BARTable This Weekend: May 16–18
Don't miss Bay to Breakers this weekend! Photo courtesy of San Francisco Travel.
All aboard for a weekend full of adventure in the Bay Area! From outdoor movie nights and musical theater to cultural festivals and San Francisco’s iconic Bay to Breakers race, there’s no shortage of exciting, BARTable events around the Bay. Whether you want to dance, laugh, eat, or explore, we’ve rounded up the best things to do this weekend. Don’t forget your Clipper card!
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Enjoy “Parade” at the Orpheum Theatre this weekend near BART. Photo courtesy of BroadwaySF.
(((folkYEAH!))) presents Devendra Banhart at the Herbst Theatre
May 18 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
8 p.m. | 401 Van Ness
Enjoy Devendra Banhart with special guest Kath Bloom this weekend at San Francisco’s Herbst Theatre. Banhart, a pioneer of “freak folk” and “New Weird America” movements, is internationally renowned and has previously performed with stars like Yoko Ono, Beck and more. For the ultimate weekend entertainment, exit at Civic Center/UN Plaza and find a passionate performance just 0.4 miles away.
“Parade” at the Orpheum Theatre
Through June 8 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times vary | 1192 Market St.
“Parade” is a Tony Award–winning musical based on a haunting true story. The courtroom drama, set in the early 20th century in Georgia, addresses prejudice and courage and leaves behind a message of hope. Entertainment Weekly called the play “the most gorgeous production on Broadway.” Don’t miss it this weekend, just steps from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
“Yellow Face” at Shotgun Players
Through June 8 | Ashby
Times Vary | 1901 Ashby Ave.
Shotgun Players presents “Yellow Face,” a funny, semi-autobiographical play that follows a playwright as he casts a white actor for an Asian role. Inspired by the real-life casting of “Miss Saigon,” this production is a must-see performance that dives into identity and the complexities of representation in America. See the show 0.2 miles from Ashby.
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!
Celebrate drag and queer culture at The Oaklash Festival this weekend in the East Bay. Photo courtesy of Oaklash.
The Oaklash Festival
May 16–18 | Multiple
Times vary | Multiple
Enjoy the Bay Area’s favorite celebration of drag and queer performances this weekend at The Oaklash Festival. The kickoff event on May 16 is at The White Horse Inn, 0.7 miles from Ashby. The Block Party on May 17 is in Old Oakland, 0.3 miles from 12th St/Oakland City Center and the Oakland Afterkii is at Fluid 510, 0.2 miles from 19th St/Oakland. Find the agenda here and enjoy the festival!
“Scottish Fiddlers” at Salesforce Park
May 17 | Montgomery St
1–2 p.m. | 425 Mission St.
The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers are heading to San Francisco this weekend, and while they do play traditional Scottish fiddle music, you can also expect cellos, guitars and high-energy beats. You won’t be able to stop yourself from tapping your toes and dancing along to Scottish jigs and reels, 0.3 miles from Montgomery St.
Sudan Culture Fest
May 17 | Hayward
Noon–7 p.m. | B Street
The City of Hayward is partnering with the Sudanese Association for Northern California to present Sudan Culture Fest in downtown Hayward. Come hungry and curious. There’ll be live music, storytelling and poetry, cooking demonstrations, traditional games and interactive fun for all ages. Celebrate Sudanese culture this weekend, 0.4 miles from Hayward.
Yerba Buena Gardens: Joe Bataan + Tall Tree and 826 Valencia Storyteller Showcase
May 17–18 | Montgomery St
1–3 p.m. | Mission St. and 3rd St.
On May 17, check out Latin music legend Joe Bataan + Tall Tree. Then on May 18, cheer on the next generation at the 826 Valencia Student Storyteller Showcase, where young San Franciscans will shine in the creative spotlight. Enjoy two days of entertainment 0.3 miles from Montgomery St.
Bay to Breakers
May 18 | Embarcadero
8 a.m. | Howard St. and Main St.
The “Bay to Breakers” is back! The historic San Francisco race has run wild since 1912, and it's as much fun to watch as it is to run. Costumed participants (think tutus, superheroes and even giant bananas) start near Embarcadero and travel across the city to Ocean Beach. Head to the starting line to witness one of San Francisco's most iconic events, 0.3 miles from Embarcadero.
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!
The spectacular "Joan Crawford Superstar" runs through May 18th. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Theater.
“Clueless” at the San Francisco Ferry Building
May 16 | Embarcadero
7 p.m. | 1 Ferry Building
This Friday, catch everyone’s favorite 90s cult classic “Clueless” on the big screen at the Ferry Building. Full of flip phones, plaid skirts, and of course, Cher Horowitz and crew — what’s not to love? The outdoor movie night at the Ferry Building starts with Drag Bingo at 7 p.m., followed by the flick and a late-night happy hour with $5 pours — all just 0.3 miles from Embarcadero.
AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration at the Berryessa Night Market
May 16 | Berryessa/North San Jose
5–9 p.m. | 1590 Berryessa Rd.
Celebrate Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders at this weekend’s Berryessa Night Market at Garden at the Flea. Choose from local foodtrucks and shop for unique finds from makers, small businesses and local artists. Enjoy community, tasty eats and handmade treasures 0.6 miles from Berryessa/North San Jose.
4th Annual Indonesia Bazaar + Food Festival
May 17 | Powell St
10 a.m.–3 p.m. | 906 Broadway
Celebrate Indonesia this weekend in San Francisco at a lively cultural showcase packed with delicious food, inspiring performances and artisan items. From traditional dance and music to flavorful bites and handcrafted treasures, this family-friendly event is not to be missed. Be ready to eat, shop, and be entertained 1.0 mile from Powell St at The Melody of San Francisco.
Frequency Film Festival at Great American Music Hall
May 18 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
6 p.m. | 859 O'Farrell St.
Get ready for the sights and sounds at the Frequency Film Festival, where film meets live music. The immersive experience blends cinema with performances for a night that’s part screening/part concert and 100% fun. Catch the show 0.6 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
Joan Crawford Superstar
Through May 18 | Powell St
Times vary | 533 Sutter St.
Step into Hollywood’s golden age with the iconic Joan Crawford. This biographical play dives into the highs and lows of a true silver screen legend. Whether you’re a classic film buff or just like a behind-the-scenes story, you’ll love the play and the Joan Crawford exhibits in the lobby. Enjoy drama and old-fashioned glamour just 0.3 miles from Powell St at Theater33 (upstairs in the Shelton Theater building).
Looking for more BARTable things to do? Try one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants near BART. Join the One Book One BART book club and go to one of its events. Or find a place to eat, before or after a SF Giants game. 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.
