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) *
<<< OCTOBER >>>
TUESDAY
[10/7 : SF , 6-9] Where doesTheatre go from here We are proud of our team member Ted Russell for leading this conversation on the state of the performing arts sector with San Francisco Chronicle Theater Critic Lily Janiak, Tony Award-winning playwright Jonathan Spector, and San Francisco Playhouse Producing Director Susi Damilano. Together, they will explain how nonprofit theater operates, whether it’s struggling more in the Bay Area than elsewhere in the country, and what, despite all these challenges, still gives them hope. @ 3092 16th St., San Francisco ($9 or more)THURSDAY
[10/8 : Oakland 8:30-2pm] Tai chi classes at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. (free)10/8 : [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)10/9, Oakland, 6 - 8pm PDT] Driving the Movement II: Black Panther Veteran JoNina Abron-Ervin Speaks JoNina Abron-Ervin, final editor of The Black Panther Party's newspaper, community organizer, & author, shares lessons for fighting fascism. @ Black Panther Party Museum1427 Broadway Oakland, (free)[10/9, :SF ,6:30] Punching Judy (Performance) “Wickedly funny and unapologetically raw, Punching Judy blends physical theatre, dance, mime, and clown to tackle tough subjects with bold humor and razor-sharp insight. This darkly comedic solo performance shines a light on patriarchal brutality, systemic violence, and domestic abuse, inviting you to laugh, squirm, and reflect. With its dynamic storytelling and fearless physicality, Punching Judy turns uncomfortable truths into a mesmerizing, thought-provoking experience. “ ($20-30)[10/9,11,12- :: SF, 8pm,6:30pm,8pm] Dream Mechanic (performance) James Donlon with special guest Luciano Brindisi Travel through the wonderful and absurd dreams of an Old Man, as he fights off a haunting nightmare. He has to visit the Dream Mechanic to find a solution! With inventive staging full of movement, comedy, mystery, and adventure, master mime/clowns James Donlon and Luciano Brindisi of Argentina collaborate on this new show bringing a combined 95 years of international performance experience. ($20-30)
FRIDAY
[10/10,12 , SF, 6:30pm,5pm] Only Gags (mime Performance Luciano Brindisi Physical Comedy & Mime Madcap Argentine mime/clown LUCIANO BRINDISI explodes on the stage with electric energy solving the “NOW” with absurd and eccentric antics. His special brand of physical comedy has been seen all over South America and Europe. He makes his West Coast USA debut on the Church of Clown stage. ($20-30)[2nd Fridays: East bay, 7:30pm] East Bay Bike Party! location (tba) (free)SATURDAY
[Oct 11, 2025 : 10am-12:30pm Intro/Community Painting class: Tending the Creative Fire
Discover the creative freedom of intuitive painting — a process-based practice guided by your intuition and inner creativity. Experience joy, playfulness, and presence in community. Come as you are - no art experience necessary! Link: Location: 300 Chenery St., San Francisco + online Cost: $18.91 (Online); $28 (In-Person, all materials included).[10/11: SF, 11am - 6pm] 2 Blocks of Art 2025: Site + Sound “The highly anticipated annual event electrifies two blocks of Market Street with over 20 art exhibitions from 5th to 7th.” Market Street, San Francisco, CA, This year’s theme — Site + Sound — showcases the deep connection between music and art in reimagined spaces, weaving together Mid Market’s rich history of movie houses, radio, live music venues, and culture with the energy of today’s creative arts community. From the echoes of historic broadcasts to the vibrant sounds of live bands, this event has something for everyone.@ market street, between 5th and 7th streets San Francisco, CA 94102 (free)[10/11 : SF , 6:30 ] the Poetry World Series
at the Make-Out Room. two teams of poets take turns batting at topics selected by the audience and pitched by Daniel Handler Doors at 6:30pm. ($15 adv / $20 (Lemony Snicket). feel free to use discount code: BATTERUP.)[10/11,12- :: SF, 8pm,6:30pm,8pm] Dream Mechanic (performance) James Donlon with special guest Luciano Brindisi Travel through the wonderful and absurd dreams of an Old Man, as he fights off a haunting nightmare. He has to visit the Dream Mechanic to find a solution! With inventive staging full of movement, comedy, mystery, and adventure, master mime/clowns James Donlon and Luciano Brindisi of Argentina collaborate on this new show bringing a combined 95 years of international performance experience. ($20-30)SUNDAY
[10/12 : SF 11-5pm] Artspan Open Studios Weekend 4: SOMA, Dogpatch, Bayview, Potrero Hill, Mission Bay SF (Various Locations) Since 1975, ArtSpan’s citywide SF Open Studios program has connected local artists to San Francisco’s residents and visitors. Today, the program spans multiple weekends, engages hundreds of artists, and welcomes thousands of visitors. (free)10/12 :Oakland : 1:30pm-3pmRADICAL MOVES: INTERACTIVE PUBLIC ART & LEARNING ZONE @ Snow Park along walking path (19th Street, Oakland) Radical Moves is an interactive public art & learning zone, with collective visioning. Stories of activism, radical change-makers, and successful social-change movements from across the world will be shared, celebrating the awareness of these movements, the people, and their contributions. Then participants can share their own experiences, ideas, and solutions together, envisioning possible actions, and forming collective possibilities. (free)[10/12: 2-4pm] SPACES TO GROW WITH V AND TBO
Sun October 12th :: 2pm-4pm Saturdays November 15th and 22nd :: 2pm-4pm @ RVSP to [email protected] or @VxV.83 on Signal for location A class about planning your garden for those who want to begin or need direction with their next steps. We'll start a with a communal space - a backyard, a median strip, a balcony, or a corner of a favorite park. We'll observe, plan, and suggest resources to turn any space into a garden. Three class sessions with rotating locations (free)[10/12th, 19th, and 26th oakland 2pm-4pm] COMBAT SPORTS FOR COMMUNITY DEFENSE WITH BRAZO @ Suigetsukan (103 International Blvd, Oakland)
During this 4 week course participants will explore their bodies thru movement based games that are aimed at coordinating and adapting skills taken from various combat sports (Kickboxing, Judo, Ju Jitsu, etc.) to build the skills to better defend our communities from the myriad threats of authoritarianism. Classes are cumulative, so please plan to come to all 4. (free)[10/12 , SF, ,5pm] Only Gags (mime Performance Luciano Brindisi Physical Comedy & Mime Madcap Argentine mime/clown LUCIANO BRINDISI explodes on the stage with electric energy solving the “NOW” with absurd and eccentric antics. His special brand of physical comedy has been seen all over South America and Europe. He makes his West Coast USA debut on the Church of Clown stage. ($20-30)[10/12 : Oakland, 5:30, 645, 8pm] QUALIA ~ An Immersive Sound & Visual Film Experience through the 5 Elements
@ Chabot Obserbatory, Oakland
3 shows on Sunday Oct 12
Early bird tix start at $22,[10/12- :: SF, 8pm] Dream Mechanic (performance) James Donlon with special guest Luciano Brindisi Travel through the wonderful and absurd dreams of an Old Man, as he fights off a haunting nightmare. He has to visit the Dream Mechanic to find a solution! With inventive staging full of movement, comedy, mystery, and adventure, master mime/clowns James Donlon and Luciano Brindisi of Argentina collaborate on this new show bringing a combined 95 years of international performance experience. ($20-30)
MONDAY
[10/13 : Oakland, 12-3pm] [Anticapitalist Artist Development] A seminar on decolonial and sustainable ways to emancipate ourselves from exploitative systems. Learn about tax free unrestricted grants, mutual aid, barters, time banks and more. Taught by Pallavi Kidambi. @ 3630 Telegraph Ave. (free)[10/13, Oakland: 7pm-9pm or even later] SUDO ROOM Women / NonBinary Coding nights Mondays hackerspace at Omni Commons[10/13, SF :7pm] SHADES SF dance ($13-25 for lesson and dance, $10-20 for dance only (no one turn away for lack of funds)10/13 : SF 5-8pm]Tattoo Artist Social Calling all Bay Area Tattoo Artists— come hang out, draw some still lifes, and connect with each other at Bituin Studio! We also invite you to co-create a living altar together. All skill levels and tattoo styles welcome, 18+, no cops/ no bootlickers. @ Bituin Studio, 445 Natoma StTUESDAY
[10/14, 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(🎟️ $20 admission)[10/14, eastbay : 7pm-11pm] HardwareHackNight Tuesdays hackerspace at Omni Commons[10/14, East bay : 7:00 pm - midnight]
East Bay Fusion Dance Social partner dance event on Tuesday nights in Oakland. Fusion Partner dance is a collaborative improvised partner dance that prioritizes connecting with your partner over specific steps. The music is varied to include many different genres, cultures, and dance forms. (10-25$)WENSDAYS[10/15, SF ,7-10:30] Wednesday Night Lindy Society at Decodance Swing Dancing every Wednesday night (21+ two drink min + free dance class)[10/15, 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)THURSDAYs
[10/16 : 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)[10/16, 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)[10/16, Oakland 9pm-1am] Ahi Nama (salsa dancing) 8-9pm beginners, 9-10pm mixed levels, dance social (10pm-1am)
FRIDAY
[10/17 : SF, 6-7:30pm] An Ecosexual Walking Tour In Search of the Elusive Boobie Bird This ecosexual walking tour, with their longtime collaborator Amanda Starbuck, explores boobies—that is, the water bird that occasionally appears in the San Francisco landscape—tracing a path from The Lab, to the 465 Collective and then to Cushion Works. This walking tour is in conjunction with an exhibition of Beth & Annie’s work, Bazoombas in Love, opening October 23 at Cushion Works, and with the nonprofit, E.A.R.T.H. Lab SF. Since their Wedding to the Earth in 2008, Beth Stephens & Annie Sprinkle have fleshed out, so to speak, their ecosexual position. Through an extensive practice of performance, discussion, filmmaking, and installation, they invite the Earth to be their lover, rethinking the nurturer-nurtured dichotomy of mother and all the gendered expectations that come with it while embracing reciprocal pleasure and queer ecologies. (free)10/17,18- SF, 8PM,5PM] Kami Girl Performed by Kami Dimitrova Directed by Connor Bowe Get ready for a clown-fueled fever dream in Kami Girl, a solo comedy written and performed by Kami Dimitrova. Equal parts unhinged and heartfelt, this Borat-meets-I Love Lucy experience promises a wildly funny ride full of physical comedy, music, and absurd character work, directed by Connor Bowen. Set in a fictional Bulgarian eatery, Kami Girl tells the story of a mediocre waitress constantly demoted by her father at Cafe Papa Restaurant. But her passion for singing keeps derailing her job—and her life. Featuring live piano and riotous clowning, Kami’s performance is “dumb in the smartest possible way.” “This show is a love letter to all the immigrant kids who at one point had to tell their parents they don’t want to be a lawyer because they like how acting makes them feel,” says Dimitrova. “It’s stupid, it’s physical, it’s deeply personal—and there’s a live piano. What more do you want?” ($20-30)[Oakland : 5:30-9:30] Days Like This’ a Party for the People, by the People at the Lake Merritt Pergola. (free)SATURDAY
10/18- SF, 5PM] Kami Girl Performed by Kami Dimitrova Directed by Connor Bowe Get ready for a clown-fueled fever dream in Kami Girl, a solo comedy written and performed by Kami Dimitrova. Equal parts unhinged and heartfelt, this Borat-meets-I Love Lucy experience promises a wildly funny ride full of physical comedy, music, and absurd character work, directed by Connor Bowen. Set in a fictional Bulgarian eatery, Kami Girl tells the story of a mediocre waitress constantly demoted by her father at Cafe Papa Restaurant. But her passion for singing keeps derailing her job—and her life. Featuring live piano and riotous clowning, Kami’s performance is “dumb in the smartest possible way.” “This show is a love letter to all the immigrant kids who at one point had to tell their parents they don’t want to be a lawyer because they like how acting makes them feel,” says Dimitrova. “It’s stupid, it’s physical, it’s deeply personal—and there’s a live piano. What more do you want?” ($20-30)[10/18th :Oakland : 10am-5pm ] BAY AREA ANARCHIST BOOK FAIR @ Humanist Hall (390 27th Street, Oakland) Radical publishers & community organizations. Workshops & skill sharing. This year focus on infrastructure and interdependence. (free)[10/18 : SF (Golden Gate Park)- 12-3pm] Ghost Streets of Golden Gate Park & the Panhandle Our guest guide Nancy Botkin leads us by bicycle through various spaces in the Panhandle and Golden Gate Park that used to be roadways but have since transformed into open areas prioritized for people, welcoming pedestrians, equestrians, picnickers, and people on bikes. Visit the Rose Garden, 6th Avenue Skate Park, Marx Meadow, Hellman Hollow, and many other spots you may not have considered before. A short segment of the ride will be on gravel roads. (free)[10/18 : SF, 6:30] The Fetus Show Created by Jessica Farber Directed by Dan Griffiths , October 4 @ 5pm Saturday, October 18 @ 6:30pm Are we just the result of a chaotic collision of cells, or has our journey already begun before we take our first breath? The Fetus Show is an absurd, comedic exploration of birth, our baggage, and the grand cosmic joke of the interwovenness of it all. From conception, to the womb, to our coming to the world, Jessica Farber invites audiences to examine the substance of what we inherit, what we carry, what we find and what we inevitably lose and leave behind. A surreal, irreverent take on the so-called “miracle of life,” this show dives headfirst into nature vs. nurture, destiny vs. chaos, and the eternal question - what is the meaning of it all? ($20-30)
MONDAY
[10/19 : Oakland, 1-4pm] [Vegan Mac & Cheese Competition] Come taste and judge our Vegan Chefs Mac and Cheese and vote for the People’s Champ! Special Happy Hour Drinks, 51 & Tel. Vegan Birthday Cake for @itserikahazel aka The Bizerkeley Vegan’s 9 Year Vegan Anniversary @ 5108 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA ($9)[10/19th, and 26th oakland 2pm-4pm] COMBAT SPORTS FOR COMMUNITY DEFENSE WITH BRAZO @ Suigetsukan (103 International Blvd, Oakland)
During this 4 week course participants will explore their bodies thru movement based games that are aimed at coordinating and adapting skills taken from various combat sports (Kickboxing, Judo, Ju Jitsu, etc.) to build the skills to better defend our communities from the myriad threats of authoritarianism. Classes are cumulative, so please plan to come to all 4. (free)[10/19, 4-7pm] [Community Connections] A Networking Mixer And Community Showcase To Connect With Founders And Creatives In The Bay Area. For Community Builders, Creatives (DJs, Photographers, Graphic Designers, Etc), Venue Owners, Entrepreneurs, And More. @ 2325 Broadway, Oakland (unknown$)TUESDAY
[10/20 : oakland 7pm] Rock Paper Scissors Fuck ICE make wheatpaste come learn how to make and plaster wheatpste bring posters, zines and ideas to share (Free) 2120 MLK Jr. Way, Oakland, California 94612-2331[10/20: Berkely, 7pm] Underbelly, The Art of Slowing Down. with Amy Rogg @Berkeley Unitarian Fellowship, 1924 Cedar Street Berkeley, It is a response to the loss of slowness and spaciousness in our dominant culture, which survives on speed, keeping problematic, oppressive, and destructive systems in place at the cost of our well-being and planetary health. It's time to dismantle the hurry and reclaim our slow in a fast and overwhelming world. This experience is not performative/postured/appropriated spirituality, nor a workshop, movement method or quintessential ecstatic dance or contact improv jam.It is not a quick fix or the next dopamine hit. It is not guided from certainty or giving solutions. It's a kindred community that values generous collaboration, energetic sensitivity, self and collective inquiry, exploring relational dynamics, nuance, and being in process. Underbelly is a trauma informed space. ($28.50)
FRIDAY
[10/24th :Oakland : 7pm-10pm ] BEN MOREA FULL CIRCLE
@ Tamarack (1501 Harrison Street, Oakland) Sat October 25th :: Time TBD @ Location TBA (San Francisco) Lifelong anarchist and member of Up Against the Wall Motherfucker Ben Morea discusses his new book Full Circle, his life in anarchy, and the deep connections between art, politics, and spirituality. (free)[Oakland : 5:30-9:30] Days Like This’ a Party for the People, by the People at the Lake Merritt Pergola. (free)SATURDAY
[10/25, 2025, Oakland, 4 to 9pm] [Lake merritt, oakland Doomscroll, art installations, happenings, experiences] (https://doomstroll.com/) Calling all creatives, monsters, and things who go bump in the night Bring your imagination to life as a piece of interactive art along Lake Merritt’s fetid shores. We envision a string of art installations, performances, weird happenings, and games that people can stroll between. Submit an idea by October 6 to become part of the Stroll. (free)[10/25,26 : SF] PUPPET DEATH MATCH by Rainingchainsaws (performance and puppets[10/25 : SF : 7pm-10pm ] BEN MOREA FULL CIRCLE
@ Tamarack (1501 Harrison Street, Oakland) Sat October 25th :: Time TBD @ Location TBA (San Francisco) Lifelong anarchist and member of Up Against the Wall Motherfucker Ben Morea discusses his new book Full Circle, his life in anarchy, and the deep connections between art, politics, and spirituality. (free)SUNDAY
[10/26th oakland 2pm-4pm] COMBAT SPORTS FOR COMMUNITY DEFENSE WITH BRAZO @ Suigetsukan (103 International Blvd, Oakland)
During this 4 week course participants will explore their bodies thru movement based games that are aimed at coordinating and adapting skills taken from various combat sports (Kickboxing, Judo, Ju Jitsu, etc.) to build the skills to better defend our communities from the myriad threats of authoritarianism. Classes are cumulative, so please plan to come to all 4. (free)[10/,26 : SF] PUPPET DEATH MATCH by Rainingchainsaws (performance and puppets
THURDAY
10/30,31 : sundown - nightime] DRIVEWAY FOLLIES Oakland Marionette Magic Driveway Follies provides professionally staged and family-friendly Halloween performances each year in Oakland. Our 2025 shows will take place on October 30th & 31st starting at sundown and running continuously through the evening. We encourage everyone to wear CDC-approved masks with their costumes, and encourage our adult fans without children to come to the later shows. (free)
FRIDAY
[10/31, Alameda, 4:00pm ] Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade & Costume Contest howl-o-ween This event is FREE and for All Ages!
Register your pet today! The West Alameda Business Association (WABA) invites pets, families, and neighbors to join us for a spooktacular first-ever Howl-O-Ween on Webster: Pet Costume Contest & Kids Trick-or-Treating!
This festive afternoon will feature:
👻 A colorful pet parade and costume contest
🍬 Trick-or-treating for kids along Webster Street
🐶 Local pet businesses and adoption spotlights
📸 Portraits, prizes, and plenty of fun for the whole family
We’re also proud to partner with Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS), who will showcase adoptable pets dressed in their Halloween best. (free)10/,31 : East Bay, sundown - nightime] DRIVEWAY FOLLIES Oakland Marionette Magic Driveway Follies provides professionally staged and family-friendly Halloween performances each year in Oakland. Our 2025 shows will take place on October 30th & 31st starting at sundown and running continuously through the evening. We encourage everyone to wear CDC-approved masks with their costumes, and encourage our adult fans without children to come to the later shows. (free)[10/31 : SF, 6-9pm] [The Black Cat Cafe Memorial] “On Halloween we're gathering to organize a tribute to one of San Francisco's earliest gay bars: the Black Cat Cafe. We'll have a bouquet-making workshop at 6pm at Nova Express then cross the street to lay our flowers at 7pm and hear stories of drag queens outwitting cops, bohemians drinking wine with artists and subversives, and brave patrons singing loudly to jailed homosexuals across the intersection.” @ 21 Columbus Ave
<<< 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!
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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[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
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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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"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!
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