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
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | ||
 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, August 12, 2026 | ||
 Get out under the stars, away from city lights, to catch the annual Perseids Meteor Shower, the Northern Hemisphere’s most popular meteor shower. Each summer, Earth passes through the trail of dust more... | ||
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Thursday, August 13, 2026 | ||
 Great comedy. Great food. Great drinks. Join HellaFunny for a FREE stand-up comedy show (Free Parking, too!) at a European style-food hall Laugh. Eat. Drink. Discover Emeryville’s Favorite Food Hall. FREE HellaFunny Pop-Up more... | ||
| 7:00 pm | Oakland’s Free POC Comedy Night (Temescal) | FREE*
*Free with RSVP
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| 6:30 pm | Starry Paint & Sip: Outdoor Perseids Graffiti Workshop + Drinks (Oakland) | $45*
*$45 Adults 21+, Members get $10 off
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Friday, August 14, 2026 | ||
 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 | ACCI Gallery’s Annual Seconds Sale | FREE*
*It's free to enter, and the artwork itself is very discounted.
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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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| 6:00 pm | “Humans Only” Music Showcase in the Park (Berkeley) | FREE*
*FREE for HUMANS!
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| 6:00 pm | 2nd Friday Art Walk | Oakland & Alameda | FREE |
| 6:30 pm | Improv(e) Your Dating Life | $30*
*18+
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| 7:30 pm | East Bay Bike Party (Every Second Friday) | FREE |
| 7:30 pm | AI Revolution | $25*
*Tickets range from $25-$90
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Saturday, August 15, 2026 | ||
 Join thousands of Bay Area residents who’ve chosen Monkeybrains for fast internet, honest pricing, and friendly local support. Why choose Monkeybrains? Local Internet. Built Right. Fast Speeds | No contracts | No hidden fees RESIDENTIAL Home more... | ||
| 11:00 am | “Science@Cal”: Renowned Scientist Lecture | UC Berkeley | FREE |
Sunday, August 16, 2026 | ||
 Secret pop-up comedy show at a new bar in Temescal in Oakland Get ready for the return of our “HellaSecret” comedy show in Oakland. A new series of pop-up live comedy shows at more... | ||
| 10:00 am | Martinez Art in the Park Festival 2026 | FREE |
| 12:00 pm | “Free Oakland Up” Market: Shop for Free Treasures (Every Friday-Sunday) | FREE*
*All outdoor items are free; one free indoor item per person per day, additional items for donation. Some plants and select treasures for sale.
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Monday, August 17, 2026 | ||
 Get ready for TownBiz Comedy Night in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood—a celebration of Oakland comedy and culture with a series of pop-up live shows across the Bay by HellaFunny. This HellaFunny comedy night takes place at more... | ||
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | ||
| 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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Thursday, August 20, 2026 | ||
 Diversity takes center stage at HellaFunny’s brand new “People of Color” Comedy Night in Oakland Welcome to Oakland’s newest comedy night, spotlighting the vibrant humor of People of Color! RSVP for Free Tickets Prepare for more... | ||
Friday, August 21, 2026 | ||
| 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, August 22, 2026 | ||
 Art Bazaar with over 50 Local Artists • 20+ Street Performances from Local Bands • Pop Ups • Tastings • Offers & More Discover one of Oakland’s most unique neighborhood celebrations during more... | ||
| 10:00 am | 2026 Oakland Chinatown StreetFest (Aug. 22-23) | FREE |
| 2:00 pm | “San Francisco Mime Troupe” Live Summer Musical in the Park (2026) | FREE*
*Free, but donations are accepted | Indoors Tickets available soon | Registration opens Jul 04, 2026, 12:00 AM
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Sunday, August 23, 2026 | ||
| Secret pop-up comedy show at a new bar in Temescal in Oakland Get ready for the return of our “HellaSecret” comedy show in Oakland. A new series of pop-up live comedy shows at more... | ||
| 10:00 am | 2026 Oakland Chinatown StreetFest (Aug. 22-23) | FREE |
| 12:00 pm | “Free Oakland Up” Market: Shop for Free Treasures (Every Friday-Sunday) | FREE*
*All outdoor items are free; one free indoor item per person per day, additional items for donation. Some plants and select treasures for sale.
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Monday, August 24, 2026 | ||
| Get ready for TownBiz Comedy Night in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood—a celebration of Oakland comedy and culture with a series of pop-up live shows across the Bay by HellaFunny. This HellaFunny comedy night takes place at more... | ||
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 | ||
| 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... | ||
| 7:00 am | Free National Parks Day: Muir Woods + Yosemite for National Parks Service Birthday 2026 | FREE*
*The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours. Although the entrance fee is waved, paid parking/shuttle reservations required for Muir Woods even on free days.
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| 8:00 pm | Last Tuesdays Comedy at The Layover | Oakland | FREE*
*Free, but an RSVP is requested.
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| 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, August 26, 2026 | ||
 A global “Pay What You Can” movement led by Mexico City restaurant Masala y Maiz is expanding to the Bay Area for one day only on August 26, 2026. The idea is simple: participating more... | ||
Thursday, August 27, 2026 | ||
| Diversity takes center stage at HellaFunny’s brand new “People of Color” Comedy Night in Oakland Welcome to Oakland’s newest comedy night, spotlighting the vibrant humor of People of Color! RSVP for Free Tickets Prepare for more... | ||
Friday, August 28, 2026 | ||
| 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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| 7:00 pm | Free Bill Callahan Show: New Album Live (The UC Theatre) | FREE |
Saturday, August 29, 2026 | ||
 Crab Cove Visitor Center is part of the East Bay Regional Park District, the largest park district in the nation. Join us for the 8th Annual Fish Festival, including: *Enjoy eats from Food Truck Mafia’s more... | ||
| 12:00 pm | Richmond Art Center’s 90th Birthday Party | FREE*
*Free and Open to All, No RSVP Needed
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Sunday, August 30, 2026 | ||
| Secret pop-up comedy show at a new bar in Temescal in Oakland Get ready for the return of our “HellaSecret” comedy show in Oakland. A new series of pop-up live comedy shows at more... | ||
| 11:00 am | Free Cape & Cowl: 150+ Artists, Food Trucks + Kids Area (Alameda) | FREE*
*Free admission, no ticket required
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| 12:00 pm | 2026 Bay Area “Brazilian Day” White Party & Lavagem Festival (Berkeley) | FREE*
*Free, but donations are appreciated. RSVP Required
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| 12:00 pm | “Free Oakland Up” Market: Shop for Free Treasures (Every Friday-Sunday) | FREE*
*All outdoor items are free; one free indoor item per person per day, additional items for donation. Some plants and select treasures for sale.
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Monday, August 31, 2026 | ||
| Get ready for TownBiz Comedy Night in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood—a celebration of Oakland comedy and culture with a series of pop-up live shows across the Bay by HellaFunny. This HellaFunny comedy night takes place at more... | ||
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | ||
| 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... | ||
| 8:00 pm | First Tuesdays Free Comedy Showcase & Happy Hour | The Layover | FREE*
*Free, but an RSVP is required.
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| 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, September 2, 2026 | ||
| 7:30 pm | Hometown Free Comedy Night & Happy Hour | Emeryville | FREE*
*Free with an RSVP
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Thursday, September 3, 2026 | ||
| Diversity takes center stage at HellaFunny’s brand new “People of Color” Comedy Night in Oakland Welcome to Oakland’s newest comedy night, spotlighting the vibrant humor of People of Color! RSVP for Free Tickets Prepare for 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, September 4, 2026 | ||
| 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 (First Fridays Art Walk) | FREE |
| 8:00 pm | Oakland Critical Mass | First Friday | FREE |
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | ||
 Have you ever felt the excitement of watching your bobber suddenly jiggle, then dive out of sight? Or feeling the tap-tap-tap of a bass as it tastes the worm on the more... | ||
| All Day | Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” Free Museum Weekend (2026) | 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 | “Healthy Parks Healthy People”: Monthly Nature Walks | Bay Area | FREE |
Sunday, September 6, 2026 | ||
| Secret pop-up comedy show at a new bar in Temescal in Oakland Get ready for the return of our “HellaSecret” comedy show in Oakland. A new series of pop-up live comedy shows at more... | ||
| All Day | Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” Free Museum Weekend (2026) | 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 | Oakland Museum of California’s Free First Sundays (OMCA) | FREE*
*Free admission; additional $6 fee for access to special exhibitions
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| 12:00 pm | “Free Oakland Up” Market: Shop for Free Treasures (Every Friday-Sunday) | FREE*
*All outdoor items are free; one free indoor item per person per day, additional items for donation. Some plants and select treasures for sale.
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| 3:00 pm | Cuban Rumba Jam: Play, Sing, Dance & Enjoy | Berkeley | FREE*
*Free, but donations are encouraged.
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Monday, September 7, 2026 | ||
| Get ready for TownBiz Comedy Night in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood—a celebration of Oakland comedy and culture with a series of pop-up live shows across the Bay by HellaFunny. This HellaFunny comedy night takes place at more... | ||
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | ||
| 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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Thursday, September 10, 2026 | ||
| Diversity takes center stage at HellaFunny’s brand new “People of Color” Comedy Night in Oakland Welcome to Oakland’s newest comedy night, spotlighting the vibrant humor of People of Color! RSVP for Free Tickets Prepare for more... | ||
Friday, September 11, 2026 | ||
| 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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| 6:00 pm | 2nd Friday Art Walk | Oakland & Alameda | FREE |
| 7:30 pm | East Bay Bike Party (Every Second Friday) | FREE |
Saturday, September 12, 2026 | ||
| 9:00 pm | “FirstClass: Departure” DJ Saturday Nights | Oakland | FREE |
Sunday, September 13, 2026 | ||
| Secret pop-up comedy show at a new bar in Temescal in Oakland Get ready for the return of our “HellaSecret” comedy show in Oakland. A new series of pop-up live comedy shows at more... | ||
Monday, September 14, 2026 | ||
| Get ready for TownBiz Comedy Night in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood—a celebration of Oakland comedy and culture with a series of pop-up live shows across the Bay by HellaFunny. This HellaFunny comedy night takes place at more... | ||
| 7:00 pm | Intro to Personal Safety & Self-Defense Class | Berkeley | FREE*
*Free but an RSVP is required.
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Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | ||
 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... | ||
Thursday, September 17, 2026 | ||
 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... | ||
Friday, September 18, 2026 | ||
| 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, September 19, 2026 | ||
 Join us for a FREE, family-friendly celebration of agriculture in our community! Discover the past, present, and future of farming through hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, local farm animals, and fun lessons about more... | ||
| 11:00 am | “Science@Cal”: Renowned Scientist Lecture | UC Berkeley | FREE |
| 12:00 pm | Thrift Fest at Alameda County Fairgrounds (125+ Vendor Booths) | $11.30*
*GA Price includes processing fees. Children 10 and Under FREE
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| 8:00 pm | SFJAZZ Ravi Coltrane “Coltrane Centennial Celebration” | $37 |
Sunday, September 20, 2026 | ||
 Join us for a celebration of world-class Blues musicians, a myriad of local craft breweries, and smoking BBQ vendors. Celebrate the 9th Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ on Sunday, Sept. 20, from more... | ||
| 6:00 pm | “HellaSecret” Speakeasy Comedy Show & Cocktail Night (Oakland) | FREE*
*Free with RSVP
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Friday, September 25, 2026 | ||
| 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
|
Sunday, September 27, 2026 | ||
| Secret pop-up comedy show at a new bar in Temescal in Oakland Get ready for the return of our “HellaSecret” comedy show in Oakland. A new series of pop-up live comedy shows at more... | ||
| 11:00 am | Bay Area Queer Zine Fest (Oakland) | FREE*
*Masks required
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Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | ||
| 8:00 pm | Last Tuesdays Comedy at The Layover | Oakland | FREE*
*Free, but an RSVP is requested.
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Thursday, October 1, 2026 | ||
 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, October 2, 2026 | ||
| 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 (First Fridays Art Walk) | FREE |
| 8:00 pm | Oakland Critical Mass | First Friday | FREE |
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | ||
 Holders of Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, or U. S. Trust cardholders (credit cards and debit cards) get free admission to six Bay Area museums, two Sacramento museums and to more more... | ||
