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
Monday, November 25, 2024 | ||
 Get ready for the return of HellaFunny comedy night to Temescal with a series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. This HellaFunny comedy show takes place at the just-opened Mesa more... | ||
Tuesday, November 26, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for the return of HellaFunny comedy night to Temescal with a series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. This HellaFunny comedy show takes place at the just-opened Mesa more... | ||
| 8:30 pm | $6 Drive-In Movie Night in Concord & San Jose | $6*
*$6 for adults on Tuesday nights. Kids are $2
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Wednesday, November 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... | ||
| 4:30 pm | Thanksgiving Eve “Glowfari” 2024 Lights Festival at Oakland Zoo | $26.50*
*Adult admission tickets start at $26.50; The Zoo is using dynamic pricing, so ticket prices will vary based on date and time and purchase date. Buy early. Tickets do sell out in advance.
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Thursday, November 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... | ||
| 3:00 pm | Thanksgiving Concert & International Vegetarian Dinner (San Leandro) | FREE |
| 3:00 pm | 2024 Free Thanksgiving Vegetarian Dinner + Indian Concert (San Leandro) | FREE |
Friday, November 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... | ||
| 7:30 pm | Multi-Platinum Recording Artist “G-Eazy” Live at the Fox Theater (Oakland) | FREE*
*WIN
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| 7:30 pm | A Season of Winter Wonder at Chabot Space & Science Center (Nov. 29 – Jan. 5) | FREE*
*Some events are free, some included with admission and some are paid tickets
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| 9:00 am | 2024 Annual Holiday Warehouse Sale (San Lorenzo) | FREE |
| 12:00 pm | Visits with Santa at the Square (San Ramon) | FREE |
| 4:30 pm | Black Friday “Glowfari” 2024 Lights Festival at Oakland Zoo | $26.50*
*Adult admission tickets start at $26.50; The Zoo is using dynamic pricing, so ticket prices will vary based on date and time and purchase date. Buy early. Tickets do sell out in advance.
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| 6:00 pm | 2024 Festival of Lights Parade (Niles) | FREE |
| 6:00 pm | Better Lovers w/ Full of Hell, SPY, Cloakroom (The UC Theatre) | $27.50 |
Saturday, November 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... | ||
| 12:00 pm | “Holidays Thrift Fest” w/ 150+ Vintage Vendors (Alameda County Fairgrounds) | $7*
*Children 10 and Under are Free
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| 6:00 pm | 2024 “Magic of Christmas” Lighting Concert at Temple Hill (Oakland) | FREE*
*Reserve free tickets at https://templehill.org/event/magic-of-christmas-temple-hill-choir/
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Sunday, December 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... | ||
| 10:00 am | “Spiritual WTF” Holiday Marketplace (Walnut Creek) | FREE*
*Free admission. The first 50 pre-registrations will receive a a mystery gift bag, available for pick-up in person at the check-in desk on the day of the event.
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| 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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| 12:00 pm | Berkeley’s “Winter Witch” Yule Marketplace (2024) | FREE |
| 6:30 pm | Pet Photos with Santa (Pleasanton) | FREE*
*Price varies, please see website
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Monday, December 2, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for the return of HellaFunny comedy night to Temescal with a series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. This HellaFunny comedy show takes place at the just-opened Mesa more... | ||
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for the return of HellaFunny comedy night to Temescal with a series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. This HellaFunny comedy show takes place at the just-opened Mesa more... | ||
| 8:30 pm | $6 Drive-In Movie Night in Concord & San Jose | $6*
*$6 for adults on Tuesday nights. Kids are $2
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Wednesday, December 4, 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, December 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... | ||
| 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, December 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... | ||
| 5:00 pm | “Oakland First Fridays” Street Festival | FREE |
| 6:00 pm | “Oakland Art Murmur” 2024 (First Fridays Art Walk) | FREE |
Saturday, December 7, 2024 | ||
 Celebrate the Art of Giving at Laurel Burch Studios Holiday Gift Fair! Live Colorfully. Shop Colorfully! California artist Laurel Burch’s vibrant designs make uniquely personal gifts in colorfully creative patterns and hues more... | ||
| 7:00 pm | FREE: Oakland Comedy Saturday Night @ Secret Speakeasy (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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| 9:00 am | Oakland Holiday Marketplace (Dec.7-8) | FREE |
| 10:00 am | Oakland Vintage Market (First Saturday of the Month) | FREE |
| 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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| 10:00 am | 2024 Handcrafted Holiday Sale at Walnut Creek (Dec. 7-8) | FREE |
| 12:00 pm | Jingletown 2024 Winter Art Walk + Open Studios in Oakland (Dec. 7-8) | FREE*
*no RSVP or tickets necessary
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| 12:00 pm | 15th Annual East Bay Alternative Book and Zine Fest (Berkeley) | FREE*
*All ages welcome. KN95 or equivalent mask required inside venue. Venue is wheelchair accessible.
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| 12:00 pm | Berkeley Waterside Workshops Youth Festival (2024) | FREE*
*Free for everyone
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| 12:00 pm | HOT-Liday Bazaar – Market & Music (Oakland) | FREE*
*Donations Welcome & Will Be Donated To A Charity!!
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Sunday, December 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... | ||
| 11:00 am | La Peña’s Holiday Mercado: Shop Local Artisans & Crafts (Berkley) | FREE |
| 12:00 pm | Jingletown 2024 Winter Art Walk + Open Studios in Oakland (Dec. 7-8) | FREE*
*no RSVP or tickets necessary
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Monday, December 9, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for the return of HellaFunny comedy night to Temescal with a series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. This HellaFunny comedy show takes place at the just-opened Mesa more... | ||
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for the return of HellaFunny comedy night to Temescal with a series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. This HellaFunny comedy show takes place at the just-opened Mesa more... | ||
| 8:30 pm | $6 Drive-In Movie Night in Concord & San Jose | $6*
*$6 for adults on Tuesday nights. Kids are $2
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Wednesday, December 11, 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, December 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... | ||
| 4:00 pm | 22nd Annual Montclair Village Holiday Stroll (Oakland) | FREE |
| 10:00 pm | Geminids Meteor Shower 2024 (How to Watch in San Francisco) | FREE |
Friday, December 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... | ||
| 6:00 pm | 21+ Holiday Night Market “Twas the Night” at Children’s Fairyland (Oakland) | $30*
*$30 per person; includes TWO drinks of choice
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| 7:30 pm | East Bay Bike Party (Every Second Friday) | FREE |
Saturday, December 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... | ||
| 10:00 am | Fairy Winterland at Oakland Children’s Fairyland (Dec.14-30) | $17*
*Included with General Admission: $17 children; $19 adults; Fairyland Members enjoy 50% off!
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| 10:00 am | “Oakland Coffee Holiday Market” at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza (2024) | FREE*
*RSVP to win cool coffee prizes on eventbrite.
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Sunday, December 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... | ||
| 12:00 pm | Cheerie Emporium: A Holiday Market (Berkeley) | FREE*
*Totally free to attend!
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Monday, December 16, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for the return of HellaFunny comedy night to Temescal with a series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. This HellaFunny comedy show takes place at the just-opened Mesa more... | ||
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for the return of HellaFunny comedy night to Temescal with a series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. This HellaFunny comedy show takes place at the just-opened Mesa more... | ||
| 8:30 pm | $6 Drive-In Movie Night in Concord & San Jose | $6*
*$6 for adults on Tuesday nights. Kids are $2
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Wednesday, December 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... | ||
Thursday, December 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... | ||
Friday, December 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... | ||
| 8:00 pm | Bad Art Holiday Special (Oakland) | FREE*
*Online option to pay what feels good; $15 at the door!
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Saturday, December 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... | ||
| 11:00 am | Makers Market on the Plaza at Walnut Creek | FREE |
Sunday, December 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... | ||
| 4:30 pm | “Glowfari” 2024 Lights Festival at Oakland Zoo (Nov. 8-Jan. 26) | $26.50*
*Adult admission tickets start at $26.50; The Zoo is using dynamic pricing, so ticket prices will vary based on date and time and purchase date. Buy early. Tickets do sell out in advance.
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Monday, December 23, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for the return of HellaFunny comedy night to Temescal with a series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. This HellaFunny comedy show takes place at the just-opened Mesa more... | ||
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for the return of HellaFunny comedy night to Temescal with a series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. This HellaFunny comedy show takes place at the just-opened Mesa more... | ||
| 8:30 pm | $6 Drive-In Movie Night in Concord & San Jose | $6*
*$6 for adults on Tuesday nights. Kids are $2
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Wednesday, December 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... | ||
Thursday, December 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... | ||
Friday, December 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... | ||
Saturday, December 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... | ||
Sunday, December 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... | ||
Monday, December 30, 2024 | ||
| Get ready for the return of HellaFunny comedy night to Temescal with a series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. This HellaFunny comedy show takes place at the just-opened Mesa more... | ||
Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | ||
 Glowfari returns in November 2024! This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, more... | ||
| 8:30 pm | $6 Drive-In Movie Night in Concord & San Jose | $6*
*$6 for adults on Tuesday nights. Kids are $2
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Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | ||
| Glowfari returns in November 2024! This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, more... | ||
Thursday, January 2, 2025 | ||
 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, January 3, 2025 | ||
 Oakland First Fridays is an immersive art and community experience on the first Friday of each month from 5-9 pm for five huge blocks on Telegraph Avenue from West Grand to more... | ||
| 6:00 pm | “Oakland Art Murmur” 2024 (First Fridays Art Walk) | FREE |
Saturday, January 4, 2025 | ||
 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, January 5, 2025 | ||
 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... | ||
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 | ||
 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... | ||
Friday, January 10, 2025 | ||
| 7:30 pm | East Bay Bike Party (Every Second Friday) | FREE |
Saturday, January 11, 2025 | ||
 Enter to win a pair of tickets to see the Emmy Award winner and two-time Grammy Award nominee, David Cross on stage live for his The End of The Beginning of more... | ||
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 | ||
| 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... | ||
Sunday, January 26, 2025 | ||
| Glowfari returns in November 2024! This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, more... | ||
Saturday, February 1, 2025 | ||
| 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, February 2, 2025 | ||
| 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, February 7, 2025 | ||
| Oakland First Fridays is an immersive art and community experience on the first Friday of each month from 5-9 pm for five huge blocks on Telegraph Avenue from West Grand to more... | ||
Friday, February 14, 2025 | ||
| 7:30 pm | East Bay Bike Party (Every Second Friday) | FREE |
Sunday, May 11, 2025 | ||
 It’s Mother’s Day! Treat your favorite mom to a wonderful day amongst the roses and perhaps bring a picnic. Rose Gardens of the Bay Area Here’s a list of free rose gardens all more... | ||
