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Free Events

San Francisco… land of the free. Here’s just the free stuff in SF and the Bay Area. Keep your wallet in your pocket and enjoy!

Thursday, November 5

SF’s Free DFT Monthly Block Party: “Downtown First Thursdays” (2026)
Thursday, November 5 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free with RSVP
| 2nd Street between Market and Howard Streets
SF’s Free DFT Monthly Block Party: “Downtown First Thursdays” (2026)

Downtown First Thursdays is back in 2026 for a full year of street parties in 2026, starting Jan 1, 2026, with a New Year’s Day Edition and returning every first Thursday with a new downtown block party. DJs – Live Performances – Dancing – Drag ...Monthly

Opening Reception: From Street to Stage with Beaver Bauer
Thursday, November 5 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 7:30 pm | Cost: FREE | San Francisco Public Library, Main Library, Jewett Gallery - Lower Level
Opening Reception: From Street to Stage with Beaver Bauer
Celebrate the creative work of Bay Area costume designer and artist, Debra “Beaver” Bauer, at the opening reception of From Street to Stage with Beaver Bauer. Showcasing a career that spans over 50 years, the exhibition includes original renderings, performance photography, video clips and elements ...

SF State’s Free Public Rooftop Stargazing Nights w/ Huge Telescope (Nov. 2026)
Thursday, November 5 – 6:30 pm - Ends at 8:30 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Events are weather-dependent. Check the observatory's stories or follow its updates for confirmation each night.
| San Francisco State University Observatory
SF State's Free Public Rooftop Stargazing Nights w/ Huge Telescope (Nov. 2026)

San Francisco State University Observatory hosts a free public open night with family-friendly astronomy talks, updates on astronomy research, and rooftop telescope observing. Programming is offered in English and Spanish, weather permitting. Located at SFSU Thornton Hall top floor Upcoming Weekly Schedule Through Dec. 4, ...

How the 2020 Census Was Made: Free Talk w/ Danah Boyd (Mountain View)
Thursday, November 5 – 7:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Computer History Museum
How the 2020 Census Was Made: Free Talk w/ Danah Boyd (Mountain View)
Where does the data that shapes our democracy actually come from? Join technology and social media scholar danah boyd to go behind the scenes of the U.S. Census. Drawing on insights from her new book, Data Are Made, Not Found, boyd explores what it took ...
Every Thursday: “Inner Circle” Dance Party at White Rabbit (SF)
Thursday, November 5 – 9:00 pm - Ends at 1:00 am | Cost: FREE*
*Inner Circle is always Free with RSVP
| White Rabbit
Every Thursday: "Inner Circle" Dance Party at White Rabbit (SF)

Free Thursday Party featuring DJs spinning House, Disco, Remixes, Currents, Classics and more every Thursday at White Rabbit. Join us at White Rabbit on Thursdays for Inner Circle, a weekly get-together dedicated to the DJ and a love for dance music. No cover. No worries! ...Every Thursday

16th & Mission Open Mic (w/out a mic)
Thursday, November 5 – 9:00 pm - Ends at 11:59 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Absolutely free for all!
| 16th & Mission BART (southwest streetcorner)
16th & Mission Open Mic (w/out a mic)

Time: 9pm to 12am, Celebrating 20 years in May 2023 (currently 19 years strong). Instagram: @16thmission. For 18 years, this outdoor “open mic-without-a-mic” has welcomed poets, musicians, emcees, comedy, and everything in between. In the best of San Francisco tradition, everyone is welcome, ...Every Thursday

Friday, November 6

“HellaSecret” Speakeasy Comedy Show & Cocktail Night (Oakland)
"HellaSecret" Speakeasy Comedy Show & Cocktail Night (Oakland)

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 an email with the secret location. This HellaSecret comedy show takes place in a ...

“Rush Hour Comedy Night” w/ SFs Best Black & Asian Comedians (The Function)
Friday, November 6 – 7:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*RSVP Required
| The Function
"Rush Hour Comedy Night" w/ SFs Best Black & Asian Comedians (The Function)

Welcome to ‘Rush Hour Comedy Night’ where laughter knows no bounds and cultural collisions are the name of the game. Join our dynamic duo of black and Asian comedians as they embark on a whirlwind adventure through the streets of humor, weaving together their diverse backgrounds and ...Every Friday

SF’s HellaSecret “Crazy Funny Asians” Friday Night Comedy Showcase (7p + 9p)
SF’s HellaSecret “Crazy Funny Asians” Friday Night Comedy Showcase (7p + 9p)

Inspired by the blockbuster movie, see some of the Bay Area’s top comedians at San Francisco’s Crazy Funny Asians comedy showcase, presented by Funcheap and HellaFunny. Let’s celebrate the Bay’s Asian-American culture and heritage with laughs at a secret location – a two-floor comedy club near ...Every Friday

“The Stoner Comedy Jam” Friday Nights (SF)
Friday, November 6 – 8:00 pm - Ends at 9:30 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free with RSVP (21+ with Valid ID) - One item minimum purchase per person required
| Moe Greens
"The Stoner Comedy Jam" Friday Nights (SF)

You know what makes stand-up comedy funnier? Smoking while watching it live! Come to San Francisco’s premiere cannabis club Moe Greens every Friday night for a night of laughter and, well, getting stoned. HellaFunny is taking over the cannabis lounge at Moe Greens for the ...Every Friday

Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)
Japanese Tea Garden's Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)

The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California ...Every Friday

History Museum: Free First Fridays (Redwood City)
Friday, November 6 – All Day | Cost: FREE | San Mateo County History Museum
History Museum: Free First Fridays (Redwood City)

Enjoy free admission from 10 am to 4 pm, every first Friday of the month, at the San Mateo History Museum. Explore the museum housed in the 1910 County Courthouse; listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it features a stained glass dome and mosaic tile floor. The History Museum is ...Monthly

Marin Arts & Crafts Show (San Rafael)
Friday, November 6 – 10:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*free
| Marin Center Fairgrounds
Marin Arts & Crafts Show (San Rafael)
Marin Arts & Crafts Show returns to the Marin Center Exhibit Hall November 6–8, filling the hall with more than 200 exhibits of fine craft, art and artisan goods. Arriving just as the holiday season gets underway, the three-day market brings together an exciting mix ...
“Pay-What-You-Can” Taco Day at SF’s Tato (Every Friday)
"Pay-What-You-Can" Taco Day at SF's Tato (Every Friday)

While many restaurants are struggling, San Francisco Mexican restaurant TATO wants to give back. They’re bringing back their “Taco Love” special which features a two taco plate with sides, and pay-what-you-can pricing. Pay-What-You-Can Taco Day Tato 4608 3rd St. (@ McKinnon) San Francisco (Bayview) Every ...Every Friday

Jam Session with Creativity Explored
Friday, November 6 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 3:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*FREE
| Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Jam Session with Creativity Explored
Join us for an afternoon jam session featuring Creativity Explored artists and their handmade instruments. All are welcome to join!
Pleasant Hill Night Market: Food, Music & Performances
Friday, November 6 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Chilpancingo Park
Pleasant Hill Night Market: Food, Music & Performances

Pleasant Hill Night Market Will Return in May 2026 After a successful first season, the Night Market will be back in May 2026 with food, music, merchandise, activities and more! Visit Pleasant Hill California for more info. After getting so much love and support from ...

Baukunst First Fridays: Art, Music + Food (Bernal Heights)
Friday, November 6 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 8:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Baukunst
Baukunst First Fridays: Art, Music + Food (Bernal Heights)

Join us for Baukunst First Fridays, our brand-new monthly celebration blending art, music, and food! Every month, experience a vibrant evening of creativity, delicious bites, and fantastic tunes. Mark your calendars and bring your friends — let’s make every first Friday unforgettable! Baukunst First Fridays ...Monthly

“Oakland First Fridays” Street Festival
Friday, November 6 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 9:30 pm | Cost: FREE | Telegraph & 27th
"Oakland First Fridays" Street Festival

Oakland First Fridays is an immersive art and community experience on the first Friday of each month from 5-9:30pm for five huge blocks on Telegraph Avenue between 27th Street & 22nd Street. Photography from @skyhighoakland via Oakland First Fridays Oakland’s KONO district (Koreatown/Northgate) springs to life ...Monthly

North Beach First Fridays Art Crawl (SF)
Friday, November 6 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: FREE | North Beach
North Beach First Fridays Art Crawl (SF)

On the first Friday of every month, over a dozen North Beach galleries, museums, bars, and restaurants stay open late for a self-guided First Fridays Art Crawl with special events to showcase the ever-growing collections of art and entertainment that diversify North Beach. First Fridays Art Crawl ...Monthly

South First Fridays Art Walk (San Jose)
Friday, November 6 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: FREE | SoFA District (San Jose)
South First Fridays Art Walk (San Jose)

Join an eclectic evening of arts and culture in downtown San Jose’s SoFA district (and beyond) every first Friday of the month. Please note that South First Fridays is typically canceled in July and January due to the holidays. South First Fridays hours depend on ...Monthly