Events in San Rafael today

Discover salsa in a welcoming beginner class taught by Lucie Ebnerova. No previous dance experience or partner is required. Wear comfortable shoes with non marking soles. The lesson focuses on core footwork and directional steps, a solid partner frame, and simple turn patterns. The curriculum is structured to help the moves stick, creating a relaxed and enjoyable learning experience. Drop in for $25. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes early, and avoid shoes that could scuff or mark the floor.

Week 1 of this fall pinball league features five rounds of group match play. Walk-in players are welcome, and in-person registration is available before games begin. The league runs for eight weeks, and participants must compete in at least four tournaments to qualify for the finals. The cost is $10, with $5 for entry, $4 to the prize pool, and $1 to IFPA, plus coin drop. Advance registration is encouraged, and when signing up include the tournament date you want and your IFPA Player ID. Stern prize packs are awarded to the first place finisher for each two-week segment, so the more weeks you play, the more chances you have to win.

Build on a solid salsa foundation in this intermediate class with John and Lucie. It is intended for dancers who have completed Salsa Class Beginners and are ready to add complexity and fluidity while strengthening technique and connection. Each week introduces a new move with step by step guidance, covering inside and outside turns, double spins, the 360 and hand toss, along with intricate patterns like the wrap and cross body lead variations including the U-Turn and Spiral. Footwork and styling receive focused attention through elements such as the Suzy Q, front tap, and mambo step, plus work on posture, upper body movement, and styling with a wrap. Expect to sharpen lead and follow skills and expand your social dancing vocabulary with confident, dynamic combinations. No partner is required, and rotations ensure everyone has a chance to dance. Please wear non-marking shoe soles to protect the floor, and plan to arrive about 10 minutes early to warm up and get settled.

Test your knowledge at a weekly Tuesday trivia event at Dog Haus Berkeley. It is free to enter and no registration is required. Prizes go to the top teams, with a soft limit of seven players per team for prize eligibility. Larger groups are welcome, although only teams within the size guideline may qualify for the top awards. Come with friends to form a team, or check in with the host before the game if you are on your own and would like help finding a group. There are no games on major holidays, and occasional last minute cancellations may occur.

Explore the art of Tango Salon with a focus on improvisation, elegance, and a deep connection to the music. Strengthen footwork, polish technique, and cultivate musicality to dance with more confidence, creativity, and expressive nuance. This intermediate class is intended for those who already have some tango experience and is not suited to absolute beginners. Guided by Luz Castineiras, the session emphasizes technique, connection, and musicality in a welcoming environment that invites active feedback from students. The experience begins with stretching and warm-up, moves into the intermediate Argentine tango lesson, and wraps up with a brief practica.

A five-day, non-residential training in biological reconfiguration and nervous system repatterning that centers on sensitivity and deep listening so entrenched patterns in relationships, the body, and daily life can begin to shift. The work invites participants to orient from a wider field of awareness rather than personal narrative, refining perception so the system’s natural impulse to reorganize can take the lead. Drawing on the Impersonal Dimension, shadow integration, and constellation practices guided by the field, facilitation emphasizes sensing what is already present instead of relying on technique or direction. Designed for practitioners, facilitators, and sincere seekers who feel that adding more methods is not the answer, this training is for those who want perception itself to deepen. Individuals with backgrounds in somatic, shadow, or relational work may find strong alignment, as the focus is on honest contact, attunement, and meeting the deeper structures that shape experience. Facilitated by Nathan Marcuzzi, whose approach weaves biological reconfiguration, shadow work, and field-informed constellations through presence and careful listening, and by Bianca Rivai, whose practice centers bonding, attunement, and the impersonal dimension to support rebalancing of feminine and masculine poles so protective strategies can soften and genuine intimacy can emerge. Hosted at The Alembic. Pricing includes two early-bird options at $1,690 and $1,890 USD, as well as a regular rate of $2,190 USD.

This mobile farmers market brings locally grown food to the Bay Area with a stop in Richmond at the Richmond Public Library, offering fresh, wholesome, and budget-friendly fruits and vegetables. All produce is seasonal and priced to be accessible. Shoppers can pay with cash, credit cards, CalFresh/EBT, or VeggieRx vouchers. Those enrolled in CalFresh/EBT, WIC, SSI/SSDI, Medi-Cal, or Unemployment programs receive a 50 percent discount. The market focuses on increasing access to nourishing, locally sourced food while supporting community health and the livelihoods of local farmers.

A weekly, beginner-friendly line dance party led by @CardioWithCarah runs for one hour in an indoor setting at Berkeley Finnish Hall. Admission is $20. Tickets can be purchased in advance or paid for at the door, and paying on site is preferred to avoid fees. Accepted payment methods include cash, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, and CashApp.

Trivia takes over Headlands Brewing on the UC Berkeley campus in a weekly gathering of questions and friendly competition. It is free to play, prizes are up for grabs, and teams of up to six can take part. Enjoy food and drinks while you test your knowledge. Arriving early is recommended for the best seats. During student break periods, check with the venue to confirm the event is running.

At Club Cali, FloLab hosts a weekly rap writing showdown rooted in Bay Area Hip Hop, created to push back against gentrification and keep the culture in community hands. Artists, writers, listeners, and neighbors come together for a $300 contest infused with open mic energy, giving MCs a place to test lyrics, sharpen delivery, and connect with a crowd that truly participates. You do not need to rap to be part of the room, spectators are welcome to take in the performances and the cypher. The contest awards $150 for first place, $100 for second, and $50 for third. Guidelines ask entrants to follow the organizers on Instagram, check posts for the current topic and beats, register in advance to reserve a spot, and review all rules. For each beat, prepare one verse, with hooks or choruses allowed. Memorizing verses can strengthen a performance, and crowd response determines who takes home the prize. FloLab is also working toward expansion into San Francisco and San Jose with support from monthly donors, aiming to sustain authentic Hip Hop spaces and a growing Bay Area community centered on substance, style, and truth.

This week the Chef's Market relocates temporarily to the Northgate Shopping Center in San Rafael, with vendors set up in the lot in front of Macy's due to the Marin County Fair. Gold Ridge Organic Farms will be on site with tastings and sales of extra virgin olive oils, heirloom apples and pears, citrus, apple cider vinegars, fresh cider, and more.

Explore Samba no Pé, the solo Brazilian samba seen in Rio’s street celebrations and Carnival, recognized for swift, detailed footwork and dynamic hip movement. This class introduces the core elements of the style and is open to anyone, with no partner or prior dance experience required. You will practice the hallmark timing of the basic step using a quick, quick, slow pattern, develop expressive arm and hip styling for authentic flair, and build strong technique and posture for better alignment and safe, sustained movement. The session also strengthens rhythm and musicality by connecting your steps to the driving pulse of the bateria, the samba drum section. Wear comfortable, non-marking shoes and bring plenty of enthusiasm. Please plan to arrive about 10 minutes early.

Two established college football programs meet at California Memorial Stadium when the Clemson Tigers face the California Golden Bears. This rare cross-country pairing offers a major nonconference test for both teams. Tickets are available for those who want to attend in person.

Clemson travels to Berkeley to face the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium, with the Berkeley hills as a backdrop. The matchup brings together contrasting styles and regions, with an ACC power heading west to meet a proud home program. Crowd energy and in-game adjustments could influence the outcome.

Build on your salsa foundation in an intermediate-level class led by instructor Tyler Crandall. This session is for dancers who are comfortable with the basics and want to level up with crisp footwork and styling, fuller body movement, and a stronger lead and follow. You will work on intricate turn patterns and combinations and learn to adapt smoothly to different partners and music on a social floor. Tyler blends a supportive, upbeat atmosphere with clear structure, keeping the material challenging without feeling overwhelming so progress stays steady and fun. You do not need to come with a partner, since rotations keep everyone dancing. Non-marking shoes are requested to protect the floor, and arriving about 10 minutes early is encouraged for a quick warm up and time to get settled.

Religious leaders, scholars, students, and community members gather for a two-day series focused on how faith communities can respond to current challenges with courage, conviction, and hope. The program also honors major PSR milestones, including 125 years of the Earl Lectures, 25 years of the Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies, and the 100-year anniversaries of Holbrook Hall and the Badè Museum collection. Those who RSVP will receive updates, with more details to be announced.

Salsa Date Night for Couples invites partners to reconnect through dance in a relaxed, beginner friendly setting. Instructors guide the fundamentals step by step so first timers can feel at ease. There is no partner switching, so you spend the entire class dancing with your own partner. Expect lively music, a romantic vibe, and moments to laugh together while building confidence on the floor. No previous experience is required. Bring comfortable shoes and an open mind. Capacity is limited to keep the dance floor spacious. Admission is $50 per couple.

Start your salsa journey in a welcoming class that focuses on the essentials. Build a solid foundation with core footwork, simple turns, and body movement that builds confidence on the dance floor. Instruction also covers directional steps, a comfortable frame for partner work, and easy-to-remember turn patterns. No partner or prior dance experience is required, and partner rotations ensure everyone gets time to practice. The atmosphere is relaxed and beginner friendly, keeping learning enjoyable and stress free. Wear non-marking shoes to protect the floor, and plan to arrive about 10 minutes early to warm up and get settled. Expect a fun, beginner-focused session that helps you feel ready for your next dance.

An LGBTQ+ 5Rhythms Sweat Your Prayers class with Sylvie Minot invites participants into a movement meditation rooted in the work of Gabrielle Roth. The practice travels through five distinct rhythms, Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness, to inspire creativity, release stored energy, and cultivate self-awareness. Sylvie facilitates without spoken instruction so dancers can sink into the experience, moving to music as a form of embodied prayer. This session is exclusively for LGBTIQ individuals and offers a supportive, affirming environment that welcomes all ages and physical abilities. There are no set steps, only an invitation to notice your patterns, trust your body’s wisdom, and express yourself freely. No prior dance experience is required. Capacity is limited, so pre-registration is recommended. Sliding-scale donations are available at 20, 25, or 30 dollars.

Build on your salsa foundation with a welcoming class that focuses on adding flair and fluidity to what you already know. Intended for dancers who have completed Salsa Beginners 1 and are comfortable with the basic step, left and right turns, the cross-body lead, and maintaining a steady frame, this session expands your social dance vocabulary with the Cross Body Lead series featuring inside and outside turns, the I Turn, You Turn for timing and hand changes, smooth walk-through transitions, and a shine that spotlights clean footwork. Instruction also explores the how of great dancing, including a clear lead and follow frame that balances tension and compression, upper body isolation for expressive movement, and a connected arm feel that is responsive without force. No partner is required, and participants are asked to wear non-marking shoe soles. Instruction is led by Lucie Ebnerova.

The Mighty Neptunes return to Sailing Goat at San Pablo Harbor with a mix of blues, R&B, and soul on the bay. The venue offers food and drinks and beautiful waterfront views.

Enjoy an upbeat, welcoming samba class with instructor Mary Dollar. The approach is authentic and open to all experience levels, with sequences that are simple to follow. Move to Afro-Brazilian and samba rhythms while building technique and performance skills. Practice foundational steps, hip movement, arm styling, and lively choreography that builds confidence on the dance floor. The class features a full-body warmup, stretching, and exercises on a floor mat. Wear comfortable clothing with soft-soled shoes, and bring a floor mat and a towel. It is a high-energy experience that also provides a solid workout.

KC Turner Presents brings California songwriter and guitarist Chuck Prophet to HopMonk Novato’s outdoor stage with His Cumbia Shoes as part of the 13th annual Cookout Concert Series, sponsored by JAMBAR. Inspired by his collaboration with Cumbia group ¿Qiensave? on the album Wake The Dead for Yep Roc Records, he leans into a Cumbia-driven sound that intersects with elements of rock, surf, soul, and punk, shaping a rhythm-forward performance. This outdoor show is largely standing at ground level, with limited seating on the lawn and additional first come table seating at the top of the hill. All ages are welcome. Children need a ticket, and babies in arms are not permitted. Low back chairs are allowed in the lawn section. Parking is free and plentiful. Venue policies prohibit pets, coolers, backpacks, outside food, and umbrellas.

This inclusive celebration features music, dancing, vendors, and a petting zoo. After two years of lively fun, this year's edition is expected to be even more enjoyable for everyone.

Explore the essentials of Argentine tango with instructor Suzanne Bare in a welcoming class that fosters confidence and a sense of community. Those who want to go further can take part in performances and be part of her formation team. A practica is included at the end of class to help reinforce what you learn on the dance floor.

A benefit gathering is planned in support of Bill Bowker, a longtime promoter, music supporter, and DJ at KRSH. The focus is on giving back and recognizing his role in championing music.

Enjoy an afternoon of ballroom dancing at the B Street Ballroom inside the San Rafael Community Center with live music from SwingSet. The $20 admission includes snacks, mixer dances, and a raffle. Sponsored by the San Rafael Goldenaires, the program features a versatile set suited for foxtrots, swing, cha cha, waltz, rumba, nightclub two step, and tango. SwingSet features Mike Z on guitar and vocals, Bob McBain on keys, Alex Peters on sax, Marek Webb on bass, and Roland Tolosa on drums. Singles and couples of all ages are welcome to dance to live music. For questions, contact Jim B. at (415) 609-6758 or email bozdog36@gmail.com.

Synergy at The Freight brings together Pandit Nayan Ghosh and Ishaan Ghosh for an evening shaped by deep tradition and family heritage in Indian classical music. Nayan Ghosh is celebrated internationally for rare mastery of both tabla and sitar, grounded in rigorous training with his father, Padmabhushan Pandit Nikhil Ghosh, and further guidance from Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa and Pandit Buddhadev Dasgupta. His performances are prized for tonal richness, expressive clarity, and an expansive repertoire, and he has partnered on stage with luminaries including Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Vilayat Khan, Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, among many others. His recordings span labels in India, the United States, and France, and he received the 1998 Achievement Award from California’s Lieutenant Governor Gray Davis for advancing Indian music in the West. Ishaan Ghosh carries the lineage forward as a leading young tabla artist. A prodigy who presented his first solo at the age of three, he has developed a style that blends articulate phrasing with intricate rhythmic design, drawing from a broad repertoire learned under his father’s guidance. Active as both soloist and accompanist, he has appeared with prominent artists such as Pandit Jasraj, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Buddhadev Dasgupta, Ustad Aashish Khan, Ustad Nishat Khan, Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar, Dr. N Rajam, Kaushiki Chakraborty, Rakesh Chaurasia, and Purbayan Chatterjee. His creative reach includes collaborations with guitarist Max Clouth and musicians from Iran, China, and Estonia, as well as talks at TEDx. He tours and teaches to grow interest in Indian classical music among young listeners worldwide, and in 2016 he performed for the Habitat for Humanity project in Atlanta and was felicitated by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Together, their appearance highlights a meeting of generations, rigorous training, and a shared devotion to the art of rhythm and melody.