BARTable This Weekend: Jan. 16–19

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Cheer on the Cal Bears this weekend at Haas Pavilion. Photo courtesy of Cal Athletics. 

From Martin Luther King Day celebrations and big-time Bay Area sports events to live music, comedy, art and family-friendly fun, the Bay Area is packed with things to do this weekend. Whether you’re learning something new, cheering on the Harlem Globetrotters, or skating under city lights, BART is your ticket to make the most of your weekend. Here’s your weekend guide to BARTable events throughout the Bay.
 
Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

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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.

This weekend, enjoy ice skating at Walnut Creek on Ice. Photo courtesy of Walnut Creek.

This weekend, enjoy ice skating at Walnut Creek on Ice. Photo courtesy of Walnut Creek. 

College Basketball: University of California, Berkeley v. North Carolina
Jan. 17 | Downtown Berkeley
1 p.m. | 115 Haas Pavilion

Watch the Golden Bears as they take on North Carolina this weekend at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley. The arena is just 0.4 miles from Downtown Berkeley.

Living Jazz Presents “In the Name of Love”
Jan. 17 | 19th St/Oakland
6 p.m. | 2025 Broadway

Join the tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at this moving event featuring the music of Sly & The Family Stone at the Paramount Theatre. It’s the 22nd anniversary of Oakland’s largest civic and cultural event, and it’s only steps from 19th St/Oakland.

Through Jan. 18 | Embarcadero
Times vary | Parking Lot A, 76 Mission St.
 
Cirque du Soleil transforms Oracle Park's Parking Lot A into a surreal, high-flying world of acrobatics, dance and jaw-dropping spectacle under the Big Top. With shows running through mid-January, it’s a festive outing for families, date nights or visiting friends. Take BART to Embarcadero, then walk 1.2 miles, or transfer to the Muni Metro N Line at Embarcadero.
 
Walnut Creek on Ice
Through Jan. 19 | Walnut Creek
Times vary | 1365 Civic Dr.
 
Walnut Creek on Ice is in full swing, giving skaters a festive place to hang this holiday season to skate and slide down Frosty's Summit. The rink offers public sessions, skate rentals and a festive atmosphere perfect for families or a fun night out. The rink is a quick 0.6 miles from Walnut Creek Station.
 
Through Jan. 19 | Powell St
Times vary | 333 Post St.

It’s the last weekend to take a spin on the ice in San Francisco’s Union Square. In addition to hour-long sessions every 90 minutes, check out the following fun events:

  • Free Learn to Skate lessons presented by Kaiser Permanente, Saturdays and Sundays, 8–9 a.m.
  • Classical Sundays presented by KDFC, Sundays, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
  • Flashback Fridays presented by Classic Hits 103.7 featuring sounds of the ‘80s, January 16, 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. 

The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square is just 0.3 miles from Montgomery St or 0.2 miles from Powell St in the heart of downtown San Francisco.

"Glow" at the Exploratorium
Through Jan. 25 | 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. Find 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.
 
SF Sketchfest
Through Feb. 1 | Multiple
Times vary | Multiple
 
The famous San Francisco Comedy Festival runs this weekend through Feb. 1. Get ready to laugh at this rare opportunity to see your favorite performers throughout the city. Check out the full schedule and hop on BART to find the fun.

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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 celebration at the MLK Jr. Day Music Festival at Yerba Buena Gardens. Photo courtesy of DoTheBay.

Join the celebration at the MLK Jr. Day Music Festival at Yerba Buena Gardens. Photo courtesy of DoTheBay. 

Lunar New Year Lion Dancing Festival at 16 SF Libraries
Jan. 17 | Multiple
10:15 a.m.–5:30 p.m. | Multiple

Ring in the Lunar New Year with vibrant lion dance performances held at library branches across San Francisco. These family-friendly events celebrate tradition, community, and good fortune with music, movement, and plenty of color.

“Civic Symphony” Free Concerts
Jan. 18 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
3 p.m. | 401 Van Ness Ave.

Enjoy a free afternoon concert featuring classical and contemporary works performed by the Civic Symphony at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. The program is enjoyable for all ages and is only 0.4 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.

MLK 2026 Commemorative Transportation
Jan. 19 | Multiple
8:30 a.m.–7 p.m. | Multiple

Ride Caltrain and BART for free to attend Martin Luther King Day celebrations honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The special service makes it easier to join community events, performances, and speakers throughout the day at multiple BARTable locations.

MLK Jr. Day Music Festival at Yerba Buena Gardens
Jan. 19 | Montgomery St
1–3:30 p.m. | 773 Mission St.

This free outdoor festival features live music, cultural performances and community programming in celebration of MLK Day. Bring a blanket and enjoy an afternoon of music in the heart of downtown San Francisco, just 0.3 miles from Montgomery St.

MoAD Free Museum Day on MLK Day
Jan. 19 | Montgomery St
11 a.m.–5 p.m. | 685 Mission St.

Celebrate MLK Day with free admission to the Museum of the African Diaspora, featuring exhibitions focused on Black culture, history and global influence. Visitors can explore galleries, installations and special programming throughout the day, just 0.2 miles from Montgomery St.

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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!

Don't miss the Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour. Photo courtesy of SF Station.

Don't miss the Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour. Photo courtesy of SF Station. 

Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons at Oakland Rotunda
Jan. 17 | 12th St/Oakland City Center
8:45 p.m. | 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza

Experience the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons reimagined by a live string ensemble in a candlelit setting. The Oakland Rotunda provides a dramatic backdrop for this intimate and atmospheric concert, and it’s just steps from 12th St/Oakland City Center.

Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center
Jan. 17 & 19 | Powell St or 16th St Mission
8 p.m. | 1 Warriors Way

The Golden State Warriors take on the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night and the Miami Heat on Sunday. Enjoy the game(s)! Take BART to Powell St or 16th St Mission, then walk or take Muni to Chase Center to catch the show.

The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour
Through Jan. 18 | Powell St or 16th St Mission
3 p.m. | 1 Warriors Way

Celebrate a century of basketball entertainment with the Harlem Globetrotters’ high-energy, family-friendly show. Expect jaw-dropping tricks, comedy and audience interaction at the Chase Center. Take BART to Powell St or 16th St Mission and walk or hop on Muni to the Chase Center to catch the show.

San Francisco Art Week
Through Jan. 25 | Multiple
Times vary | Multiple

San Francisco Art Week brings together galleries, museums and pop-up exhibitions throughout San Francisco. You’ll find special openings, talks and events highlighting work by established and emerging Bay Area artists at multiple BARTable locations. Find the full list of participants here

“The Book of Mormon” at the Orpheum Theatre
Through Feb. 1 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times vary | 1192 Market St.

The Tony Award–winning musical comedy delivers outrageous humor, unforgettable songs and sharp satire. It’s a must-see Broadway favorite now playing in San Francisco for a limited run at the Orpheum Theatre, just a few steps from Civic Center/UN Plaza.

What are you doing this weekend?

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