September 10–13, 2026
Thursday, September 10
Step back in time and explore America's most legendary federal penitentiary with the official Alcatraz Island Tour. Your journey begins with a scenic scenic ferry ride across San Francisco Bay, offering sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline before landing on the rocky shores of "The Rock." Once ashore, you will receive the award-winning "Doing Time" Cellhouse Audio Tour, which brings history to life through the actual voices of former inmates and correctional officers who lived and worked on the island. Walk through the narrow cell blocks, peer inside solitary confinement, and hear firsthand accounts of infamous escape attempts. Beyond the prison walls, you can explore historic military fortifications, the West Coast's oldest operating lighthouse, and vibrant bird colonies and tide pools maintained by the National Park Service.Tour VarietiesAlcatraz Day Tour: The classic experience, offering open exploration of the island's gardens and ruins at your own pace.Alcatraz Night Tour: A limited-capacity evening excursion featuring guided ferry narration, stunning sunset views, and access to areas of the prison normally closed during the day.Behind the Scenes Tour: An intimate, small-group trek that explores hidden tunnels, underground cells, and secret gardens not accessible to standard ticket holders.
A short free story time in the garden's Nook.
Experience San Francisco from its best vantage point with a classic San Francisco Bay Cruise. Departing daily from the historic waters of Fisherman's Wharf and PIER 39, these fully narrated boat excursions take you on an unforgettable journey across the bay. Sail past the historic waterfront, get an up-close look at the nesting seabirds on Alcatraz Island, and cruise directly underneath the monumental span of the Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, you will learn about the city’s rich maritime history, iconic architecture, and natural geology through multi-language audio narration. With both spacious outdoor observation decks for capturing panoramic photographs and heated indoor cabins featuring full-service snack bars, these cruises offer a comfortable, scenic voyage regardless of the coastal weather.
Fifteen fresh-floral mannequins built around the characters of HBO's The Gilded Age, staged through Filoli's historic house and garden. Last entry 6:00 PM. Thursday has extended evening hours to 8 PM - the only late night of the run.
Twelve pianos scattered through the garden, playable by anyone, 10 AM to 6 PM daily. Opening day. Performances include Elektra & Friends at 11 AM, Eric Shifrin and Triage at noon, and La Gente SF at 5 PM.
Farmers' market from 4:00 PM with live music on the plaza from 6:30 to 8:00. Free to attend and free to park. One of the last Thursdays of a series that has run for over thirty years.
Free live music on the Embarcadero waterfront, no ticket.
Drop-in mahjong with instructors on hand, during the museum's late Thursday hours (1-8 PM).
Electric violin on the main lawn, with food by Lotus Delights.
Classic cars fill Main Street for two hours on a closed downtown street. Street closures begin at 5:00 PM.
Immersive light & sound experience by Moment Factory. All ages, ADA compliant. Ticketed via Fever.
21+ evening of science, cocktails and music every Thursday.
After Dark at the Exploratorium is a weekly evening series that transforms San Francisco's premier science, art, and perception museum into an adults-only playground complete with custom programming, cash bars, and guest thinkers
The rainforest dome and the aquarium after hours, with a drink and no children. Last entry 9 PM.
Talk during SFMOMA's late Thursday hours (noon-8 PM).
Spray-paint a cosmic scene with a drink in hand.
The Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray is currently lighting up the stage at the San Francisco Playhouse, running through September 12, 2026.This high-energy production brings 1960s Baltimore to life right in the heart of San Francisco's Union Square theater district. It is the perfect choice for a weekend date night or an uplifting family theater outing.WHAT IS HAIRSPRAY ABOUT?Based on the classic 1988 John Waters film, Hairspray follows Tracy Turnblad, an optimistic teenager in 1962 Baltimore. When Tracy wins a spot dancing on a local TV sensation, she becomes an overnight celebrity. Rather than just enjoying her fame, she uses her platform to challenge racial segregation, fighting to integrate the broadcast and spark a cultural revolution.The production features a live, upbeat R&B and Motown-infused score, including classic musical numbers like:"Good Morning Baltimore""Welcome to the '60s""I Know Where I've Been""You Can't Stop the Beat"PRODUCTION & CAST HIGHLIGHTSThe Leads: Ella Ruth Francis makes a dazzling San Francisco Playhouse debut as the fierce and joyful Tracy Turnblad, starring opposite Trevor March as the charming Link Larkin.Standout Performances: Jonathan Chisholm commands the stage as the matriarch Edna Turnblad, while powerhouse vocalist Jeannine Anderson delivers a show-stopping performance as Motormouth Maybelle.Creative Team: Directed by Bill English with explosive 1960s period choreography by Phoenyx Rose and vibrant scenic design by Heather Kenyon.IMPORTANT EVENT DETAILS BEFORE YOU GOVenue Address: San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.Show Runtime: 2 hours and 20 minutes (includes one 15-minute intermission).Box Office Ticket Prices: Official single tickets range from $52 to $145.Arrival: Doors open exactly one hour prior to showtime.
A benefit for the After School Bluegrass Club Program. Doors 6:30 PM.
96 minutes, with Alice Diop present.
Marin Theatre's production in the Boyer Theatre, Mill Valley. Run closes September 20. People in recovery are welcomed as the theatre's guest on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Broadway San Jose's touring production at the Center for the Performing Arts. This performance is eligible for the $35 digital lottery (via the Broadway San Jose app; opens 8am and closes 4pm the day before). $40 rush tickets are sold in person at the box office two hours before curtain.
With September Is The Only Time I Don't Think of You, Imagine We Had Antlers and awakebutstillinbed. Doors 6:30 PM.
With September Is The Only Time I Don't Think of You, Imagine We Had Antlers and awakebutstillinbed. Doors 6:30 PM.
Oakland jazz room, published as a single evening window.
With Mitch Woods, Jinx Jones & The Kingtones and Niecey LivingSingle. Doors 6:30 PM.
Anthony Parnther conducts the San Francisco Symphony playing John Williams's score live to the film.
SFJAZZ opens its 2026-27 season.
Berkeley Rep's new play in the Peet's Theatre, now past its invitation-only opening. All performances are closed-captioned. A limited number of $25 tickets is released every Tuesday at 1pm, and there is a half-price offer for patrons under 35.
Malian kora master with the French-Italian songwriter. Doors 7:00 PM.
With Topographies and Christina's Trip. Doors 7:00 PM.
Tuesday Shift: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Features roughly 20 regional farm stands along the front plaza).Thursday Shift: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Features 10 to 15 vendors with a heavy emphasis on artisan street food and midday lunch options).Saturday Shift: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM (The flagship market hosting over 100 vendors wrapping completely around the front, south side, and rear plaza overlooking the bay).
Step inside one of the world’s most eccentric and baffling architectural marvels at the world-famous Winchester Mystery House. Built continuously over a span of 38 years by Sarah Winchester—the grieving heiress to the Winchester repeating arms fortune—this sprawling 160-room Victorian mansion is a beautiful yet bizarre maze of anomalies. Driven by a desire to appease or outsmart the spirits of rifle victims, Sarah designed a home with no master blueprint. As you walk through the dizzying corridors, you will discover staircases leading straight into ceilings, doors that open into two-story drops, secret passageways, and intricate stained-glass windows featuring cryptic spiderweb designs. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a lover of paranormal mysteries, a journey through this majestic estate offers an unforgettable glimpse into a brilliant mind gripped by obsession.Tour VarietiesMansion Guided Tour: The classic 65-minute historical journey that takes you through 110 of the house's most prominent rooms, including Sarah's bedroom and the famous Seance Room.Walk with Spirits Tour: An atmospheric, evening flashlight tour through the shadowy mansion halls, highlighting the eerie local folklore and ghostly encounters reported on the property.Behind-the-Scenes Basement & Attic Experience: A specialized, rugged trek through narrow, low-clearance areas that lets you peek into the deep brick cellars and the unfinished third-floor corridors left frozen in time since the 1922 earthquake.Unhinged (Seasonal Halloween Event): A premium, theatrical horror haunt that turns the historic estate and its outdoor courtyards into a multi-sensory nightmare with live actors, suspenseful storylines, and custom special effects.
Immerse yourself in a premier culinary gathering at the Marin Civic Center Farmers Market. Set against the rolling hills of San Rafael and the striking blue-and-pink architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s landmark civic masterpiece, this grand open-air market hosts an un-matched selection of fresh agricultural goods. Visitors travel from across the region to stock up on organic fruits, coastal cheeses, grass-fed meats, raw honey, and fresh-cut flowers. The market doubles as an exceptional outdoor brunch spot where families can grab ready-to-eat artisanal treats—like steamed dim sum, hot pastries, and specialty coffee—to enjoy picnic-style along the nearby lagoon overlooking Mount Tamalpais.
Friday, September 11
Step back in time and explore America's most legendary federal penitentiary with the official Alcatraz Island Tour. Your journey begins with a scenic scenic ferry ride across San Francisco Bay, offering sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline before landing on the rocky shores of "The Rock." Once ashore, you will receive the award-winning "Doing Time" Cellhouse Audio Tour, which brings history to life through the actual voices of former inmates and correctional officers who lived and worked on the island. Walk through the narrow cell blocks, peer inside solitary confinement, and hear firsthand accounts of infamous escape attempts. Beyond the prison walls, you can explore historic military fortifications, the West Coast's oldest operating lighthouse, and vibrant bird colonies and tide pools maintained by the National Park Service.Tour VarietiesAlcatraz Day Tour: The classic experience, offering open exploration of the island's gardens and ruins at your own pace.Alcatraz Night Tour: A limited-capacity evening excursion featuring guided ferry narration, stunning sunset views, and access to areas of the prison normally closed during the day.Behind the Scenes Tour: An intimate, small-group trek that explores hidden tunnels, underground cells, and secret gardens not accessible to standard ticket holders.
Experience San Francisco from its best vantage point with a classic San Francisco Bay Cruise. Departing daily from the historic waters of Fisherman's Wharf and PIER 39, these fully narrated boat excursions take you on an unforgettable journey across the bay. Sail past the historic waterfront, get an up-close look at the nesting seabirds on Alcatraz Island, and cruise directly underneath the monumental span of the Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, you will learn about the city’s rich maritime history, iconic architecture, and natural geology through multi-language audio narration. With both spacious outdoor observation decks for capturing panoramic photographs and heated indoor cabins featuring full-service snack bars, these cruises offer a comfortable, scenic voyage regardless of the coastal weather.
Fifteen fresh-floral mannequins built around the characters of HBO's The Gilded Age, staged through Filoli's historic house and garden. Last entry 6:00 PM. Thursday has extended evening hours to 8 PM - the only late night of the run.
Twelve pianos scattered through the garden, playable by anyone, 10 AM to 6 PM daily. Opening day. Performances include Elektra & Friends at 11 AM, Eric Shifrin and Triage at noon, and La Gente SF at 5 PM.
Free salsa lesson at 5:00, lucha libre with WFC Wrestling at 5:30, and Mariachi Tapatio from 7:00 to 9:00. DJ Manches opens at 4:00.
Free live music on the Embarcadero waterfront, no ticket.
Oakland Museum's weekly outdoor block party with Off the Grid food trucks in the garden above Lake Merritt. A nine-piece West African ensemble headlines.
Galleries and open studios across downtown San Rafael in one walkable stretch of Fourth Street, anchored at Art Works Downtown.
Free outdoor block party with Off the Grid food trucks (gallery admission separate).
Free street concert in historic downtown Point Richmond, with Los Nadies opening at 5:30. Restaurants stay open and people dance in the road. Twenty-fifth anniversary season.
Taiko in the Japanese garden.
Free live blues on the waterfront lawn at Gabrielson Park. One of only three Fridays left in the season.
Two free outdoor stages in San Anselmo - Moonalice at Creek Park, Talley Up at Town Hall. Second-to-last night of a thirteen-week series.
Immersive light & sound experience by Moment Factory. All ages, ADA compliant. Ticketed via Fever.
Outdoor Sunset Series. Dinner reservations from 5:00 PM.
85 minutes, part of the Jean-Luc Godard's Early Films series.
Marin Theatre's production in the Boyer Theatre, Mill Valley. Run closes September 20. People in recovery are welcomed as the theatre's guest on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Broadway San Jose's touring production at the Center for the Performing Arts. This performance is eligible for the $35 digital lottery (via the Broadway San Jose app; opens 8am and closes 4pm the day before). $40 rush tickets are sold in person at the box office two hours before curtain.
Noel Coward at Altarena Playhouse in Alameda. Run closes September 20.
Contra Costa Civic Theatre opens its production of Jonathan Spector's Eureka Day in El Cerrito. Friday September 11 is the first performance of the run. CCCT charges no added fees - the published price is the price you pay.
Sessions at 7:30 PM, 9:45 PM.
Sessions at 7:30 PM, 9:45 PM.
Oakland jazz room, published as a single evening window.
Chabot's historic refractors on the Observatory Deck, weather permitting.
The public performance of SFJAZZ's opening programme. Also streams as a Fridays Live digital concert.
Season opener - works by Amy Seiwert and Michael Smuin plus a world premiere by My'Kal Stromile.
Berkeley Rep's new play in the Peet's Theatre, now past its invitation-only opening. All performances are closed-captioned. A limited number of $25 tickets is released every Tuesday at 1pm, and there is a half-price offer for patrons under 35. Before this performance, Berkeley Rep hosts ¡SABOR Cubano!, a community event with live music and Latin entertainment.
The Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray is currently lighting up the stage at the San Francisco Playhouse, running through September 12, 2026.This high-energy production brings 1960s Baltimore to life right in the heart of San Francisco's Union Square theater district. It is the perfect choice for a weekend date night or an uplifting family theater outing.WHAT IS HAIRSPRAY ABOUT?Based on the classic 1988 John Waters film, Hairspray follows Tracy Turnblad, an optimistic teenager in 1962 Baltimore. When Tracy wins a spot dancing on a local TV sensation, she becomes an overnight celebrity. Rather than just enjoying her fame, she uses her platform to challenge racial segregation, fighting to integrate the broadcast and spark a cultural revolution.The production features a live, upbeat R&B and Motown-infused score, including classic musical numbers like:"Good Morning Baltimore""Welcome to the '60s""I Know Where I've Been""You Can't Stop the Beat"PRODUCTION & CAST HIGHLIGHTSThe Leads: Ella Ruth Francis makes a dazzling San Francisco Playhouse debut as the fierce and joyful Tracy Turnblad, starring opposite Trevor March as the charming Link Larkin.Standout Performances: Jonathan Chisholm commands the stage as the matriarch Edna Turnblad, while powerhouse vocalist Jeannine Anderson delivers a show-stopping performance as Motormouth Maybelle.Creative Team: Directed by Bill English with explosive 1960s period choreography by Phoenyx Rose and vibrant scenic design by Heather Kenyon.IMPORTANT EVENT DETAILS BEFORE YOU GOVenue Address: San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.Show Runtime: 2 hours and 20 minutes (includes one 15-minute intermission).Box Office Ticket Prices: Official single tickets range from $52 to $145.Arrival: Doors open exactly one hour prior to showtime.
Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City. The run closes Sunday September 13.
Bee Gees tribute. Doors 7:00 PM.
Doors 7:00 PM.
With Iron Lung, Death Grave and Street Tombs. Doors 7:00 PM.
The Neil Diamond tribute, with Starman SF. Doors 7:00 PM.
With Mads Tolling, Dave Ellis, Sunshine Becker, Stephanie Mandella and Jackie LaBranch. Doors 7:00 PM.
The band's farewell show. Doors 8:00 PM.
With Elliott Skinner. Doors 8:00 PM. Upstairs in the Swedish American Hall, not the Cafe.
Doors 8:00 PM.
Direct from Denver, with guest musicians from the San Francisco Dead scene. Doors 8:00 PM.
Step inside one of the world’s most eccentric and baffling architectural marvels at the world-famous Winchester Mystery House. Built continuously over a span of 38 years by Sarah Winchester—the grieving heiress to the Winchester repeating arms fortune—this sprawling 160-room Victorian mansion is a beautiful yet bizarre maze of anomalies. Driven by a desire to appease or outsmart the spirits of rifle victims, Sarah designed a home with no master blueprint. As you walk through the dizzying corridors, you will discover staircases leading straight into ceilings, doors that open into two-story drops, secret passageways, and intricate stained-glass windows featuring cryptic spiderweb designs. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a lover of paranormal mysteries, a journey through this majestic estate offers an unforgettable glimpse into a brilliant mind gripped by obsession.Tour VarietiesMansion Guided Tour: The classic 65-minute historical journey that takes you through 110 of the house's most prominent rooms, including Sarah's bedroom and the famous Seance Room.Walk with Spirits Tour: An atmospheric, evening flashlight tour through the shadowy mansion halls, highlighting the eerie local folklore and ghostly encounters reported on the property.Behind-the-Scenes Basement & Attic Experience: A specialized, rugged trek through narrow, low-clearance areas that lets you peek into the deep brick cellars and the unfinished third-floor corridors left frozen in time since the 1922 earthquake.Unhinged (Seasonal Halloween Event): A premium, theatrical horror haunt that turns the historic estate and its outdoor courtyards into a multi-sensory nightmare with live actors, suspenseful storylines, and custom special effects.
Saturday, September 12
Step back in time and explore America's most legendary federal penitentiary with the official Alcatraz Island Tour. Your journey begins with a scenic scenic ferry ride across San Francisco Bay, offering sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline before landing on the rocky shores of "The Rock." Once ashore, you will receive the award-winning "Doing Time" Cellhouse Audio Tour, which brings history to life through the actual voices of former inmates and correctional officers who lived and worked on the island. Walk through the narrow cell blocks, peer inside solitary confinement, and hear firsthand accounts of infamous escape attempts. Beyond the prison walls, you can explore historic military fortifications, the West Coast's oldest operating lighthouse, and vibrant bird colonies and tide pools maintained by the National Park Service.Tour VarietiesAlcatraz Day Tour: The classic experience, offering open exploration of the island's gardens and ruins at your own pace.Alcatraz Night Tour: A limited-capacity evening excursion featuring guided ferry narration, stunning sunset views, and access to areas of the prison normally closed during the day.Behind the Scenes Tour: An intimate, small-group trek that explores hidden tunnels, underground cells, and secret gardens not accessible to standard ticket holders.
Experience the cultural heart of Oakland at the multi-sensory Grand Lake Farmers Market. Hosting over 40 distinct regional multi-generational farms, 30 specialty food purveyors, and a rotating circle of local craft artisans, this lively market wraps the park grounds in a tapestry of sights and smells. Patrons flock here to buy organic California stone fruits, fresh-cut flowers, coastal seafood, and baked artisan breads. More than just a grocery run, it serves as a massive weekend lunch bazaar. Shoppers can load their baskets, pick up gourmet prepared treats like hot dim sum, Eritrean pour-overs, or local rotisserie items, and layout picnic blankets across the palm tree lawns to enjoy live acoustic music sets
Fifteen fresh-floral mannequins built around the characters of HBO's The Gilded Age, staged through Filoli's historic house and garden. Last entry 6:00 PM. Thursday has extended evening hours to 8 PM - the only late night of the run.
Free general admission to the permanent collection galleries for residents of the nine Bay Area counties. Under-18s are always free.
The largest free street festival in the East Bay that weekend - hundreds of exhibitors, live stages and a family zone along Castro Valley Boulevard. Runs Saturday and Sunday.
More than 150 vintage and exotic cars along Orinda Way, with a special Porsche exhibit tracing 1948 to today. Free for spectators.
Experience San Francisco from its best vantage point with a classic San Francisco Bay Cruise. Departing daily from the historic waters of Fisherman's Wharf and PIER 39, these fully narrated boat excursions take you on an unforgettable journey across the bay. Sail past the historic waterfront, get an up-close look at the nesting seabirds on Alcatraz Island, and cruise directly underneath the monumental span of the Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, you will learn about the city’s rich maritime history, iconic architecture, and natural geology through multi-language audio narration. With both spacious outdoor observation decks for capturing panoramic photographs and heated indoor cabins featuring full-service snack bars, these cruises offer a comfortable, scenic voyage regardless of the coastal weather.
Twelve pianos scattered through the garden, playable by anyone, 10 AM to 6 PM daily. Opening day. Performances include Elektra & Friends at 11 AM, Eric Shifrin and Triage at noon, and La Gente SF at 5 PM.
Drop-in farm programmes on a working 1870s farm.
A morning owl programme for families.
More than 400 artists along Castro Street - the largest free arts festival in the region that weekend. Runs Saturday and Sunday.
A morning K-pop dance party for children. Doors 10:30 AM.
Screen-free making, with the best view of the Bay from any museum.
Skating, music, food and raffles at the Terrence McCrary Jr. Memorial Skate Park, held in his memory.
Experience the cultural heart of Oakland at the multi-sensory Grand Lake Farmers Market. Hosting over 40 distinct regional multi-generational farms, 30 specialty food purveyors, and a rotating circle of local craft artisans, this lively market wraps the park grounds in a tapestry of sights and smells. Patrons flock here to buy organic California stone fruits, fresh-cut flowers, coastal seafood, and baked artisan breads. More than just a grocery run, it serves as a massive weekend lunch bazaar. Shoppers can load their baskets, pick up gourmet prepared treats like hot dim sum, Eritrean pour-overs, or local rotisserie items, and layout picnic blankets across the palm tree lawns to enjoy live acoustic music sets.
A guided look at the building itself.
A curator-led walkthrough of the exhibition.
A live falconry demonstration at the winery.
SF Shakespeare Festival's free outdoor production at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park. About 90 minutes with no interval. No tickets, no reservations.
Berkeley Rep's new play in the Peet's Theatre, now past its invitation-only opening. All performances are closed-captioned. A limited number of $25 tickets is released every Tuesday at 1pm, and there is a half-price offer for patrons under 35. Docent-led post-show discussion follows this matinee.
Marin Theatre's production in the Boyer Theatre, Mill Valley. Run closes September 20. People in recovery are welcomed as the theatre's guest on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Broadway San Jose's touring production at the Center for the Performing Arts. This performance is eligible for the $35 digital lottery (via the Broadway San Jose app; opens 8am and closes 4pm the day before). $40 rush tickets are sold in person at the box office two hours before curtain.
Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City. The run closes Sunday September 13.
Saturday matinee of the season opener.
Free professionally programmed live music in East Oakland, paired with the AKOMA market.
The Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray is currently lighting up the stage at the San Francisco Playhouse, running through September 12, 2026.This high-energy production brings 1960s Baltimore to life right in the heart of San Francisco's Union Square theater district. It is the perfect choice for a weekend date night or an uplifting family theater outing.WHAT IS HAIRSPRAY ABOUT?Based on the classic 1988 John Waters film, Hairspray follows Tracy Turnblad, an optimistic teenager in 1962 Baltimore. When Tracy wins a spot dancing on a local TV sensation, she becomes an overnight celebrity. Rather than just enjoying her fame, she uses her platform to challenge racial segregation, fighting to integrate the broadcast and spark a cultural revolution.The production features a live, upbeat R&B and Motown-infused score, including classic musical numbers like:"Good Morning Baltimore""Welcome to the '60s""I Know Where I've Been""You Can't Stop the Beat"PRODUCTION & CAST HIGHLIGHTSThe Leads: Ella Ruth Francis makes a dazzling San Francisco Playhouse debut as the fierce and joyful Tracy Turnblad, starring opposite Trevor March as the charming Link Larkin.Standout Performances: Jonathan Chisholm commands the stage as the matriarch Edna Turnblad, while powerhouse vocalist Jeannine Anderson delivers a show-stopping performance as Motormouth Maybelle.Creative Team: Directed by Bill English with explosive 1960s period choreography by Phoenyx Rose and vibrant scenic design by Heather Kenyon.IMPORTANT EVENT DETAILS BEFORE YOU GOVenue Address: San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.Show Runtime: 2 hours and 20 minutes (includes one 15-minute intermission).Box Office Ticket Prices: Official single tickets range from $52 to $145.Arrival: Doors open exactly one hour prior to showtime.
Full-voice arias outdoors in Novato at no cost - rare free opera north of the Golden Gate. Kids' activities run 3:00 to 4:00 before the performance.
Free live music on the Embarcadero waterfront, no ticket.
Son, salsa, boogaloo and merengue on a neighbourhood lawn in the Oakland hills. Bring a picnic. RSVP encouraged but not required.
Walnut Creek's last outdoor film of the season on the Civic Park lawn, with food trucks. The film starts just after sundown.
The last night of San Anselmo's thirteen-week free series - F.A.T. Betty at Town Hall, El Cajon and Le Minivans at Creek Park.
Immersive light & sound experience by Moment Factory. All ages, ADA compliant. Ticketed via Fever.
Native stand-up comedy at the museum.
Season finale of Montclair Village's free outdoor cinema, with a DJ, lawn games, popcorn and food from Daughter Thai.
Sessions at 7:00 PM, 9:15 PM.
Sessions at 7:00 PM, 9:30 PM.
Berkeley Rep's new play in the Peet's Theatre, now past its invitation-only opening. All performances are closed-captioned. A limited number of $25 tickets is released every Tuesday at 1pm, and there is a half-price offer for patrons under 35.
Marin Theatre's production in the Boyer Theatre, Mill Valley. Run closes September 20. People in recovery are welcomed as the theatre's guest on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Broadway San Jose's touring production at the Center for the Performing Arts. This performance is eligible for the $35 digital lottery (via the Broadway San Jose app; opens 8am and closes 4pm the day before). $40 rush tickets are sold in person at the box office two hours before curtain.
Noel Coward at Altarena Playhouse in Alameda. Run closes September 20.
Contra Costa Civic Theatre opens its production of Jonathan Spector's Eureka Day in El Cerrito. Friday September 11 is the first performance of the run. CCCT charges no added fees - the published price is the price you pay.
Doors 7:00 PM. A 6:30 PM pre-show VIP meet and greet is offered.
Oakland jazz room, published as a single evening window.
Anthony Parnther conducts the San Francisco Symphony playing John Williams's score live to the film.
Saturday evening performance.
Saturday-night telescope viewing, weather permitting.
The Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray is currently lighting up the stage at the San Francisco Playhouse, running through September 12, 2026.This high-energy production brings 1960s Baltimore to life right in the heart of San Francisco's Union Square theater district. It is the perfect choice for a weekend date night or an uplifting family theater outing.WHAT IS HAIRSPRAY ABOUT?Based on the classic 1988 John Waters film, Hairspray follows Tracy Turnblad, an optimistic teenager in 1962 Baltimore. When Tracy wins a spot dancing on a local TV sensation, she becomes an overnight celebrity. Rather than just enjoying her fame, she uses her platform to challenge racial segregation, fighting to integrate the broadcast and spark a cultural revolution.The production features a live, upbeat R&B and Motown-infused score, including classic musical numbers like:"Good Morning Baltimore""Welcome to the '60s""I Know Where I've Been""You Can't Stop the Beat"PRODUCTION & CAST HIGHLIGHTSThe Leads: Ella Ruth Francis makes a dazzling San Francisco Playhouse debut as the fierce and joyful Tracy Turnblad, starring opposite Trevor March as the charming Link Larkin.Standout Performances: Jonathan Chisholm commands the stage as the matriarch Edna Turnblad, while powerhouse vocalist Jeannine Anderson delivers a show-stopping performance as Motormouth Maybelle.Creative Team: Directed by Bill English with explosive 1960s period choreography by Phoenyx Rose and vibrant scenic design by Heather Kenyon.IMPORTANT EVENT DETAILS BEFORE YOU GOVenue Address: San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.Show Runtime: 2 hours and 20 minutes (includes one 15-minute intermission).Box Office Ticket Prices: Official single tickets range from $52 to $145.Arrival: Doors open exactly one hour prior to showtime.
Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City. The run closes Sunday September 13.
Malian kora master with the French-Italian songwriter. Doors 7:00 PM.
With Fudgie Frottage, Sister Roma, Mo B. Dick and more. Doors 7:00 PM.
Sean Francisco magic, Lisa Frankenstein, drag and burlesque.
With Pumpkin Heads, a Smashing Pumpkins tribute. Doors 7:00 PM.
Verdi's political tragedy opens the company's 2026-27 season.
With Laundra Tyme, Amoura Teese, Helena Levin and Cheetah Biscotti. Doors 8:00 PM.
With DJs Topaz and D-Fly. Doors 8:00 PM.
Tuesday Shift: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Features roughly 20 regional farm stands along the front plaza).Thursday Shift: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Features 10 to 15 vendors with a heavy emphasis on artisan street food and midday lunch options).Saturday Shift: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM (The flagship market hosting over 100 vendors wrapping completely around the front, south side, and rear plaza overlooking the bay).
Step inside one of the world’s most eccentric and baffling architectural marvels at the world-famous Winchester Mystery House. Built continuously over a span of 38 years by Sarah Winchester—the grieving heiress to the Winchester repeating arms fortune—this sprawling 160-room Victorian mansion is a beautiful yet bizarre maze of anomalies. Driven by a desire to appease or outsmart the spirits of rifle victims, Sarah designed a home with no master blueprint. As you walk through the dizzying corridors, you will discover staircases leading straight into ceilings, doors that open into two-story drops, secret passageways, and intricate stained-glass windows featuring cryptic spiderweb designs. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a lover of paranormal mysteries, a journey through this majestic estate offers an unforgettable glimpse into a brilliant mind gripped by obsession.Tour VarietiesMansion Guided Tour: The classic 65-minute historical journey that takes you through 110 of the house's most prominent rooms, including Sarah's bedroom and the famous Seance Room.Walk with Spirits Tour: An atmospheric, evening flashlight tour through the shadowy mansion halls, highlighting the eerie local folklore and ghostly encounters reported on the property.Behind-the-Scenes Basement & Attic Experience: A specialized, rugged trek through narrow, low-clearance areas that lets you peek into the deep brick cellars and the unfinished third-floor corridors left frozen in time since the 1922 earthquake.Unhinged (Seasonal Halloween Event): A premium, theatrical horror haunt that turns the historic estate and its outdoor courtyards into a multi-sensory nightmare with live actors, suspenseful storylines, and custom special effects.
Step into the splendid silliness of a modern, home-grown carnival ring with Circus Bella: Circus in the Parks. Transforming open lawns into a circle of wonder, this fast-paced spectacle drops the walls of traditional venues to celebrate community connection through raw human artistry. Audiences are treated to gravity-defying feats of balance, contortion, high-flying trapeze routines, and comedic slapstick routines. The entire show is driven by a roaring, original live jazz and klezmer soundtrack played on the spot by the Circus Bella All-Star Band. It offers a perfect, screen-free summer afternoon out for local families.
Immerse yourself in a premier culinary gathering at the Marin Civic Center Farmers Market. Set against the rolling hills of San Rafael and the striking blue-and-pink architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s landmark civic masterpiece, this grand open-air market hosts an un-matched selection of fresh agricultural goods. Visitors travel from across the region to stock up on organic fruits, coastal cheeses, grass-fed meats, raw honey, and fresh-cut flowers. The market doubles as an exceptional outdoor brunch spot where families can grab ready-to-eat artisanal treats—like steamed dim sum, hot pastries, and specialty coffee—to enjoy picnic-style along the nearby lagoon overlooking Mount Tamalpais.
Sunday, September 13
Step back in time and explore America's most legendary federal penitentiary with the official Alcatraz Island Tour. Your journey begins with a scenic scenic ferry ride across San Francisco Bay, offering sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline before landing on the rocky shores of "The Rock." Once ashore, you will receive the award-winning "Doing Time" Cellhouse Audio Tour, which brings history to life through the actual voices of former inmates and correctional officers who lived and worked on the island. Walk through the narrow cell blocks, peer inside solitary confinement, and hear firsthand accounts of infamous escape attempts. Beyond the prison walls, you can explore historic military fortifications, the West Coast's oldest operating lighthouse, and vibrant bird colonies and tide pools maintained by the National Park Service.Tour VarietiesAlcatraz Day Tour: The classic experience, offering open exploration of the island's gardens and ruins at your own pace.Alcatraz Night Tour: A limited-capacity evening excursion featuring guided ferry narration, stunning sunset views, and access to areas of the prison normally closed during the day.Behind the Scenes Tour: An intimate, small-group trek that explores hidden tunnels, underground cells, and secret gardens not accessible to standard ticket holders.
Fifteen fresh-floral mannequins built around the characters of HBO's The Gilded Age, staged through Filoli's historic house and garden. Last entry 6:00 PM. Thursday has extended evening hours to 8 PM - the only late night of the run.
Day two of the East Bay's biggest free street festival - exhibitors, live stages and a family zone along Castro Valley Boulevard.
Day two on Castro Street - 400+ artists, food and music through downtown Mountain View.
The East Bay's largest street festival - one mile of Solano Avenue across Albany and Berkeley, 400+ vendors and performers, and about 100,000 people. Micro-parade at 10:00 AM from Colusa in Berkeley to the BART track in Albany. Pet zone at 1120 Solano at Kains.
A free admission day at a garden that normally charges, with the dry garden at its September best.
Obstacle courses, skill stations, free helmet fitting and free mechanic checks for children aged 2 to 11.
Experience San Francisco from its best vantage point with a classic San Francisco Bay Cruise. Departing daily from the historic waters of Fisherman's Wharf and PIER 39, these fully narrated boat excursions take you on an unforgettable journey across the bay. Sail past the historic waterfront, get an up-close look at the nesting seabirds on Alcatraz Island, and cruise directly underneath the monumental span of the Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, you will learn about the city’s rich maritime history, iconic architecture, and natural geology through multi-language audio narration. With both spacious outdoor observation decks for capturing panoramic photographs and heated indoor cabins featuring full-service snack bars, these cruises offer a comfortable, scenic voyage regardless of the coastal weather.
Twelve pianos scattered through the garden, playable by anyone, 10 AM to 6 PM daily. Opening day. Performances include Elektra & Friends at 11 AM, Eric Shifrin and Triage at noon, and La Gente SF at 5 PM.
A morning family screening.
A drop-in family programme during museum hours.
Soak up the coastal morning breeze and enjoy the vibrant community culture at the Jack London Square Farmers Market. Set against a historic background of docked boats and towering palm trees along the Oakland estuary, this quaint open-air marketplace features a tight-knit collective of Northern California fruit and vegetable growers, fishmongers, and specialty bakers. Beyond raw ingredients, it acts as a popular Sunday lunch destination where visitors can grab hot, freshly made food craft items—ranging from local tamales to Himalayan street snacks—and enjoy them picnic-style on the open grass while listening to live local jazz bands.
Fire Slice Brick Oven Pizza on the winery lawn.
Experience the cultural heart of Oakland at the multi-sensory Grand Lake Farmers Market. Hosting over 40 distinct regional multi-generational farms, 30 specialty food purveyors, and a rotating circle of local craft artisans, this lively market wraps the park grounds in a tapestry of sights and smells. Patrons flock here to buy organic California stone fruits, fresh-cut flowers, coastal seafood, and baked artisan breads. More than just a grocery run, it serves as a massive weekend lunch bazaar. Shoppers can load their baskets, pick up gourmet prepared treats like hot dim sum, Eritrean pour-overs, or local rotisserie items, and layout picnic blankets across the palm tree lawns to enjoy live acoustic music sets.
Broadway San Jose's touring production at the Center for the Performing Arts. This performance is eligible for the $35 digital lottery (via the Broadway San Jose app; opens 8am and closes 4pm the day before). $40 rush tickets are sold in person at the box office two hours before curtain.
Music Director Eun Sun Kim conducts the San Francisco Opera Orchestra with stars of the 2026-27 season in duets and arias. Free, no tickets, no reservations. Bring a blanket or a low-profile lawn chair - tarps are not allowed on the grass. About two hours.
Free outdoor Shakespeare at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park. About 90 minutes, no interval, no tickets needed.
Redwood City's own pre-September-16 Mexican Independence celebration in Courthouse Square.
Berkeley Rep's new play in the Peet's Theatre, now past its invitation-only opening. All performances are closed-captioned. A limited number of $25 tickets is released every Tuesday at 1pm, and there is a half-price offer for patrons under 35. Docent-led post-show discussion follows this matinee.
Marin Theatre's production in the Boyer Theatre, Mill Valley. Run closes September 20. People in recovery are welcomed as the theatre's guest on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City. The run closes Sunday September 13.
Noel Coward at Altarena Playhouse in Alameda. Run closes September 20.
Contra Costa Civic Theatre opens its production of Jonathan Spector's Eureka Day in El Cerrito. Friday September 11 is the first performance of the run. CCCT charges no added fees - the published price is the price you pay.
Chanticleer's first fully staged production since Curlew River.
Final Mountain View performance of the season opener.
A quieter, lower-stimulation session after the museum closes to general visitors at 1 PM.
BBQ on the Lawn. Gates 3:00 PM.
Second Sunday performance.
Yoga Amansala presents an evening on the flight deck.
Immersive light & sound experience by Moment Factory. All ages, ADA compliant. Ticketed via Fever.
Broadway San Jose's touring production at the Center for the Performing Arts. This performance is eligible for the $35 digital lottery (via the Broadway San Jose app; opens 8am and closes 4pm the day before). $40 rush tickets are sold in person at the box office two hours before curtain.
Bands are not listed on the venue's ticket page.
Berkeley Rep's new play in the Peet's Theatre, now past its invitation-only opening. All performances are closed-captioned. A limited number of $25 tickets is released every Tuesday at 1pm, and there is a half-price offer for patrons under 35. Note the earlier 7:00 PM Sunday curtain.
Doors 6:00 PM - note the earlier start.
The 2026 International Blues Challenge band champions. Doors 5:15 PM, single show.
Final night of SFJAZZ's opening week.
The Grammy-winning Jamaican reggae group. Doors 7:00 PM.
With Angels on the Battlefield. Doors 7:00 PM.
The early 7:00 PM show is SOLD OUT; this late set is still available. Doors 8:45 PM.
Step inside one of the world’s most eccentric and baffling architectural marvels at the world-famous Winchester Mystery House. Built continuously over a span of 38 years by Sarah Winchester—the grieving heiress to the Winchester repeating arms fortune—this sprawling 160-room Victorian mansion is a beautiful yet bizarre maze of anomalies. Driven by a desire to appease or outsmart the spirits of rifle victims, Sarah designed a home with no master blueprint. As you walk through the dizzying corridors, you will discover staircases leading straight into ceilings, doors that open into two-story drops, secret passageways, and intricate stained-glass windows featuring cryptic spiderweb designs. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a lover of paranormal mysteries, a journey through this majestic estate offers an unforgettable glimpse into a brilliant mind gripped by obsession.Tour VarietiesMansion Guided Tour: The classic 65-minute historical journey that takes you through 110 of the house's most prominent rooms, including Sarah's bedroom and the famous Seance Room.Walk with Spirits Tour: An atmospheric, evening flashlight tour through the shadowy mansion halls, highlighting the eerie local folklore and ghostly encounters reported on the property.Behind-the-Scenes Basement & Attic Experience: A specialized, rugged trek through narrow, low-clearance areas that lets you peek into the deep brick cellars and the unfinished third-floor corridors left frozen in time since the 1922 earthquake.Unhinged (Seasonal Halloween Event): A premium, theatrical horror haunt that turns the historic estate and its outdoor courtyards into a multi-sensory nightmare with live actors, suspenseful storylines, and custom special effects.
Step into the splendid silliness of a modern, home-grown carnival ring with Circus Bella: Circus in the Parks. Transforming open lawns into a circle of wonder, this fast-paced spectacle drops the walls of traditional venues to celebrate community connection through raw human artistry. Audiences are treated to gravity-defying feats of balance, contortion, high-flying trapeze routines, and comedic slapstick routines. The entire show is driven by a roaring, original live jazz and klezmer soundtrack played on the spot by the Circus Bella All-Star Band. It offers a perfect, screen-free summer afternoon out for local families.