BARTable This Weekend: July 31-Aug. 2
Catch a screening of “Happy Gilmore” at Jack London Square’s Waterfront Flicks series. Photo courtesy of Jack London Square (via KQED).
Every week, BARTable finds the most fun and unique events accessible by public transportation. From local sports to stand-up comedy, there is plenty to do in the Bay Area this weekend. Check out the Fremont Festival of the Arts, the Mission Arts Performance Project and much more.
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Enjoy the work of celebrated choreographers at “ODC/Dance Presents: Summer Sampler.” Photo courtesy of ODC.
Merola Opera Program Summer Festival
July 30-Aug. 1 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times vary | 50 Oak St.
Catch opera’s rising stars at the Merola Opera Program Summer Festival, which includes a performance of “Ariadne auf Naxos.” Merola trains and develops some of the world’s finest young opera singers, pianists/coaches and stage directors. This is your opportunity to see them in action. The performances will be held at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, located about 0.4 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
ODC/Dance Presents: Summer Sampler
July 30-Aug. 2 | 16th St. Mission
7:30 p.m. | 3153 17th St.
Savor the richness of summer with a taste of ODC/Dance. Catch the celebrated return of ODC Fellow KT Nelson’s “surreal and compassionate” “Nothing's Gonna Make Sense (Reflections on Grief),” Co-Artistic Director Mia J. Chong’s world premiere in collaboration with EIGHT/MOVES, and Guest Choreographer Catherine Galasso’s world premiere, “UNRELIABLE NARRATOR,” drawn from the lives and artistry of ODC’s founding women, Brenda Way, Kimi Okada and KT Nelson, featuring candid interviews with each alongside rare stage appearances. Get 15% off with code BART2ODC at checkout on the discount page here. The 16th St. Mission BART Station is just a short walk (about 0.3 miles) away.
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.
Oakland Ballers v. RedPocket Mobiles
July 31-Aug. 2 | West Oakland
Times vary | 1689 20th St.
The Oakland Ballers are home for a series of games against the RedPocket Mobiles at Raimondi Park this weekend. On Friday, head to the ballpark for a special Grateful Dead Night. On Saturday, it’s Public Transit Night with a “Ride the Rally” theme. And don’t miss the family fun on Sunday with a “Soak the Town Sunday” theme. Take BART 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.
Paramount Theatre Tour
Aug. 1 | 19th St. Oakland
10 a.m. | 2025 Broadway
Join a public tour of the Paramount Theatre in Oakland. This Art Deco concert hall was built in 1931 and has been designated as a U.S. National Historical Landmark. Take a 90-minute tour to see the theater in all its splendor and learn more about the history of this cultural gem. Tours begin at 10 a.m. at the Box Office entrance on 21st St. near Broadway. The Paramount Theatre is just feet from the 19th St. Oakland Station.
Fremont Festival of the Arts
Aug. 1-2 | Fremont Station
10 a.m.-6 p.m. | 3500 Capitol Ave.
Head to downtown Fremont for the family-friendly Fremont Festival of the Arts. The event features hundreds of top-quality arts and crafts booths, artisanal prepackaged food sales in a Gourmet Marketplace, food trucks, Kid City, street performers and much more. Attracting more than 150,000 people every year, the festival is a local treat for Fremont and beyond. The Fremont Station is about a mile away and less than a 15-minute walk to the action around the intersection of Paseo Padre Pkwy and Walnut Ave.
Jerry Day
Aug. 1 | Balboa Park
11:30 a.m.-5:45 p.m. | 45 John F. Shelley Drive
Join the 24th annual Jerry Day, San Francisco's free outdoor tribute to Jerry Garcia, this Saturday at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park. Since 2002, this beloved community festival has drawn thousands of fans for a day of live music, food and Grateful Dead spirit in the neighborhood where Jerry grew up. Presented by Friends of Jerry Garcia Amphitheater (FOJGA), Jerry Day is free and family-friendly. Skip the parking hassle — take BART to Balboa Park and transfer to Muni 29 Sunset to Jerry Garcia Amphitheater. Celebrate Jerry's legacy, San Francisco style.
Oakland Roots v. Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Aug. 1 | Coliseum
7 p.m. | 700 Coliseum Way
Head to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on Saturday to watch the Oakland Roots SC take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. With a “Super Hyphy Night” theme featuring rapper Keak da Sneak, the event is sure to be a treat. The Roots have seen large turnouts at home games this year, as Bay Area soccer fans continue to support the team. Catch the action just 0.1 miles from the Coliseum BART Station.
Sundays at the Asian Art Museum
Aug. 2 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
10:30 a.m. | 2025 Broadway
Make your way to the Asian Art Museum on Sunday for a series of activities and tours. Witness the final judging and showcase of the Youth Industrial Design Competition or take a mahjong lesson and play all day. Art activities include a brush painting workshop. You can also sign up for a tour to explore the museum. The Museum is just 0.2 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza BART.
Color Your Mind at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Aug. 2 | Montgomery St.
Noon-5 p.m. | Mission St. between 3rd & 4th St.
“Color Your Mind” is a gathering of musicians dedicated to expanding the boundaries of classical Indian music and related traditions into exciting new territory. This year’s program features the Carnatic violinist and vocalist Sruti Sarathy, multi-instrumentalist Siddique Ahmed (aka Sohrab) and Delhi-born Suhail Yusuf Khan, who hails from a musical dynasty, on vocals and sarangi. Kathak dancer Labonee Mohanta and Indian music collective Bay Raagis are special guest performers. Take BART to Montgomery St. or Powell St., both of which are about 0.3 miles to the Great Lawn at Yerba Buena Gardens.
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!
Enjoy music, food and games at “Fridays on Front Street” in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Downtown SF Partnership via Eventbrite.
Fridays on Front Street
July 31 | Montgomery St.
4-9 p.m. | 240 Front St.
This free downtown San Francisco block party transforms Front Street into an open-air celebration with live DJs, food and drink specials, games and plenty of summer energy. The July edition leans into a playful "Brat + Bratwurst Summer" theme with a Charli XCX look-alike contest, Y2K-inspired activities and local vendors alongside outdoor dancing and street-side fun. Whether you're stopping by after work or making an evening of it, this “Fridays on Front Street” event is a great way to kick off the weekend. Montgomery St. is about 0.6 miles away.
Mission Arts Performance Project
Aug. 1 | 24th St. Mission
Times vary | Mission District (venues vary)
Mission Arts Performance Project (MAPP) takes common spaces in San Francisco’s Mission District and, for one evening, transforms them into art and cultural spaces with live music, spoken word, performance art, film and more. From street corners to cafes and taquerias, your surroundings will be full of surprises at this delightful event. Focused on building culture and community in the Mission District, MAPP has been taking place in the neighborhood for more than 20 years. Performances will take place in various sites within walking distance of the 24th St. Mission and 16th St. Mission BART stations.
Waterfront Flicks: Maleficent
Aug. 1 | 12 St. Oakland City Center
8:30 p.m. | 472 Water St. (Jack London Square)
Head to Jack London Square for an outdoor screening of “Maleficent.” Beginning shortly after dusk, this 1996 comedy classic is part of the Square’s Waterfront Flicks series. Bring a blanket, lawn chair and some takeout food from one of the many restaurants in the Square. Set up your seats at the Ferry Lawn in front of Rosenblum, 0.7 miles from 12th St. Oakland City Center BART.
Summer Concert at the Lake Merritt Bandstand
Aug. 2 | 19th St. Oakland
1-3 p.m. | 666 Bellevue Ave.
Enjoy live music at Lake Merritt with the free Concerts at the Lake series. Hosted by the Oakland Municipal Band at the Edoff Memorial Bandstand in Lakeside Park, the 35-piece band led by conductor Kaitlin Bove performs family-friendly seasonal programs. This Sunday’s event features a special “Ritmos Latinos” Latin dance finale. The 19th St. Oakland BART Station is just 0.8 miles from the bandstand.
Castro Art Mart
Aug. 2 | 16th St. Mission
2-7 p.m. | Noe St. at Market St.
The Castro Art Mart is where art, music and community come together. Celebrate local creativity while browsing artwork from Bay Area artists. Featuring live DJ sets and drag performances, this is a great way to spend an afternoon in the Castro. Located next to the Lookout Bar on Noe St. between Castro St. and Beaver St., the Art Mart is about 0.75 miles from 16th St. Mission.
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!
Watch amazing acrobatics while celebrating the city at “Dear San Francisco.” Photo courtesy of Club Fugazi.
"Dear San Francisco"
July 29-Jan. 10 | Montgomery St.
Times vary | 678 Green St.
Opening July 29th, “Dear San Francisco” is an acrobatic tribute to the City by the Bay, combining circus arts, local history and immersive theater. Enjoy this unique show in the heart of North Beach. Held at Club Fugazi (former home of Beach Blanket Babylon), audience members can enjoy a curated menu of small bites and beverages during the production. Montgomery St. and Embarcadero are just under a mile away.
Monsieur Periné at the SFJAZZ Center
July 30-Aug. 2 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Times vary | 201 Franklin St.
Featuring singer Catalina García and guitarist Santiago Prieto, Monsieur Periné got its start in Bogotá, Colombia over a decade ago. Winner of the 2015 Latin GRAMMY for Best New Artist, the band blends 1930s-style music with the sounds of contemporary Latin American pop. Don’t miss this chance to hear them live in San Francisco. SFJAZZ is approximately 0.6 miles from the Civic Center/UN Plaza.
“The Heart of Town” Grateful Dead Celebration
July 31-Aug. 2 | Embarcadero
Times vary | Pier 48
Celebrate the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary with live music at Pier 48 in San Francisco. This three-night concert series is hosted by Grahame Lesh & Friends and features a number of special guests. A thematic vending village will include rows of tapestry and jewelry retailers, and a food village will offer tasty bites from food trucks. Enjoy the music about a mile and a half from Embarcadero Station, where you can catch the Muni N Judah Line and get off at the 2nd & King Station, leaving you with a short walk to Pier 48.
Hayes Valley Comedy Night
July 31-Aug. 2 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
7 p.m. | 1414 Market St.
Hayes Valley Comedy Night presents nightly comedy shows at The Function, San Francisco’s first Black-owned comedy club. Enjoy a 70-90 minute show with four or five comics on the bill. It’s a showcase of some of the best of San Francisco comedy each night. The venue is just about 0.3 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
Best of San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy
Aug. 1 | Walnut Creek Station
8:15-9:30 p.m. | 1601 Civic Dr.
Hear some of the hottest up-and-coming comedy acts in San Francisco without a trip to the city. The Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek hosts this comedy showcase Saturday night. Approximately 75 minutes with no intermission, it’s sure to be a night of laughs. The Lesher Center is about 0.8 miles from the Walnut Creek Station.
Bay Area Derby Summer Slam
Aug. 1 | Richmond Station
4-9 p.m. | 403 Civic Center Plaza
Summer is here and so is Bay Area Derby’s Home Team Season! Join the Oakland Outlaws and the San Francisco Rolling Dead for a special 2026 Summer Slam celebration! Expect vendors, food, drinks, and most important of all– roller derby! This is perfect for a friends’ night out, date night, or even family fun! Take BART to Richmond Station, and the derby is 0.7 miles away.
Check out this article if you want to play tourist for a day in San Francisco. Or click here for 13 great places to grab a margarita. Want to catch a movie by BART? We have you covered with these BARTable movie theaters. And don’t miss these kid-friendly summer activities near BART.
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