Not everything fun has to take place in San Francisco! Here’s our picks for affordable fun events in Oakland, Berkeley and the rest of Alameda and Contra Costa counties
Don’t want just the East Bay?
Show Me: San Francisco | Editors’ Top Picks | All Bay Area Events
Saturday, May 18, 2024 | ||
 Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
| 10:00 am | The Himalayan Fair 2024 in Berkeley (May 18-19) | FREE*
*Donations encouraged at the door
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| 10:00 am | Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival 2024 (May 18-19) | FREE*
*Free for the whole family! Drinks and Food for purchase!
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| 10:00 am | SkyJam Family Festival (Richmond) | FREE*
*Free and all activities included. Suggested donation of $10 per child
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| 11:00 am | Oakland Greek Festival 2024 (May 17-19) | $5 |
| 11:00 am | Badarikashrama’s 40th Anniversary w/ Free Food (San Leandro) | FREE |
| 11:00 am | Makers Market on the Plaza (Walnut Creek) | FREE |
| 11:00 am | Lafayette Rotary’s Great Musicians Festival at the Res | FREE*
*Not specified
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| 11:00 am | Girl Gang Craft Fair (Oakland) | FREE |
| 12:00 pm | 3rd Annual “Camp For Grown Folx” Community Festival w/ Bull Riding &Hatchet Throwing (Oakland) | $30*
*Early bird tickets available until the end of March!
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| 12:00 pm | Live Chalk Art Festival (City Center Bishop Ranch) | FREE |
| 1:00 pm | The Bay’s Huge “626 Night Market” w/ 200+ Food & Shopping Stalls (May 17-19) | $5*
*$5 online or cash at the door. Children 3 and under are free. Parking is $15. Most vendors accept cash only and ATMs are available.
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| 1:00 pm | 7th Annual “Oaklash” Drag & Queer Festival in Old Oakland (2024) | $20*
*$20 Suggested Donation • NOTAFLOF
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| 5:00 pm | Artist Minnie Phan Launches Her Children’s Picture Book “Simone” | FREE*
*This is a free event, but you must pre-register on Eventbrite or call the store to ensure seating.
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| 7:00 pm | ‘Words That Made the Difference’ Brown v. Board of Education 70th Anniversary (Oakland) | FREE*
*Free with reservation.
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| 8:00 pm | 1974 A.D. Legendary Nepali Band (The UC Theatre) | $60 |
Sunday, May 19, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
| 10:00 am | Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival 2024 (May 18-19) | FREE*
*Free for the whole family! Drinks and Food for purchase!
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| 11:00 am | “Let’s Play Ball” Oakland Kids Baseball Fun Day | FREE*
*Free for all, boys and girls age 5-14 can participate in free ball clinics
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| 11:00 am | Oakland Greek Festival 2024 (May 17-19) | $5 |
| 12:00 pm | “Foodie Fest 5” w/ West Coast Makers (Hayward) | FREE |
| 1:00 pm | The Bay’s Huge “626 Night Market” w/ 200+ Food & Shopping Stalls (May 17-19) | $5*
*$5 online or cash at the door. Children 3 and under are free. Parking is $15. Most vendors accept cash only and ATMs are available.
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Monday, May 20, 2024 | ||
| 6:30 pm | Michael Leali Book Launch “The Truth About Triangles” (Berkeley) | FREE*
*This is a free event, but you must pre-register on Eventbrite or in the store to ensure seating.
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Tuesday, May 21, 2024 | ||
 One of the most socially-distant ways to have fun, The West Wind Drive-In theaters in both San Jose and Concord are open for good old-fashioned drive-in movie fun. West Wind Drive In more... | ||
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
Thursday, May 23, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
Friday, May 24, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
| 5:00 pm | “Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid” Block Party + DJs (Oakland) | FREE*
*Most outdoor activities and entertainment is free and open to the public from 5-9pm. Regular Museum applies to enter the galleries
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Saturday, May 25, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
| 10:00 am | 2024 “Rail Fair” at Ardenwood in Fremont (May 25-27) | $16*
*$16/adults; $14/seniors 62+/$13/Kids 4-17, 3 and under FREE
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Sunday, May 26, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
| 2:00 pm | Oakland’s “Whore’s Delight: A Sex Worker Social” (for Current/Former Sex Workers Only) | FREE*
*Pay What You Can $0-$1000. Event intended for *all sex workers* including indoor, outdoor, and agency workers. If you are a current or former sex worker, this event is for you.
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Tuesday, May 28, 2024 | ||
| One of the most socially-distant ways to have fun, The West Wind Drive-In theaters in both San Jose and Concord are open for good old-fashioned drive-in movie fun. West Wind Drive In more... | ||
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
Thursday, May 30, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
Friday, May 31, 2024 | ||
| Enter to win a pair of tickets to see the Grammy Award-winning 12-piece rock and soul powerhouse, Tedeschi Trucks Band on stage live for their 2024 Deuces Wild Tour at Berkeley’s more... | ||
| 7:00 pm | FREE: Oakland’s HellaSecret Comedy & Cocktail Night 2024 (7p + 9p Shows) | FREE*
*Limited free tickets with code FUNCHEAP (donations appreciated). Otherwise use code FUNCHEAP5 for $5 off early bird and general admission tickets
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| 5:00 pm | “Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid” Block Party + DJs (Oakland) | FREE*
*Most outdoor activities and entertainment is free and open to the public from 5-9pm. Regular Museum applies to enter the galleries
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Saturday, June 1, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
| All Day | Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” Free Museum Weekend (2024) | FREE*
*Free for Bank of America or Merrill Lynch Card Holders. Some venues may be closed on certain days; please confirm directly with participating museums.
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| 11:00 am | San Leandro Cherry Festival & Parade (2024) | FREE |
| 11:00 am | 10th Anniversary Bay Area Book Festival: Writer’s Day (Berkeley) | FREE*
*Most events are free, but a few are ticketed
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Sunday, June 2, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
| 11:00 am | Oakland Museum of California’s Free First Sundays (OMCA) | FREE*
*Additional $6 fee for access to special exhibitions
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| 11:00 am | 10th Anniversary Bay Area Book Festival: Outdoor Fair (Berkeley) | FREE*
*Most events are free, but a few are ticketed
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Tuesday, June 4, 2024 | ||
| One of the most socially-distant ways to have fun, The West Wind Drive-In theaters in both San Jose and Concord are open for good old-fashioned drive-in movie fun. West Wind Drive In more... | ||
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
Thursday, June 6, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
| 11:00 am | Free First Thursdays at Berkeley Art Museum | FREE*
*Free admission to galleries. Film programs are excluded. No advanced tickets required, but subject to capacity limits
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Friday, June 7, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
| 5:00 pm | “Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid” Block Party + DJs (Oakland) | FREE*
*Most outdoor activities and entertainment is free and open to the public from 5-9pm. Regular Museum applies to enter the galleries
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| 5:00 pm | “Oakland First Fridays” Street Festival | FREE |
| 6:00 pm | “Oakland Art Murmur” 2024 (First Fridays Art Walk) | FREE |
Saturday, June 8, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
Sunday, June 9, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 | ||
| One of the most socially-distant ways to have fun, The West Wind Drive-In theaters in both San Jose and Concord are open for good old-fashioned drive-in movie fun. West Wind Drive In more... | ||
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
Thursday, June 13, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
Friday, June 14, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
| 5:00 pm | “Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid” Block Party + DJs (Oakland) | FREE*
*Most outdoor activities and entertainment is free and open to the public from 5-9pm. Regular Museum applies to enter the galleries
|
| 7:30 pm | East Bay Bike Party (Every Second Friday) | FREE |
Saturday, June 15, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
Sunday, June 16, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | ||
| One of the most socially-distant ways to have fun, The West Wind Drive-In theaters in both San Jose and Concord are open for good old-fashioned drive-in movie fun. West Wind Drive In more... | ||
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 | ||
 Sometimes you’ve just got to get away from it all and clear your head with the peace and serenity of a national park. On certain “fee-free” days throughout the year, enjoy free entry more... | ||
Thursday, June 20, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
Friday, June 21, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
| 5:00 pm | “Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid” Block Party + DJs (Oakland) | FREE*
*Most outdoor activities and entertainment is free and open to the public from 5-9pm. Regular Museum applies to enter the galleries
|
Saturday, June 22, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
| 12:00 pm | 2024 Live Chalk Art Festival at City Center (June 22-23) | FREE |
Sunday, June 23, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
| 12:00 pm | 2024 Live Chalk Art Festival (San Ramon) | FREE |
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
Thursday, June 27, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
Friday, June 28, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
| 5:00 pm | “Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid” Block Party + DJs (Oakland) | FREE*
*Most outdoor activities and entertainment is free and open to the public from 5-9pm. Regular Museum applies to enter the galleries
|
Saturday, June 29, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
Sunday, June 30, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get more... | ||
Friday, July 5, 2024 | ||
 Reconnect with family, friends, and community during Friday Nights at OMCA. These free events provide a gathering place each week, including live music, hands-on activities, Off the Grid (OTG) food trucks, more... | ||
| 5:00 pm | “Oakland First Fridays” Street Festival | FREE |
| 6:00 pm | “Oakland Art Murmur” 2024 (First Fridays Art Walk) | FREE |
Saturday, July 6, 2024 | ||
 Holders of Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, or U. S. Trust cardholders (credit cards and debit cards) get free admission to eight Bay Area museums, two Sacramento museums and to more more... | ||
Sunday, July 7, 2024 | ||
 The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) brings together collections of art, history, and natural science under one roof to tell the extraordinary stories of California and its people. Sunday Hours – 11am more... | ||
Friday, July 12, 2024 | ||
| Reconnect with family, friends, and community during Friday Nights at OMCA. These free events provide a gathering place each week, including live music, hands-on activities, Off the Grid (OTG) food trucks, more... | ||
| 7:30 pm | East Bay Bike Party (Every Second Friday) | FREE |
Friday, July 19, 2024 | ||
| Reconnect with family, friends, and community during Friday Nights at OMCA. These free events provide a gathering place each week, including live music, hands-on activities, Off the Grid (OTG) food trucks, more... | ||
Friday, July 26, 2024 | ||
 Everything tastes better at night. Bring family and friends to eat all your favorite snacks at the 13th season of 626 Night Market (formerly known as the NorCal Night Market). Inspired by more... | ||
| 5:00 pm | “Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid” Block Party + DJs (Oakland) | FREE*
*Most outdoor activities and entertainment is free and open to the public from 5-9pm. Regular Museum applies to enter the galleries
|
Saturday, July 27, 2024 | ||
| Everything tastes better at night. Bring family and friends to eat all your favorite snacks at the 13th season of 626 Night Market (formerly known as the NorCal Night Market). Inspired by more... | ||
Sunday, July 28, 2024 | ||
| Everything tastes better at night. Bring family and friends to eat all your favorite snacks at the 13th season of 626 Night Market (formerly known as the NorCal Night Market). Inspired by more... | ||
Monday, July 29, 2024 | ||
 The Delta Aquariid meteor shower will be active from July 12 to August 23, 2024, producing its peak rate of meteors around July 30. However, this meteor shower is unique; from more... | ||
Thursday, August 1, 2024 | ||
 The UC Berkeley Art Museum is the visual arts center of the University of California, Berkeley. Through art and film programs, collections, and research resources, the University aspires to be locally connected more... | ||
Friday, August 2, 2024 | ||
| Reconnect with family, friends, and community during Friday Nights at OMCA. These free events provide a gathering place each week, including live music, hands-on activities, Off the Grid (OTG) food trucks, more... | ||
| 5:00 pm | “Oakland First Fridays” Street Festival | FREE |
Saturday, August 3, 2024 | ||
| Holders of Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, or U. S. Trust cardholders (credit cards and debit cards) get free admission to eight Bay Area museums, two Sacramento museums and to more more... | ||
Sunday, August 4, 2024 | ||
| Sometimes you’ve just got to get away from it all and clear your head with the peace and serenity of a national park. On certain “fee-free” days throughout the year, enjoy free entry more... | ||
| 11:00 am | Oakland Museum of California’s Free First Sundays (OMCA) | FREE*
*Additional $6 fee for access to special exhibitions
|
Friday, August 9, 2024 | ||
| Reconnect with family, friends, and community during Friday Nights at OMCA. These free events provide a gathering place each week, including live music, hands-on activities, Off the Grid (OTG) food trucks, more... | ||
| 7:30 pm | East Bay Bike Party (Every Second Friday) | FREE |
Sunday, August 11, 2024 | ||
 Get out in the open, away from city lights to see the annual Perseids Meteor Shower, the most beloved meteor shower of the year for the Northern Hemisphere. The annual Perseids meteor more... | ||
