112 upcoming · checked by a human
🎟️ Free Culture & Outdoors in the Bay Area
Free museum days and nights, telescope viewing, ranger and naturalist walks, and the library and park programmes that cost nothing. Residents-only and free-with-admission are both labelled where they apply.
San Francisco Main Library, Koret Auditorium
WED, OCT 21Rocky Horror Picture Show with a Full Shadow CastSan Francisco Main Library, Koret Auditorium · SF Downtown & WaterfrontDrop-in · prop bags $5Details →Museum of the African Diaspora
WED, OCT 21Nafissa Thompson-Spires: The Four Wives and Five Deaths of Richard MilfordMuseum of the African Diaspora · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · $10–$15 suggested donationDetails →Ferry Building
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS · 10 AM–2 PMFerry Plaza Farmers Market (Tuesday and Thursday)Ferry Building · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree to attendDetails →The Crucible
THU, OCT 22Heavy Metal: Industrial Artisan FairThe Crucible · Oakland & East BayFree · RSVPDetails →Hiller Aviation Museum
FRI, OCT 23Halloween Haunted HangarHiller Aviation Museum · PeninsulaIncluded with museum admission · members freeDetails →Oakland Museum of California
FreeFRI, OCT 23Friday Nights with DATANAGANOakland Museum of California · Oakland & East BayFreeDetails →San Francisco Main Library, Koret Auditorium
FRI, OCT 23Author Talk: Walter Mosley, Hanging and BurningSan Francisco Main Library, Koret Auditorium · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · pre-registration requiredDetails →Ace Makerspace
FRI, OCT 23Ace Maker SocialAce Makerspace · Oakland & East BayFree – $12.00Details →Chabot Space & Science Center
FreeFRI & SAT · 7:30–10:30 PMFree Public Telescope ViewingChabot Space & Science Center · Oakland & East BayFreeDetails →Ferry BuildingSATURDAYS · 8 AM–2 PMFerry Plaza Farmers Market (Saturday)Ferry Building · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree to attendDetails →de Young Museum
SATURDAYS · 9:30 AM–5:15 PMFree Saturdays at the de Youngde Young Museum · SF West SideFree for Bay Area residents · reserve onlineDetails →Legion of Honor
SATURDAYS · 9:30 AMFree Saturdays at the Legion of HonorLegion of Honor · SF West SideFree for Bay Area residents · reserve onlineDetails →Hiller Aviation Museum
SAT, OCT 24Paint-A-PlaneHiller Aviation Museum · PeninsulaIncluded with museum admission · members freeDetails →Randall Museum
FreeSAT, OCT 24Family HalloweenRandall Museum · SF West SideFreeDetails →San José Museum of Art
SAT, OCT 24Community Day: Día de los MuertosSan José Museum of Art · South BayFree admission all day · sugar skull decorating ticketed separatelyDetails →Legion of Honor
SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS · 11:30 AMPorcelain Conversations with Museum GuidesLegion of Honor · SF West SideFree after general admission · no reservationsDetails →Randall Museum
SATURDAYS · 11:30 AMMeet an Animal AmbassadorRandall Museum · SF West SideFree (museum admission is free)Details →Yerba Buena Gardens, Great Lawn
SAT, OCT 24Afro-Filipino Jazz ProjectYerba Buena Gardens, Great Lawn · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · RSVP via EventbriteDetails →Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
SAT, OCT 24Silent Shorts ProgramYerba Buena Center for the Arts · SF Downtown & Waterfront$15 · free for YBCA membersDetails →Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Screening Room
SATURDAYS · 2 PMThe World of Black Film: RevolutionsYerba Buena Center for the Arts, Screening Room · SF Downtown & Waterfront$15 (includes snacks and gallery admission) · free for membersDetails →Legion of Honor
SATURDAYS · 4 PMSaturday Organ ConcertsLegion of Honor · SF West SideFree for Bay Area residents on SaturdaysDetails →California Academy of Sciences
SAT, OCT 24SuperNaturalCalifornia Academy of Sciences · SF West SideGA adult $60 ($55 members) · youth 3–17 $45 ($40 members) · under 3 free · VIP packages extraDetails →Grace Cathedral
SUN, OCT 25The Forum with Arlie Russell Hochschild: Stolen PrideGrace Cathedral · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · registration recommendedDetails →SFMOMA
SUN, OCT 25Free Family Day: K-Pop, Art, and BeyondSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · RSVP required ($12 adult surcharge for RM x SFMOMA)Details →Pole Mountain / Little Black Mountain Preserve
SUN, OCT 25Autumn Views at Pole MountainPole Mountain / Little Black Mountain Preserve · Marin & North BayFree · registration requiredDetails →Oakland Museum of California
SUN, OCT 2532nd Annual Día de los Muertos Community CelebrationOakland Museum of California · Oakland & East Bay$10 · members and kids under 12 free with advance reservationDetails →Asian Art Museum
SUN, OCT 25Opening Celebration: Vishnu's Cosmic OceanAsian Art Museum · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with museum admissionDetails →Sebastopol Center for the Arts
TUE, OCT 27Poetry LivesSebastopol Center for the Arts · Marin & North BayFrom $0.00 · workshop $5/$10/$15/$20 · Open Mic Only optionDetails →Ace Makerspace
WED, OCT 28Jigsaw Puzzle NightAce Makerspace · Oakland & East BayFree–$15Details →Hiller Aviation Museum
THU, OCT 29Trunk or TreatHiller Aviation Museum · PeninsulaFree · Haunted Hangar ticket separateDetails →SFMOMA
THU, OCT 29An Evening with Doug AitkenSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree (RSVP) · $10 general · $20 / $30 support tiersDetails →SFMOMA
THU, OCT 29Works on Paper Book Club: Eat the Mouth That Feeds You by Carribean FragozaSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with RSVPDetails →Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
THU, OCT 29The Haunt: A Halloween Hangout Crafted by ArtistsYerba Buena Center for the Arts · SF Downtown & Waterfront$25 · YBCA members $15 · kids 12 and under freeDetails →Oakland Museum of California
FreeFRI, OCT 30Friday Nights with La Gente SFOakland Museum of California · Oakland & East BayFreeDetails →Hiller Aviation Museum
SAT, OCT 31Helicopter Pumpkin Drop and Kids Halloween FestivalHiller Aviation Museum · PeninsulaIncluded with museum admission · members freeDetails →Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Foodwise Classroom
SAT, OCT 31Cooking Demo: Sofía Jiménez of Tutuli Mexican BakeryFerry Plaza Farmers Market, Foodwise Classroom · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · recipes and samplesDetails →SFMOMA
SAT, OCT 31SFMOMAweenSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with museum admissionDetails →Ferry Building
SAT, OCT 31Fall Fruit CelebrationFerry Building · SF Downtown & WaterfrontNo price listed · free samples and recipesDetails →Yerba Buena Gardens, Children's Garden
SAT, OCT 31Halloween HooplaYerba Buena Gardens, Children's Garden · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · RSVP via EventbriteDetails →Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
SAT, OCT 31The Red ShoesYerba Buena Center for the Arts · SF Downtown & Waterfront$15 (film, snacks and gallery admission) · free for YBCA membersDetails →Sears Point / Dickson Trail, San Pablo Bay NWR
SUN, NOV 1Marsh Restoration on the BaySears Point / Dickson Trail, San Pablo Bay NWR · Marin & North BayFree · registration requiredDetails →Asian Art Museum
SUN, NOV 1First Free Sunday: Diwali CelebrationAsian Art Museum · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree (Free First Sunday)Details →Asian Art MuseumSUN, NOV 1SACHI Annual Event: Calm and Chaos of Vishnu's Cosmic OceanAsian Art Museum · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree (Free First Sunday)Details →Oakland Museum of California1ST SUNDAY · 11 AM–5 PMFree First SundaysOakland Museum of California · Oakland & East BayFree general admission · special exhibitions $6Details →Oakland Museum of California
1ST SUNDAY · 1 PMOMCA Architecture Walk and TalkOakland Museum of California · Oakland & East BayFree · no reservations requiredDetails →Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Gallery 3
WED, NOV 4Ryli: In-Gallery PerformanceYerba Buena Center for the Arts, Gallery 3 · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with RSVPDetails →Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)
1ST THURSDAY · ALL DAYFree First ThursdayBerkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) · Oakland & East BayFree gallery admissionDetails →Museum of the African Diaspora
THU, NOV 5Downtown First ThursdaysMuseum of the African Diaspora · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree admissionDetails →Museum of the African Diaspora
FreeTHU, NOV 5Caribbean Cocktails: Migration, Memory, and Making Across the DiasporaMuseum of the African Diaspora · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFreeDetails →Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
FRI, NOV 6Jam Session with Creativity ExploredYerba Buena Center for the Arts · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with RSVPDetails →San José Museum of Art
FreeFRI, NOV 6First FridaysSan José Museum of Art · South BayFreeDetails →Glen Oaks Ranch
SAT, NOV 7Wildlife Corridor Walk at Glen Oaks RanchGlen Oaks Ranch · Marin & North BayFree · registration requiredDetails →SFMOMA
SAT, NOV 7The Fall of the I-Hotel + Manilatown Manang ScreeningsSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · at capacityDetails →The Crucible
SAT, NOV 7Free Crucible TourThe Crucible · Oakland & East BayFree · RSVP requiredDetails →Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI)
$0.00 · RSVPSAT, NOV 7BAGI's 30th Birthday PartyBay Area Glass Institute (BAGI) · South Bay$0.00 · RSVPDetails →Estero Americano Preserve
SUN, NOV 8Raptor Walk at Estero Americano PreserveEstero Americano Preserve · Marin & North BayFree Event · registration requiredDetails →SFMOMA
SUN, NOV 8Family Studio: Lines That MoveSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · no museum admission requiredDetails →Sebastopol Center for the Arts
THU, NOV 12Curatorial Guidance in the Art Market WorkshopSebastopol Center for the Arts · Marin & North Bay$0.00 · free and open to the public, donations acceptedDetails →SFMOMA
THU, NOV 12Little Forest: Film Screening and ConversationSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree (RSVP) · $10 general · $20 / $30 support tiersDetails →Asian Art Museum
FRI, NOV 13Holiday Artisan MarketAsian Art Museum · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · no ticket requiredDetails →Yerba Buena Gardens, Great Lawn
FRI, NOV 13Bhangra & Beats Night MarketYerba Buena Gardens, Great Lawn · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · RSVP coming soonDetails →Art Works Downtown
Free2ND FRIDAY · 5–8 PM2nd Friday Art WalkArt Works Downtown · Marin & North BayFreeDetails →Hiller Aviation Museum
FRI, NOV 13Starlight NightsHiller Aviation Museum · PeninsulaIncluded with museum admission · members freeDetails →San José Museum of Art
FreeFRI, NOV 13Opening Celebration: Irving Norman: Fight for LifeSan José Museum of Art · South BayFreeDetails →Museum of the African Diaspora.jpg)
2ND SATURDAY · 11 AM–5 PMThrive @ MoAD Free Community DayMuseum of the African Diaspora · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · walk-ins welcomeDetails →Legion of Honor
SAT, NOV 14A Closer Look: The Mysteries of a 17th-Century Carved Limewood PanelLegion of Honor · SF West SideFree program · first come, first servedDetails →Cubberley Community Center
FreeSAT, NOV 14Cubberley Artist Studio Program Open StudiosCubberley Community Center · PeninsulaFreeDetails →Asian Art Museum
SAT, NOV 14Artist Talk: Bamboo Art Prizewinner Ōki ToshieAsian Art Museum · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with admissionDetails →Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)
SAT, NOV 14Roundtable Reading: The Vanishing of Lake PeigneurBerkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) · Oakland & East BayFree for kids 13 and under and one accompanying adult per childDetails →Ace Makerspace
SAT, NOV 14Metal Shop Open HoursAce Makerspace · Oakland & East BayFree (RSVP)Details →SFMOMA
SUN, NOV 15The Doctor Is In: Kids' Answers to Your Art Problems with the Jealous CuratorSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · museum admission not requiredDetails →SFMOMA
SUN, NOV 15Real Artists Wear Black with the Jealous CuratorSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · RSVP encouragedDetails →Museum of the African Diaspora
SUN, NOV 15Finding Home: An Intimate Fireside Chat with Denise NicholasMuseum of the African Diaspora · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with museum admission · registrationDetails →SFMOMA
SUN, NOV 15Art in the Age of AI: A Conversation Between Holly Herndon, Mat Dryhurst, and Hans Ulrich ObristSFMOMA · SF Downtown & Waterfront$0 free RSVP · $10 general · $20 / $30 support tiersDetails →San José Museum of Art
WED, NOV 18Walk with a NaturalistSan José Museum of Art · South BayFree with Museum admissionDetails →The CrucibleTHU, NOV 19Free Crucible TourThe Crucible · Oakland & East BayFree · RSVP requiredDetails →SFMOMA
THU, NOV 19Works on Paper Book Club: The Poetics of Space by Gaston BachelardSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with RSVPDetails →Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)
FRI, NOV 20CineSpin: He Who Gets Slapped with Live JazzBerkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) · Oakland & East BayFree · tickets at admissions desk from 6:30 pmDetails →Pole Mountain / Little Black Mountain Preserve
SAT, NOV 21Autumn Views at Pole MountainPole Mountain / Little Black Mountain Preserve · Marin & North BayFree Event · registration requiredDetails →Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Foodwise Classroom
SAT, NOV 21Cooking Demo: Ann M. Evans and Georgeanne Brennan, Market Memories CookbookFerry Plaza Farmers Market, Foodwise Classroom · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · recipes and samplesDetails →Point Bonita Lighthouse
Free3RD SATURDAY · 12:30–3:30 PMPoint Bonita Lighthouse Open HousePoint Bonita Lighthouse · Marin & North BayFreeDetails →Legion of Honor
SAT, NOV 21A Conversation on Azzedine AlaïaLegion of Honor · SF West SideFree program · tickets handed out from 9:30 amDetails →SFMOMA
SAT, NOV 21Baon: Stories and Struggles of Filipino MigrantsSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with RSVPDetails →San José Museum of Art
SAT, NOV 21Anahita II: Live Sound Performance by Sholeh AsgarySan José Museum of Art · South BayFree with Museum admission · registration required, 20 per performanceDetails →Ace MakerspaceSAT, NOV 21Metal Shop Open HoursAce Makerspace · Oakland & East BayFree (RSVP)Details →SFMOMA
SUN, NOV 22Krazy Kites with SCRAPSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · museum admission not requiredDetails →SFMOMA
SUN, NOV 22Butoh Family Workshop with Judith KajiwaraSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with RSVPDetails →Hiller Aviation Museum
WED, NOV 25Helicopter Turkey Toss and Turkey HuntHiller Aviation Museum · PeninsulaIncluded with museum admission · members freeDetails →Plaza de César Chávez
SAT, NOV 28Christmas in the Park Opening Night CeremonyPlaza de César Chávez · South BayFree admission · donations optionalDetails →Ace MakerspaceWED, DEC 2Jigsaw Puzzle NightAce Makerspace · Oakland & East BayFree – $15.00Details →de Young Museum
FRI, DEC 4Holiday Artisan Fairde Young Museum · SF West SideFree admission · members 10% off purchasesDetails →San José Museum of Art
FRI, DEC 4First Fridays: Celebrate the Holidays with PrideSan José Museum of Art · South BayFree after 6 pmDetails →Hiller Aviation Museum
SAT, DEC 5Santa Arrives by HelicopterHiller Aviation Museum · PeninsulaSanta's arrival is freeDetails →Sears Point / Dickson Trail, San Pablo Bay NWR
SAT, DEC 5Marsh Restoration on the BaySears Point / Dickson Trail, San Pablo Bay NWR · Marin & North BayFree Event · registration requiredDetails →The Crucible
SAT, DEC 5GIFTY Holiday Craft Fair and Open HouseThe Crucible · Oakland & East BayFree for all agesDetails →Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Foodwise Classroom
SAT, DEC 5Cooking Demo: Anna Voloshyna, UkraïneFerry Plaza Farmers Market, Foodwise Classroom · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · recipes and samplesDetails →Richmond Art Center
SUN, DEC 6Holiday Arts FestivalRichmond Art Center · Oakland & East BayFree admissionDetails →Plaza de César ChávezSUN, DEC 6Paws at the Park: Pet-Friendly DayPlaza de César Chávez · South BayFree admission · donations optionalDetails →Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Screening Room
WED, DEC 9Mud Frontier: Film Screening and Talkback with Rael San FratelloYerba Buena Center for the Arts, Screening Room · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with registrationDetails →Ferry Building
SAT, DEC 12Pop-Ups on the Plaza: Black Holiday MarketFerry Building · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree entryDetails →Sausalito Waterfront, Gabrielson Park
SAT, DEC 12Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade and FireworksSausalito Waterfront, Gabrielson Park · Marin & North BayFree · optional premium seatingDetails →Plaza de César ChávezSUN, DEC 13Special Inclusion SundayPlaza de César Chávez · South BayFree admission · donations optionalDetails →Harvey Milk Photo Center
SUN, DEC 13Holiday Craft FairHarvey Milk Photo Center · SF West SideNo price listed · free cider and photo boothDetails →Chabot Space & Science Center
SUN, DEC 13Geminids Meteor Shower Watch PartyChabot Space & Science Center · Oakland & East Bay$15 adults · $7 kids · members freeDetails →Plaza de César ChávezSAT, DEC 19Paws at the Park: Pet-Friendly DayPlaza de César Chávez · South BayFree admission · donations optionalDetails →Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Foodwise Classroom
SAT, DEC 19Cooking Demo: Florencia Ramirez, The Kitchen ActivistFerry Plaza Farmers Market, Foodwise Classroom · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · recipes and samplesDetails →Grace Cathedral
FreeMON, DEC 21Solstice BellsGrace Cathedral · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFreeDetails →Plaza de César ChávezSUN, DEC 27Special Inclusion SundayPlaza de César Chávez · South BayFree admission · donations optionalDetails →San José Museum of Art
FreeFRI, JAN 8First Friday: Community Game NightSan José Museum of Art · South BayFreeDetails →San José Museum of ArtWED, OCT 28Walk with a NaturalistSan José Museum of Art · South BayFree with Museum admissionDetails →Plaza de César ChávezFRI, NOV 27Christmas in the ParkPlaza de César Chávez · South BayFree · donations welcomeDetails →San Francisco Main Library, Jewett Gallery
FreeTHU, NOV 5From Street to Stage with Beaver BauerSan Francisco Main Library, Jewett Gallery · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFreeDetails →
WED, OCT 21Rocky Horror Picture Show with a Full Shadow CastSan Francisco Main Library, Koret Auditorium · SF Downtown & WaterfrontDrop-in · prop bags $5Details →Museum of the African DiasporaWED, OCT 21Nafissa Thompson-Spires: The Four Wives and Five Deaths of Richard MilfordMuseum of the African Diaspora · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · $10–$15 suggested donationDetails →Ferry BuildingTUESDAYS & THURSDAYS · 10 AM–2 PMFerry Plaza Farmers Market (Tuesday and Thursday)Ferry Building · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree to attendDetails →The CrucibleTHU, OCT 22Heavy Metal: Industrial Artisan FairThe Crucible · Oakland & East BayFree · RSVPDetails →Hiller Aviation MuseumFRI, OCT 23Halloween Haunted HangarHiller Aviation Museum · PeninsulaIncluded with museum admission · members freeDetails →Oakland Museum of CaliforniaFreeFRI, OCT 23Friday Nights with DATANAGANOakland Museum of California · Oakland & East BayFreeDetails →San Francisco Main Library, Koret AuditoriumFRI, OCT 23Author Talk: Walter Mosley, Hanging and BurningSan Francisco Main Library, Koret Auditorium · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · pre-registration requiredDetails →Ace MakerspaceFRI, OCT 23Ace Maker SocialAce Makerspace · Oakland & East BayFree – $12.00Details →Chabot Space & Science CenterFreeFRI & SAT · 7:30–10:30 PMFree Public Telescope ViewingChabot Space & Science Center · Oakland & East BayFreeDetails →Ferry BuildingSATURDAYS · 8 AM–2 PMFerry Plaza Farmers Market (Saturday)Ferry Building · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree to attendDetails →de Young MuseumSATURDAYS · 9:30 AM–5:15 PMFree Saturdays at the de Youngde Young Museum · SF West SideFree for Bay Area residents · reserve onlineDetails →Legion of HonorSATURDAYS · 9:30 AMFree Saturdays at the Legion of HonorLegion of Honor · SF West SideFree for Bay Area residents · reserve onlineDetails →Hiller Aviation MuseumSAT, OCT 24Paint-A-PlaneHiller Aviation Museum · PeninsulaIncluded with museum admission · members freeDetails →Randall MuseumFreeSAT, OCT 24Family HalloweenRandall Museum · SF West SideFreeDetails →San José Museum of ArtSAT, OCT 24Community Day: Día de los MuertosSan José Museum of Art · South BayFree admission all day · sugar skull decorating ticketed separatelyDetails →Legion of HonorSATURDAYS & SUNDAYS · 11:30 AMPorcelain Conversations with Museum GuidesLegion of Honor · SF West SideFree after general admission · no reservationsDetails →Randall MuseumSATURDAYS · 11:30 AMMeet an Animal AmbassadorRandall Museum · SF West SideFree (museum admission is free)Details →Yerba Buena Gardens, Great LawnSAT, OCT 24Afro-Filipino Jazz ProjectYerba Buena Gardens, Great Lawn · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · RSVP via EventbriteDetails →Yerba Buena Center for the ArtsSAT, OCT 24Silent Shorts ProgramYerba Buena Center for the Arts · SF Downtown & Waterfront$15 · free for YBCA membersDetails →Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Screening RoomSATURDAYS · 2 PMThe World of Black Film: RevolutionsYerba Buena Center for the Arts, Screening Room · SF Downtown & Waterfront$15 (includes snacks and gallery admission) · free for membersDetails →Legion of HonorSATURDAYS · 4 PMSaturday Organ ConcertsLegion of Honor · SF West SideFree for Bay Area residents on SaturdaysDetails →California Academy of SciencesSAT, OCT 24SuperNaturalCalifornia Academy of Sciences · SF West SideGA adult $60 ($55 members) · youth 3–17 $45 ($40 members) · under 3 free · VIP packages extraDetails →Grace CathedralSUN, OCT 25The Forum with Arlie Russell Hochschild: Stolen PrideGrace Cathedral · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · registration recommendedDetails →SFMOMASUN, OCT 25Free Family Day: K-Pop, Art, and BeyondSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · RSVP required ($12 adult surcharge for RM x SFMOMA)Details →Pole Mountain / Little Black Mountain PreserveSUN, OCT 25Autumn Views at Pole MountainPole Mountain / Little Black Mountain Preserve · Marin & North BayFree · registration requiredDetails →Oakland Museum of CaliforniaSUN, OCT 2532nd Annual Día de los Muertos Community CelebrationOakland Museum of California · Oakland & East Bay$10 · members and kids under 12 free with advance reservationDetails →Asian Art MuseumSUN, OCT 25Opening Celebration: Vishnu's Cosmic OceanAsian Art Museum · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with museum admissionDetails →Sebastopol Center for the ArtsTUE, OCT 27Poetry LivesSebastopol Center for the Arts · Marin & North BayFrom $0.00 · workshop $5/$10/$15/$20 · Open Mic Only optionDetails →Ace MakerspaceWED, OCT 28Jigsaw Puzzle NightAce Makerspace · Oakland & East BayFree–$15Details →Hiller Aviation MuseumTHU, OCT 29Trunk or TreatHiller Aviation Museum · PeninsulaFree · Haunted Hangar ticket separateDetails →SFMOMATHU, OCT 29An Evening with Doug AitkenSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree (RSVP) · $10 general · $20 / $30 support tiersDetails →SFMOMATHU, OCT 29Works on Paper Book Club: Eat the Mouth That Feeds You by Carribean FragozaSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with RSVPDetails →Yerba Buena Center for the ArtsTHU, OCT 29The Haunt: A Halloween Hangout Crafted by ArtistsYerba Buena Center for the Arts · SF Downtown & Waterfront$25 · YBCA members $15 · kids 12 and under freeDetails →Oakland Museum of CaliforniaFreeFRI, OCT 30Friday Nights with La Gente SFOakland Museum of California · Oakland & East BayFreeDetails →Hiller Aviation MuseumSAT, OCT 31Helicopter Pumpkin Drop and Kids Halloween FestivalHiller Aviation Museum · PeninsulaIncluded with museum admission · members freeDetails →Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Foodwise ClassroomSAT, OCT 31Cooking Demo: Sofía Jiménez of Tutuli Mexican BakeryFerry Plaza Farmers Market, Foodwise Classroom · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · recipes and samplesDetails →SFMOMASAT, OCT 31SFMOMAweenSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with museum admissionDetails →Ferry BuildingSAT, OCT 31Fall Fruit CelebrationFerry Building · SF Downtown & WaterfrontNo price listed · free samples and recipesDetails →Yerba Buena Gardens, Children's GardenSAT, OCT 31Halloween HooplaYerba Buena Gardens, Children's Garden · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · RSVP via EventbriteDetails →Yerba Buena Center for the ArtsSAT, OCT 31The Red ShoesYerba Buena Center for the Arts · SF Downtown & Waterfront$15 (film, snacks and gallery admission) · free for YBCA membersDetails →Sears Point / Dickson Trail, San Pablo Bay NWRSUN, NOV 1Marsh Restoration on the BaySears Point / Dickson Trail, San Pablo Bay NWR · Marin & North BayFree · registration requiredDetails →Asian Art MuseumSUN, NOV 1First Free Sunday: Diwali CelebrationAsian Art Museum · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree (Free First Sunday)Details →Asian Art MuseumSUN, NOV 1SACHI Annual Event: Calm and Chaos of Vishnu's Cosmic OceanAsian Art Museum · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree (Free First Sunday)Details →Oakland Museum of California1ST SUNDAY · 11 AM–5 PMFree First SundaysOakland Museum of California · Oakland & East BayFree general admission · special exhibitions $6Details →Oakland Museum of California1ST SUNDAY · 1 PMOMCA Architecture Walk and TalkOakland Museum of California · Oakland & East BayFree · no reservations requiredDetails →Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Gallery 3WED, NOV 4Ryli: In-Gallery PerformanceYerba Buena Center for the Arts, Gallery 3 · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with RSVPDetails →Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)1ST THURSDAY · ALL DAYFree First ThursdayBerkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) · Oakland & East BayFree gallery admissionDetails →Museum of the African DiasporaTHU, NOV 5Downtown First ThursdaysMuseum of the African Diaspora · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree admissionDetails →Museum of the African DiasporaFreeTHU, NOV 5Caribbean Cocktails: Migration, Memory, and Making Across the DiasporaMuseum of the African Diaspora · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFreeDetails →Yerba Buena Center for the ArtsFRI, NOV 6Jam Session with Creativity ExploredYerba Buena Center for the Arts · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with RSVPDetails →San José Museum of ArtFreeFRI, NOV 6First FridaysSan José Museum of Art · South BayFreeDetails →Glen Oaks RanchSAT, NOV 7Wildlife Corridor Walk at Glen Oaks RanchGlen Oaks Ranch · Marin & North BayFree · registration requiredDetails →SFMOMASAT, NOV 7The Fall of the I-Hotel + Manilatown Manang ScreeningsSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · at capacityDetails →The CrucibleSAT, NOV 7Free Crucible TourThe Crucible · Oakland & East BayFree · RSVP requiredDetails →Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI)$0.00 · RSVPSAT, NOV 7BAGI's 30th Birthday PartyBay Area Glass Institute (BAGI) · South Bay$0.00 · RSVPDetails →Estero Americano PreserveSUN, NOV 8Raptor Walk at Estero Americano PreserveEstero Americano Preserve · Marin & North BayFree Event · registration requiredDetails →SFMOMASUN, NOV 8Family Studio: Lines That MoveSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · no museum admission requiredDetails →Sebastopol Center for the ArtsTHU, NOV 12Curatorial Guidance in the Art Market WorkshopSebastopol Center for the Arts · Marin & North Bay$0.00 · free and open to the public, donations acceptedDetails →SFMOMATHU, NOV 12Little Forest: Film Screening and ConversationSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree (RSVP) · $10 general · $20 / $30 support tiersDetails →Asian Art MuseumFRI, NOV 13Holiday Artisan MarketAsian Art Museum · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · no ticket requiredDetails →Yerba Buena Gardens, Great LawnFRI, NOV 13Bhangra & Beats Night MarketYerba Buena Gardens, Great Lawn · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · RSVP coming soonDetails →Art Works DowntownFree2ND FRIDAY · 5–8 PM2nd Friday Art WalkArt Works Downtown · Marin & North BayFreeDetails →Hiller Aviation MuseumFRI, NOV 13Starlight NightsHiller Aviation Museum · PeninsulaIncluded with museum admission · members freeDetails →San José Museum of ArtFreeFRI, NOV 13Opening Celebration: Irving Norman: Fight for LifeSan José Museum of Art · South BayFreeDetails →Museum of the African Diaspora2ND SATURDAY · 11 AM–5 PMThrive @ MoAD Free Community DayMuseum of the African Diaspora · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · walk-ins welcomeDetails →Legion of HonorSAT, NOV 14A Closer Look: The Mysteries of a 17th-Century Carved Limewood PanelLegion of Honor · SF West SideFree program · first come, first servedDetails →Cubberley Community CenterFreeSAT, NOV 14Cubberley Artist Studio Program Open StudiosCubberley Community Center · PeninsulaFreeDetails →Asian Art MuseumSAT, NOV 14Artist Talk: Bamboo Art Prizewinner Ōki ToshieAsian Art Museum · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with admissionDetails →Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)SAT, NOV 14Roundtable Reading: The Vanishing of Lake PeigneurBerkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) · Oakland & East BayFree for kids 13 and under and one accompanying adult per childDetails →Ace MakerspaceSAT, NOV 14Metal Shop Open HoursAce Makerspace · Oakland & East BayFree (RSVP)Details →SFMOMASUN, NOV 15The Doctor Is In: Kids' Answers to Your Art Problems with the Jealous CuratorSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · museum admission not requiredDetails →SFMOMASUN, NOV 15Real Artists Wear Black with the Jealous CuratorSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · RSVP encouragedDetails →Museum of the African DiasporaSUN, NOV 15Finding Home: An Intimate Fireside Chat with Denise NicholasMuseum of the African Diaspora · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with museum admission · registrationDetails →SFMOMASUN, NOV 15Art in the Age of AI: A Conversation Between Holly Herndon, Mat Dryhurst, and Hans Ulrich ObristSFMOMA · SF Downtown & Waterfront$0 free RSVP · $10 general · $20 / $30 support tiersDetails →San José Museum of ArtWED, NOV 18Walk with a NaturalistSan José Museum of Art · South BayFree with Museum admissionDetails →The CrucibleTHU, NOV 19Free Crucible TourThe Crucible · Oakland & East BayFree · RSVP requiredDetails →SFMOMATHU, NOV 19Works on Paper Book Club: The Poetics of Space by Gaston BachelardSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with RSVPDetails →Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)FRI, NOV 20CineSpin: He Who Gets Slapped with Live JazzBerkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) · Oakland & East BayFree · tickets at admissions desk from 6:30 pmDetails →Pole Mountain / Little Black Mountain PreserveSAT, NOV 21Autumn Views at Pole MountainPole Mountain / Little Black Mountain Preserve · Marin & North BayFree Event · registration requiredDetails →Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Foodwise ClassroomSAT, NOV 21Cooking Demo: Ann M. Evans and Georgeanne Brennan, Market Memories CookbookFerry Plaza Farmers Market, Foodwise Classroom · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · recipes and samplesDetails →Point Bonita LighthouseFree3RD SATURDAY · 12:30–3:30 PMPoint Bonita Lighthouse Open HousePoint Bonita Lighthouse · Marin & North BayFreeDetails →Legion of HonorSAT, NOV 21A Conversation on Azzedine AlaïaLegion of Honor · SF West SideFree program · tickets handed out from 9:30 amDetails →SFMOMASAT, NOV 21Baon: Stories and Struggles of Filipino MigrantsSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with RSVPDetails →San José Museum of ArtSAT, NOV 21Anahita II: Live Sound Performance by Sholeh AsgarySan José Museum of Art · South BayFree with Museum admission · registration required, 20 per performanceDetails →Ace MakerspaceSAT, NOV 21Metal Shop Open HoursAce Makerspace · Oakland & East BayFree (RSVP)Details →SFMOMASUN, NOV 22Krazy Kites with SCRAPSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · museum admission not requiredDetails →SFMOMASUN, NOV 22Butoh Family Workshop with Judith KajiwaraSFMOMA · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with RSVPDetails →Hiller Aviation MuseumWED, NOV 25Helicopter Turkey Toss and Turkey HuntHiller Aviation Museum · PeninsulaIncluded with museum admission · members freeDetails →Plaza de César ChávezSAT, NOV 28Christmas in the Park Opening Night CeremonyPlaza de César Chávez · South BayFree admission · donations optionalDetails →Ace MakerspaceWED, DEC 2Jigsaw Puzzle NightAce Makerspace · Oakland & East BayFree – $15.00Details →de Young MuseumFRI, DEC 4Holiday Artisan Fairde Young Museum · SF West SideFree admission · members 10% off purchasesDetails →San José Museum of ArtFRI, DEC 4First Fridays: Celebrate the Holidays with PrideSan José Museum of Art · South BayFree after 6 pmDetails →Hiller Aviation MuseumSAT, DEC 5Santa Arrives by HelicopterHiller Aviation Museum · PeninsulaSanta's arrival is freeDetails →Sears Point / Dickson Trail, San Pablo Bay NWRSAT, DEC 5Marsh Restoration on the BaySears Point / Dickson Trail, San Pablo Bay NWR · Marin & North BayFree Event · registration requiredDetails →The CrucibleSAT, DEC 5GIFTY Holiday Craft Fair and Open HouseThe Crucible · Oakland & East BayFree for all agesDetails →Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Foodwise ClassroomSAT, DEC 5Cooking Demo: Anna Voloshyna, UkraïneFerry Plaza Farmers Market, Foodwise Classroom · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · recipes and samplesDetails →Richmond Art CenterSUN, DEC 6Holiday Arts FestivalRichmond Art Center · Oakland & East BayFree admissionDetails →Plaza de César ChávezSUN, DEC 6Paws at the Park: Pet-Friendly DayPlaza de César Chávez · South BayFree admission · donations optionalDetails →Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Screening RoomWED, DEC 9Mud Frontier: Film Screening and Talkback with Rael San FratelloYerba Buena Center for the Arts, Screening Room · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree with registrationDetails →Ferry BuildingSAT, DEC 12Pop-Ups on the Plaza: Black Holiday MarketFerry Building · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree entryDetails →Sausalito Waterfront, Gabrielson ParkSAT, DEC 12Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade and FireworksSausalito Waterfront, Gabrielson Park · Marin & North BayFree · optional premium seatingDetails →Plaza de César ChávezSUN, DEC 13Special Inclusion SundayPlaza de César Chávez · South BayFree admission · donations optionalDetails →Harvey Milk Photo CenterSUN, DEC 13Holiday Craft FairHarvey Milk Photo Center · SF West SideNo price listed · free cider and photo boothDetails →Chabot Space & Science CenterSUN, DEC 13Geminids Meteor Shower Watch PartyChabot Space & Science Center · Oakland & East Bay$15 adults · $7 kids · members freeDetails →Plaza de César ChávezSAT, DEC 19Paws at the Park: Pet-Friendly DayPlaza de César Chávez · South BayFree admission · donations optionalDetails →Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Foodwise ClassroomSAT, DEC 19Cooking Demo: Florencia Ramirez, The Kitchen ActivistFerry Plaza Farmers Market, Foodwise Classroom · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFree · recipes and samplesDetails →Grace CathedralFreeMON, DEC 21Solstice BellsGrace Cathedral · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFreeDetails →Plaza de César ChávezSUN, DEC 27Special Inclusion SundayPlaza de César Chávez · South BayFree admission · donations optionalDetails →San José Museum of ArtFreeFRI, JAN 8First Friday: Community Game NightSan José Museum of Art · South BayFreeDetails →San José Museum of ArtWED, OCT 28Walk with a NaturalistSan José Museum of Art · South BayFree with Museum admissionDetails →Plaza de César ChávezFRI, NOV 27Christmas in the ParkPlaza de César Chávez · South BayFree · donations welcomeDetails →San Francisco Main Library, Jewett GalleryFreeTHU, NOV 5From Street to Stage with Beaver BauerSan Francisco Main Library, Jewett Gallery · SF Downtown & WaterfrontFreeDetails →What lands on this page
This is what most people mean by “free things to do”, and it is the largest of the three lists. Two warnings the cards carry and the aggregators do not: some museum free days are for Bay Area or California residents only, and “free with admission” is not free, so where a talk or a tour needs a ticket to get in, the card says so.