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, June 6, 2023 | ||
 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 7, 2023 | ||
 Spend your Wednesday nights with hella great Wing Wednesday specials, craft cocktails, an award-winning dinner menu (w/ tons of vegan options), plus Guatemalan Tamales are back and a special Wednesday Night more... | ||
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Thursday, June 8, 2023 | ||
 Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 7:00 pm | East Bay Outdoor Summer Comedy Festival 2023 (Live at Bay Street) | FREE*
*RSVP for free raffle entry
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| 10:00 am | VENOMventure Immersive Game + Earn $75 Gift Card (Berkeley) | FREE*
*RSVP required: www.tinyurl.com/venomventure
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Friday, June 9, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 9:00 am | Berkeley’s 2023 Animal Liberation Conference (June 9-14) | |
| 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. Ages 12 and under are free. Admission for members is always free.
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| 7:30 pm | East Bay Bike Party (Every Second Friday) | FREE |
Saturday, June 10, 2023 | ||
 Inferno Theatre is the first company to reopen the free summer theater-in-the park tradition at the historic 1934 amphitheatre at John Hinkel Park after a beautiful multi-year renovation, with a live, more... | ||
| 6:00 pm | FREE: Oakland Comedy Saturday Night @ Secret Speakeasy (6p + 8p 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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| 7:30 pm | “Mortified Live” Teen Angst Diaries + Storytelling (Oakland) | $15*
*Early bird tickets normally $20, use code FUNCHEAP for $5 off. After early bird tickets are sold out, prices go up.
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| 9:00 am | National Outlet Shopping Day at SF Premium Outlets (2023) | FREE |
| 10:00 am | Walnut Creek’s Elks Summer Car Show (2023) | |
| 11:00 am | Oakland’s Free “H.U.M.A.N Family Fun Day” at Lake Merritt | FREE*
*Free
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Sunday, June 11, 2023 | ||
| Inferno Theatre is the first company to reopen the free summer theater-in-the park tradition at the historic 1934 amphitheatre at John Hinkel Park after a beautiful multi-year renovation, with a live, more... | ||
| 6:00 pm | FREE: Oakland “HellaSecret” Comedy Show (Sunday) | 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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Monday, June 12, 2023 | ||
 Spend your Monday nights with hella great 1/2 off oyster deals, champagne specials, craft cocktails, an award-winning dinner menu (w/ tons of vegan options) and a special Monday Night HellaFunny comedy show! This show takes more... | ||
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 | ||
| 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 14, 2023 | ||
| Spend your Wednesday nights with hella great Wing Wednesday specials, craft cocktails, an award-winning dinner menu (w/ tons of vegan options), plus Guatemalan Tamales are back and a special Wednesday Night more... | ||
Thursday, June 15, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 7:00 pm | Karaoke by Mixterious at Bay Break Thursdays (Emeryville) | FREE |
Friday, June 16, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 7:00 pm | Win Tix: Seven Lions “Beyond The Veil: The Journey III Tour” Live at the Greek Theatre (Berkeley) | FREE*
*WIN. Winners must be 18+
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| 12:00 pm | Alameda County Fair “Summer Vibes” 2023 Kickoff w/ Fireworks & Drone Show (June 16-July 9) | $18*
*Adult tickets start at $18
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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. Ages 12 and under are free. Admission for members is always free.
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| 6:40 pm | Free A’s Post-Game Pixar Themed Drone Show | Oakland | FREE*
*Free to watch the fireworks outside of the Coliseum.
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| 8:40 pm | Berkeley’s Summer Outdoor Movie Night: “From the Rough” | FREE |
Saturday, June 17, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 10:00 am | $5 Guided Tour of Oakland’s 1931 Art Deco “Paramount Theater” | $5 |
| 10:00 am | BART “Read-In” Book Party on a BART Train (Oakland to SF) | FREE*
*Free event, but BART ticket required
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| 12:00 pm | Oakland’s 14th Annual Juneteenth Festival | $25*
*$25 GA
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| 12:00 pm | Concord’s “Pride in the Plaza 2023” Festival | FREE |
Sunday, June 18, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 7:00 pm | “Overachiever Barbie” Live Stand-Up Comedy Show (Berkeley) | FREE*
*Limited Comp Tickets. Otherwise tickets start at $18
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Monday, June 19, 2023 | ||
| Spend your Monday nights with hella great 1/2 off oyster deals, champagne specials, craft cocktails, an award-winning dinner menu (w/ tons of vegan options) and a special Monday Night HellaFunny comedy show! This show takes more... | ||
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 | ||
| 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 21, 2023 | ||
| Spend your Wednesday nights with hella great Wing Wednesday specials, craft cocktails, an award-winning dinner menu (w/ tons of vegan options), plus Guatemalan Tamales are back and a special Wednesday Night more... | ||
| 12:00 pm | Free Admission & $1 Rides: Food Drive | 2023 Alameda County Fair | $18*
*Adult tickets start at $18
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Thursday, June 22, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 12:00 pm | 2023 Alameda County Fair’s $3 “Fair Bites” Thursday | $18*
*Adult tickets start at $18
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Friday, June 23, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 8:00 pm | Win Tix: Straight Up with Stassi Live 2023 “The Mommy Dearest Tour” (Oakland) | FREE*
*Enter to Win
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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. Ages 12 and under are free. Admission for members is always free.
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Saturday, June 24, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 8:00 pm | Win Tix: Palace’s “North American Tour 2023” Live at Fox Theater (Oakland) | FREE*
*Enter to Win
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| 8:30 pm | Oakland 2023 Free Outdoor Movie Night at Jack London Square (June 24 – July 15) | FREE |
Sunday, June 25, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 1:00 pm | Doggy Pride Pawrade 2023 (Berkeley) | FREE |
| 6:00 pm | Hip Hop For The People’s 2023 Health And Wellness Summit (Oakland) | FREE |
Monday, June 26, 2023 | ||
| Spend your Monday nights with hella great 1/2 off oyster deals, champagne specials, craft cocktails, an award-winning dinner menu (w/ tons of vegan options) and a special Monday Night HellaFunny comedy show! This show takes more... | ||
Tuesday, June 27, 2023 | ||
| 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 28, 2023 | ||
| Spend your Wednesday nights with hella great Wing Wednesday specials, craft cocktails, an award-winning dinner menu (w/ tons of vegan options), plus Guatemalan Tamales are back and a special Wednesday Night more... | ||
| 12:00 pm | Free Admission & $1 Rides: Pet Food Drive | 2023 Alameda County Fair | $18*
*Adult tickets start at $18
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Thursday, June 29, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
Friday, June 30, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a 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. Ages 12 and under are free. Admission for members is always free.
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| 6:40 pm | Free A’s Post-Game “History of Hip Hop” Fireworks Show | Oakland | FREE*
*Free to watch the fireworks outside of the Coliseum.
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| 8:40 pm | Berkeley’s Summer Outdoor Movie Night: “Minions – The Rise of Gru” | FREE |
| 9:30 pm | 2023 Alameda County Fair Fireworks Spectacular & Drone Show | $18*
*Adult tickets start at $18
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Saturday, July 1, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| All Day | Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” Free Museum Weekend | 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 | $5 Guided Tour of Oakland’s 1931 Art Deco “Paramount Theater” | $5 |
| 8:30 pm | Oakland’s Free Outdoor Movie Night: “Back To The Future” | Jack London Square | FREE |
Sunday, July 2, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 11:00 am | Oakland Museum of California’s Free First Sundays (OMCA) | FREE*
*Suggested donation of $5 for GA/ additional $6 fee for access to special exhibitions
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Monday, July 3, 2023 | ||
 Get Free is a free weeklong hip hop dance festival rooted in the artistry of freestyling, experimental battling, healing through community practices, and love for Black social dance and our Bay more... | ||
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 | ||
 Pleasant Hill hosts a full day of fun activities for the 4th of July celebration for 2023. 5K RUN | 7:45am Enter the Firecracker 5K Race or kids 100 yard dash! Prizes for more... | ||
| All Day | Concord | 4th of July Parade, Festival & Fireworks | 2023 | FREE*
*Parade is free but if you're going to join the Fun Run, there is an entry fee. Please see the website for more details.
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| All Day | Moraga | Dog Parade, Inflatables & July 4th Fireworks | 2023 | FREE |
| 12:00 pm | Pleasanton | 4th of July Patriotic Concert in the Park | 2023 | FREE |
| 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, July 5, 2023 | ||
| Spend your Wednesday nights with hella great Wing Wednesday specials, craft cocktails, an award-winning dinner menu (w/ tons of vegan options), plus Guatemalan Tamales are back and a special Wednesday Night more... | ||
Thursday, July 6, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 7:30 pm | Win Tix: The “Charlie” Live Experience w/ Charlie Puth at the Greek Theatre (Berkeley) | FREE*
*WIN.
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| 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, July 7, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 5:00 pm | “Oakland First Fridays” Street Festival | 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. Ages 12 and under are free. Admission for members is always free.
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Saturday, July 8, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 8:30 pm | Oakland’s Free Outdoor Movie Night: “Finding Dory” | Jack London Square | FREE |
Sunday, July 9, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 11:00 am | Sazon Latin-American Food Festival (Alameda) | FREE |
| 12:00 pm | 2023 Alameda County Fair Final Day | $18*
*Adult tickets start at $18
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Wednesday, July 12, 2023 | ||
| Spend your Wednesday nights with hella great Wing Wednesday specials, craft cocktails, an award-winning dinner menu (w/ tons of vegan options), plus Guatemalan Tamales are back and a special Wednesday Night more... | ||
Thursday, July 13, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 7:00 pm | East Bay Outdoor Summer Comedy Festival 2023 (Live at Bay Street) | FREE*
*RSVP for free raffle entry
|
Friday, July 14, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a 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. Ages 12 and under are free. Admission for members is always free.
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| 7:30 pm | East Bay Bike Party (Every Second Friday) | FREE |
| 8:40 pm | Berkeley’s Summer Outdoor Movie Night: “Puss in Boots – The Last Wish” | FREE |
Saturday, July 15, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 10:00 am | $5 Guided Tour of Oakland’s 1931 Art Deco “Paramount Theater” | $5 |
| 8:30 pm | Oakland’s Free Outdoor Movie Night: “Minions: The Rise of Gru” | Jack London Square | FREE |
Sunday, July 16, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 | ||
| Spend your Wednesday nights with hella great Wing Wednesday specials, craft cocktails, an award-winning dinner menu (w/ tons of vegan options), plus Guatemalan Tamales are back and a special Wednesday Night more... | ||
| 7:30 pm | Win Tix: Jason Mraz and His SuperBand Live at the Greek Theatre (Berkeley) | FREE*
*WIN.
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Thursday, July 20, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
| 7:00 pm | Karaoke by Mixterious at Bay Break Thursdays (Emeryville) | FREE |
Friday, July 21, 2023 | ||
| Get ready for our “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a more... | ||
