Free events in Pacifica, CA

Practice Tai Chi with instructor Nelson Ng at Rinconada Library in Palo Alto. This weekly class explores core principles and the philosophy of Tai Chi through slow, gentle movements designed to improve flexibility and balance. Nelson began studying Chen-style Tai Chi in 1989 with Master Gene Chen, a disciple of Grandmaster Feng ZhiQiang, and has taught since 2014. The class is free, welcomes beginners as well as those with prior experience, and is open to all ages. Please sign in when you arrive.

YBG Dance Day brings a free outdoor celebration of movement to Yerba Buena Gardens. Produced by Yerba Buena Gardens Festival in partnership with Rhythm & Motion, the day offers a sequence of one hour classes spanning a variety of dance styles, guided by Bay Area teachers and welcoming every level, from first timers to seasoned pros. Comfortable shoes and a water bottle are recommended, and attendees can sample a single class or spend the entire day exploring. This year honors Rhythm & Motion founder Consuelo Faust (1953 to 2025). After the classes, a celebratory music and dance performance pays tribute to her vision and to the SF Bay Area dance community she helped nurture. Part of the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Weekend Sessions series.

Kick off the 10th season of the Inner Sunset Flea in San Francisco, featuring vintage treasures, locally made crafts, live music, food, and activities. Each month introduces a new theme to keep the market fresh.

Explore the roots and evolution of SOMA's leather and queer culture on a free, in-person walking tour led by David Hyman. Retrace paths once taken by LGBTQ community members in pursuit of freedom, learn how leather bars emerged in the 1960s, and hear lively tales from the 1970s when motorcycles filled the streets outside popular spots. Discover how the neighborhood grew into a worldwide destination for queer and leather communities, and see how today's bars and clubs connect to their past, including a former venue that featured a swimming pool. The tour sets off from 9th and Ringold at the Ringold Leather History Walk and runs about 1.5 to 2 hours.

A celebration of San Francisco Indigenous Peoples Day at Yerba Buena Gardens brings together Native American art, live music, and vendors, highlighting the wide-ranging talents of Indigenous artists from the Bay Area, California, and the Americas. Presented on Yelamu, Ramaytush Ohlone Territory in partnership with the International Indian Treaty Council, the gathering follows the Annual Indigenous Peoples Day Sunrise Gathering on Alcatraz. The schedule will be announced. The program features a special performance by Jeremy Dutcher, a conservatory-trained tenor, composer, and musicologist from the Neqotkuk First Nation in Eastern Canada, now based in Montréal. His debut album, Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa, sung entirely in the endangered Wolastoqey language and built around archival recordings of his ancestors, earned the 2018 Polaris Music Prize and the Juno Award for Indigenous Music Album of the Year the following year. He has collaborated with artists including Yo-Yo Ma and Feist. His 2023 release, Motewolonuwok, also received the Polaris Music Prize, making him the first artist to win it twice. His work blends classical and jazz influences with traditional songs and engages with themes of queerness, Indigeneity, language revitalization, and fashion. Presented as part of the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Weekend Sessions and supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Svane Family Foundation. This is a free outdoor experience.

Gardeners and anyone interested in gardening can connect at Gamble Garden for friendly conversation and community. Share experiences, ask questions, and meet neighbors who enjoy tending plants. This free gathering welcomes all ages and takes place on the second Monday of each month. Attendees are encouraged to bring plants, seeds, or cuttings for an informal swap, and any extras will be shared with the wider community. Advance registration is requested. Check in details and the exact meeting spot may vary with the weather and will be confirmed before the event.

A community-centered dance night in San Francisco brings people together for house-driven rhythms and electronic club sounds. DJs steer the vibe across house, tech house, deep house, techno and EDM, creating an upbeat space for connection on the dancefloor. Admission is free, and an RSVP guest list is available.

A free weekly open mic spanning multiple art forms invites performers to share poetry, music, comedy, theater, storytelling, visual art and more in a cozy SOMA studio. Presented by the community arts nonprofit Decentered Arts, each slot is limited to three minutes, and in-person signups stay open throughout the night. The space supplies a guitar, a piano, a projector, and a full PA with inputs for multiple instruments, phones, and laptops. Supportive hosts are available to help, and select sets may be recorded for a YouTube channel. The venue, Decentered Studio, also showcases rotating art exhibitions and other community gatherings during the week. Accessibility note: the studio is up a flight of stairs.

Weekly trivia takes over Dog Haus Biergarten Berkeley every Tuesday. The game begins promptly and runs for about two hours. It is free to play and no registration is required. Prizes are awarded to top teams, with a soft limit of seven players per team for prize eligibility. Larger groups are welcome to participate, though top prizes may be reserved for teams within the size limit. Bring friends to form a team, or if you are coming solo, check in with the host before the game to be connected with other players. There are no games on major holidays. For last-minute updates or cancellations, see @playtriviaca on Instagram.

Dragon Gate in Jack London Square, Oakland hosts a weekly Monday trivia night that is free to play with no registration required. Bring friends to form a team, with a soft limit of seven players for prize eligibility. Larger groups are welcome, though top prizes may be reserved for smaller teams. Winners take home prizes. Solo players can check with the host before the game to be matched with a team when possible. Arrive early to enjoy signature Taiwanese dishes and cocktails while you get ready to play. There are no games on major holidays. For last minute updates or unexpected cancellations, check @playtriviaca on Instagram.

Author Asale Angel-Ajani presents Fugitive Archives: An American Family and the Myth of Belonging in a launch conversation that explores one family's history while challenging American narratives about race, violence, and belonging. She will be in conversation with Carvell Wallace, who describes the book as courageous, impressive, and deeply powerful. Co-presented with Pegasus Books. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $10 to $15.

Settle into a weekly, in-person Chan meditation class that weaves Dharma exploration, tea, seated and walking practice, and gentle Chan exercises. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome. The class is held at the Universal Chan Center and is offered in person only. This program is donation based, and contributions are tax deductible, helping sustain classes, events, and activities. Participants who have not already done so are asked to complete the Universal Chan waiver.

Meet new people in a relaxed, low pressure setting that takes the awkwardness out of introductions. A New Parkway staff member hosts and keeps the flow moving with light guidance so participants always know what to do next. The group starts together with a simple icebreaker that uses conversation prompts to spark natural conversation, then everyone rotates through brief, casual chats that make it easy to connect with several people without stressing about when to begin or wrap up. The atmosphere is intentionally laid back, friendly to anyone who feels nervous in social settings, and there is no expectation to be outgoing. Attend solo or with friends, choose your own pace, and take part as much or as little as feels comfortable. Food and drinks are available for purchase in the lobby throughout the evening. Whether the goal is to make friends, broaden your circle, or try something new, this gathering centers on being yourself and seeing what connections develop.

Explore a farmers market along the Paseo in front of the Hammer Theatre, presented by the Regional Farmers Market Association. The Hammer Theatre team will share information about upcoming events, answer questions about the space, and offer a chance to win two complimentary tickets to a future event. Shop for weekly fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, and more. Donations will be collected for the SJSU Spartan Food Pantry, with guidance available on which items are most needed. Stop by the Hammer Theatre table to chat and learn more while you pick up your market favorites.

This free, drop-in gathering blends conversation and listening with artists from the Bay Area jazz scene. This session features trumpeter, composer, arranger, and bandleader Christopher Lowell Clarke, who leads his own groups and has worked as a side person with Eddie Marshall and Holy Mischief, the Marcus Shelby Big Band, the Howard Wiley Quintet, and the Electric Squeezebox Orchestra. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music from the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, then studied jazz and studio music performance at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. His festival appearances include Umbria, Fillmore, and Monterey, and he teaches with SFJAZZ, Oaktown Jazz Workshops, and the Oakland Public Conservatory. Attendees may bring lunch or order in advance from the JazzCaffè by calling 510-654-0148.

Headlands Brewing on the UC Berkeley campus hosts a free trivia night with prizes and teams of up to six players. Seating is first come, so arriving early is recommended. During student break periods, contact the venue to confirm the event is running. Expect a friendly, competitive atmosphere that rewards quick thinking and wide-ranging knowledge.

A free, relaxed tabletop role-playing night at The New Parkway brings Dungeons & Dragons fans together for simultaneous games led by multiple Dungeon Masters. Newcomers and veterans are equally welcome, with beginner-friendly tables and a supportive community that includes regulars and first-timers alike. Participation is flexible, so try a single session or return week after week with no long-term commitment and no prior experience required. Arrive on your own or with friends, choose a table that fits your style, and dive into a collaborative story filled with creativity, cooperation, and fun. Food and drinks are available for purchase, and arriving a little early makes it easier to get settled before play begins. Roll some dice, find a seat, and start the adventure.

Celebrate the centennial of John Coltrane’s birth with a tribute led by Richard Howell, an acclaimed saxophonist, vocalist, composer, and educator whose “Bridge Music” approach uses jazz to connect people and experiences. Drawing inspiration from Coltrane’s A Love Supreme, Howell blends the earthy groove of James Brown’s African-influenced rhythms, the soulfulness of the Isley Brothers, and the seasoned perspective of years on the road with Etta James. He plans an acoustic quartet of tenor saxophone, piano, bass, and drums that honors Coltrane’s tradition while staying alive to the present moment. Howell’s deep spiritual focus resonates across generations, and his close ties to the Coltrane legacy include a longstanding relationship with Ravi Coltrane, whose group has featured Howell’s son, Elé, on drums for the past seven years. This free outdoor performance is part of Yerba Buena Gardens Festival’s Thursday Lunchtime Concert series.

Children ages 6 and up can practice reading aloud with therapy dogs from Furry Friends Pet Assisted Therapy at Pup Plaza. Books will be available, or kids may bring one of their own. The atmosphere is casual and fun, with calm, friendly dogs creating a comfortable space to read. Admission is free, and each child must be accompanied by an adult.

A casual ASL social welcomes deaf and hard of hearing community members, ASL students, and anyone interested in learning. The group gathers at Oakridge Mall in the food court area between Century Theater and Jamba Juice. It is a voices off gathering that encourages communication through signing. The event does not take place during holidays.

The MBA Tour Silicon Valley brings leading business schools from around the world together in one convenient setting. Connect with admissions representatives for direct conversations about their programs. Admission is free.

Explore Garba in a welcoming dance session that teaches the steps and rhythms of this traditional Indian folk style. The focus is on lively movement and a strong sense of community, with an emphasis on joy, spirituality, and shared cultural connection. The class is free to attend, and walk-ins are welcome.

Beats Brews & Vines in Downtown Millbrae features The As Is Band in a free performance filled with classic rock, country, Motown and R&B, along with favorites from the 70s and 80s.

This conversation looks ahead to a conservation ethic for California that is centered on restoration, resilience, and reciprocity. Panelists Obi Kaufmann, creator of the California Field Atlas series, Laura Cunningham, award-winning author of A State of Change, and earth scientist and professional mountain biker Dillon Osleger discuss how relationships between people and the land shifted with European American settlement and the sidelining of Traditional Ecological Knowledge. With moderator Leslie Carol Roberts, the group explores how to repair modern society’s separation from the natural world and what it could take to leave the state healthier, more biodiverse, and more ecologically whole by the end of the 21st century. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $10 to $15. Sponsored by Heyday Books and co-presented with KALW.

Enjoy a cozy, low pressure night of team trivia at The New Parkway Theater in Oakland, built around friendly competition, good food, and a welcoming community feel. It is free to play and no team is required, whether attending solo or with friends. Prizes are handed out during the event, such as a movie token equal to one movie ticket at The New Parkway and a peso worth one dollar off food at concessions. The theater offers classic concessions alongside a full food menu, beer and wine, with plenty of vegan options. The space tends to fill up, so arriving a little early can help you find a table, get settled, and pick up food and drinks before the questions begin. This event is open to everyone, from trivia regulars to first timers.

The Richmond Certified Year-Round Farmer's Market offers affordable, nourishing, farm-fresh food. Shoppers using CalFresh or EBT can have their spending matched up to $15 for fresh fruits and vegetables through the Market Match Program. Participants in other government assistance programs may also receive an extra $10 each week when they spend $15 on fresh fruits and vegetables.

This monthly effort distributes food boxes to neighbors facing food insecurity and relies on volunteers for support. Closed-toe shoes are required. Participants who are 14 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

At The New Parkway, karaoke is a relaxed, community-centered evening for singers and spectators alike. Take the mic or sing along from your seat, whether arriving solo or with friends. Choose from a wide range of tracks on YouTube when you get there. Every kind of performance is encouraged, from tender to playful, bold to bashful, and first-timers will find a friendly, supportive crowd. Food and beverages are available to purchase throughout the night, including beer, wine, and nonalcoholic options. Arriving a bit early can help with grabbing a seat and adding a song before the list fills. Be yourself, pick a favorite tune, and enjoy the show.

A weekly workout meetup for dads in San Jose brings local fathers together for fitness, connection, and community. This free group focuses on building strong men who want to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Each session includes a shared workout with time to connect, share, and enjoy coffee afterward. No equipment is required, since most workouts use bodyweight exercises and some gear will be available. Bring water and good energy.

Out of the Darkness Walks bring people together around a shared goal of preventing suicide, recognizing that it is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. Prevention starts with understanding, and these gatherings offer space to learn, remember, and support one another in a compassionate setting. The walk is non-competitive and typically covers 1 to 3 miles. Participants can look forward to an opening ceremony, activities focused on hope and healing, resource tables, and complimentary honor beads for everyone who takes part. Registration is free and simple, and it also ensures you receive important updates from local organizers. Taking that step contributes to lifesaving efforts and helps bring hope to those affected by suicide. Funds raised at the Out of the Darkness San Francisco Walk directly support research, advocacy, and educational programs in schools, workplaces, and communities across California. Details about the route and other specifics for the San Francisco event are shared closer to walk day.

Recycling at this event helps reduce waste and supports job training for young adults. Zero Waste Saturdays provide free e-waste recycling, tire recycling, food scrap drop-off, and compost.

Enjoy a complimentary yoga and Pilates class presented with Santana Row and lululemon at Santana Row Park, close to the chess board. Please bring your own mat. The session is free to attend and welcomes all.

Help care for San Pedro Valley Park by clearing invasive plants along trails, brushing path edges, tending the Native Plant Garden at the Visitor Center, and planting new native plants. Friends of San Pedro Valley Park provide guidance through volunteer leaders and supply all necessary tools. Volunteers meet at the Visitor Center to receive assignments and instructions, and no prior experience is required. Bring gloves and any personal protective items such as a mask. Prepare for outdoor conditions by bringing a reusable water bottle and snacks if desired, wearing a hat and sunscreen, choosing long sleeves and long pants, and lacing up sturdy closed-toed shoes that can get dirty. Consider allergy medication if needed and be aware of potential exposure to sun, poison oak, ticks, and prickly plants. Activities proceed unless heavy rain occurs.

Excelsior Community Food Pantry provides free groceries to families in need and operates outdoors in the parking lot of the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living, rain or shine. Volunteers of all ages, including supervised children, are welcome whenever available. Individuals and small groups can simply show up, while groups of around seven or more should coordinate a date with the organizers in advance. Drivers are asked to park on the surrounding streets, as on-site lots cannot accommodate volunteers. Dress for the weather and be prepared to work outside. Those tracking service hours may bring a personal paper form to be signed by a Captain after clean-up, or use a pilot volunteer platform to log hours digitally.

Enjoy a relaxed, in-person workshop that pairs a celebratory sip with practical guidance on the choices that shape your home, your money, and your legacy. It is free to attend and designed with homeowners 55+ in mind, and those under 55 are welcome as well. Over the course of 90 minutes, you will hear a clear snapshot of the Bay Area real estate landscape, learn how trusts and estate planning can help protect what matters, explore retirement-focused financial planning, understand how Proposition 19 affects property tax transfers within families, and consider options for accessing home equity through lending and reverse mortgages. A panel of local professionals will lead the conversation, including Jay Roadarmel of LifePlan Lawyer, Jason Matthews of Matthews Financial & Insurance Solutions, Maggie Castillo of New American Funding, Rodney Kearney of In Touch Financial Services, and co-hosts Rogeair (Ro) Purnell, Jamie Thomas, and Nishant Krishali of eXp Realty. The gathering begins with a friendly meet and greet, moves through short topic sessions, opens the floor for questions, and wraps with time to connect. Complimentary brunch and raffle prizes are included. Seating is limited.

Twice a year, a creative landmark in San Francisco opens its doors for Shipyard Open Studios. Spend a walkable weekend exploring more than 130 working spaces representing painters, sculptors, jewelers, ceramic artists, photographers, and metalworkers. Meet the artists, see how the work is made, and discover original pieces to take home. This edition is presented in collaboration with ArtSpan and SF Open Studios, with studios at Hunters Point Shipyard and additional spaces at Islais Creek. A silent art auction benefits free Shipyard arts programs. Live jazz and classical music set the tone throughout the weekend, alongside food vendors and a beer and wine garden. Families can enjoy hands-on activities for kids with Art Rocks Clubhouse. Admission and parking are free, with ample parking that includes reserved accessible spaces. The site is bike friendly and wheelchair accessible, and it is served by Muni lines 19, 15, and 54. Partners include ArtSpan and The Point. Support is provided in part by the San Francisco Arts Commission, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and individual donors.

A free outdoor concert brings the sounds of Latin soul to Yerba Buena Gardens as Joe Bataan returns for a third appearance in four years. An early standout on Fania Records, he forged a signature blend of doo-wop vocals and boogaloo and is celebrated for classics like “Gypsy Woman” and “Ordinary Guy.” His career ranges from 1970s releases on Ghetto Records and the coining of “salsoul” to later explorations in disco and hip-hop, including the 1979 single “Rap-O Clap-O.” After stepping away in the early 1980s to work with youth in detention facilities, he recounted his journey in the 2024 memoir Streetology: The Legacy of the Afro-Filipino, King of Latin Soul, and has been back onstage since 2005. The program opens with MeloDious, a rising Oakland trio featuring keyboardist Micaiah, bassist Matthias and drummer Memphis Dempsey. Their sound draws from gospel, jazz, R&B and soul, with rich harmonies, inventive arrangements and strong creative chemistry. Formed in 2016, they have shared stages with several Grammy Award-winning artists, and their previous Gardens appearance supported Cava Menzies’ CO-LLAB choir. Pre-show selections come from KALW DJ Marcus. Presented with support from KALW Music and MoAD, this Weekend Sessions concert from Yerba Buena Gardens Festival offers fresh sounds in an open-air setting.

Teens can help shape a welcoming library for their peers. Learn how to take part in library projects, contribute to program planning, connect with other teens, and receive credit for community service. Accessibility information is available. Las y los adolescentes pueden colaborar para que la biblioteca sea un espacio acogedor para la juventud. Infórmate sobre cómo participar en proyectos de la biblioteca, aportar a la planificación de programas, conocer a otras y otros jóvenes y recibir crédito por servicio comunitario. Hay información de accesibilidad disponible.

Enjoy free, casual gaming at The New Parkway with Super Smash Bros. Melee and a selection of board games. Bring a favorite title to share or choose one available on site, then play at your own pace whether arriving solo or with friends. Chef Tyler will be available to facilitate board games, explain rules, and help start tables if requested. Joining a hosted table is optional, and independent play is welcome. Stay for a quick round or settle in for more. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

Presented by Bobby Musgrave, this free show features live performances from five bands, including FACEKICKER. Local vendors will be present. It brings multiple acts together in one event.