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
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... | ||
| 11:00 am | Oakland’s “Trunk or Treat” at the Lake (Lake Merrit) | FREE |
| 2:00 pm | Trick or Treat in Oakland Chinatown | FREE |
Plan Ahead | ||
| Sat, Oct 31 | $5 Off: “The Confessional” SF’s Wild “Sins & Secrets” Improv Comedy Show | $11.94* *$5 off with secret code FUNCHEAP (normally $17.12) No added ticketing fees. No Drink Minimum
|
| Sat, Oct 31 | $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
|
Friday, October 30, 2026 | ||
| 7:00 pm | Sci-Fi Night: “Little Shop of Horrors” w/ Carnivorous Plants at Chabot (Oakland) | $20*
*$20 18+, $10 for Members
|
| 8:00 pm | Bad Movies, Good Comedy: Halloween Eve Riff Night in Oakland | $20*
*First 15 tickets are $15 (early bird)
|
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... | ||
| 12:00 pm | Free Halloween Spooktacular: Trick-Or-Treat Trail + Goodie Bags (Pleasant Hill) | FREE |
| 2:00 pm | Free 20th Annual Scraper Bike Day Halloween Ride + Trunk-or-Treat (Oakland) | FREE*
*Free Event-Free Parking- Family Friendly Event
|
| 3:00 pm | Classic 1931 “Frankenstein” 35mm Movie + Live Organ on Halloween (Paramount Theatre) | $10*
*All Movie Classics tickets are $10.00 per person, includes $4.00 restoration fee. All ages require a ticket, no children under 2 years.
|
| 6:00 pm | “Hot Art” Halloween Iron Pour: Molten Metal + Fire Arts at The Crucible (Oakland) | $12*
*Ticket includes entry to the event, live demonstrations, and guided studio tours. Additional cost for optional hands-on activities and food/drinks.
|
| 8:00 pm | 4th Annual Lord of the Rings Square Dance (Berkeley) | $20*
*$15 students. $20 advance tickets. $25 at the door
|
| 8:30 pm | 24th Annual Starry Plough Murder Ballads Bash (Berkeley) | $16*
*$16 adv / $20 door
|
|
| ||
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... | ||
| 10:00 am | Oakland’s 31st Annual Dia de Los Muertos Festival in Fruitvale (2026) | FREE |
| 11:00 am | Oakland Museum of California’s Free First Sundays (OMCA) | FREE*
*Free admission; additional $6 fee for access to special exhibitions
|
| 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.
|
| 12:00 pm | Día De Muertos Fiesta 2026 w/ Cumbia DJs (Oakland) | FREE*
*All ages.
|
| 3:00 pm | Cuban Rumba Jam: Play, Sing, Dance & Enjoy | Berkeley | FREE*
*Free, but donations are encouraged.
|
| 5:00 pm | Día de Muertos Celebración: Ceremony, Ofrenda, Son Jarocho & Food (Berkeley) | FREE*
*Free admission; donations encouraged.
|
| 7:00 pm | Pigeons Playing Ping Pong | $35 |
Monday, November 2, 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, November 3, 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.
|
| 8:30 pm | $6 Drive-In Movie Night in Concord & San Jose | $6*
*$6 for adults on Tuesday nights. Kids are $2
|
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
|
Thursday, November 5, 2026 | ||
 The 30th Arab Film Festival opens on Thursday November 5th with El Sett, Marwan Hamed’s sweeping portrait of Umm Kulthum, the most iconic Arab singer of all time. The program spans 10 more... | ||
| 7:00 pm | Oakland’s Free POC Comedy Night (Temescal) | FREE*
*Free with RSVP
|
| 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, 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 | Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink Opening Ceremony 2026 (San Ramon) | FREE |
| 6:00 pm | Oakland Art Murmur (First Fridays Art Walk) | FREE |
| 6:00 pm | Mini Masterpieces Holiday Gifts Show 2026 | FREE*
*RSVP
|
| 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... | ||
| 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.
|
| 10:00 am | “Healthy Parks Healthy People”: Monthly Nature Walks | Bay Area | FREE |
| 10:00 am | Paramount Theatre Public Tour | $10*
*Acceptable methods of payment are debit or credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
|
| 3:00 pm | Free Alameduh Zine Release Party w/ DJs + Hyperlocal Food (Alameda) | FREE*
*Free entry, all ages welcome
|
Sunday, November 8, 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 am | 2026 Muchos Art + Comic Expo: 50+ Artists (Berkeley) | 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 10:00 pm | 2026 North Taurids Meteor Shower Peaks | FREE |
Monday, November 9, 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.
|
Tuesday, November 10, 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
|
Wednesday, November 11, 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... | ||
Thursday, November 12, 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, November 13, 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... | ||
| 4:00 pm | “Let’s Glow” Neon Night Market 2026 (San Leandro) | FREE |
| 6:00 pm | 2nd Friday Art Walk | Oakland & Alameda | FREE |
| 7:30 pm | East Bay Bike Party (Every Second Friday) | FREE |
Saturday, November 14, 2026 | ||
 Can Music Change the Course of History? Three centuries ago, George Frideric Handel explored a bold idea: that music can change how people think, feel, and act. Music Director Peter Whelan and Philharmonia more... | ||
| 6:30 pm | Arab Film Fest: American Doctor with Q&A (Oakland) | $20*
*Tickets start at $20; Senior and student discounts are available, together with festival passes, online programming, and a free event.
|
| 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
|
| 10:00 am | Paramount Theatre Public Tour | $10*
*Acceptable methods of payment are debit or credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
|
| 2:30 pm | Handel’s The Power of Music (Berkeley) | $40*
*Tickets as low as $40. $20 tickets for Under 30s available
|
| 9:00 pm | “FirstClass: Departure” DJ Saturday Nights | Oakland | FREE |
Sunday, November 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... | ||
| 6:00 pm | “HellaSecret” Speakeasy Comedy Show & Cocktail Night (Oakland) | FREE*
*Free with RSVP
|
| 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.
|
Monday, November 16, 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... | ||
| 10:00 pm | 2026 Leonids Meteor Shower | FREE |
Tuesday, November 17, 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
|
Thursday, November 19, 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, November 20, 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... | ||
| 6:00 pm | 2026 City Center’s Tree Lighting Celebration (San Ramon) | FREE |
Saturday, November 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... | ||
| 11:00 am | “Science@Cal”: Renowned Scientist Lecture | UC Berkeley | FREE |
Sunday, November 22, 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.
|
Monday, November 23, 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... | ||
| 11:59 pm | “Supermoon” Night Over San Francisco 2026 | FREE |
Tuesday, November 24, 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.
|
| 8:30 pm | $6 Drive-In Movie Night in Concord & San Jose | $6*
*$6 for adults on Tuesday nights. Kids are $2
|
Thursday, November 26, 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, November 27, 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, November 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... | ||
Sunday, November 29, 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.
|
Tuesday, December 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.
|
Wednesday, December 2, 2026 | ||
| 7:30 pm | Hometown Free Comedy Night & Happy Hour | Emeryville | FREE*
*Free with an RSVP
|
Thursday, December 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
|
Friday, December 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 | “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, December 5, 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... | ||
| 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.
|
| 10:00 am | “Healthy Parks Healthy People”: Monthly Nature Walks | Bay Area | FREE |
| 10:00 am | $5 Alameda Rock’n’Roll Flea Market w/ 50 Vendors (2026) | $5*
*Children age 12 and under are free. The market is planned for 50 indoor vendors, with possible outdoor vendors if weather permits.
|
Sunday, December 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.
|
