Ongoing summer events near BART
Friday nights at the OMCA are a fantastic way to kick off the weekend this spring and summer. Photo courtesy of OMCA.
Longer days and warmer nights set the stage for the perfect lineup of recurring spring and summer events. Something new and exciting happens every week in the Bay Area near BART, from outdoor concerts and street festivals to free movies and bustling night markets. There are plenty of things to do this summer near BART!
Use BART’s Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.
San Francisco
Don't miss Downtown First Thursdays in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Downtown SF Partnership.
Downtown First Thursdays | Montgomery St
Starting on June 5, head to downtown San Francisco on the first Thursday of every month from 5-10 p.m. for a free monthly street party featuring DJs, live bands, tasty eats and local art. This year, you can also enjoy the launch of a new speaker series at Salesforce Park and the Downtown Hoedown on 2nd and Front St. (between California and Sacramento), where you can line dance, listen to live bluegrass and country music, and even ride a mechanical bull. Take BART to Montgomery St to dance, shop, and join thousands of partygoers just steps away at Market and Second St.
Enjoy Valencia Live in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Eventbrite.
Valencia Live | 16th St. Mission
On the second Thursday of every month from May to October, enjoy a free, all-ages celebration highlighting local businesses, musicians and artists. Held on Valencia St. between 16th St. and 19th St., you can explore happy hours with tasty food and drinks, play games and make art. You can also shop at brick-and-mortar shops and the American Indian Cultural District IndigenizeSF Craft Market and listen to live music curated by Carnaval SF, Blondie’s and The Chapel, all 0.1 mile from 16th St Mission.
This spring and summer, check out Downtown Free Concerts across San Francisco. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Travel.
Downtown Free Concerts | Multiple (San Francisco)
Following the success of its inaugural year in 2024, the Downtown Free Concerts are back in 2025 to entertain crowds in Embarcadero Plaza, Union Square and Civic Center Plaza. In partnership with Another Planet Entertainment and San Francisco Recreation and Parks, we can expect renowned labels, world-class headliners and of course, vibrant San Francisco energy. The series returns with the second annual Back 2 Baysics event hosted by San Francisco’s Dirtybird (house and techno) on June 14 at Embarcadero Plaza.
The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival runs for six months this spring and summer. Photo courtesy of Yerba Buena Gardens Festival.
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival | Montgomery St
The free Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is the ultimate family-friendly activity in San Francisco. The festival runs for six months and includes so many unique performances, like Dance Outdoors with Rhythm & Motion, Red Panda Acrobats, movie nights and more. There is seriously something for everyone at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. Check out the full calendar here, and don't miss the Weekend Sessions, the Thursday Lunchtime Series, or the Children’s Garden Series. Hop on BART and find a fun, ongoing calendar full of music, dancing, theater, circus performers and world-class entertainment 0.3 miles from Montgomery St.
Visit the Chinatown Night Market. Photo by SFist (Reddit: Bernal_70/Reddit)
Chinatown Night Market | Montgomery St
Every second Friday from March to October, visitors to San Francisco’s Chinatown can experience the magic and beauty of the Chinatown Night Market. Stroll down Grant Ave. underneath beautiful lanterns, enjoy local cuisine and pick up unique finds, like handmade jewelry and art, from local merchants. You'll find the lively market on three blocks (from Sacramento to Jackson) in the heart of Chinatown. Take BART to Montgomery St to join the party 0.5 miles away at Grant Ave. and Sacramento St.
Head to Union Square this spring and summer for a variety of fun activities! Photo courtesy of Union Square Alliance.
Union Square Summer Events | Powell St
Union Square is buzzing with energy all summer long until July 31. From fitness and art classes to dance nights, movie screenings, and live concerts, there’s always something happening in the city’s most famous plaza. Families will love Family Sunday Fundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with activities geared toward 5- to 12-year-olds. Think bumble bee puppets and animal crafts! Fitness fanatics can partake in Cardio Dance Wednesdays, while arty individuals will love crafternoons on Thursdays and sketching classes on Mondays. A lot is going on in Union Square this spring and summer! Take BART to Powell St and find a variety of activities just 0.3 miles away.
Watch a film under the stars in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Park Alliance.
Glen Park Movie Nights | Glen Park
Presented by San Francisco Recreation and Parks, movie lovers can catch family-friendly films under the stars from May through July. Bring your picnic blanket, snacks and loved ones to enjoy a laid-back outdoor movie night in a beautiful park setting. Admission is free. Take BART to Glen Park and the outdoor movie screen is just 0.4 miles away.
East Bay
Gather with friends at Friday Nights at OMCA. Photo courtesy of OMCA.
Friday Nights at OMCA | Lake Merritt
Friday Nights at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) are back in 2025 from May to October. Here, you can gather with friends and family starting at 5 p.m. to enjoy live music and interactive activities. Get a bite to eat at the Off the Grid food trucks, located along 10th St. between Oak St. and Fallon St., and relax in the OMCA Garden. Snatch a picnic table or bring your own blanket to dine on the grass. A museum ticket will get you late-night access to OMCA’s galleries and special exhibitions. Take BART to Lake Merritt for a night at the museum, which is only 413 feet away at 1000 Oak St.
There's so much happening at Todos Santos Plaza this spring and summer. Photo courtesy of Visit Concord.
Music & Market at Todos Santos Plaza | Concord Station
Every Thursday evening from June 5 through September 25, Todos Santos Plaza transforms into a lively hub of music, fresh produce and fun community vibes. Shop the farmers market starting at 4 p.m., then stick around for live bands kicking off at 6:30 p.m. Pack a blanket, grab dinner from a food truck, and enjoy free tunes under the Concord sky. Take BART to Concord Station and find the fun 0.5 miles away at 2175 Willow Pass Rd.
Immerse yourself in creative community at Oakland First Fridays. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.
Oakland First Fridays | 19th St/Oakland
On the first Friday of every month through December, head to the East Bay for Oakland First Fridays. Each month is a new theme, which makes every event a fresh and unique experience. All ages are welcome to enjoy the community spirit, experience bold art, savor tasty food, listen to live music and immerse yourself in creative energy. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland for eats, beats and art 0.5 miles away at 2633 Telegraph Ave.
The Berryessa Night Market at the Garden at the Flea is a fun and unique spring and summer event. Photo courtesy of Garden at the Flea.
Berryessa Night Market | Berryessa/North San Jose
Every Friday until October, guests at Garden of the Flea can enjoy a buzzing open-air night market. Feast on bites from food trucks offering everything from tacos to corn dogs. Hunt for one-of-a-kind vintage finds and local artwork. Move to the tunes of live music or sip and savor a cold, craft beer. Admission is free and the setting is perfect for families, date nights or just kicking back with friends. Take BART to Berryessa/North San Jose and find the San Jose Flea Market just 0.4 miles away at 1590 Berryessa Rd.
Enjoy the Rock the Plaza Summer Concert Series in Lafayette this June. Photo courtesy of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.
Rock the Plaza Summer Concert Series | Lafayette Station
Free downtown concerts are popping up this June. Every evening from June 6 to June 27, enjoy live music from 6 to 8 p.m. Make it cozy by bringing your blanket and some tasty bites. Tip: check out the Lafayette Chamber’s Dining Guide for nearby takeaway options. There will also be a photo booth and complimentary popcorn. The Rock the Plaza Concert Series will also be a pre-show for the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival on Sept. 20 and 21. Take BART to Lafayette Station for weekly summer concerts 0.5 miles away at 3530 Plaza Way.
Have coffee and bites with friends at Vibe Bistro's summer music series. Photo courtesy of Vibe Bistro.
Live at the Vibe summer music series | Richmond Station
Head to the Vibe Bistro in Richmond to enjoy live music every week from July through August. Start your evening with Happy Hour from 5-7 p.m. Grab a mocktail, cocktail, tea, coffee and bites. Then the show starts at 7 p.m., get a seat and prepare for the live performances from up-and-coming artists. These events are 21+, so leave the kiddos home and enjoy a date night, evening with friends or come solo. Everyone is welcome to the summer's newest event, just 0.2 miles from Richmond Station.
What’s your favorite spring or summer event near BART?
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