BARTable This Weekend: May 23–25
Celebrate Carnival this weekend in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Travel (Daniel Beck).
Are you ready for a weekend full of fun, flavor and festivities? From world-class musical performances and sporting competitions to outdoor movies and cultural celebrations — the Bay Area has a packed calendar of BARTable events you won’t want to miss. Don't forget your Clipper card and have a beautiful weekend in the Bay!
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You're sure to be impressed at Smuin's "Dance Series 2." Photo courtesy of Smuin Contemporary Ballet.
Oakland Ballers v. Ogden Raptors
May 23–25 | West Oakland
Times vary | 1689 20th St.
The Oakland Ballers are an independent baseball team in the Pioneer League. This weekend, you can cheer them on at Raimondi Park. Friday is Nurses Appreciation Night, Saturday is AAPI Heritage Night and Sunday is a Salute to Our Soldiers celebration. Take BART to West Oakland. You can either walk 0.9 miles or jump on the Ballers shuttle or AC Transit 29 bus to Raimondi Park.
Smuin Contemporary Ballet Dance Series 2
May 23–24 | Walnut Creek
Times vary | 1601 Civic Dr.
Enjoy new premieres and old favorites at "Dance Series 2." Artistic Director Amy Seiwert presents a World Premiere — her 13th ballet for the Company — alongside the Bay Area premiere of Trey McIntyre’s "Wild Sweet Love," plus two audience favorites: Michael Smuin’s Rodin-inspired "The Eternal Idol" and Smuin alum Rex Wheeler’s "Sinfonietta." Enjoy the performances 0.4 miles from Walnut Creek Station at the Lesher Center for the Arts.
F.W. Murnau’s “Nosferatu” at Grace Cathedral
May 23 | Powell St.
8:15 p.m. | 1100 California St.
F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent film “Nosferatu” is an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” Estate agent, Hutter, journeys to Transylvania to assist Count Orlok in purchasing a home, only to uncover Orlok’s vampiric nature. Catch the haunting masterpiece in a spectacular setting inside Grace Cathedral, 0.7 miles from Powell St.
Note: This show is sold out, but there may be rush tickets at the door at showtime on a first-come, first-served basis.
San Francisco Carnaval Festival & Parade
May 24–25 | 24th St Mission
10 a.m.–6 p.m. | Harrison St. and 24th St.
Don’t miss Carnaval San Francisco this weekend in the Mission District! The free two-day family-friendly festival celebrating global culture spans 17 blocks and features five main stages, 50 local performers and 400 vendors. You’ll love the international food, music and dancing representing Latino, Caribbean and African Diasporic culture, 0.4 miles from 24th St Mission. Don't miss the BARTmobile in the parade on Sunday, at 10 a.m.
Oakland Roots SC v. New Mexico United
May 24 | Coliseum
7 p.m. | 7000 Coliseum Way
The Oakland Roots face New Mexico this weekend in the East Bay. Coming off a 2-4 loss against North Carolina, they’ll be looking for a win at home. Cheer the team on, just 0.2 miles from the Coliseum.
“Louis: A Silent Film” at SFJAZZ
May 24 | 19th St. Oakland
8 p.m. | 2025 Broadway St.
For a fun fusion of film and live jazz, head to the Paramount Theatre for a screening of the 2010 Louis Armstrong biographical film “Louis” accompanied by a live performance from Wynton Marsalis and an ensemble of accomplished musicians. Experience early silent cinema and enjoy the combination of visual storytelling alongside live music to celebrate the legacy of jazz and its cultural roots, right across the street from 19th St. Oakland.
“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!
Don't miss the “We Are Immortal” Chinatown Pride Parade & Festival" this weekend in the Bay Area. Photo courtesy of Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco.
Salsa y Cerveza at the San Jose Flea Market
May 23 | Berryessa/North San Jose
5–9 p.m. | 1590 Berryessa Rd.
Head to Garden at the Flea this weekend for beers, tasty eats and free Salsa dance lessons. Live music from Orquesta Salson and free dance lessons by Hermosura Dance Productions from 6–7 p.m. will keep everyone entertained and moving while food trucks and tasty brews are on site to fuel the energy. Enjoy the night, 0.6 miles from Berryessa/North San Jose.
San Francisco Queer Art & Music Festival
May 23–31 | Powell St
7 p.m. | Jones St. and Eddy St.
Step into Pride month early with this nine-day celebration throughout the Tenderloin and nearby neighborhoods. Enjoy DJs, bands, drag queens and artists across multiple venues. The full schedule, including BARTable venue locations, will be announced here soon.
“We Are Immortal” Chinatown Pride Parade & Festival
May 24 | Montgomery St
6 p.m.–10 p.m. | 800 Grant Ave.
Head to Chinatown this weekend for a free community celebration co-presented by the Chinese Culture Center and Edge on the Square. The highlight is the Pride Procession led by the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) and Rice Rockettes, which moves through Chinatown’s queer landmarks, dancing at each stop before ending at Portsmouth Square Pedestrian Bridge for an Immortal Runway performance. There’s also a community resources fair, a silent disco and more, 0.5 miles from Montgomery St.
The Wardrobe Project Flea
May 24 | Rockridge
10 a.m.–5 p.m. | 5660 College Ave.
The East Bay’s Wardrobe Project Flea is a unique vintage and makers market full of clothing, accessories, home décor and art for vintage and antique lovers. Hop on BART to find unique treasures in the Rockridge BART parking lot.
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!
Cheer on the Oakland Ballers this weekend in the Bay Area. Photo courtesy of S.F. Chronicle (Scott Strazzante).
“The Princess Bride” at the San Francisco Ferry Building
May 23 | Embarcadero
7 p.m. | 1 Ferry Building
When it comes to fairytale flicks, there’s nothing quite as nostalgic as “The Princess Bride.” This movie has it all — true love, pirates, sword fights, and of course, R.O.U.S. (Rats of Unusual Size). Before the show, enjoy Drag Bingo at 7 p.m. Afterwards, sip $5 pours at the late-night happy hour — all just 0.3 miles from Embarcadero.
Salonen Conducts “The Firebird” at Davies Symphony Hall
May 23–24 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
7:30 p.m. | 201 Van Ness Ave.
Igor Stravinsky’s “The Firebird” is a vibrant Russian folk-inspired ballet. The program opens with Chorale (2002), an orchestral work by Magnus Lindberg inspired by Bach’s “Es ist genug” and also features Alban Berg’s poignant Violin Concerto — his final completed composition. Enjoy the show 0.3 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
San Francisco’s AAPI Cocktail Week
Through May 29 | Powell St
7 p.m.–11 p.m.: | 550 Sutter St.
Kick off AAPI Cocktail Week this Sunday at Pacific Cocktail Haven and enjoy a one-night-only guest shift by Jigger & Pony. Presented by Bacardi, guests can expect cocktails, bites from Dabao Singapore, DJ sets, and, of course, tasty drinks. As an added bonus, AAPI Cocktail Week is partnering with Barry’s Bootcamp throughout the week for fitness classes (Time and date TBA). The opening party on Sunday night is 0.4 miles from Powell St.
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” at the San Francisco Playhouse
Through June 21 | Powell St
Times vary | 450 Post St.
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is a Tony Award-winning play that follows 15-year-old Christopher Boone, a neurodivergent teenager trying to solve the mystery of his neighbor’s dog’s death. The heartwarming tale lets the audience peek into his world during his transformative journey. Don’t miss the must-see show 0.3 miles from Powell St.
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?
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