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 art-activism. (inclusively under $30-free, updated frequently)
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<<< November >>>
FRIDAY 11/13Eliminate Superstition Right Meow! 11/13, SF, 2pm a friday the 13th afternoon of art making, collective action, and Black Cat Power. MOAD SF free 2pChurch of John Coltrane Convocation and Jazz Night at Berkeley Central Library 11/13, 3pm, Berkley, + programming and exhibits throughout the library on black music in the bay area. 3p freeMore than Trash, Archiving fifty years of Punk, [11/13, 6:30, Berkeley] join Judith Peraino, Tom McEnaney & Anna Brown for a slideshow and conversation with: Liam O'Donaghue (East Bay Yesterday) Daniel Sea (The Gr'ups) Thorns of LIfe, Infinity portal) Martin Sorrondeguy (Los Grudos Limp Wrist) Tommy Gear (Screamers) (free) At Pegasus Books , Berkeley 2349 Shattuck]Myths of the Ancient Future Art Opening and Artist Talk** [Fri, Nov 13, 2026, SF, 5:00 PM — 9:00 PM
Myths of the Ancient Future brings together fourteen contemporary artists whose practices explore the intersections of mythology, mysticism, folklore, and visionary art. An artist panel moderated by Jessica Hundley will take place from 5 to 6 PM. On view through January 9, 2027. SWIM Gallery 509 Ellis street, freeFermenting Hope, vertical dance [November 13 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Alameda] FREE Fermenting Hope invites the public into a live vertical dance investigation about creativity, fermentation and hope. Seven dancers from ARMA take to the air in Faction Brewing, with an original score by Luke Mombrea and sculptural design by Todd Laby. Stay for an artist talk with Amelia Rudolph and Radium Arts Artistic Director Jon Moscone. @ Faction Brewing, 2501 Monarch St Alameda CA 94501 Free.East Bay Bike Party [Fri, Nov 13, 2026 7:30 PM — 10:00 PM, East bay] 🚲 Every 2nd Friday of each month✨🎉 🚦Stop at lights, stay to the right➡️ ➖Ride straight, Don't hate💖 🚮Pack your trash ♻️ Don't get smashed, Different meetup location each month (Free)SATURDAY 11/14Festival of Black Doll Show + live jazz and giveaways, 11/14, Oakland, african american library oakland, 10-5p freeMECA's 23rd Annual Palestinian Holiday Crafts Bazaar, 11/14, North Berkeley 10-6 freeBonsai show [nov.14-15, 666 bellevue, oakland] the East Bay Bonsai Society is hosting a two-day free show November 14th (10am - 5pm) and 15th (11am to 4pm) at the Lakeside Garden Center! Headliner is renowned bonsai artist, author and teacher, Dave De Groot. The show includes a sale of bonsai trees, pots, tools and related materials. This is a great opportunity to see local artists, and possibly even start practicing bonsai yourself! The Bay area has one of the most active bonsai communities in the USA, and always welcomes new practitioners ☺️ (free)bike tour of SF surveillance infrastructure with EFF, [11/14, 12p, SF] email for meeting pointthe San Francisco Underground Short Film Festival! [11/14, 2-12:30am, SF]
The San Francisco Underground Short Film Festival exists to celebrate local, independent filmmaking. We proudly champion the overlooked and underrated, the avant-garde and the alternative, the outrageous, the oddball, and the outlandish. At 4star theater. .2200 Clement Street San Francisco, CA 94121 ( Four programs, each $23. )Free Key Choir community singalong, st paul church oakland [11/14, Oakland, 7p freeEvery Grain of Us, dance performance [November 14 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
SF Every Grain of Us
Geneva Car Barn & Powerhouse 2301 San Jose Avenue, San Francisco, United States , A dance performance that invites audiences to experience the five senses - sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste of rice. Food is a love language that many immigrant families use. $25FLUX: A performance salon and community gathering [nov14, Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm , Richmond] Qilo Matzen, Nina Haft, Performances @ The MilkBar 241 A S. 1st St., Richmond, CA New and recent works in progress by Qilo Matzen, Nina Haft and Lawrence Tome. NOTAFLOF. ADA Accessible. $15 – $20ha ha ha ha ha ha ha performance show The blurb is: hahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahaha hihihi hahahahahahaha hoho hahahhahaha hehe hahahahahahahahahaha. [11/14, 20,22 SF, ] Part clowning, part surreal social experiment, part connection-forging alchemy, Julia Masli’s award-winning solo phenomenon ha ha ha ha ha ha ha (a New York Times Top Pick of the Year) arrives in San Francisco for two weeks following a string of critically acclaimed runs across the USA and Europe. Performer Julia Masli creates a hilarious, yet moving and unpredictable live experience at the intersection of comedy and performance. What begins as playful improvisation evolves into a collective ritual of care, vulnerability, and unexpected humor. Masli explores the subtle boundary between a laugh and a tear, proving that one lies very close to the other. ($25 or more)The SF Neo-Futurists present a new show: WE BOUGHT A GUN! [11/14,15,22 SF ] "It’s a play about a real couple deciding to buy a real gun. Personal, political, and pretty good. Continues this weekend at 447 Minna St in SF with shows Saturday and Sunday at 4pm. (Also shows 11/14 4pm, 11/15 6pm and 11/22 6pm)" $30 tickets.SUNDAY 11/15Bringing Into Being: Writing & Movement Meditation [11/15, Sunday 11am] In this workshop, you’ll be guided in gentle movement + writing exercises to bring your own unique inner rhythms and creative expression into being, while connecting in community. All are welcome, no dance or writing experience needed. Bring a pen, paper, and your curiosity. a space to tune in and express through writing and movement, - would love andsee you there 💜($15.00 , Pay what you want)Bonsai show [nov.14-15, 666 bellevue, oakland] the East Bay Bonsai Society is hosting a two-day free show November 14th (10am - 5pm) and 15th (11am to 4pm) at the Lakeside Garden Center! Headliner is renowned bonsai artist, author and teacher, Dave De Groot. The show includes a sale of bonsai trees, pots, tools and related materials. This is a great opportunity to see local artists, and possibly even start practicing bonsai yourself! The Bay area has one of the most active bonsai communities in the USA, and always welcomes new practitioners ☺️ (free)[**Birding workshop with Camp Ukai at Tilden, free 11/15, Berkeley,. hills 12p Join us for a free, open level birding workshop hosted by us and lead by Skye. Next Sunday from 12 to 2 PM at the Tilden Nature Area we will meet at the Education Center shown on slide two. We wait for a few minutes to give some time for folks to arrive, but please try to be on time! Limited binoculars will be available to borrow for the duration of class, so please try to BYOBinoculars! Wear something comfy to hike around in, bring some water and a snack if you'd like, and bring a friend or make a friend! This is a slow-ish paced, fun, engaging, and silly class. We have lots of giggles and learn lots about the birds amongst us while also enjoyingLESBIAN LUBE WRESTLING: A Fundraiser for Lesbian Visibility Week + comedy and music [11/15, SF 4-6] $17 4-6p OasisQueer Soup Night at alkali rye 11/15, oakland, $10+ 4-7p Queer Soup Night is an event that honors and celebrates queer food community and culture in the Bay, prioritizing Queer and Trans People of Color. Come early for the soup, stay late for the love! This month, we're raising funds to uplift the work of West Oakland Punks With Lunch, a volunteer-run organization that provides life-saving services and harm reduction resources to underserved and marginalized individuals. There is a sliding scale suggested donation of $10-20, which we'll accept via cash or Venmo at the door. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. @ Alkali Rye3256 Grand Ave, Oakland, CAEvery Grain of Us, dance performance [November 15 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm,
SF Every Grain of Us
Geneva Car Barn & Powerhouse 2301 San Jose Avenue, San Francisco, United States , A dance performance that invites audiences to experience the five senses - sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste of rice. Food is a love language that many immigrant families use. $25The SF Neo-Futurists present a new show: WE BOUGHT A GUN! [11/14,15,22 SF ] "It’s a play about a real couple deciding to buy a real gun. Personal, political, and pretty good. Continues this weekend at 447 Minna St in SF with shows Saturday and Sunday at 4pm. (Also shows 11/14 4pm, 11/15 6pm and 11/22 6pm)" $30 tickets.
FRIDAYha ha ha ha ha ha ha performance show The blurb is: hahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahaha hihihi hahahahahahaha hoho hahahhahaha hehe hahahahahahahahahaha. [11/14, 20,22 SF, ] Part clowning, part surreal social experiment, part connection-forging alchemy, Julia Masli’s award-winning solo phenomenon ha ha ha ha ha ha ha (a New York Times Top Pick of the Year) arrives in San Francisco for two weeks following a string of critically acclaimed runs across the USA and Europe. Performer Julia Masli creates a hilarious, yet moving and unpredictable live experience at the intersection of comedy and performance. What begins as playful improvisation evolves into a collective ritual of care, vulnerability, and unexpected humor. Masli explores the subtle boundary between a laugh and a tear, proving that one lies very close to the other. ($25 or more)SATURDAY 11/21100 people do nothing for 3 hours (San-Francisco [Saturday, November 21, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Heron Arts, San Francisco, CA]
join 100 people to do nothing for 3 hours in San Francisco. Otherwise you'll likely never try this in your life. Why do nothing You're all very productive and smart people. Probably listening to podcasts while you're doing dishes. So this is right up your alley. Come to this event and do absolutely nothing for 3 hours with 100 people in a beautiful space. We already did this three times in London. Now I'm bringing it to SF. Come and invite friends to learn what it's like. It will be an epic memory. (Free)[The Alembic Celebrates: A Day of Practice and Community] On Saturday Nov 21st The Berkeley Alembic will be open from 2 - 10:30PM for you to drop-in to experience mini-workshops with a wide range of our teachers & mingle with our community. Delicious snacks, food truck, plenty of free parking, and chill vibes! Schedule : 2:00 – 2:45 Krisztina · Alligator Lizards in the Air: Integration Through Creative Expression 3:00 – 3:45 Silvia · Who Is Singing? Embody and Celebrate the Cosmic Nature of Sound: Improvise Icaros, Ragas, and Medicine Melodies 4:00 – 5:00 Maya · Samhain Special Butoh Movement Meditation: The Thinning Veil 4:15 – 5:00 Annalisa · Decisions, Doubts & Desire: A Somatic Workshop on Dating with More Clarity & Confidence 5:30 – 6:15 Welcome Talks & Ceremony 6:30 – 7:15 Michael Taft · Deconstructing Yourself Non-Dual Meditation 7:45 – 9:30 Madhu and Egemen · Kirtan Ecstatic Dance Journey with Live Music 9:30 – 10:30 Līlā · Open Dance Schedule subject to change. Click here to learn more about the teachers/presenters for this event. ($25 or more) Use code COOLHAPPENINGSALEMBIC (and the “Supported” ticket option) for discounted $5 tickets.Release CTRL+Shift movement Workshop [November 21, Oakland, @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm] How do we understand our body in relation to movements for collective healing and liberation? In these paradigm-shifting times, how can we access the inherent joy and ancestral resilience in our DNA? Together, we will investigate what it means to embody sacred reciprocity through our corporeality – drawing upon the gifts of breath, movement, sound, somatics, and contemplative practice. This workshop is intended for all bodies. While exercises draw upon improvisation, no previous dance experience is required. $25 – $45SUNDAY 11/22
The SF Neo-Futurists present a new show: WE BOUGHT A GUN! [11/22. sf] (t’s a play about a real couple deciding to buy a real gun. Personal, political, and pretty good. Continues this weekend at 447 Minna St in SF with shows Saturday and Sunday at 4pm. (Also shows 11/14 4pm, 11/15 6pm and 11/22 6pm)" $30 tickets.The Interior Rabbit [11/22, SF, 4- 7pm] short films, live music, singing, puppets, and clowns 11/22, SF, at @ Atelier Kromatica, 182 Shipley Street San Francisco, As the winter arrives, come for these works that explore the darkness and the courage to leap into it. ($20 or more)
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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 CommonsJapanese tea garden free hours SF -9-10am] 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
Figure drawing [SF : 6:30-8:30] "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 ✍🏾📍 (🎟️ $20 admission)HardwareHackNight Tuesdays
[eastbay : 7pm-11pm] hackerspace at Omni Commons (free)East Bay Fusion Dance [East bay : 7:00 pm - midnight] Social partner dance event on Tuesday nights in Oakland. Fusion Partner dance is a collaborative improvised partner dance that prioritizes connecting with your partner over specific steps. The music is varied to include many different genres, cultures, and dance forms. (10-25$)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
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)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
Days Like This’ a Party for the People, by the People [Oakland : 5:30-9:30] 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 libraryMAPP Mission Arts Performance Project SF 1st Saturdays : SF ] [: SF 12pm 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)[Crisis Club Zine Club*] Crisis Club Zine Club: 1st and 3rd Mondays! Free to attend, materials provided or BYO, work on whatever you want. Masks are required and provided. March 2nd & 16th, see you then! ✏️ @ Crisis Club 5887 San Pablo Ave Oakland (Free)[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 aveFirst Thursday Art Walk [ First Thurs-nights : SF ] 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 artEast Bay Bike Party!
[2nd Fridays: East bay, 7:30pm] 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