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) *

• listed by richie rhombus

<<< AUGUST >>>

FRIDAY
[8/22 : SF , 8am - 4:30] Mobilize against ICE "Show up to the courthouse and help defend our neighbors against ICE!" @ 100 Montgomery st. (free)[8/22: 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)[8/22 : Oakland : 6:30-9:30] Days Like This’ a Party for the People, by the People at the Lake Merritt Pergola. (free)[8/22-24 : Treasure Island] August Raftup Summer of Love Do you remember The Summer of Love? . . . Does anyone? Bring your boats, barnacles, beads, bongs, and brotherly love! Make sure you have a host captain! Past instructions for reference, folks! (free)[8/22-24 :SF, 8pm]Speak English a 60-minute solo performance, by Barcelona artist : Vanessa Kamp. “I implicitly question how we construct and manage perception via themes of work/labor, class, and xenophobia” ($15-17)SATURDAY
[8/23 – 8/24 , Oakland 11-5pm] Fairly Land Puppet Fair “Every summer since 1956, Fairyland has been proud to host a world-class celebration of puppetry.  Spectacular puppet productions of the highest caliber are yours to behold at Fairyland for two days in a row. Premiere puppeteers from all over the country bring their elaborate, exquisite art form to the park and add to the roster of delightful shows. Educational displays in the Merry Meadow allow viewers to learn about puppetry, types of puppets, and the history of the art form. Audiences of every age will be mesmerized when the world of puppetry comes to life for one magical weekend in a summer of Fairy Fun.” (20$)[8/23 : Oakland 11:30-8pm] [Town Nights (block Party)} Fresh for school in the fruitvale. free haircuts, music, food, kids zone, raffles. @ east 12th between 35 * 36th] (free)[8/23 :East bay , 1-4pm ] Rising Seas 4 w/ Manilatown Ancestral Ensemble
Where Art meets Community to Shape a Resilient and Sustainable Future. Connecting culture and climate awareness in creative and engaging ways, Rhythmix Rising Seas presents a free, outdoor series, May through August, transforming Alameda’s waterfront parks with live music, dance, and theater.   Each location tells a unique site-specific story.  (free)[8/23 : Oakland, 2-5pm] Art & Scent @ (Slade Contemporary Gallery 473 25th St (east bay)
Oakland,) You’re invited to the closing celebration of Hannah Franco’s exhibit TRACES at SLATE Gallery. Join us from 3-5pm as fine artist Hannah Franco and olfactory artist Carmen Rose unveil Aither—the fourth creation in their Eulogy x HFFA collaborative series. This partnership explores synesthesia, where Carmen’s perfumes serve as olfactory companions to Hannah’s oil paintings, translating visual elements like color, texture, and form into aromatic experiences. The collaboration recognizes and elevates scent as art on another plane. (free)[8/23-24 : Treasure Island] August Raftup Summer of Love Do you remember The Summer of Love? . . . Does anyone? Bring your boats, barnacles, beads, bongs, and brotherly love! Make sure you have a host captain! Past instructions for reference, folks! (free8/16,23 : SF, 2pm Just Be Happy Solo Clown Show. The key to everlasting joy is finally here! Join us for “Just Be Happy” and follow a Clown desperately trying to enjoy a beach day where everything goes wrong. Hop on this roller coaster of emotional suppression told through clowning, cartoon mime, roller skating and more! And remember, nothing can upset you as long as you keep ignoring those pesky feelings! ($15-18)[8/23 : SF 2-5] [Performative Male Contest SF] ) who: matcha-drinking, tote bag carrying, carhartt wearing performative males welcome prize: matcha gift card + tote bags + more items to help you be your most performative self (location : Dolores Park (by the statue) (free)[8/23 : Berkeley, 2-5] Body Work jam no massage experience necisary, bring a blanket and a friend, come ready to massage. all proceeds go to a mutual aid fund. (@ strawberry creek park, across form the hidden cafe)8/23 , 2:00pm – 3:30pm SAMMAY: the way home is an upwards spiral – World Premiere (dance)
A dazzling, array of kinetic street dance idioms transforms the Gardens into a liberated movement zone with the world premiere of the way home is an upwards spiral. Commissioned by YBG Festival, Sammay Peñaflor Dizon (she/they) created this experimental, site-responsive work to push the boundaries of street dance forms, challenge Western notions of concert dance and draw attention to ongoing policy battles concerning a woman’s sovereignty over her/their body (free)[8/23 : SF , 4-9pm] Hungry Ghost Festival
華埠鬼節 @ SF Chinatown Opening Parade: 4pm - 667 Grant Ave. The Hungry Ghost Festival (also known as Zhongyuan Festival or Yulan Festival) is a special celebration for the Chinese diaspora, observed with unique interpretations worldwide in places like Hong Kong, Singapore, and beyond. Marking the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month, this festival signifies a time when the boundary between the living and spiritual realms blurs. It is a day when the most hungry and angry ghosts come to the human realms to seek solace–and yes, it can be scary.(free)8/23-24 THE 2025 PLAYGROUND FREE-PLAY FESTIVAL! FREE-PLAY FESTIVAL. This four-week “fringe style” new works festival has featured productions from highly sought-after theatre artists from across the country. ($? free?)[8/23 : Oakland , 8pm] [Movie in the Park: Black Panthers] @ 1651 Adeline. oakland (free)[8/23 : Oakland, 8pm] EMERGENCE: FUTURE ANCESTORS Fashion Show “CREATIVE REVOLUTION BEGINS WITH YOU
QUEER FOLK AND ALLIES ADJACENT: OUR TIME TO CREATE AND RISE TOGETHER IS NOW.
EMERGENCE: FUTURE ANCESTORS invites you to our 3rd annual collaborative fashion show featuring garments and accessories from over 20 QT & BIPOC+ local designers and creatives. premiering August 23rd, 2025 at The First Presbyterian Church in Oakland, CA. “ ($23)[8/23 : SF 7:30pm ]Unboxing Queer Variety show @ Raining chainsaws, 1789 Egbert ave.Clipped Wings: Unboxing, a queer/trans centered variety show uplifting funny, kinky, and upcoming bay area talent. Celebrate queer joy with a range of fun activities, zines, and fashion before you become bedazzled by the entertainment of the evening. At the heart of it is a spectacular raffle of prizes benefitting TGI Justice Project, a local org that supports transgender, gender-variant and intersex people, inside and outside of prisons, jails, and detention centers. This show is 18+ only, bring your “roommate” or gay crush and come ready to leave with a new fetish. Free entry as space allows – Tip your performers! Masks are required/provided ([8/23-24 :SF, 8pm]Speak English a 60-minute solo performance, by Barcelona artist : Vanessa Kamp. “I implicitly question how we construct and manage perception via themes of work/labor, class, and xenophobia” ($15-17)SUNDAY
[8/23 – 8/24 , Oakland 11-5pm] Fairly Land Puppet Fair “Every summer since 1956, Fairyland has been proud to host a world-class celebration of puppetry.  Spectacular puppet productions of the highest caliber are yours to behold at Fairyland for two days in a row. Premiere puppeteers from all over the country bring their elaborate, exquisite art form to the park and add to the roster of delightful shows. Educational displays in the Merry Meadow allow viewers to learn about puppetry, types of puppets, and the history of the art form. Audiences of every age will be mesmerized when the world of puppetry comes to life for one magical weekend in a summer of Fairy Fun.” (20$)[ 8/24 : Berkeley, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
] The Wiggle Room: Release the Cheeks
“Are you ready to release? Those cheeks that is! The lovely and talented Saharla Vetsch is back with her energizing and empowering movement workshop – Release the Cheeks. This beloved workshop is all about releasing the tension and stress we carry in our hips (and booty) by connecting our minds to the body through lower body focused movement. More than a twerking class, Saharla will guide us through a series of stretches, movements, and grooves before we shake it out on the floor. Trust, you will definitely get your twerk game up too!” ($10)8/24 , 2:00pm – 3:30pm SAMMAY: the way home is an upwards spiral – World Premiere (dance)
A dazzling, array of kinetic street dance idioms transforms the Gardens into a liberated movement zone with the world premiere of the way home is an upwards spiral. Commissioned by YBG Festival, Sammay Peñaflor Dizon (she/they) created this experimental, site-responsive work to push the boundaries of street dance forms, challenge Western notions of concert dance and draw attention to ongoing policy battles concerning a woman’s sovereignty over her/their body (free)8/,24 : SF, 3:30pm Formerly Incarcerated Voices On Stage Powerful solo performances from members of the Formerly Incarcerated People’s Performance Project ($15,18)[8/24 : 4th Sundays: Oakland] Rollin with the Homos (rolling skating and drag)8/24 THE 2025 PLAYGROUND FREE-PLAY FESTIVAL! FREE-PLAY FESTIVAL. This four-week “fringe style” new works festival has featured productions from highly sought-after theatre artists from across the country. ($? free?)[8/24 :SF, 8pm]Speak English a 60-minute solo performance, by Barcelona artist : Vanessa Kamp. “I implicitly question how we construct and manage perception via themes of work/labor, class, and xenophobia” ($15-17)

MONDAY
[ 8/25 : Berkeley 11:00am - 11:30am Bob Baker Marionette Theater A variety show with marionettes that sing, dance, dazzle, and delight people of all ages. This traveling show will perform a variety show with puppets that sing, dance, dazzle, and delight people of all ages. After the show, there will be an opportunity to ask questions about puppetry and meet and greet a few puppets themselves! (free)TUESDAY
[8/26 : SF , 8am - 4:30] Mobilize against ICE "Show up to the courthouse and help defend our neighbors against ICE!" @ 100 Montgomery st. (free)8/26 : SF 7pm] The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, 5-minute story on the night's theme. Sign up for a chance to tell a story or sit back and enjoy the show! Tonight’s theme is…GUMPTION:  ($?)[8/26 ,Oakland : 6:30-8:30]Figure drawing "Excited to announce our new home for our Tuesday Nights in Oakland at thespace1308 / in collaboration with wolfepack_studios ✨ Starting in June, catch us sustaining the vibes yall know and love, alongside friendly, familiar faces ✍🏾📍 1308 Broadway, Oakland(🎟️ $20 admission)[8/26, eastbay : 7pm-11pm] HardwareHackNight Tuesdays hackerspace at Omni Commons[8/26, East bay : 7:00 pm - midnight]
East Bay Fusion Dance Social partner dance event on Tuesday nights in Oakland. Fusion Partner dance is a collaborative improvised partner dance that prioritizes connecting with your partner over specific steps. The music is varied to include many different genres, cultures, and dance forms. (10-25$)WENSDAY
[8/27 : SF ,7-10:30] Wednesday Night Lindy Society at Decodance Swing Dancing every Wednesday night (21+ two drink min + free dance class)THURSDAY
[8/28 : Oakland 8:30-2pm] Tai chi classes at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. (free)

FRIDAY
[08/29/ 3:30pm SFO] Flight Roulette at SFO Looking for better Labor Day Weekend plans? Meet us Friday afternoon at SFO for an hourlong adventure that will end with one person being randomly selected to immediately go on a weekend trip somewhere else in the world. The trip and destination will be thoughtfully designed by everyone else within ONE HOUR in carefully curated teams, personalized for you. Flight/lodging are paid for by tucks and djbaskin. (free)[8/29 : Oakland : 6:30-9:30] Days Like This’ a Party for the People, by the People at the Lake Merritt Pergola. (free)SATURDAY
[8/30 , Berkeley, 10:00 am - 11:30 am] Maculelê Dance Class “Join us for a fun warm up and class of Maculelê, an Afro-Brasilian stick dance! We’ll demonstrate potential choreography and finish with a round of free play, songs and dance!” ($15 )[8/30 : Berkeley: 10 am - 6 pm] Aftel museum of Curious Scents ($25)[8/30 : SF, 6-9] Hala, Sige Festival 2025 Junglebolo Entertainment presents Hala, Sige Festival 2025. In collaboration with Shikes Barbero and Sonikcute, Sentro Filipino presents an Art and Music festival featuring Filipino vendors, creatives, and creators. ($20)[8/30 : Berkeley, 8-10pm A Night at the Aquarium Dive deep beneath the waves, for a unique variety show, featuring burlesque, clown, improv, and more ($?)SUNDAY

<<< SEPTEMBER >>>

MONDAY
[9/1 : Oakland: 7pm-9pm or even later] SUDO ROOM Women / NonBinary Coding nights Mondays hackerspace at Omni Commons[9/1: 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)[9/1: 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[9/2: SF , 8am - 4:30] MObilize against Ice "Show up to the courthouse and help defend our neighbors against ICE!" @ 100 Montgomery st. (free)[9/2: Oakland : 6:30-8:30]Figure drawing "Excited to announce our new home for our Tuesday Nights in Oakland at thespace1308 / in collaboration with wolfepack_studios ✨ Starting in June, catch us sustaining the vibes yall know and love, alongside friendly, familiar faces ✍🏾📍 1308 Broadway, Oakland(🎟️ $20 admission)[9/2: eastbay : 7pm-11pm] HardwareHackNight Tuesdays hackerspace at Omni Commons[9/2: East bay : 7:00 pm - midnight]
East Bay Fusion Dance Social partner dance event on Tuesday nights in Oakland. Fusion Partner dance is a collaborative improvised partner dance that prioritizes connecting with your partner over specific steps. The music is varied to include many different genres, cultures, and dance forms. (10-25$)WENSDAY
[9/3 : SF ,7-10:30] Wednesday Night Lindy Society at Decodance Swing Dancing every Wednesday night (21+ two drink min + free dance class)THURSDAY
[9/4 : Oakland 8:30-2pm] Tai chi classes at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. (free)[ 9/4 : First Thurs-nights : SF ] First Thursday Art Walk explore Downtown and Tenderloin galleries.[9/4 : Oakland, 7:30 ] RHAPSODY "A LITERARY SALON FOR THE BRAVE & THE RIGHTEOUS IN A TROUBLED WORLD, Fiction. Manifestos. Sermons. Tirades. Love Letters. Puppets. Commentary. Poetry. Rhetoric. Pronouncements. Babble. Spiel. Stories. Speeches. AND THEN WE DANCE…." Beginning on Thursday, September 4th, 2025, 7.30pm - 9.30pm at Clio’s Books, 353 Grand Ave in Oakland, and continuing the first Thursday of every month, Rhapsody will present some of the most luminous writers, poets, commentators, and storytellers in the Bay area and go in search of Utopia! Sex, society, love, technology, politics, art, wealth, and God are just a few of the delicious Utopias we have on our radar. ($12.50)

FRIDAY
[9/5 : Oakland : 6:30-9:30] Days Like This’ a Party for the People, by the People at the Lake Merritt Pergola. (free)[9/5 : First Fridays : Oakland. Art murmur in Oakland, Art gallery openings, art booths, street dance, food vendors. (grand-27th and telegraph)9/5 : First Fridays : Northbeach SF Art night art night, galleries, music, street artSATURDAY
[9/6 : Berkeley: 10 am - 6 pm] Aftel museum of Curious Scents ($25)[9/6 : SF 1st Saturdays : SF ] 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.SUNDAY
[ 9/7 : SF 2-5 ] HOLE: a new show by the SF Neo-Futurists The SF Neo-Futurists invite you to a brand-new, full-length show "HOLE" in which we will dig a big hole in the ground (yes, really). Set outdoors at the beach, HOLE is a site-specific play that revolves around the act of literally digging a large hole in the ground, moving through themes of obsession, identity, community, kindness, and the strange persistence of compulsive digging in pop culture. A play without a fourth wall (or, in fact, any walls), HOLE asks the audience: What needs to be done for you to take up the shovel?
( $25. (NOTAFLOF), space is limited so RSVP. To request a NOTAFLOF ticket, please email [email protected]. )[9/7: First Sunday: SF 8-11] Clutch the pearls A cabaret of drag curiosities… First sunday of every month!HOSTED BY Churro Nomi + Mira

MONDAY
[9/8 : Oakland: 7pm-9pm or even later] SUDO ROOM Women / NonBinary Coding nights Mondays hackerspace at Omni Commons[9/8: 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)[9/8: 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
[9/9: SF , 8am - 4:30] MObilize against Ice "Show up to the courthouse and help defend our neighbors against ICE!" @ 100 Montgomery st. (free)[9/9 : 2nd Tuesdays : Oakland, 10-1pm ]BiIPOC coworking day A free space for BIPOC movement workers & entrepreneurs to network and collaborate. RSVP @ understory: 3340 International Blvd (free)[9/9: Oakland : 6:30-8:30]Figure drawing "Excited to announce our new home for our Tuesday Nights in Oakland at thespace1308 / in collaboration with wolfepack_studios ✨ Starting in June, catch us sustaining the vibes yall know and love, alongside friendly, familiar faces ✍🏾📍 1308 Broadway, Oakland(🎟️ $20 admission)[9/9: eastbay : 7pm-11pm] HardwareHackNight Tuesdays hackerspace at Omni Commons[9/9: East bay : 7:00 pm - midnight]
East Bay Fusion Dance Social partner dance event on Tuesday nights in Oakland. Fusion Partner dance is a collaborative improvised partner dance that prioritizes connecting with your partner over specific steps. The music is varied to include many different genres, cultures, and dance forms. (10-25$)WENSDAY
[9/10 : SF ,7-10:30] Wednesday Night Lindy Society at Decodance Swing Dancing every Wednesday night (21+ two drink min + free dance class)THURSDAY
[9/11 : Oakland 8:30-2pm] Tai chi classes at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. (free)

FRIDAY
[9/12 : Oakland : 6:30-9:30] Days Like This’ a Party for the People, by the People at the Lake Merritt Pergola. (free)[9/12 : 2nd Fridays: East bay, 7:30pm] East Bay Bike Party! location (tba) (free)SATURDAY
[9/13: Berkeley: 10 am - 6 pm] Aftel museum of Curious Scents ($25)[9/13 :oakland, 7pm] [Trans storytellers @ hasta Muerta Coffee] musical performances: amina shareef, Sarai Schwartz, CJ Lawrence] (2701 fruitvale, oakland) ($?)[9/13: 2nd Saturdays ][8-10:30pm : Oakland], Bay Area Micro Fusion (dance) Micro Fusion Fundamentals and Lessons. ($0-25)SUNDAY
[ 9/14 : SF 2-5 ] HOLE: a new show by the SF Neo-Futurists The SF Neo-Futurists invite you to a brand-new, full-length show "HOLE" in which we will dig a big hole in the ground (yes, really). Set outdoors at the beach, HOLE is a site-specific play that revolves around the act of literally digging a large hole in the ground, moving through themes of obsession, identity, community, kindness, and the strange persistence of compulsive digging in pop culture. A play without a fourth wall (or, in fact, any walls), HOLE asks the audience: What needs to be done for you to take up the shovel?
( $25. (NOTAFLOF), space is limited so RSVP. To request a NOTAFLOF ticket, please email [email protected]. )[9/14: 2nd Sundays: Oakland 1:30-4:30] Mixed-Media collage workshop with Rock Paper Scissors artists, at Oakland Main Library 125 14th street.

MONDAY
[9/15 : Oakland: 7pm-9pm or even later] SUDO ROOM Women / NonBinary Coding nights Mondays hackerspace at Omni Commons[9/15: 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)[9/15: 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
[9/16: SF , 8am - 4:30] MObilize against Ice "Show up to the courthouse and help defend our neighbors against ICE!" @ 100 Montgomery st. (free)[9/16: Oakland : 6:30-8:30]Figure drawing "Excited to announce our new home for our Tuesday Nights in Oakland at thespace1308 / in collaboration with wolfepack_studios ✨ Starting in June, catch us sustaining the vibes yall know and love, alongside friendly, familiar faces ✍🏾📍 1308 Broadway, Oakland(🎟️ $20 admission)[9/16: eastbay : 7pm-11pm] HardwareHackNight Tuesdays hackerspace at Omni Commons[9/16: East bay : 7:00 pm - midnight]
East Bay Fusion Dance Social partner dance event on Tuesday nights in Oakland. Fusion Partner dance is a collaborative improvised partner dance that prioritizes connecting with your partner over specific steps. The music is varied to include many different genres, cultures, and dance forms. (10-25$)WENSDAY
[9/17 : SF ,7-10:30] Wednesday Night Lindy Society at Decodance Swing Dancing every Wednesday night (21+ two drink min + free dance class)THURSDAY
[9/18 : Oakland 8:30-2pm] Tai chi classes at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. (free)

FRIDAY
[9/19 : Oakland : 6:30-9:30] Days Like This’ a Party for the People, by the People at the Lake Merritt Pergola. (free)SATURDAY
[9/20 : Berkeley: 10 am - 6 pm] Aftel museum of Curious Scents ($25)[9/20 : SF, 10am – 12:30pm, 2pm - 4:30pm] Free Open Studio: The Center for Creative Exploration Get Creative! Explore intuitive painting without judgment, together. Savor snacks and sips. Discover the creative freedom of intuitive painting — a process-based practice guided by your intuition and inner creativity. Connect with yourself and community at The Center for Creative Exploration’s Open Studio, an annual free event in collaboration with ArtSpan / SF Open Studios. (free)SUNDAY
[9/20 : SF, 10am – 12:30pm, 2pm - 4:30pm] Free Open Studio: The Center for Creative Exploration Get Creative! Explore intuitive painting without judgment, together. Savor snacks and sips. Discover the creative freedom of intuitive painting — a process-based practice guided by your intuition and inner creativity. Connect with yourself and community at The Center for Creative Exploration’s Open Studio, an annual free event in collaboration with ArtSpan / SF Open Studios. (free)[ 9/21 : SF 2-5 ] HOLE: a new show by the SF Neo-Futurists The SF Neo-Futurists invite you to a brand-new, full-length show "HOLE" in which we will dig a big hole in the ground (yes, really). Set outdoors at the beach, HOLE is a site-specific play that revolves around the act of literally digging a large hole in the ground, moving through themes of obsession, identity, community, kindness, and the strange persistence of compulsive digging in pop culture. A play without a fourth wall (or, in fact, any walls), HOLE asks the audience: What needs to be done for you to take up the shovel?
( $25. (NOTAFLOF), space is limited so RSVP. To request a NOTAFLOF ticket, please email [email protected]. )

MONDAY
[9/22 : Oakland: 7pm-9pm or even later] SUDO ROOM Women / NonBinary Coding nights Mondays hackerspace at Omni Commons[9/22: 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)[9/22: 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
[9/23: SF , 8am - 4:30] MObilize against Ice "Show up to the courthouse and help defend our neighbors against ICE!" @ 100 Montgomery st. (free)[9/23: Oakland : 6:30-8:30]Figure drawing "Excited to announce our new home for our Tuesday Nights in Oakland at thespace1308 / in collaboration with wolfepack_studios ✨ Starting in June, catch us sustaining the vibes yall know and love, alongside friendly, familiar faces ✍🏾📍 1308 Broadway, Oakland(🎟️ $20 admission)[9/23: eastbay : 7pm-11pm] HardwareHackNight Tuesdays hackerspace at Omni Commons[9/23: East bay : 7:00 pm - midnight]
East Bay Fusion Dance Social partner dance event on Tuesday nights in Oakland. Fusion Partner dance is a collaborative improvised partner dance that prioritizes connecting with your partner over specific steps. The music is varied to include many different genres, cultures, and dance forms. (10-25$)WENSDAY
[9/24 : SF ,7-10:30] Wednesday Night Lindy Society at Decodance Swing Dancing every Wednesday night (21+ two drink min + free dance class)THURSDAY
[9/25 : Oakland 8:30-2pm] Tai chi classes at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. (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
[SF , 8am - 4:30] MObilize against Ice "Show up to the courthouse and help defend our neighbors against ICE!" @ 100 Montgomery st. (free)[Oakland : 6:30-8:30]Figure drawing "Excited to announce our new home for our Tuesday Nights in Oakland at thespace1308 / in collaboration with wolfepack_studios ✨ Starting in June, catch us sustaining the vibes yall know and love, alongside friendly, familiar faces ✍🏾📍 1308 Broadway, Oakland(🎟️ $20 admission)[eastbay : 7pm-11pm] HardwareHackNight Tuesdays hackerspace at Omni Commons[East bay : 7:00 pm - midnight]
East Bay Fusion Dance Social partner dance event on Tuesday nights in Oakland. Fusion Partner dance is a collaborative improvised partner dance that prioritizes connecting with your partner over specific steps. The music is varied to include many different genres, cultures, and dance forms. (10-25$)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 library[6/7 : SF 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.SUNDAYS
[Berkeley : 11 am – 6 pm] Tilden Steam train rides ($4)[SF : 3pm ] Music Jam @ the Radical Reading room "Come Play With Us!
"

<<< 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[2nd Tuesdays : Oakland, 10-1pm ]BiIPOC coworking day A free space for BIPOC movement workers & entrepreneurs to network and collaborate. RSVP @ understory: 3340 International Blvd (free)[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

**********************************************
<<< 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 >

**********************************************

< 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)

MONDAY
[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)TUESDAY
[Oakland : 6:30-8:30]Figure drawing "Excited to announce our new home for our Tuesday Nights in Oakland at thespace1308 / in collaboration with wolfepack_studios ✨ Starting in June, catch us sustaining the vibes yall know and love, alongside friendly, familiar faces ✍🏾📍 1308 Broadway, Oakland(🎟️ $20 admission)[eastbay : 7pm-11pm] HardwareHackNight Tuesdays hackerspace at Omni Commons[East bay : 7:00 pm - midnight]
East Bay Fusion Dance Social partner dance event on Tuesday nights in Oakland. Fusion Partner dance is a collaborative improvised partner dance that prioritizes connecting with your partner over specific steps. The music is varied to include many different genres, cultures, and dance forms. (10-25$)WENSDAYS[SF ,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
[7/31 : Oakland, 8:30am - 2pm] Free Tai Chi classes Gain the health benefits of traditional Tai Chi and Chi Gung practice in a friendly group setting. classes will be held in-person at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. (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)FRIDAY
[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)SATURDAY
[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)[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 library[6/7 : SF 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.SUNDAY
[Berkeley : 11 am – 6 pm] Tilden Steam train rides ($4)[SF : 3pm ] Music Jam @ the Radical Reading room "Come Play With Us!
"