Chinatown Lunar New Year Bazaar this weekend! Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland. 

Meshell Ndegeocello

Jan. 17-19 | Civic Center/UN Plaza

Times Vary | 201 Franklin St.

Meshell Ndegeocello, the Grammy-winning bassist, singer and songwriter, is set to perform her latest project, "No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin," at SFJAZZ's Miner Auditorium. The life and work of this renowned writer and activist inspires this performance. Find SFJAZZ Miner Auditorium in 0.5 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.

Living Jazz MLK Tribute "In the Name of Love"
Jan. 18 | 19th St/Oakland
7 p.m. | 2025 Broadway

Living Jazz, in partnership with SFJAZZ, presents the 21st annual "In the Name of Love" tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event celebrates Dr. King's legacy through Aretha Franklin's iconic music and features performances by Dee Dee Simon, Chika Di, Bryan Dyer and more. Catch the show just steps from 19th St/Oakland at the historic Paramount Theatre. 

Oakland Chinatown Lunar New Year Bazaar
Jan. 18-19 | 12th St/Oakland City Center
10 a.m.–5 p.m. | 388 9th St. 

The Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce presents its 33rd annual Lunar New Year Bazaar. The two-day, family-friendly event celebrates the Year of the Snake. It showcases Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese traditions (along with other cultures and art associated with the Lunar New Year). Enjoy entertainment, art, food and beverages while supporting local businesses 0.2 miles from 12th St/Oakland City Center. 

Walnut Creek on Ice 
Through Jan. 20 | Walnut Creek
Times vary | 1365 Civic Dr.

Glide on over to Walnut Creek on Ice, where the 19th season of the beloved family fun rink is in full swing in the heart of downtown Civic Park. The rink welcomes skaters of all ages and abilities and new this year, Frosty’s Summit! Hop on an inner tube and zoom down the 90-foot snow slide. Then, take a spin on the Bay Area’s largest covered ice rink! Skate off at Walnut Creek Station and glide 0.7 miles to the rink.

Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square
Through Jan. 20 | Powell St or Montgomery St
10 a.m.–11 p.m. | Union Square

The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in SF's Union Square is in its last weekend of magical and seasonal outdoor skating 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. 

“Some Like it Hot” at the Orpheum Theatre
Through Jan. 26 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times Vary | 1192 Market St. 

The musical theater adaptation of the 1959 film “Some Like It Hot” has won four Tony Awards and a Grammy. The funny story follows two musicians forced to flee Chicago after witnessing a murder. Chased by gangsters, they board a train and embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’ll love this hilarious show at the Orpheum Theater, which is only steps from Civic Center/UN Plaza.  

"Glow" at the Exploratorium
Through Jan. 26 | Embarcadero
10 a.m.–11 p.m. | Pier 15 Embarcadero at Green St.

Learn about science and light at this winter wonderland exhibit at San Francisco’s Exploratorium. Here, you can see dazzling artwork, play experimental LED dungeon crawlers, paint the walls with digital light and shadow, walk inside hypnotic 3D illusions and more. Find delightful surprises around every corner 0.6 miles from Embarcadero.

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!

Join the Annual Martin Luther King Day March & Parade Over the Bridge this weekend. Photo courtesy of Funcheap.

Vietnamese New Year Tet Festival
Jan. 18 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Larkin St. at Eddy St.

San Francisco's Vietnamese New Year Tet Festival celebrates the Lunar New Year with traditional performances, tasty bites from food vendors and family-friendly cultural activities. Immerse yourself in colorful sights and beautiful sounds as we welcome the Year of the Snake. Exit BART at Civic Center/UN Plaza and find the fun 0.4 miles away.

Little Saigon Lunar New Year Tết Festival
Jan. 19 | Lake Merritt
11 a.m.–3 p.m. | 655 International Blvd. 

Organized by the Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, the Oakland Little Saigon Tết Festival celebrates the Lunar New Year with cultural performances, like traditional lion dances and firecrackers. You can also enjoy Asian cuisine and a bustling marketplace full of unique crafts and gifts just 0.9 miles from Lake Merritt.

MoAD Free Museum Day on MLK Day
Jan. 20 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
11 a.m.–5 p.m. | 685 Mission St. 

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, the Museum of African Diaspora offers free admission to the museum and its art, performance and music programs throughout the day. Enjoy contemporary art celebrating Black culture and celebrate the life of one of our nation's greatest heroes 0.2 miles from Montgomery St.

Annual MLK Day March & Parade Over the Bridge
Jan. 20 | Powell St
11 a.m. | 100 4th St. 

San Francisco's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day March and Parade is a 1.5-mile commemorative journey starting at the San Francisco Caltrain Station. It crosses the Lefty O'Doul Bridge and pauses at Willie Mays Plaza at Oracle Park to honor the historic Selma to Montgomery marches before concluding at Yerba Buena Gardens with a commemoration of Dr. King's legacy. Join the annual tradition 0.3 miles from Powell St.

MLK Jr. Day Music Festival at Yerba Buena Gardens
Jan. 20 | Montgomery St
1-3 p.m. | 773 Mission St. 

The 14th annual MLK Music Festival hosted by the NorcalMLK Foundation celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through an exciting afternoon of music by Grammy Award-winning artists and local performers. Enjoy community, uplifting performances and honor the profound legacy of Dr. King’s message 0.3 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!

Be entertained this weekend by the Harlem Globetrotters with basketball artistry. Photo courtesy of SF Station. 

Harlem Globetrotters at Oakland Arena
Jan. 17 | Coliseum
7 p.m. | 7000 South Coliseum Way

The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their 2025 World Tour to the Bay! Witness elite basketball artistry, with plenty of trick shots, mesmerizing ball-handling skills and slam dunks. Head to Coliseum for the ultimate sports entertainment. The show is just 0.5 miles across the BART Pedestrian Bridge at the Oakland Arena. 

"Musical Diversions"
Jan. 17 | Downtown Berkeley 
7:30 p.m. | 2345 Channing Way

New Century Chamber Orchestra presents "Musical Diversions" at the First Congregational Church in Berkeley. The show features acclaimed pianist Inon Barnatan and trumpeter Brandon Ridenour and includes C.P.E. Bach's dramatic Keyboard Concerto, Dmitri Shostakovich's lively Piano Concerto and Bela Bartók's jubilant Hungarian folk rhythms. Don't miss "Musical Diversions," 0.6 miles away from Downtown Berkeley.

Kathy Griffin at The Masonic
Jan. 18 | Powell St
8 p.m. | 1111 California St. 

Two-time Emmy and Grammy award-winning comedian Kathy Griffin is heading to the Bay this weekend. Her latest stand-up show, "My Life on the PTSD List," is part of her first tour in six years. Exit BART at Powell St and the laughing starts 0.7 miles away at The Masonic.

San Francisco Sketchfest 
Through Feb. 2 | Multiple
Times Vary | Multiple

Sketchfest is back to celebrate its 22nd year in San Francisco. Catch a show in various venues across the city. Expect a diverse lineup of performers, including emerging talents and legendary names in comedy. Laugh all night at this must-attend event for comedy enthusiasts at many BARTable locations throughout San Francisco.

Golden State Warriors v. Boston Celtics
Jan. 20 | Powell St or 16th St/Mission
2 p.m. | 1 Warriors Way

The Golden State Warriors face the Boston Celtics at the Chase Center this weekend. Their last meeting resulted in a 118-112 victory to the Warriors. Let’s hope we get another win! Take BART to Powell St or 16th St Mission and walk or hop on Muni to the Chase Center. For more travel details, visit Take BART to the Game.

Looking for more BARTable things to do? Try one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants near BART. Stay warm at these indoor attractions and museums. Or visit an indoor attraction with friends and family. 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.