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
Thursday, May 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 | 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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| 10:00 pm | “Oakland in My Soul” Jazz Concert at Yoshi’s (Jack London Square) | $25*
*Visit yoshis.com
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Friday, May 3, 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 | San Leandro’s 1st Annual “MexiPino Fiesta” (2024) | FREE |
| 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 |
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Saturday, May 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... | ||
| 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 | 2024 Bay Area Book Festival’s Family Day (Berkeley) | FREE*
*Most events are free, but a few are ticketed
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| 12:00 pm | May the 4th Be With You Celebration: Photos w/ Star Wars Characters (San Ramon) | FREE |
| All Day | Free Comic Book Day 2024 (San Francisco + Bay Area) | FREE |
| 1:30 pm | Prescott Circus Showcase: Free Youth Circus and Music (Oakland) | FREE |
| 8:00 pm | “May the 4th Be with You” Star Wars vs. Star Trek Square Dance (Berkeley) | $15*
*$15 tickets in advance/ $20 at the door
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| 11:59 pm | Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower | 2024 | FREE |
Sunday, May 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 | 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 | 2nd Annual Akoma Grand Market Celebration of Mothers: Tea & Hat Party (Oakland) | FREE |
| 11:00 am | Akoma Grand Market Celebration of Mothers: Tea & Hat Party (Oakland) | FREE*
*Market -Free, Tea & Hat Party -Additional Cost
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| 5:00 pm | S.E. Willis and the Willing (Oakland) | $25 |
Tuesday, May 7, 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 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... | ||
Thursday, May 9, 2024 | ||
 Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the season without the swiping! Join us for a fun evening of in-person connections, featuring games and art activities to keep more... | ||
| 7:00 pm | “HellaSecret” Free Thursday Night Comedy Show @ Secret Bar (Oakland) | 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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Friday, May 10, 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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| 7:30 pm | East Bay Bike Party (Every Second Friday) | FREE |
Saturday, May 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... | ||
| 11:00 am | Hawaiian May Day Festival 2024 (Hayward) | FREE |
| 12:00 pm | Rockridge Market Hall “Indie Food Fest” Tasting Event (Oakland) | FREE |
Sunday, May 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... | ||
Tuesday, May 14, 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 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... | ||
Thursday, May 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... | ||
Friday, May 17, 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 | 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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| 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 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 | SkyJam Family Festival (Richmond) | FREE*
*Free and all activities included. Suggested donation of $10 per child
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| 11:00 am | Badarikashrama’s 40th Anniversary w/ Free Food (San Leandro) | 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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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... | ||
| 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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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
|
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... | ||
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 | ||
| 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 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.
|
| 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
|
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
|
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
|
| 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... | ||
