COOL HAPPENINGS ~ rad / unique / authentic ~ Bay Area
A diverse (arts & culture) events-list of: creative community gatherings, empowering social events, interactive workshops, fun art parties, DIY happenings, and radical art-activism. (inclusively under $30-free, updated frequently)
* Submit an event below (end of list) *
<<< MAY >>>
WENSDAY
5/7 : Fremont, 12-7pm] The Office of Collecting and Design (mobile tour) is part museum, part library, and part time machine. It is a collection of collections, devoted to the diminutive, the discarded, the misplaced, and the broken. The museum is recommended for adults 18+. Regular Visits: Explore the space at your own pace. Open every drawer, look in every box, find all the hidden details. (1 hour, on the hour, $22 per person)[5/7, SF, 6pm] LGBTQ+ ArtistGeo-Politics &
Civil Rights Panel Discussion Members of Fairly Lucid Productions from Australia, Suichu-megane∞ from Japan, Anelli Kanninen from Estonia and Bay Area artists lead a conversation on the fluctuations in LGBTQ+ civil rights amid the ebb and flow of national and geo-politics, the re-emergence of Fascism and its embedding in the religious right. Moderated by Evan Johnson from Ruth’s Table. (free)
THURSDAY
[5/8 : Oakland, 8:30 – 10am] Morning Tai Chi Gain the health benefits of traditional Tai Chi and Chi Gung practice in a friendly group setting. This class will be held in-person at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. Master Jang has studied with some of the best Kung Fu masters from China and the U.S. From 1987 to 1991, he was the national champion in Tai Chi, Xing Yi, and Ba Qua both in hand forms and weapons. In 1991 (free)[5/8 : Oakland : 10:45 -11:45 AM] Wu Style Taijii] Wu Style Tai chi is the second most popular form of Tai chi in the world but is not well known in the US. Learn the Round Form of Wu Style 108 with Sifu Ho, whose grand master studied under Wu Jianquan (吳鑑泉), father of Wu Kung-i (吳公儀). no restriction but 0-2 years of experience required (Free )5/8 : Fremont, 12-7pm ] The Office of Collecting and Design (mobile tour) is part museum, part library, and part time machine. It is a collection of collections, devoted to the diminutive, the discarded, the misplaced, and the broken. The museum is recommended for adults 18+. Regular Visits: Explore the space at your own pace. Open every drawer, look in every box, find all the hidden details. (1 hour, on the hour, $22 per person)[5/8 : Oakland , 12:00 -1:00 PM] Beginners Tai Chi Beginners Tai chi is taught by Sifu Siu. Nai-nai 13-Word Form is a non-demanding form to learn because of its symmetry. (free)[5/8 , SF , 5pm ] Valencia LIVE! Starts May 8th. A free, monthly neighborhood celebration on Valencia Street[5/8, SF, 7:30 PM] My Wildest Bay Area Story with Fools Circle My Wildest Story is a national live storytelling and comedic trauma-bonding event series from the pop-up comedy collective ($25)[5/8 : Oakland , 8pm ]Ruckus Revival ,Seven deadly sins A wild variety show that promises an unforgettable night of chaos and fun! Join us for a raucous night of uncensored circus, stand up comedy, burlesque, pole performance, freestyle rap battles, aerial, beat-boxing, slam poetry, sideshow, dirty haiku bouts and audience-interactive mayhem in a fast paced night of unfiltered entertainment!" ($25 or more)[5/8, SF, 8:30pm] Agathe and Adrien - N.Ormes (performance from Canada) Provocative, dysfunctional and tender, N.Ormes blurs the lines between circus show, contemporary dance and performance art and invites audiences to question preconceived ideas. In this physically impressive and touching creation, duo Agathe Bisserier and Adrien Malette-Chénier push the limits and expectations of their own bodies and gender norms. ($20–28)FRIDAY
[5/9: Berkeley, 2pm-4pm] Intersectional Reading Room with Jupiter @ Berkeley Public Library Central (2090 Kittredge Street, Berkeley)••• Do you have books and/or essays piling up that you’ve been meaning to read? In the middle of a thiccque text that would be even richer read or reread and discussed with comrades? Got a niche theory about a random tv show? Bring all your media hot takes and literary inquiries to this unconventional interdisciplinary multimedia collective study space. (Free)[5:9, Oakland : 5:30-9:30] Days Like This’ a Party for the People, by the People at the Lake Merritt Pergola. (free)5/9 : Oakland, 6-8pmThe Home Show Returns: A Celebration of Artful Living @ Creative Growth Creative Growth’s beloved Home Show is back—and more inspiring than ever. This annual exhibition transforms our gallery into a vibrant, immersive installation of artwork and homewares, offering a fresh take on what it means to live with art. From playful ceramics and bold textiles to sculptural furniture and functional design pieces, this year’s Home Show features work by more than 50 Creative Growth artists. Each piece reflects the unique perspective and creative voice of the artist, offering beauty, utility, and soul in equal measure. (free)[5/9 : Oakland, 7:30] [2nd Fridays: East bay, 7:30pm] East Bay Bike Party! location (tba) (free)[5/9 : SF, 8:00pm] Us in the U.S.-We Was Here First
We Were Here First is a powerful, time-bending journey of identity, truth, and reclamation. The story follows a woman and her daughter who, longing to reconnect with what they believe are their African roots, pray to their ancestors for guidance. But instead of being led across the ocean, they’re met by a series of unexpected visitors—real historical figures from their own bloodline, spanning 400 years of American history. ($10, Advance: $13, Door: $15)[5/9,10 : SF 8:30pm, 4:00pm] Suichu-megane∞ (Japan) my choice, my body and Anchor (performance) Suichu-Megane∞, led by Ayane Nakagawa, is celebrated for its powerful theatrical dance vocabulary and its unflinching exploration of 'freedom' above and beyond contemporary Japanese society." my choice, my body, is a work that incorporates the physicality of Nihon Buyo (Japanese classical dance) and Noh masks. It celebrates the right to make every choice in your life and mine, as well as the destiny we have been given. Anchor tells the story of a woman’s innate mission, desires, and struggles. It portrays societal norms surrounding sexuality and gender, the profound desire to resist them, and the void that accompanies it. ($20, Advance: $25, Door: $28)SATURDAY
5/10 : Oakland, 12-7pm Unreal Housewives Present: 3rd Annual Pantone Park Party | Spring has Sprung 🌸 That’s right, we are back! Join the Unreal Housewives for our third annual Pantone Picnic at Lake Merritt in welcoming spring with tunes, tones, and treats for the whole family. Bring your colorful selves! 🎨 Pantone: Come dressed in your favorite monochromatic (one color) look. 🍽 Colorful Consumables: Bring something yummy & colorful to share. We envision creating a rainbow spread of beautiful bites. 🌿 Collective play: We'd love to create opportunities to center growth and connection! Bring flora and fauna for a co-created mandala, and the addresses of your sweeties for sending love letters. More activities to come... ($5-20 suggested donation)[5/10 : port costa 9am-6pm ] The Office of Collecting and Design (mobile tour) is part museum, part library, and part time machine. It is a collection of collections, devoted to the diminutive, the discarded, the misplaced, and the broken. The museum is recommended for adults 18+.Regular Visits: Explore the space at your own pace. Open every drawer, look in every box, find all the hidden details. (1 hour, on the hour, $22 per person)[ 5/10 : Albany 11-12:30pm ] Writing with the Plants with Taylor Rose@ Gill Tract Farm (1050 San Pablo Avenue, Albany) ••• Each session focuses on one plant in depth, and then invites folks into creative (writing) reflection. We’ll engage with the lessons plants can offer around inhabiting our ecologies in ways that generate more possibility for collective survival. Come get to know plants and imagine together. (Free)[May 10, SF. 11:00am, 1hr45min.] What’s That Smell? A Walking Tour of the Northeast Mission Industrial Zone Chris Carlsson, long-time grassroots historian and guide to San Francisco's lost, forgotten and overlooked histories, takes participants on a walk around the old industrial sites of the North Mission. Pungent odors such as ammonia, baking bread, and roasting hops, once common, are now only memories. ($20, Advance: $25, Door: $28)[5/10 : Berkeley, 12-2pm] Reef-Building: art Workshops - Workshop
Using recycled materials, participants will collaborate to construct a coral reef for the 2727 exhibit "Water". Learn how to use techniques of joining, wiring, gluing, painting, sewing, paper mache to represent the fantastic flora and fauna found in this delicate biosphere. Materials provided, or bring your own. Suggested materials- textiles, rope, ribbon, party favors, broken toys, artificial flowers, natural elements, plastic scrap, cardboard. Adults and children welcome. (free)5/10 : Oakland, 1-4, Jack london sq. Art Festival FREE Art Festival event on Saturday, May 10th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. located on Restaurant Row near Seabreeze. This event will include chalk artists, interactive art, DJ, kids chalk zone and live painting. (Free)[5/10 : SF, 12 - 1:30pm ] The Practice (dance class) invites you to join a series of free movement classes led by emerging Black Artists based in the Bay Area. (free)[5/10 : SF , 1-3] We Build Homes with Poems "We poor mamas & families build homes with our poems from Yelamu (sf) to Huchiun (oakland) -if u are a houseless/formerly houseless mama (or papa) in struggle with survival on this stolen land -join us for these powerful, poverty scholarship informed , bi-lingual workshops in Yelamu (SF) -dm to register -child care, food and stipends provided (space limited so sign up fast). (DM for Address")5/10 : SF 8:30pm, 4:00pmSuichu-megane∞ (Japan) my choice, my body and Anchor (performance) Suichu-Megane∞, led by Ayane Nakagawa, is celebrated for its powerful theatrical dance vocabulary and its unflinching exploration of 'freedom' above and beyond contemporary Japanese society." my choice, my body, is a work that incorporates the physicality of Nihon Buyo (Japanese classical dance) and Noh masks. It celebrates the right to make every choice in your life and mine, as well as the destiny we have been given. Anchor tells the story of a woman’s innate mission, desires, and struggles. It portrays societal norms surrounding sexuality and gender, the profound desire to resist them, and the void that accompanies it. ($20, Advance: $25, Door: $28)[5/10 : SF, 5:30-9pm] Black Choreographers Festival: Here & Now (BCF) -20th Anniversary Event Enjoy a special evening of Art, Dynamic Discussion, and Vibrant Performances ($5 – $20 )[5/10 :SF, 2:30pm, 6:00pm],Anneli Kanninen (Estonia/Finland) HOMEing (Work-in-Progress performance) HOMEing is a personal exploration of what it means to grow roots in a new place. Arriving in a new country, culture and a language, how does one start building home, while remembering what has been left behind? Through the lenses of different languages and contemporary dance, this work-in-progress performance researches the sensory and cultural experiences of home, connection, and how generations respond to uprooting. ($20, Advance: $25, Door: $28)SUNDAY
[5/11 : port costa 9am-6pm ] The Office of Collecting and Design (mobile tour) is part museum, part library, and part time machine. It is a collection of collections, devoted to the diminutive, the discarded, the misplaced, and the broken. The museum is recommended for adults 18+.Regular Visits: Explore the space at your own pace. Open every drawer, look in every box, find all the hidden details. (1 hour, on the hour, $22 per person)[5/11: Oakland, 2nd Sundays: 1:30-4:30] Mixed-Media collage workshop with Rock Paper Scissors artists, at Oakland Main Library 125 14th street.[5/11 :SF, 2:30pm, 6:00pm],Anneli Kanninen (Estonia/Finland) HOMEing (Work-in-Progress performance) HOMEing is a personal exploration of what it means to grow roots in a new place. Arriving in a new country, culture and a language, how does one start building home, while remembering what has been left behind? Through the lenses of different languages and contemporary dance, this work-in-progress performance researches the sensory and cultural experiences of home, connection, and how generations respond to uprooting. ($20, Advance: $25, Door: $28)5/11, Berkeley, 4-5pm The Secret Life of Fog Mother's Day Science Special: What is fog? Come learn about renowned climate scientist Alicia Torregrosa’s journey to define measure, map, and observe the environmental impact of our ethereal bay area coastal marine layer (free)
MONDAY[5/12 : Oakland: 7pm-9pm or even later] SUDO ROOM Women / NonBinary Coding nights Mondays hackerspace at Omni Commons (free)[5/12 : Berkeley, 6-8:30] East Bay Permaculture Guild Potluck & Skillshare🌱 Ready to grow community, learn together, and get inspired for summer projects? Join us for our May gathering! please arrive by 6:15 so we can start Where: PLACE for Sustainable Living What to bring: A dish to share, your curiosity, and your energy for building a more resilient East Bay![5/12 : SF -9-10am] Japanese tea garden free hours pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds, and a zen garden. Cherry blossom trees bloom throughout the garden in March and April. (free)[5/12 : SF :7pm] SHADES SF dance ($13-25 for lesson and dance, $10-20 for dance only (no one turn away for lack of funds)TUESDAY
[5/13 : eastbay : 7pm-11pm] HardwareHackNight Tuesdays hackerspace at Omni Commons (free)[5/13 : East bay : 7:00 pm - midnight]
East Bay Fusion Dance Social partner dance event on Tuesday nights in Oakland. Fusion Partner dance is a collaborative improvised partner dance that prioritizes connecting with your partner over specific steps. The music is varied to include many different genres, cultures, and dance forms. (10-25$)WENSDAY
[5/14 : SF , 6:30-8] Contemporary dance Class with Bodies of Empowerment Join BOE’s co-founder Kristin Damrow for an all levels birthday party meets contemporary dance class! We’ll warm up our limbs, flail them around with style, and dance our hearts out with exciting choreography.Bodies of Empowerment (BOE) is a free class program brought to you by Kristin Damrow & Company. BOE has free classes every month taught by amazing teachers offering many different styles of dance. Follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date with new classes every month @boe.dance (free)THURSDAY
[5/15 : Oakland : 6-9pm] THURSDAY NIGHT
PANTHER PROWL We host a free, family-friendly event every Thursday night at the DeFremery Park basketball courts from 6pm to 9pm. It's an official Oakland Parks & Rec program where the community comes together to skate in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. There is a rotation of live DJs from the community providing the music and snacks and drinks are provided by members of the community to share with all at no cost (free)[5/15 : East bay, 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm] EastBayCommunitySpace Board Game Night Why be bored when you could BOARD?! Roll on over to EBCS for our monthly board game night. This community event is on the third Thursday of every month in the Telegraph room. Doors open at 6:30pm and the event lasts until ~10/11pm. Bring games, snacks, and friends! (donation-based (NOTAFLOF)
FRIDAY
[5/16,17,18 : SF , 8pm] A Shy Politician David DeRuiter is back onstage with his debut solo show A Shy Politician — a physical comedy about an idiot who can’t stop running for office. The blend of narrative comedy, classic clowning, rowdy audience interaction, and broad slapstick farce results in a one-of-a-kind show that is at once funny, stupid, and moving. ($20 or more (NOTAFLOF)SATURDAY
[5/17 : 11am-1pm] Tools in Hands with Throckmorton RSVP to signal username @laboon.72 for location ••• Hands on class to learn general wood construction techniques. Become familiar with using tools like hammers, drills, and saws. The goal of this class is to build familiarity and confidence operating tools and making building decisions. When our bodies are already friends with our tools, we can act quickly and comfortably in both calm and crisis settings! Any skill level welcome- intended for beginners. (Free)[5/17 : Berkeley, 2-4pm] Masks & Microbes: a mask-making workshop inspired by the human microbiome
Join textile artist LindenJL in exploring the micro-organisms living in and on our bodies through art. How can we better understand these tiny creatures that live with us? Get on their level by designing your own mask inspired by them. The workshop will lead participants through mask-making with recycled materials while learning about common human microflora and their functions. $30 suggested donation ($30 suggested donation)SUNDAY
[5/18 : 1-4] Backyard Gardening and Food Sovereignty with Sticky and ZinaSun May 18th :: 1pm-4pm@ RSVP to [email protected] for location ••• How do we feed ourselves and each other? How do we begin to make a world of many worlds? Learn how you can start with tending land you currently have access to with the people around you. We’ll learn together about sustainable farming in the summer season: growing food, restoring the land as needed, and setting intentions. (Free)[5/18 : Oakland, 3:30-6:30] Park Circus Arts with Dante, Negra Hormiga, and Salva@ North Lake Merritt, near McElroy Fountain (461 Perkins St, Oakland) – follow the purple signs ••• Bringing pedagogies from the south, Park Circus Arts is an attempt to deinstitutionalize Circus Arts bringing them to open spaces as a tool for social transformation. There is no need to have previous experience, certain age or body to enjoy exploring what your body can do in community. Ages: 5 – 99 (minors please bring your adult with you). Practices: Grass Circus Movement, Hand to Hand, Juggling, stilts and Aerials. We encourage everyone to share knowledge and food. Please bring some food to share, and water. (Free)
MONDAY
[May 19 : Berkeley, @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm ] Rhythm & Gestures: An All Levels Bharatanatyam Drop In Class (Berkeley) Every Monday starting April 14th from 7:30 – 9:00 pm @ Shawl Anderson Dance Center – 2704 Alcatraz Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705. We begin with a warm up, fundamental adavus or foundational steps, learn a routine to popular music, and also do some abhinaya work rooted in gesture and improvisational storytelling. While some Indian dance experience would help, you do NOT need to be familiar with Indian forms to attend! ($21)THURSDAY
5/22 : Oakland, 5-8] DeEscalation Skills for Activists, Revolutionaries and Anyone Else! with Kangs and Pat
@ Unimatrix Zero in North Oakland (email [email protected] for the address) ••• Join us to talk about hard situations with single and multiple people, how to best support them, take care of yourself and contribute to a safer community. We will go over ways to know get yourself into the conversation, build rapport, empathy and connection skills. And time to role play, rehearse and post-hearse scenarios. (Free)[5/22 : oakland, 7-8 ] Radical Healthcare Meetup@ Tamarack (1501 Harrison Street, Oakland)••• A monthly meetup for anarchists and radicals who are participating in healthcare– from the most autonomous to those employed by the medical industrial complex. Come offer mutual aid support, skill+resource share, grieve, commiserate, and build solidarity across divides. Can healthcare be a place of radical praxis? Loosely facilitated and horizontal collaboration encouraged.⬩Accessibility: The event will take place on the second floor, up a flight of 18 steps. Assistance is available for accessing the second floor. A wheelchair-accessible bathroom is on the ground floor. There are 32” of clearance at the front entrance. ⬩COVID info: Masking encouraged but not required—masks will be provided. Windows will be open and fans will running for increased ventilation. (Free)
FRIDAY
[5/23 : Marin/muirwoods 1-4pm] Recharge and Unplug by Queer and Well x Golden Gate Park Join us and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (@parksconservancy) for a FREE three-part event series to connect, ground, and find healing in the breathtaking landscapes of the Bay Area. ☀️ Guided by the wisdom of nature and each other, we’ll explore different locations along the California coast, immersing ourselves in the refuge and resilience that the natural world offers. (free)[5/23 :oakland, 1-4 ] Massage Skill Share with Priscilla and Dante@ The Spire (825 Athens Ave, Oakland) ••• Pain and stress suck. They drain our energy and attention and alter our thought processes. We will go over clothed massage basics together to support each other in tending to our bodies muscle and nervous system health. We want to break out of self care into us care. Please bring a buddy you already know you are comfortable engaging in contact with if possible. (Free)SATURDAY
[5/24 : Albany, 2-4] Packing a Go Bag & Making a Plan@ The Building at Gill Tract Farm (1050 San Pablo Avenue, Albany)••• What do you pack in a go bag? We will assemble basic kits for emergency evacuations with donated and community-sourced supplies. We will also discuss how you can map your own network and create a disaster plan. (free)SUNDAY
5/25 : oakland, 11-1pm] Anarchist Family Meet Up @ Dimond Park (3860 Hanly Road, Oakland) ••• Monthly meet-up for anarchist families and folks who want more kids in their lives! This will be a potluck style event to hang out, connect, and ideally develop some anarchists skillshare programming for kids and simultaneous discussion for adults. We’d love you to bring ideas for skills/topics you want to teach or see taught, and can work with you to develop age-appropriate material. Our hope is to work against capitalism’s drive to disconnect and isolate families and inter-generational relationships. We aim to build community/network among anarchist families in the bay, as well as incorporate non-parents who are interested in sharing experiences with future anarchists. (Free)[5/25 : Oakland] Rollin with the Homos (rolling skating and drag)5/25 : SF , 7:30-9] Elderflora is an oratorio on the life and death of a tree. Narrated in song from the perspective of the tree itself, Elderflora invites audiences on a musical journey inside the mind of a tree, experiencing its thoughts and feelings in hyperreal detail. ($20 or more)
MONDAY
[5/26 : Oakland, 7-8] Harm Reduction Meetup @ 1924 Union St. Unit 1, Oakland ••• We Take Care of Us. This is an ongoing monthly space for those interested or already participating in harm reduction. Come learn, share skills, offer support, collaborate, grieve, build solidarity, and discuss liberatory harm reduction practices. Loosely facilitated, collaborations encouraged. (Free)[5/26 : Oakland: 7pm-9pm or even later] SUDO ROOM Women / NonBinary Coding nights Mondays hackerspace at Omni Commons (free)[5/26 ; SF :7pm] SHADES SF dance ($13-25 for lesson and dance, $10-20 for dance only (no one turn away for lack of funds)TUESDAY
[5/27: eastbay : 7pm-11pm] HardwareHackNight Tuesdays hackerspace at Omni Commons (free)[5/27 : East bay : 7:00 pm - midnight]
East Bay Fusion Dance Social partner dance event on Tuesday nights in Oakland. Fusion Partner dance is a collaborative improvised partner dance that prioritizes connecting with your partner over specific steps. The music is varied to include many different genres, cultures, and dance forms. (10-25$)WENSDAY
[5/27 : Oakland, 6-8] Take Back The Town @ Tamarack (1501 Harrison Street, Oakland) •• Informational sessions on tenant organizing. The first session (5/27) will cover the political landscape and history of housing in the East Bay. The second session (6/10) will detail how tenants can organize to gain rent reductions and enact repair-and-deduct to improve habitability.⬩Accessibility: The event will take place on the second floor, up a flight of 18 steps. Assistance is available for accessing the second floor. A wheelchair-accessible bathroom is on the ground floor. There are 32” of clearance at the front entrance. ⬩COVID info: Masking encouraged but not required—masks will be provided. Windows will be open and fans will running for increased ventilation. (Free)
FRIDAY
5/29 : Oakland, 5-8] DeEscalation Skills for Activists, Revolutionaries and Anyone Else! with Kangs and Pat
@ Unimatrix Zero in North Oakland (email [email protected] for the address) ••• Join us to talk about hard situations with single and multiple people, how to best support them, take care of yourself and contribute to a safer community. We will go over ways to know get yourself into the conversation, build rapport, empathy and connection skills. And time to role play, rehearse and post-hearse scenarios. (Free)SATURDAY
[5/30 : [Oakland 3-6] Wood St. Commons Block Party](https://www.instagram.com/p/DHtMZatJU2Z/) Block Party ~ Resource Fair ~ Fundraiser (free)[5/30 : Oakland , 7:30-9] Elderflora is an oratorio on the life and death of a tree. Narrated in song from the perspective of the tree itself, Elderflora invites audiences on a musical journey inside the mind of a tree, experiencing its thoughts and feelings in hyperreal detail. ($20 or more)SUNDAY
[5/31, SF, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm] 45th Annual Planetary Dance Created by Anna Halprin, this participatory dance is in the spirit of powerful traditional rituals that brought communities together for a vital purpose. This year we dance to declare our commitment to protect the lives of both people and the planet, and to encourage others to join us in taking action. The dance itself involves a simple run or walk, so people of varying ages and abilities can participate. In Anna Halprin’s words, “When enough people move together in a common pulse with a common purpose an amazing force takes over—a power that can renew, inspire, teach, create, and heal.” (Free)5/31-6/7,8 : Oakland 11am - 5pm East Bay Open Studios (EBOS) is a free community event where artists across the East Bay open their studios to the public. Meet artists, find inspiration, support the arts, and celebrate our vibrant arts community. (free)[5/31 : Oakland, 5-8] DeEscalation Skills for Activists, Revolutionaries and Anyone Else! with Kangs and Pat
@ Unimatrix Zero in North Oakland (email [email protected] for the address) ••• Join us to talk about hard situations with single and multiple people, how to best support them, take care of yourself and contribute to a safer community. We will go over ways to know get yourself into the conversation, build rapport, empathy and connection skills. And time to role play, rehearse and post-hearse scenarios. (Free)
<<< WEEKLY >>>
MONDAYS
[Oakland: 7pm-9pm or even later] SUDO ROOM Women / NonBinary Coding nights Mondays hackerspace at Omni CommonsSF -9-10am] Japanese tea garden free hours pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds, and a zen garden. Cherry blossom trees bloom throughout the garden in March and April. (free)[SF :7pm] SHADES SF dance ($13-25 for lesson and dance, $10-20 for dance only (no one turn away for lack of funds)TUESDAYS
[eastbay : 7pm-11pm] HardwareHackNight Tuesdays hackerspace at Omni Commons[East bay : 7:00 pm - midnight]
East Bay Fusion Dance Social partner dance event on Tuesday nights in Oakland. Fusion Partner dance is a collaborative improvised partner dance that prioritizes connecting with your partner over specific steps. The music is varied to include many different genres, cultures, and dance forms. (10-25$)WENSDAYS
[SF, 10am] Garden Volunteer shifts Come volunteer at Garden for the Environment and get your hands dirty! Help us keep the garden healthy and thriving and learn to garden.[SF ,7-10:30] Wednesday Night Lindy Society at Decodance Swing Dancing every Wednesday night (21+ two drink min + free dance class)SF -9-10am] Japanese tea garden free hours pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds, and a zen garden. Cherry blossom trees bloom throughout the garden in March and April. (free)THURSDAYs
[Oakland, 8:30 – 10am] Morning Tai Chi Gain the health benefits of traditional Tai Chi and Chi Gung practice in a friendly group setting. This class will be held in-person at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. Master Jang has studied with some of the best Kung Fu masters from China and the U.S. From 1987 to 1991, he was the national champion in Tai Chi, Xing Yi, and Ba Qua both in hand forms and weapons. In 1991 (free)[Oakland : 10:45 -11:45 AM] Wu Style Taijii Wu Style Tai chi is the second most popular form of Tai chi in the world but is not well known in the US. Learn the Round Form of Wu Style 108 with Sifu Ho, whose grand master studied under Wu Jianquan (吳鑑泉), father of Wu Kung-i (吳公儀). no restriction but 0-2 years of experience required
(Free )[Oakland , 12:00 -1:00 PMBeginners Tai Chi Beginners Tai chi is taught by Sifu Siu. Nai-nai 13-Word Form is a non-demanding form to learn because of its symmetry. (free)[Oakland , 1-2pm] [Advanced Tai Chi with Sifu William Dere](This is a journey into exploration of Taijiquan energy development and practical skills for individuals who already knows one or more forms.) (free)[Oakland : 6-9pm] THURSDAY NIGHT
PANTHER PROWL We host a free, family-friendly event every Thursday night at the DeFremery Park basketball courts from 6pm to 9pm. It's an official Oakland Parks & Rec program where the community comes together to skate in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. There is a rotation of live DJs from the community providing the music and snacks and drinks are provided by members of the community to share with all at no cost (free)SF, 10pm [16th & Mission Open Mic] Poetry and More, Every Thursday @10pm on the SW Corner of -16th & Mission St. San Francisco (free)[ First Thurs-nights : SF ] First Thursday Art Walk explore Downtown and Tenderloin galleries.[Oakland 9pm-1am] Ahi Nama (salsa dancing) 8-9pm beginners, 9-10pm mixed levels, dance social (10pm-1am)FRIDAYs
[Oakland : 5:30-9:30] Days Like This’ a Party for the People, by the People at the Lake Merritt Pergola. (free)[SF : 9-10am] Japanese tea garden free hours pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds, and a zen garden. Cherry blossom trees bloom throughout the garden in March and April. (free)SATURDAYS
[2/ Richmond, 9am -4pm] [Build Richmond's youth Village, (A village that will house the homeless]In Richmond, every Saturday. This is a collaborative effort of two different homefulness campaigns, where we continue to build our community, LITERALLY. Come experience some magic and bring skills and dreams back to your local area. FIGHT THE SWEEPS, BUILD PPL POWER @ 175 23rd st. Richmond. Questions and confirm attendance text 5102820396 (free Volunteer)[oakland @ bushrod park, 4pm] [Anarchy Soccer ] "literally just gonna play soccer" (free)[Berkeley: 10 am - 6 pm] Aftel museum of Curious Scents ($25)[Berkeley : 11 am – 6 pm] Tilden Steam train rides ($4)[Oakland : 1-2pm] Jewelry and Crafts for adults join and make wearable objects, materials provided @ the Melrose branch librarySUNDAYS
[Berkeley : 11 am – 6 pm] Tilden Steam train rides ($4)[SF : 3pm ] Music Jam @ the Radical Reading room "Come Play With Us!
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<<< MONTHLY >>>
[3rd Mondays :SF] Monthly all-ages Queer Bowling event! Come and bowl for free while enjoying bites from local food pop ups, discounted drinks, DJs, and drag ($10)[2nd Tuesdays: SF] San Francisco Botanical Garden’s Free Day[1st and 3rd Wensdays: Oakland] Ripples Healing Circle. sharing a safe space with circle guiders Kelly and AJ. @ 2520 Telegraph ave[ First Thurs-nights : SF ] First Thursday Art Walk explore Downtown and Tenderloin galleries.[3rd Thursday, East Bay, 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm] EastBayCommunitySpace Board Game Night Why be bored when you could BOARD?! Roll on over to EBCS for our monthly board game night. This community event is on the third Thursday of every month in the Telegraph room. Doors open at 6:30pm and the event lasts until ~10/11pm. Bring games, snacks, and friends! (donation-based (NOTAFLOF)[Last Thursdays : Oakland] Out of Focus TV presents AV Club @ Shapeshifters Cinema A/V Club is a chill hang for folks who want to meet and share film/video/sound/music projects in progress, or recently completed projects—open screening-style. Bring something to show, or just come to watch some cool work, meet some new people and join in conversation.[First Fridays : Oakland. Art murmur in Oakland, Art gallery openings, art booths, street dance, food vendors. (grand-27th and telegraph)First Fridays : Northbeach SF Art night art night, galleries, music, street art[2nd Fridays: East bay, 7:30pm] East Bay Bike Party! location (tba) (free)[2nd Fridays: SF, 6-9pm] SF’s Lowrider Cruise of the Mission (Every 2nd Friday) Check out the Bay’s polished and decked out lowriders cruising Down Mission Street 20th and Mission[1st Saturdays : SF ] [4/6: SF 12pm] MAPP Mission Arts Performance Project MAPP is a familia, a community and a series of arts, music and activist events encompassing several venues as well as public spaces, street corners, bart stations, cafes, bars, taquerias, homes all over La Mission.[2nd Saturdays ][8-10:30pm : Oakland], Bay Area Micro Fusion (dance) Micro Fusion Fundamentals and Lessons. ($0-25)[1st Sundays : SF 4-7pm] No Kings! No Queens! Chess Club No Kings! No Queens! is the super-chill community chess club. Hosted by Danny Cao, all ages and skill levels are encouraged to come. Never played chess? We'll teach you! Come hang out, talk chess and play a few games. (free)[1st Sundays : Oakland, 7:30 ] Doors That Only Open in Silence - an ongoing monthly workshop in free improvisation, hosted by Jacob Felix Heule open participation, non-hierarchical workshop in free improvisationBring your instrument or come to listen. No advance notice needed - just show up. Small groups will be randomly assembled from submitted names immediately before each group plays. (free)[First Sunday: SF 8-11] Clutch the pearls A cabaret of drag curiosities… First sunday of every month!HOSTED BY Churro Nomi + Mira[2nd Sundays: Oakland 1:30-4:30] Mixed-Media collage workshop with Rock Paper Scissors artists, at Oakland Main Library 125 14th street.[2nd & 4th Sunday, noon-3]Visiting the Octagon House Museum Built in 1861, the Octagon House is a San Francisco historical landmark, an architectural treasure and a Colonial and Federal Periods Decorative Arts Museum. (free, donations accepted)[4th Sundays, SF] ShadowLight artists in residence at Red Poppy Art House. It is a Free Monthly program with hands-on workshop activities for families on the fourth Sunday of each month.[4th Sundays: Oakland] Rollin with the Homos (rolling skating and drag)[Last Sunday : Kensington] : Beatles Thingy : Beatles Karaoke with live accompaniment @ Kensington Circus Pub, Kensington. *Also Happens first Tuesday of the month @ Rite Spot, 17th & Folsom 7:30-9:30, FREE
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<<< WHAT IS THE COOL HAPPENINGS? >>>Cool happenings lists things under $30 or free, as to be accessible to diverse people. The list hopes to share local culture, mix different groups together, and provide special things to do for people seeking creative activities.The lists prioritizes rad/unique/authentic and is curated by a kind of intuitive magic, highlighting events with social engagement, interaction, and culture building. To get your event listed, submit below. Thank you**********************************************
< SUBMIT YOUR EVENT >
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< TESTIMONIES >
"The Cool Happening calendar is the in-the-know guide for intimate, quirky, thoughtful events as well as ridiculous parties and larger gatherings outside the mainstream. If you are feeling out of the Loop, Cool-Happenings will loop you back in! It will keep you well-connected with the Bay-Area's sweetest underground and art scenes :)" - Fur Ry (Schemer/Instigator/Sentimentalist)"I love Cool Happenings because it reminds me of how varied and wonderful adventures in The Bay can be. Thank you for your curated list of fun things" - Katy Atchison (Artist & Journalist for Broke-Ass Stuart)"Cool Happenings' events list keeps expanding in depth and complexity. It's definitely the place I go first when mapping out the vastness of the Bay Area performance scene." - Jett Rink"When friends ask me how to plug into the Bay Area underground arts scene, I send them the link to Cool Happenings; it's a great shortcut to learn about our vibrant community." -Dvo"I love how Cool Happenings makes it so easy to find creative and unique events, and I'm excited to explore them each month. It's an amazing way to be in touch with the art happening in our community. I feel like it's a gift in my mail box each month" - Idalia Ramos ( dancer/performer/visual artist)