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
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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| 9:00 am | “Let’s Paws” Benefit for Sulala Animal Rescue in Gaza (Berkeley) | FREE*
*RSVP required
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Plan Ahead | ||
| Fri, Sep 25 | $5 Off: “Your Fucked Up Relationship” Live in SF (Every Friday & Saturday) | $16.37* *$5 off with secret code FUNCHEAP (normally $21.49) No added ticketing fees. No Drink Minimum
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| Fri, Sep 25 | $5 Off: “The Ritual” Comedy Show in The Mission (SF) | $12.16* *FUNCHEAP discount code for $5 off
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Sunday, September 20, 2026 | ||
| 11:00 am | Free Manning Mud Stompers Family Dance w/ Live Old-Time Music (Berkeley) | FREE*
*Free- just walk in!
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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 | Wafful Howze | $10*
*There are various ticket packages available online
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| 4:00 pm | Impossible Inventions (Berkeley) | $5 |
| 5:00 pm | Making Tasty Treats with Acorns & Bay Nuts | FREE*
*Varies
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Monday, September 21, 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... | ||
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Tuesday, September 22, 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... | ||
| 6:15 pm | Free Outdoor Bird Ensemble + Sunset Bell Ringing 2026 (Berkeley) | FREE*
*No formal seating: sit on the stone steps, stand, wander, or bring a blanket/chair
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| 6:30 pm | Free Book Launch: Lisa Moore Ramée’s “More Trouble Than It’s Worth” (Berkeley) | FREE*
*Free but registration is required
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| 8:30 pm | Final $6 Drive-In Movie Night of the Summer in Concord & San Jose | $6*
*$6 for adults on Tuesday nights. Kids are $2
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Thursday, September 24, 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 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
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Saturday, September 26, 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... | ||
| 10:00 am | “Corgi Con” Bay Area 2026 at Alameda County Fairgrounds | $13*
*$13.44+ | Kids 6 & under FREE | Parking $15
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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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| 11:00 am | 9th Annual Bay Area Queer Zine Fest: Oakland (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, September 28, 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 29, 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 | 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, September 30, 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... | ||
Thursday, October 1, 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, 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 | ||
 With our event partner, Abrams Claghorn Gallery, we’re excited to welcome you back for our fall market, Bon Marché 2nd Hand Market: New Season, New Colors (Nouvelle Saison, Nouvelles Couleurs). Shop 20+ 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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| 10:00 am | 52nd Annual Oakland Black Cowboy Parade & Festival 2026 (DeFremery Park) | FREE |
| 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 |
| 6:30 pm | Castle Rat: Summon The Beasts Tour 2026 | $27.50*
*$27.50
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Sunday, October 4, 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, October 5, 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... | ||
| 5:30 pm | Film Screening: American Pachuco: The Legend of Luiz Valdez (Berkeley) | FREE |
Tuesday, October 6, 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... | ||
| 6:00 pm | President: North American Campaign 2026 (The UC Theatre) | $37.50 |
| 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, October 7, 2026 | ||
| 7:30 pm | Hometown Free Comedy Night & Happy Hour | Emeryville | FREE*
*Free with an RSVP
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Thursday, October 8, 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... | ||
| 6:30 pm | Dying Fetus and Sanguisugabogg | $39.50*
*$39.50
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Friday, October 9, 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... | ||
| 3:00 pm | The Bay’s Huge “626 Night Market” w/ 200+ Food & Shopping Stalls | 2026 | $8*
*$8 tickets available online only. Children 5 & under are free.
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| 6:00 pm | 2nd Friday Art Walk | Oakland & Alameda | FREE |
| 7:00 pm | High on Fire | $29.50 |
| 7:30 pm | East Bay Bike Party (Every Second Friday) | FREE |
Saturday, October 10, 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... | ||
| 3:00 pm | The Bay’s Huge “626 Night Market” w/ 200+ Food & Shopping Stalls | 2026 | $8*
*$8 tickets available online only. Children 5 & under are free.
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| 9:00 pm | “FirstClass: Departure” DJ Saturday Nights | Oakland | FREE |
Sunday, October 11, 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... | ||
| 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 | The Bay’s Huge “626 Night Market” w/ 200+ Food & Shopping Stalls | 2026 | $8*
*$8 tickets available online only. Children 5 & under are free.
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Monday, October 12, 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, October 13, 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, October 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... | ||
| 7:00 pm | Oakland’s Free POC Comedy Night (Temescal) | FREE*
*Free with RSVP
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Friday, October 16, 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... | ||
Saturday, October 17, 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 | “Science@Cal”: Renowned Scientist Lecture | UC Berkeley | FREE |
Sunday, October 18, 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, October 19, 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, October 20, 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... | ||
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | ||
 The Orionids, which peak during mid-October each year, are considered to be one of the most beautiful showers of the year. Orionid meteors are known for their brightness and their speed. more... | ||
Thursday, October 22, 2026 | ||
| 12:00 pm | The World Fantasy Convention 2026 (Oakland) | $225*
*$225 – Volunteer Rate - $150
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Friday, October 23, 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 | Halloween Market (Berkeley) | FREE |
Saturday, October 24, 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... | ||
Sunday, October 25, 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... | ||
| 2:00 pm | 2026 “Howl-O-Ween” Pet Parade at City Center Bishop Ranch | FREE |
Tuesday, October 27, 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... | ||
| 8:00 pm | Last Tuesdays Comedy at The Layover | Oakland | FREE*
*Free, but an RSVP is requested.
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Friday, October 30, 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... | ||
Saturday, October 31, 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... | ||
Sunday, November 1, 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 | Oakland Museum of California’s Free First Sundays (OMCA) | FREE*
*Free admission; additional $6 fee for access to special exhibitions
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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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Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | ||
| 8:00 pm | First Tuesdays Free Comedy Showcase & Happy Hour | The Layover | FREE*
*Free, but an RSVP is required.
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Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | ||
 Every year from September to November, the Earth passes through a broad stream of debris associated with Comet Encke. The dust and debris hit Earth’s atmosphere at about 65,000 mph and more... | ||
| 7:30 pm | Hometown Free Comedy Night & Happy Hour | Emeryville | FREE*
*Free with an RSVP
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Thursday, November 5, 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, November 6, 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 |
| 6:00 pm | Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink Opening Ceremony 2026 (San Ramon) | FREE |
| 8:00 pm | Oakland Critical Mass | First Friday | FREE |
Saturday, November 7, 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... | ||
