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) *
<<< FEBRUARY >>>
MONDAY (2/16)Anarchist Skill Share pt 2 [2/16 : Berkeley] with breakouts throughout the east baySUDO ROOM Women / NonBinary Coding nights Mondays [Oakland: 7pm-9pm or even later] hackerspace at Omni CommonsSHADES SF dance [SF :7pm] ($13-25 for lesson and dance, $10-20 for dance only (no one turn away for lack of funds)TUESDAY (2/17)Tea Tribe Tuesdays with Bijan Ghiasi on Duduk
[2/17 ; SF, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM] Join our weekly community
for tea and conversation.
All welcome! Bijan is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in the Armenian duduk flute and classical guitar[Berkeley madi gras parade:] 2/17 : Berkeley 2pm to nightime] The schedule: starts at noon at san pablo park, 2pm ho chi ming (willard park) peoples park funeral and rebirth, 3pm food not bombs haste and telegraph, 4:30 punk show ashby bart, 7pm live music at at the purple houseBayview Mardi Gras Celebration 2026 [2/17 : sf , 11-5pm] Gumbo Social 5176 3rd St, San Francisco, Join us for an all-day Bayview Mardi Gras Celebration, a joyful, family-friendly event inspired by New Orleans second-line traditions and rooted right here in our neighborhood. Expect live music, incredible food, and a festive street-party atmosphere where neighbors, families, and friends come together to celebrate culture, community, and local business. (free)2026 Fat Tuesday Season Kickoff Celebration 2/17 : SF, 5pm “Join our FREE Carnaval San Francisco 48th Anniversary La Copa del Pueblo kickoff party with our Fat Tuesday Celebration in the Mission District! Come meet your neighbors and make new friends in several venues. Come enjoy live samba drummers, dance performances, and lively music from soca to cumbia and rumba, so don’t miss out on the fun! Wear your costumes, masks & beads and join us in celebrating Fat Tuesday in true Carnaval San Francisco style!” (free)Popping the Science Bubble 〰️️ 2/17 : Berkeley, 5:30-7:30] In this monthly series, UC Berkeley scientists present their research to the public. The latest edition will feature talks on visual processing and psychedelic drugs’ impact on learning. 〰️️ 5:30pm–7pm 〰️️ Berkeley Public Library (Central)HardwareHackNight Tuesdays
[eastbay : 7pm-11pm] hackerspace at Omni Commons (free)WENSDAY (2/18)Dumplings and Disability: A Lunar New Year Gathering , 2/18, Berkeley, 4 - 7 PM 〰This is Lunar New Year — disability activism edition! Featuring a lion dance from trans, disabled, queer, anti-imperialist dance troupe Comrade Lover; an intergenerational panel discussion about disability advocacy; dumplings; an acapella musical performance in Mandarin; an exchange of fortunes; and an ancestor altar. 〰️️ 4pm–7pm 〰️️ Cal Alumni House, Berkeley 〰️️ FREEaudre lorde 'uses of the erotic' reading group + herbal tincture making, kinfolx oakland 5:30 freeThe Blend Afrikan Dance class 2/18 : oakland, @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm The Blend Afrikan Dance – Class Description The Blend Afrikan Dance class is a joyful, high‑energy movement experience rooted in the rhythms and traditions of the African diaspora. Each session is designed to welcome all levels while building strength, coordination, and confidence through cultural movement. 580 14th st. Oakland, Ca. 94612 580 14th st., Oakland, ($20)We (re)Member US - A Public Grief & Joy Ritual〰️️ 2/18: Oakland 6-8 “A guided, interactive, multi-channel vocal and rhythmic ceremony to witness and transmute grief from state-sanctioned violence, displacement, and death.” 〰️️ 6pm–8:30pm 〰️️ Black Panther Party Museum, Oakland 〰️️ $5-$12 donation 〰️️COMMUNITY REIMAGINED: Celebrating Black Excellence [2/18 : SF 8pm] “an inspiring event all about honoring and uplifting Black excellence! It’s a chance to connect, celebrate amazing achievements, and reimagine our community together. Come vibe with great people, powerful stories, and a shared vision for a brighter future. You won’t want to miss this uplifting experience! Featuring: Community Resource Tables, Variety Show,
Music & Vibes with a Live DJ” (free)THURSDAY (2/19)Free Tai Chi classes [ Oakland, 8:30am - 2pm]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)Craig Nagasawa exhibition opening (performance video/animation on japanese cultural rupture), 2/19 : berkeley, 4-7 free (then showing for a month)THURSDAY NIGHT
PANTHER PROWL [Oakland : 6-9pm] 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)poetry es resistir - latin american theater, live music and poetry night at la pena berkeley ( $15) 7p
FRIDAY (2/20)[Mutual Care Massage Skill Share (at the Spire)] [2/20, Oakland, 1:15-4:15pm] Oakland
What to bring: a massage buddy, stretchy or loose clothes, snacks 4 you and or/to share & a mat or other soft surface, some provided. @ The Spire, 825 Athens, (free Donations welcome)Days Like This’ a Party for the People, by the People [Oakland : 5:30-9:30] at the Lake Merritt Pergola. (free)A little taste of San Francisco with Stephanie Rosenbaum (diner event) 2/21 : location tba, 6:30 pm.
A Little Taste of San Francisco with Stephanie Rosenbaum is the third edition of The Dinner Series: an intimate, curated evening exploring how food, memory, and travel shape San Francisco and our identities. Through a communal meal inspired by the book and a guided conversation with the author, the night invites guests to reflect on the city’s neighborhoods, histories, and everyday rituals. (maybe free, Rsvp]99 Wrench Market: 30 Plays of Asian Neo-Futurism [ 2/20,21 : SF 8pm] Just in time for Lunar New Year, the critically-acclaimed SF Neo-Futurists are thrilled to premiere 99 Wrench Market, a brand-new specialty show featuring 30 original plays in 60 minutes by an all Asian-American cast! For two nights only, the Asian-American members of “SF’s premiere performance art troupe” (48 Hills) will race against the clock to translate our lived experiences in the Bay Area into a bold, joyful, chaotic mix of microplays ranging from personal storytelling, audience games, and surrealist antics, as we explore wtf it means to be Asian.99 Wrench Market: 30 Plays of Asian Neo-Futurism Company: SF Neo-Futurists] @ 533 Sutter St, SF ($28.50)SATURDAY (2/21)Baby Rave Oakland (2.21.26) 2/21 : Berkeley 9:30 am to 11:30] A family friendly dance party centered around toddlers and tiny tots led by the musical stylings of DJ E.T. @ East Bay Community SpaceOakland, CA
($0 - $23.18)Oakland Noticing Club (themed show and tell thing) 12p free north oaklandAstronomy for Anarchists 2/21 , Oakland, 3:30 , talk on military astrophysics & possibilities, @ tamarack oaklandRussian River Fungi Fest 2/21 at 10 am to 2.22 at 6 pm : Guernville] The first ever "Russian River Fungi Fest" is a two day celebration of the incredible mushrooms and mushroom culture of West Sonoma County!
West Sonoma County is known for towering redwoods, tasty wine, quirky small towns, and our stunning river. But it’s also one of the world’s most amazing places for....Mushrooms! ($15)group movement lab with Evan Johnson [2/21 : SF 2-4pm] Ever wondered if you could join a larger dance performance without memorizing choreography? Flocks of birds, schools of fish, swarms of ants—they all move together through shared rules, not rigid routines. Join us to explore how humans can do the same. The lab begins with facilitation by Evan Johnson, followed by an open session where you can propose new rules for the group exploration. Open to all levels, no dance experience necessary.
Please bring a scarf or bandana! (Donations)The Black Planter Party Returns [2/21 : oakland 2-7pm] 🌿 This is one plant party you do not want to miss. We’re giving away 1,000 plants Come through for the music, food, and live entertainment, grab a free plant, shop small businesses, and enjoy the energy. Last year we welcomed over 1,200 guests, and we cannot wait to take the vibes even higher this year.” @ 2340 Harrison St, Oakland, CA (free)Community Study Halls discussion [2/21 4pm SF] on play as practice & liberation w/in dance spaces, + free meal, 4p soma free[enero zapatista exhibition closing poetry night/open mic at eastside arts alliance](https://www.eastsideartsalliance.org/calendar/el-comn-nuestra-lucha-es-por-la-vida-closing-ceremony )[ 2/21 oakland, 6pm] (free)Black Choreographers Festival: Here & Now [2/21,22,28 & 3/1] The Black Choreographers Festival: Here & Now is an annual event celebrating African and African American Dance and Culture with three weekends of dynamic performances, featuring award-winning Bay Area choreographers and companies. @ Dance Mission, Dance Mission Theater, 3316 24th st, SF ($23)idris ackamoor (of the pyramids) - experimental jazz show [2/21 : Oakland, 7:30pm] at eternal now, west oakland $23 7:30pSUNDAY (2/22)Black Joy Parade - performances, vendors, marching band and more] 12:30-4 downtown oak free[Bean-Up] [2/22 : Berkeley ,1-3pm] “Welcome to our first bean-up of 2026. As we get the lay of the Bay Area bean lands, I would love to have fellow bean lovers assemble. Bring a bean dish, I’ll have a bean bake, and celebrate our love of legumes. Also please bring a plate or bowl and a utensil to enjoy in all of the beans. Send this to a bean lover in your life. I can’t wait to meet you all! “ @ willard Park 2730 hillegass avethe get down poc centered improv dance class 2/22 : Oakland, 12pm, bandaloop oakland 12p $10+Stop men art festival potluck night 1 ) with djs, film screening, art revealdwntwn oak 6p (more events happening monday-weds) (free)Black Choreographers Festival: Here & Now [2/22,28 & 3/1] The Black Choreographers Festival: Here & Now is an annual event celebrating African and African American Dance and Culture with three weekends of dynamic performances, featuring award-winning Bay Area choreographers and companies. @ Dance Mission, Dance Mission Theater, 3316 24th st, SF ($23)TRANSVERGENCE: An improvisational dance/movement space for queer and trans folks [Sunday, Feb 22 : oakland, from 7 pm to 9 pm ] “Join us at BANDALOOP Studio to move, play, dance with other trans & queer folks… no dance/movement experience is required. This space was born out of the desire to have an exclusive movement improv space for queer people that centers trans bodies to build comfort and trust outside of a cis/het centric space. The first half of the event is facilitated by a rotating facilitator and the second half is an open jam space. Contact improv may be an option in this space but is never required. ACCESS INFO HERE: https://www.bandaloopstudio.com/accessibility “
TUESDAY25TH Annual Lunar New Year Celebration @ OMCA [2/24 : Oakland, 11am-4pm] Gallop into the Year of the Horse this February as we mark the 25th anniversary of OMCA’s Annual Lunar New Year Celebration! Guests can expect a full day of vibrant performances, family-friendly storytelling, hands-on activities, delicious food from local AAPI chefs, and opportunities to support AAPI artisans, all while basking in community connection. ($10)THURSDAY (2/26)The Eyes & The Impossible by Dave Eggers [2/26 - 3/15 : SF, 7pm] and Word for WordPlay present a bold new stage adaptation of Dave Eggers’ The Eyes & the Impossible. The novel, a winner of the 2024 Newbery Award for excellence in children’s literature, is described as "a lyrical, soulful book full of wit and passion...a timeless story for readers of all ages." The story takes you to the inner world of Johannes, a free and fast dog—and his job as the "eyes" of an urban park by the sea. Join him in his trials and tribulations as the equilibrium of the park is upset by an influx of humans, construction, and other animals. Experience the fully staged production on Z Space’s Steindler Stage, presented in classic Word for Word style. [$10-30]
FRIDAYFree Contemporary Class with Bodies of Empowerment (BOE)![February 27 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm] [2/27 : SF, In this class, students will focus on our own experience of movement- leaning into sensation and making choices for ourselves within grounded, fluid dances and guided improvisation.
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
@ Joe Goode Anne, 401 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA (Free )SATURDAY (2/28)[Craft & Crush(Meetup)] [2/28 : SF, 2:30-5:30] Sapphic singles mixer + crafting friendship bracelets hosted at Rikki's. 25-35yo. 2:30-5:30PM. I'm so excited to announce the first Craft & Crush event! A sapphic singles mixer hosted at Rikki's! Crafting creates a safe space to meet new people, so why not add a flirty twist 💋 we will be making friendship bracelets paired with conversation prompts and rotating tables. You might just leave with a new crush 💖@ rikkis bar 2223 Market St.
<<< MARCH >>>
THURSDAY (3/5)Free Tai Chi classes [ Oakland, 8:30am - 2pm]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)THURSDAY NIGHT
PANTHER PROWL
[Oakland : 6-9pm] 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)First Thursday Art Walk [ First Thurs-nights : SF ] explore Downtown and Tenderloin galleries. (free)
FRIDAY (3/6)Days Like This’ a Party for the People, by the People [Oakland : 5:30-9:30] at the Lake Merritt Pergola. (free)SATURDAY (3/7)[3/7 : Oakland, 5 9pm] [CHAORDIC] is a mixed media textile show inspired by the dance between chaos and order in the creative process, and in life. Pieces include quilts, weavings, fabric marbling, embroidery, crochet, and more from Bay Area artists, many of whom have never shown their work before. With special musical performance by Oakland-based band Hectorine at 7:00PM. @ The Dome | 951 62nd Street, Oakland (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)
<<< weekly >>>
MONDAY
SUDO ROOM Women / NonBinary Coding nights Mondays [Oakland: 7pm-9pm or even later] 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)SHADES SF dance [SF :7pm] ($13-25 for lesson and dance, $10-20 for dance only (no one turn away for lack of funds)TUESDAY
[SF : 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 ✍🏾📍 (🎟️ $20 admission)HardwareHackNight Tuesdays
[eastbay : 7pm-11pm] hackerspace at Omni Commons (free)[East bay : 7:00 pm - midnight]
East Bay Fusion Dance Social partner dance event on Tuesday nights in Oakland. Fusion Partner dance is a collaborative improvised partner dance that prioritizes connecting with your partner over specific steps. The music is varied to include many different genres, cultures, and dance forms. (10-25$)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 Thursday Art Walk [ First Thurs-nights : SF ] explore Downtown and Tenderloin galleries. (free)[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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<<< 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