Find joy at Noite de Carnaval: A Celebration of Joy at Grace Cathedral. Photo courtesy of Eventbrite.
Valentine’s Day weekend is here—and it’s arriving alongside Lunar New Year celebrations and Carnaval-inspired festivities across the Bay Area. Whether you’re planning a romantic date, dancing through Noite de Carnaval at Grace Cathedral or welcoming the Year of the Horse at Lunar New Year festivals from San Francisco’s Chinatown to Oakland’s Little Saigon, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate love, culture and community. From concerts and ballet to block parties and comedy festivals, these BARTable events are here for the taking!
Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options. 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.
Don't miss the iconic love story “The Notebook” at the Orpheum Theatre. Photo courtesy of ATG Tickets.
Feb. 13 | San Leandro Station
4-9 p.m. | 100 W. Juana Ave.
This evening celebration features live performances, cultural activities and festive food as the community rings in the Lunar New Year together. It’s a lively, family-friendly event that brings color and energy to downtown San Leandro, and it’s only 0.4 miles from San Leandro Station.
Feb. 14-15 | Montgomery St
Times vary | Washington St. and Grant St.
Ring in the Lunar New Year by browsing stalls overflowing with orchids, kumquat trees and other symbols of good fortune. This beloved Chinatown tradition is perfect for festive shopping, people-watching and soaking up New Year's cheer just 0.6 miles from Montgomery St. The hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday.
Through Feb. 15 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times vary | 201 Franklin St.
The English Grammy-winning soul singer delivers powerful vocals in an intimate concert setting. Join the crowd for a performance at Miner Auditorium, 0.5 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
Through March 1 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times vary | 1192 Market St.
Everyone’s favorite love story comes to the stage in a sweeping musical adaptation filled with heartfelt songs and emotional highs. It’s a romantic night out that’s especially fitting for Valentine’s Day weekend, just steps from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
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 the new year at the Oakland Little Saigon Lunar New Year Tết Festival. Photo courtesy of Events.com.
Feb. 13 | Powell St
5:30-11:30 p.m. | 1100 California St.
Find the spirit of Brazilian Carnaval at Grace Cathedral. Expect music, dance and an immersive celebration filled with color and rhythm in a stunning setting, just 0.7 miles from Powell St.
Feb. 14 | 24th St Mission
10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Mission St. and 24th St.
This Valentine’s Day, take a stroll on Mission Street. It will feature local vendors, live music, and activities for all ages. It’s a laid-back way to celebrate love—romantic, platonic, or self-directed—just steps from 24th St Mission.
Feb. 14-15 | Millbrae
10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Broadway & Victoria Ave.
This family-friendly festival features traditional performances, cultural demonstrations and plenty of food to mark the Lunar New Year. It’s a weekend celebration with something for kids, adults and first-time festivalgoers alike, 0.5 miles from Millbrae.
Feb. 15 | Lake Merritt
Noon-5 p.m. | 655 International Blvd.
Celebrate Tết with live entertainment, cultural performances and Vietnamese food vendors near Lake Merritt. The festival highlights Oakland’s Little Saigon community while welcoming the new year with music, color and of course—flavor, just 0.9 miles from Lake Merritt.
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!
This Valentine's Day, head to Davies Symphony Hall for a special 2 p.m. show. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Symphony.
Feb. 13 | 16th St Mission
8:30 p.m. | 446 Valencia St.
Enjoy this bold and entertaining queer drag show with sharp humor and big performances. Catch the show 0.2 miles from 16th St Mission.
Feb. 14 | Powell St
7 p.m. | 445 Geary St.
Emmy Award winner Richard Thomas brings Mark Twain’s wit and wisdom to life in this one-man show packed with sharp satire and timeless humor. It’s a classic theatrical experience that feels surprisingly relevant more than a century later, and it’s only 0.3 miles from Powell St.
Feb. 14 | Powell St
7 p.m. | 1 Taylor St.
Experience Tchaikovsky’s iconic score in “Swan Lake” performed by an international cast of world-class dancers. Lavish costumes and dramatic choreography make this a must-see for ballet lovers and newcomers alike. Don't miss this performance, just 0.3 miles from Powell St.
Feb. 14 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
2 p.m. | 201 Van Ness Ave.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a sweeping orchestral program inspired by love. This concert offers a romantic day out in one of San Francisco’s most beautiful performance spaces, just 0.3 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
Through Feb. 15 | Lake Merritt
Times vary | 10 10th St.
This high-energy comedy festival showcases some of the sharpest Black comedic voices from the Bay Area and beyond. With multiple nights and rotating lineups, every show delivers fresh perspectives and big laughs just 0.3 miles from Lake Merritt.
What are you doing this weekend?
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