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) *

<<< APRIL >>>

FRIDAY (4/24)9th Annual We the Future Social Justice Conference 〰️ [4/24 : 9am-3pm Petaluma] find the joyful side of justice! "Students, organizers, and community members resist through creativity, organizing, healing, storytelling, mutual aid, cultural reclamation, and collective care. Resistance is the daily practice of affirming our right to exist, learn, and dream without harm." 〰️ 9am-3pm 〰️ SRJC Petaluma Campus, Petaluma 〰️ FREEZaccho Dance Theatre Presents: Return to Forever April 24 @ 8:15 pm - 9:45 pm
Event Series (See All)
Free Return to Forever centers music from a 1975 playlist as a bridge that is personal, intimate, and deeply embodied.
The playlist was created by then DJ and now Artistic Director, Joanna Haigood, who grew up listening to her father’s record collection. This work is influenced by music from her younger years and the personal discoveries made with friends. This is a collection of sonic memories that recall moments, feelings, and personal identities that might otherwise be lost. (Free)Days Like This’ a Party for the People, by the People [Oakland : 5:30-9:30] at the Lake Merritt Pergola. (free)Atelier Kromatica solo piano concert (4/24 , SF, 7:30-9pm)Solo piano concert in a new venue in SOMA,
Atelier Kromatica is meant for experimental art in our community 🌞 kicking it off with a solo piano program focusing on the inside of the piano 🎹✨ April 18th (Sat) 5-6:30pm, @ 182 Shipley Street San Francisco $20 tickets with discount code of RACCOON15 , apply at check out). NOTAFLOF option at the door.Esoteric 14th century Japanese clowning theater! April 24-26! SF, 8pm,5pm,2pm] seasonal performances of classical Japanese Kyogen in English! We are excited to present Futari Daimyo (Two Lords) and Busu (Sweet Poison), performed by our wonderful ensemble. Yugen’s productions bring forward the wit, rhythm, and precision at the heart of Kyogen, grounded in our ongoing training in this centuries-old art and continued exploration of its timeless vitality - where cleverness turns the tables and surprises unfold with playful delight. Community tickets are 20$, or if you’d like to go Thursday, use code Yugenfriend26 for $10 tickets! I @ 2840 theatre of yugen, mariposa streetSATURDAY (4/25)Alemany Farm Earth Day [April 25, SF, 11-3pm] Annual Earth Day celebration at Alemany Farm featuring a free community BBQ, farm activities, live music, face painting, games, farm tours, and more. Hosted by the Friends of Alemany Farm. @ Alemedy Farm , 700 alemedy blvd. (cost: free)[Strange New World's Art Fair] @ Syzygy Art Co-Op, 395 south van ness , SF 1-5pm“ We are hosting a Sci-Fi themed art faire this spring at Syzygy. Think Metropolis. Think Firefly. Think Greebling.” (Free)Eritrean Coffee Ceremony with Cafe Anbesa [4/25 : Oakland, 3-5pm] “Join us for a live demonstration of a traditional Eritrean coffee ceremony with Chef Senait from Cafe Anbesa. Chef Senait comes with decades of experience owning and running her own restaurant in Asmara, Eritrea. For Senait, cooking has been a part of her life since she was a small child and the feeling of community connecting together around food is the spirit she brings to Café Anbesa.” 5205 Telegraph Avenue (free)Queer sabor Saturday 4/25, Oakland, 4pm Queer Sabor: A Queer & Trans Afro-Latin Dance Party
Saturday, April 25th at Crybaby in Oakland! Schedule : Cumbia Class with Mireille at 4pm , Salsa Class (Beginner Friendly) with Pame at 5pm, performance Showcase at 7:30pm, Afro-Latin Mix with DJ Ron until 10pm$10-$15 Early Bird until April 10th at 11:55pm (Limited Passes)$15-$25 General Admission Sliding Scale $25 at the door. We accept Cash, Venmo, & Square NO ONE TURNED AWAY FOR LACK OF FUNDS. 21+ EVENT. PLEASE NO INS AND OUTSDAMsf Dance art and music [4/25 : SF. 5-9)] DAMsf returns to DNA Lounge April 25th from 5-9pm to bring you Bay Area creativity with featured performances by RU ARE YOU and Black Flag Dance! Since 2010, DAM Events has provided developing artists the opportunities they need to showcase their talent. DAM thrives on positivity and diversity, giving creatives of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds an empowering community to share their work. ($20 )SUNDAY (4/26)Emergent Connections: Practices of Aliveness and Possibility with Cheech Sun April 26th :: 10:30am-12pm @ Wildcat Studio (2525 Eighth St, Berkeley) ••• How can dance/movement be a place where we rehearse the skills/relationships needed to move collectively and powerfully? How do we move together through unknown? How do we practice deep listening and response-ability to the world around us? We will explore these questions through physical grounding, play, and guided improvisation. This workshop is designed for people of any and all movement experience. Mask required, wheelchair accessable studio and bathroom (free)[Bay Area Queer Zine Fest Sidewalk Sale] 〰️ 4/26: Berkeley, 2-6] Mark your calendars: The Bay Area Queer Zine Fest will be back at the Oakland Asian Community Center on September 27! But in the meantime, you’ll still have a chance to spend too much money on zines and merch at the Fest’s sidewalk sale. 〰️ 2pm-6pm 〰️ Crisis Club, Berkeley 5887 San pablo ave, Berkeley (free)Spring Stitch + Resist [april 26th, SF, 11:30am] Community Stitch & Resist event focused on community, stitching, and swapping. The event centers BIPOC/QT+ fiber folks, with allies welcome. All fiber craft artists are welcome. Topic of the month is neighborhood safety, and free whistles are mentioned. Attendees are encouraged to bring a current craft project and a food item to share for potluck; optionally bring a fiber item to trade or share for the free table. the SF location is a private home. Now by waitlist, RSVP here (free)Gamelan Sari Raras WayangKulit Shadow play [April 26, Berkeley, 7:00PM] puppet master and musical director Ki Midiyanto, drummer Purwanto, vocalist heni Savitri, ($16)

MONDAY (4/27)Trashion aka Junky Couture by the Bad art Club [4/27 : SF, 6-9pm] Bad Art Club event themed 'TRASHION aka JUNKY COUTURE' at The Nook. Part of the San Francisco series inviting people to make bad art in great company in a judgment-free space. Supplies provided, sliding scale tickets, and attendees should arrive on time. ($17 or more)
SUDO ROOM Women / NonBinary Coding nights Mondays [4/27: 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 (4/28)
Figure drawing [4/28 , 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)"Peace Talks" from Fuck the Patriarchy!
Tuesday, 28th @ 7PM | Downtown SF, Frontier towers
A modern twist on Greek comedy Lysistrata with an all femme cast. ) (Suggested $20) Join the Instant Clown class at 5:30 PM and stay for the variety show performances! Frontier Tower @ Arts and Music Floor 995 Market Street,
Grab your spots:
Clown ClassEast Bay Fusion Dance [East bay : 7:00 pm - midnight] Social partner dance event on Tuesday nights in Oakland. Fusion Partner dance is a collaborative improvised partner dance that prioritizes connecting with your partner over specific steps. The music is varied to include many different genres, cultures, and dance forms. (10-25$)(WENSDAY (4/29)
San Francisco International Arts Festival 2026 April 29- may 9th < SF, various times :) SFIAF celebrates the arts by bringing together a global community of artists and audiences (various$)THURSDAY (4/30)San Francisco International Arts Festival 2026 April 29- may 9th < SF, various times :) SFIAF celebrates the arts by bringing together a global community of artists and audiences (various$)

<<< MAY >>>

[FRIDAY] (May 1st)
MAY DAY PARTY (art and performance)
[ May 1st SF, 5:30-9:30PM]
5:30PM Reception with light food and wine
7:00PM Performances
Hummingbird House
2976 24th St, San Francisco, CA
A benefit to support the direct aid work of ARTISTS UNITE FOR PALESTINE and Palestine - Ireland Student SolidaritySATURDAYDay Trip Drag Brunch at Beaux in the Castro May 2nd, SF, Shows at 12:30 & 2:30pm]. Tickets just $10 here: “We have queens & kings & drag things for you & we will be celebrating Misterrr's 40th birthday & we wanna celebrate YOU! Brunch food is Taco Boys! So yummy! Thanks for the support!” 2344 market streetSUNDAYBean-up [May. 3, Berkeley, 1-3pm] A bean-themed gathering for fellow bean lovers at Willard Park in Berkeley. Attendees are invited to bring a bean dish, enjoy a bean bake, celebrate legumes, label their dish with major allergens, and bring a plate or bowl plus a utensil. (free)DIY Sound 101 (workshop [May 3rd, Richmond 1-3pm] , Free workshop about live sound. Participants are invited to become part of the live sound team and learn how changing voltages produce sound, how to operate a PA, load in bands, mix sound, troubleshoot issues, and shut everything down safely. Taught by Kirk Pearson and open to anyone, though suggested for ages 13+. At the Planetarium
5327 Jacuzzi St, Richmond, CA

[SUNDAY] (4/10)[Record swap] May10, Oakland, 1-6pm at ghost town brewery 1-6 pm 1960 adeline. (free)to do it in a meaningful way. Welcoming all capacities of vulnerability, embracing tender hearts together.
Sliding scale tickets between $20-$35. Use TENDER10/TENDER15 for discounts from full price tickets. Door opens at 5pm until late, with performances starting at 6pm, flexible arrival time. Dress for your ex! Costume encouraged.

[SUNDAY] (4/17)ArtAche art cabaret [May 17th (Sunday) , door at 5pm, show at 6pm
182 Shipley Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Come for an experience at Atelier Kromatica, walk through installations and art works, participate in experiences, and stay after a cabaret performance of music and poetry. Bring a memento from a previous relationship that you might have been struggling to let go of, and want to do it in a meaningful way. Welcoming all capacities of vulnerability, embracing tender hearts together.
Sliding scale tickets between $20-$35. Use TENDER10/TENDER15 for discounts from full price tickets. Door opens at 5pm until late, with performances starting at 6pm, flexible arrival time. Dress for your ex! Costume encouraged.

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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
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 [7/31 : 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
[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 libraryMAPP Mission Arts Performance Project SF 1st Saturdays : SF ] [4/6: 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 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 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