BARTable This Weekend: July 17-19

Enjoy French food and culture at the Bastille Day SF Festival. Photo courtesy of Bastille Day SF.

Every week, BARTable finds the most fun and unique events accessible by public transportation. From film screenings to live music events, there is plenty to do in the Bay Area this weekend. Check out the Jollof Festival, the Bastille Day SF Festival, the Mosswood Meltdown and much more.

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.

Check out the Exploratorium’s Life in Space exhibition for interactive exhibits. Photo courtesy of the Exploratorium via the San Francisco Examiner.

Brave New Voices Festival 
July 15-18 | Civic Center/UN Plaza (Finals event)
Times vary | Locations vary

The 29th Annual Brave New Voices Festival returns to the Bay Area with four days of events across the Bay. With the theme “All Power to the Poets,” the festival furthers Brave New Voices' belief that young people have something to say and the right to say it. Listen to talented young poets at events in San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley – all accessible by BART. The Finals Slam will be held on Saturday at the Herbst Theatre, which is about 0.4 miles from the Civic Center/UN Plaza.

Paramount Movie Classics: The Mark of Zorro
July 17 | 19th St. Oakland
7 p.m. | 2025 Broadway

The Paramount Theatre’s Movie Classics series is back! The historic Oakland theater has relaunched its popular 35-millimeter movie series, which had been on hiatus since 2018. This week, watch the 1920 classic "The Mark of Zorro," starring Douglas Fairbanks. The black-and-white silent film will feature music accompaniment by Mark Herman. Check the Paramount Theatre website for information on theater tours as well. The Paramount Theatre is just feet from 19th St. Oakland.

Oakland Ballers v. Modesto Roadsters
July 17-19 | West Oakland
Times vary | 1689 20th St.

The Oakland Ballers are home for a series of games against the Modesto Roadsters at Raimondi Park this weekend. On Friday, head to the ballpark for a special World Cup Night. On Saturday, the theme is Ballermania. And Sunday’s game will be a celebration of the late Oakland A’s legend Rickey Henderson. Head to Raimondi Park to catch the action and all the special programming. Exit at West Oakland and walk 0.8 miles or jump on the Ballers shuttle or AC Transit 22 bus to Raimondi Park.

Jollof Festival
July 18 | 12th St. Oakland City Center
4-9 p.m. | 811 Washington St.

At this culinary celebration, you’ll see West African countries compete for the title of “Jollof Rice Champion.” Sample their recipes, and cast your vote for the most delicious. Enjoy the food vendors and family-friendly activities at this festive community event. It’s just 0.2 miles from 12th St. Oakland City Center. 

Where’s Waldo Local - Rockridge
Through July 31 | Rockridge
Times vary | 5560 College Ave.

Enjoy some hide-and-seek fun while you get to know local merchants. Can you find Waldo? He’ll be hiding in 26 different Rockridge businesses during the entire month of July. Families will love joining the scavenger hunt to find the iconic children’s book character. Pick up a game card at any participating business or at Pegasus Books, and begin your search. Find 20+ Waldos for a chance to win one of 20 prizes and Rockridge gift cards. Pegasus Books is located just 0.2 miles from Rockridge BART.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Through August 9 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times vary | 1192 Market St. 

This enchanting and timeless tale, filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love, has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts an Oscar-winning, Tony Award-nominated score, including the classic songs "Be Our Guest" and "Beauty and the Beast". Head to the Orpheum Theatre for this beloved musical that will fill your heart with joy and Disney magic. The Civic Center/UN Plaza Station is just steps away.

"Life in Space"
Through Sept. 13 | Embarcadero
11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Pier 15, The Embarcadero at Green St.

Would you survive living in space? Find out what it’s like to stay alive in the extreme conditions beyond Earth at the Exploratorium’s "Life in Space" exhibition. Through science, art and hands-on programs, this exhibition is for space enthusiasts of all ages. The Exploratorium is located 0.7 miles from Embarcadero BART.

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!

Find unique vintage goods at the Wardrobe Project Flea in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood this weekend. Photo courtesy of the Wardrobe Project. 

Walnut Creek Local Artist & Artisans Market
July 17-19 | Walnut Creek Station
10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | 1375 Civic Dr.

Discover unique creations from talented artists and artisans at this exciting three-day event in Walnut Creek. You’ll find handcrafted treasures, including pottery, candles and fashion accessories, along with live demonstrations and food. Meet local creators and support small businesses in the community with fellow art enthusiasts. Take BART to Walnut Creek Station, which is just 0.4 miles from the event. 

Bastille Day SF Festival
July 18 | Embarcadero
11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Market and Steuart St. 

The 7th annual Celebrate Bastille Day SF Festival takes place at the Embarcadero Plaza on Saturday. Enjoy French food, wine, beer, culture, art and entertainment, including pétanque games and the annual Waiters Race. This is the largest public celebration of France’s National Day in the Bay Area. The Embarcadero BART Station is just beneath the plaza. 

Temescal Alley Book Festival
July 18 | MacArthur
Noon-6 p.m. | 470 49th St. 

The first-ever Temescal Alley Book Festival takes place in Oakland this Saturday, featuring a number of vendors in the alley all day. An after-party at Womb House Books requires registration, but the daytime festival is free and open to attend. Support local shops and businesses at this local literary event. MacArthur is approximately 0.8 miles away. 

World Cup Finals Watch Party
July 19 | Powell St. 
Noon-4 p.m. | 750 Howard St. 

There are several official watch parties around the Bay for the July 19th World Cup finals, including this one at Yerba Buena Gardens. Watch the game on the big screen while enjoying fun activities, live music and local vendors. Bring a blanket to enjoy a picnic during this outdoor screening. Powell St. is just 0.3 miles away. 

The Wardrobe Project Flea
July 18 | Rockridge
10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 5660 College Ave.

Explore all things vintage at this market hosted by Oakland vintage shop The Wardrobe Project. Located in the Rockridge BART parking lot, this market will include vintage clothing, accessories, furniture, home decor, jewelry, records and more. Local makers will also be showcasing their creations. Head to the parking lot of the Rockridge BART Station on Saturday to start shopping. 

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!

Enjoy the artistry of Indian dance at the NAACH SF Season 8 Showcase. Photo courtesy of NAACH SF.

San Francisco Frozen Film Festival
July 15-19 | Embarcadero
Times vary | 250 Main St.

The San Francisco Frozen Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with a showcase of films from across the globe, along with select films from emerging and established Bay Area filmmakers. Many of the filmmakers will be present for live Q&As throughout the festival. From dramas and documentaries to shorts, comedies and more, the films represent diverse styles and subjects. The festival takes place at The Crossing Outdoor Cinema, located just a few blocks (0.3 miles) from Embarcadero BART.

”Celebrate Broadway” Musical Theatre Showcase
July 17-18 | Walnut Creek Station
Times vary | 1601 Civic Dr.

The “Celebrate Broadway” Musical Theatre Showcase features Broadway classics and contemporary favorites from talented high school and college performers. Broadway fans won’t want to miss it. Held at the Lesher Center for the Arts, the nearest BART Station (Walnut Creek) is just 0.5 miles away.

Emo Night at Rickshaw Stop
July 18 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
9 p.m. | 155 Fell St. 

It’s Emo Night at Rickshaw Stop! Bring your friends, and sing along to your favorite songs. Local punk/emo band Stay Out will be doing a guest DJ spot. Rickshaw Stop is about 0.4 miles from the Civic Center/UN Plaza. 

Mosswood Meltdown
July 18-19 | MacArthur
11 a.m.-10 p.m. | 3612 Webster St. 

The Mosswood Meltdown is an annual punk, garage rock and indie music festival held at Mosswood Park in Oakland. The event is hosted and emceed by cult filmmaker John Waters and is known for its eclectic community spirit. Saturday’s performers include Iggy Pop, while Friday features the punk rock band Bikini Kill. Check out the full lineup online, and head to the festival on BART – the MacArthur Station is just 0.4 miles away. 

NAACH SF Season 8 Showcase
July 19 | 24th St. Mission
6 p.m. | 3316 24th St. 

Enjoy the artistry of Indian dance with Naach SF. This event celebrates the vibrant music and dance traditions of India through a diverse lineup of performances at Dance Mission this Sunday. Featuring classical, folk-inspired, contemporary and fusion styles, this showcase will delight and inspire. The Dance Mission Theater is located directly across the street from 24th St. Mission BART.

Check out this article to spend a day at the San Francisco Ferry Building. Or click here to learn how you can take BART to the Presidio and enjoy all the national park has to offer. Want to grab a bite before a show or concert? We have you covered with these places to dine and drink before a live show. And don’t miss the Bay Area’s top farmers’ markets. 

What are your plans for the weekend? Tag @sfbayarearapidtransit on social media and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and where to have fun around the Bay.