Cunning Folk
2025-10-15 - 2026-02-22 | Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Dr, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States
Cunning Folk considers magical practice, practitioners, and their persecution in early modern European artwork and material culture (c.1500–1750). The term “cunning folk” typically describes wise people who knew traditional spells and remedies believed to cure and protect. The works on paper, painting, and personal items on view in this intimate, single gallery exhibition more broadly explore the historical concept of “cunning” in connection to many forms of secret magical rites and knowledge, from folk charms to occult natural philosophy to diabolic witchcraft. Early modern artists also helped construct the idea of magical figures as a threat to the prevailing social order–particularly through the rise of print culture–and here, a selection of American contemporary artworks reconjure these histories.
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Rave into the Future: Art in Motion
2025-10-24 - 2026-01-12 | Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St., San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Rave into the Future offers a space of joyful connection and community through a blend of music- and dance-inspired video, sculpture, photography, and room-sized immersive installations by women and queer artists from the West Asian diaspora.
In recent years, Asian artists, DJs, and communities have been at the heart of a resurgence of electronic music-based dance parties across the globe. Meanwhile, music from West Asia has experienced a surge in worldwide popularity, connecting new audiences with the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation in the region’s diverse musical genres.
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"Echoes" by Seiko Tachibana
2025-11-01 - 2026-01-31 | Themes+Projects, 1275 Minnesota St Suite 205, San Francisco, 94107
Themes+Projects is pleased to announce Echoes by Japanese-American artist, Seiko Tachibana opening November 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026. Celebrating Tachibana’s fourth solo show with the gallery, Echoes features a range of new works including soft botanical mixed-media color pencil drawings on wood panels to subdued, fractal patterned acrylic paintings on canvas.
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Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square
2025-11-05 - 2026-01-19 | Holiday Ice Rink In Union Square, 333 Post St, San Francisco, 94102
A beloved Bay Area tradition returns for its 18th season, transforming Union Square into a festive outdoor skating wonderland. From the Opening Celebration on November 5 to fan-favorite themed nights like Drag on Ice and the Silent Skate Party, the rink offers classic holiday fun with new seasonal experiences for all ages. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (closing at 9:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve). Tickets and full event details at UnionSquareIceRink.com.
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Glowfari
2025-11-07 - 2026-01-25 | Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, 94605
This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to conservation.
This year’s experience includes new themes — explore the future of Oakland, learn about coexisting with wildlife, swim through the reef to see colorful underwater creatures, go on a safari through the savanna to spot iconic African animals, meet some interesting bugs that are all around us, and end the night by taking the train through the reptile world.
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KAWS: FAMILY
2025-11-15 - 2026-05-03 | SFMOMA, 151 Third Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103, United States
KAWS: FAMILY explores the playful and poignant artistic universe created by KAWS. Marking KAWS’s first major museum exhibition on the West Coast, KAWS: FAMILY traces the artist’s output over the past three decades through its keen ability to connect to shared emotions and culture. From paintings, drawings, and sculptures to advertising interventions, product collaborations, and limited-edition collectible toys, visitors will encounter the many creative expressions of KAWS’s distinctive language using recurring characters and pop culture appropriations.
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Sunset Yoga
2025-11-16 - 2026-03-29 | Bloom Yoga, 1225 MacArthur Blvd, San Leandro, 94577
A slow, nature-inspired flow to ground and renew.
As the sun melts into the horizon, this soulful slow flow invites you to move with the rhythm of the fading light. Through gentle, intentional sequences, you’ll explore mindful movement, fluid transitions, and deep, grounding breath to ease tension and restore balance after the week.
Each class weaves together somatic awareness, soft stretches, and guided meditation—allowing your body to unwind and your mind to settle into stillness. You’ll leave feeling centered, nourished, and open-hearted, ready to welcome the new week ahead.
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Cirque du Soleil ECHO
2025-11-20 - 2026-01-18 | Oracle Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, 94107
FUTURE, the protagonist, invites you into a fantasy world where she meets animal and human characters.
Driven by the spirit of collaboration, they join forces to rebuild their planet little by little and create a better world.
Cirque du Soleil brings modern and surprising twists with ECHO, a story of connection, intention, and the bond between humans and the animal kingdom.
When FUTURE and her best friend Ewai stumble upon an enigmatic CUBE, they set in motion a journey of life, discovery, hope, and empathy, quickly learning how their actions have the power to shape this world.
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Into the Woods
2025-11-20 - 2026-01-17 | San Francisco Playhouse, 2nd Floor, Kensington Park Hotel, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim explore the darker side of happily ever after in the timeless and ever-relevant Into the Woods. Beloved storybook characters collide as this timeless tale weaves together the stories of a childless Baker and his wife, Cinderella’s quest for love, and Jack’s journey to giant-slaying fame. With its rich blend of humor, heartache, and unforgettable melodies, Into the Woods reveals that even the most familiar stories hold unexpected twists and profound lessons.
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SF SPCA Holiday Windows
2025-11-21 - 2025-12-31 | Macy’s Union Square, 170 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, 94102
The San Francisco SPCA and Macy’s Union Square are once again bringing holiday joy to the heart of San Francisco with the 39th annual Holiday Windows, running November 21 through December 31, 2025. This beloved tradition transforms the city’s most festive shopping destination into a showcase of adorable, adoptable animals–turning window-shopping into lifesaving. Visitors can stop by Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., to meet cats and dogs ready for adoption and connect with SF SPCA staff on-site.
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Alejandro Cartagena: Ground Rules
2025-11-22 - 2026-04-19 | SFMOMA, 151 Third Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103, United States
Alejandro Cartagena: Ground Rules is the first major retrospective of the acclaimed photographer, bringing together over two decades of his work through an expansive multi-series presentation. Born in the Dominican Republic and based in Monterrey, Mexico, Cartagena explores pressing social and environmental issues through a striking range of photographic practices that includes documentary images, collage, appropriated vernacular photographs, and AI-generated video.
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A Beautiful Noise
2025-12-30 - 2026-01-04 | San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, CA, 95113, United States
Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 120 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like “America,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and “Sweet Caroline,” an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond’s story was made to shine on Broadway-and head out on the road across America.
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A USS Hornet New Years Eve Big Band Gala
2025-12-31 - 2026-01-01 | USS Hornet – Sea, Air and Space Museum, 707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda, 94501
Headlining the evening is 3 O’Clock Jump, a 16-piece classic Big Band that plays songs made famous by Count Basie, Glenn Miller, and Harry James. They play such favorites as In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Route 66, Tuxedo Junction, Pennsylvania 6-500, 1 O’clock Jump, 2 O’clock Jump plus many more. Get ready to Rhumba, Cha Cha, Waltz and Swing the night away.
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The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
2025-12-31 20:00, 2025-12-31 22:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | SFJAZZ, 201 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
“A national treasure steeped in both the past and the present” (The New York Times), The Dirty Dozen Brass Band celebrates 50 years as the New Orleans institution responsible for the resurgence of the brass band tradition to ring in the new year.
These NYE concerts will include complimentary sparkling wine, party favors, a massive balloon drop (10:30pm only), a countdown to 2026 in NYC and SF, and much more!
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Curator's Choice Exhibition
2026-01-02 - 2026-03-17 | Caldwell Snyder Gallery, 341 Sutter St, San Francisco, 94108
Caldwell Snyder Gallery is excited to present a Curator’s Choice group exhibition celebrating the start of the new year in their San Francisco Gallery.
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Pacific Mambo Orchestra
2026-01-02 20:00, 2026-01-02 22:00, 2026-01-03 19:30, 2026-01-03 21:30 | Yoshi’s Oakland, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA, 94607, United States
Recognized as a global phenomenon, Grammy® Award-Winning Latin Big Band Pacific Mambo Orchestra’s (PMO) original and ingenious repertoire is spiked with infectious energy and superb musicianship. PMO effortlessly blends genre-bending originals and covers as diverse as Stevie Wonder’s ‘Overjoyed’, Dizzy Gillespie’s ‘Night in Tunisia’, and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Piano Concerto into the easily recognizable PMO sound!
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Dog Man: The Musical
2026-01-03 - 2026-01-04 | Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, 10 10th Street, Oakland, 94607, United States
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL is a hilarious and heartwarming production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of beloved characters from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants. Recommended for ages 5+.
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An Evening with David Sedaris
2026-01-03 - 2026-01-11 | Roda Theatre (Berkeley Rep), 2015 Addison St, Berkeley, 94704
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the creative mind of America’s favorite humorist! David Sedaris returns to Berkeley Rep with brand-new, unreleased essays from his upcoming Spring 2026 collection, offering audiences the rare opportunity to experience fresh material before it hits the shelves. Known for his razor-sharp wit and keen observations on life’s everyday absurdities, Sedaris will present different content each night, making every performance unique. These intimate evenings include special Q&A sessions where you can engage directly with this master of comedic storytelling, plus book signings in the lobby both before and after each show.
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Angel Bat Dawid & 9MAGICFOREVER1
2026-01-03 20:00 | The Freight, 2020 Addison St, Berkeley, CA, 94704, United States
N.G.S.R.S is an innovative Chicago-based experimental duo formed by artists Angel Bat Dawid and 9MAGICFOREVER1. Both are accomplished composers, producers, multi-instrumentalists and DJ’s; Angel specializes in clarinet, piano, electronics, and vocals, while 9MAGICFOREVER1 brings expertise in electronics, guitar, saxophone, flute, bass, piano, and drum/beatmaking. Inspired by Chicago’s rich traditions of free jazz, avant-garde music, and Sun Ra’s cosmic explorations, they craft immersive afrofuturist soundscapes that seamlessly blend improvisation, electronic beats, and striking visual elements.
Parking
Center Street Garage, next door to The Freight, is currently open nightly until 1am except Sunday. More details here.
Public Transit
The Freight & Salvage is BARTable! Downtown Berkeley BART station is a half a block from the Freight. Details at bart.gov. Many AC Transit bus lines stop within a few blocks of the Freight. Details at actransit.org.
Nearby Favorites Bars/Restaurants
Revival Bar + Kitchen | 2102 Shattuck Avenue, (510) 549–9950
Comal Next Door | 2024 Shattuck Ave, (510) 422-662
Gather | 2200 Oxford Street @ Allston, (510) 809-0400
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Discordia Gameshow
2026-01-04 - 2026-01-25 | The Ocean Room, 350 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, 94112
Discordia Gameshow is an immersive, interactive, and chaotic live performance that blurs the line between game show, church, and surreal ritual. Hosted by the eccentric Reverend Doctor AL d’Fraud — a televangelist game-show host devoted to the goddess Eris Discordia, deity of chaos — the show leads audiences on a wild, participatory quest to “find the goddess” through laughter, chance, and confusion.
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Day26 Pre Show Vip Experience (Show Ticket Not Included)
2026-01-04 16:30 | Yoshi’s Oakland, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA, 94607, United States
Since their breakout in 2007, DAY26 has solidified their place as one of the premier male R&B groups of the 21st century. Known for their lush harmonies, emotional storytelling, and electrifying live performances, the group continues to represent unity, authenticity, and the timeless essence of real R&B.

Formed on MTV’s hit series Making the Band 4 under Sean “Diddy” Combs- members Brian, Willie, Robert, Mike, and Qwanell quickly became household names, captivating millions with their chemistry, raw talent, and brotherhood

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Day26
2026-01-04 19:00 | Yoshi’s Oakland, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA, 94607, United States

Children’s Creative Lab
2026-01-05 - 2026-05-04 | Livermore Valley Arts, 2400 First St, Livermore, CA, 94550, United States
Our children’s after-school drawing and painting class is designed for kids ages 7-15, welcoming all skill levels from beginners to more experienced young artists. In this fun and supportive environment, students will explore various techniques and mediums, including pencils, watercolors, and acrylics. Each session includes guided instruction, creative projects, and opportunities for self-expression. The goal is to build confidence, develop artistic skills, and foster a love for art.
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Art Unbound: Discover. Experiment. Create.
2026-01-06 - 2026-05-05 | Livermore Valley Arts, 2400 First St, Livermore, CA, 94550, United States
Break out of the routine and rediscover the joy of art making! In this open-format class, you’ll explore paint, watercolor, collage, and drawing materials in new and exciting ways. Each week offers prompts and techniques designed to spark imagination, but you’ll have the freedom to follow your own path. Come to relax, play and create art that feels uniquely yours.
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The Seastrunk Brothers
2026-01-06 19:30 | Yoshi’s Oakland, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA, 94607, United States
When it comes to homegrown harmony, timeless soul, and the power of brotherly love, The Seastrunk Brothers of San Francisco deliver it all with unmatched style. Known for their dazzling attire, smooth choreography, and electrifying stage presence, these four legendary brothers have spent five decades captivating audiences with their artistry.
Celebrate the New Year in Soulful Fashion. Join us as we honor 50 incredible years of the Seastrunk Brothers’ musical journey. This milestone celebration pays tribute to the golden era of soul, featuring classics from The Four Tops, The Temptations, Stylistics, Dramatics, The O’Jays, Motown favorites, and more.
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Lalah Hathaway
2026-01-09 19:30 | Yoshi’s Oakland, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA, 94607, United States
A sought-after collaborator to some of today’s top hitmakers, undeniable music royalty, and vocal abilities matched by few, five-time Grammy award-winning Lalah Hathaway is an artist, singer/songwriter, and producer not to be slept on. A purveyor of many genres whilst sharing Grammy-winning records with the likes of Beyoncé (the only two to have ever won in the Best Traditional R&B Performance category three times), Lalah’s seven solo albums are complemented by an illustrious track record of collaborations with the likes of Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, and Anderson. Paak, Robert Glasper, Rapsody, Snoop Dogg, Esperanza Spalding, and more.
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