Events in South San Francisco today

This bilingual storytime includes stories, songs, and interactive movement, followed by a free play session. It is designed for children 18 months to 4 years old. Accessibility information is available in English and Spanish.

Kids can enjoy a relaxed, hands-on craft experience with a brand-new project each week. Activities encourage creativity through painting, cutting, gluing, or simply having fun. After the MOCHA program, the weekly lineup continues with another craft project. Accessibility information is available.

These puppy socials offer a friendly setting for early play and social time. Open to puppies 9 to 16 weeks old, each participant must have at least one vaccination completed no less than seven days before attending and must have been living in their home for a minimum of ten days. Space is limited and enrollment closes when capacity is reached, so advance registration is required.

Every Wednesday, American Smooth and Rhythm classes at Just Dance Ballroom are led by Vanessa and Elizabeth Thomason. The evening begins with a beginner session that focuses on core steps and basics, followed by an intermediate session that builds on technique and patterns for those with prior experience. The structure creates an easy path for newcomers and a natural next step for returning dancers.

Settle in for a casual, welcoming night of Dungeons & Dragons at The New Parkway, where multiple Dungeon Masters lead games at the same time. The evening is open to all experience levels, with beginner-friendly tables available. The format makes it simple to try a single session or return each week, with no long-term commitment and no prior experience required. Attend solo or with friends, choose a table that fits your style, and help shape a shared story filled with creativity, collaboration, and fun. Food and drinks are available for purchase, and arriving a little early is recommended so you can get comfortable before play begins. Roll the dice and let the adventure unfold.

Lydia Pense & Cold Blood bring the storied East Bay Grease sound to Yoshi’s Oakland, led by vocalist Lydia Pense, whose range spans fiery soul shouts and quietly intense blues. The group first broke through during the Fillmore’s prime, drawing the attention of Bill Graham, who signed them to his label. Their late-sixties and early-seventies run helped shape a funky blend of soul and R&B that still resonates today. Early releases such as Cold Blood, Sisyphus, First Taste of Sin, and Thriller remain among their best-known work, and the band continues to record and perform with a veteran Bay Area lineup featuring a gritty horn punch and a deep-groove rhythm section, with credits alongside Elvin Bishop, Jefferson Starship, Boz Skaggs, and Albert Collins. Performances often include essentials like You Got Me Hummin’, I Just Want To Make Love To You, I’m A Good Woman, and Down to the Bone, alongside songs from Soul Of The Gypsy, a collection that shows how the group pushes ahead while honoring its roots. Admirers over the years have included Bonnie Raitt, Michelle Shocked, David Lee Roth, and, in earlier days, Janis Joplin.

Settle into The New Parkway for an easygoing evening of drawing and drinks in a friendly, low-pressure setting. Everyone is welcome, whether you are trying out a pencil for the first time or you sketch regularly, and you can take things at your own pace. Bring your favorite materials or use the supplies available on site, come on your own or with friends, choose a beverage, and get comfortable. Food and a range of drink options, including beer, wine, and non-alcoholic choices, are available for purchase throughout the night. There is no formal instruction or set agenda, just time to create, sip, and enjoy the company of others.

Mark your calendar for the 23rd Annual Healthy Living Festival. Share the news so others can plan ahead.

This weekly Black Male Healing Circle offers a welcoming space centered on collective healing through a guided circle process. Visitors can come to learn what the circle is about or choose to participate more fully over time. A complimentary meal is included, and sign up is available for those interested.

Enjoy a social dance party at Just Dance Ballroom that welcomes both experienced dancers and curious beginners. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it easy to try something new, practice your steps, and spend quality time on the dance floor.

Settle in for a cozy, low pressure night of team trivia at The New Parkway Theater in Oakland, where the focus is on laughs, community, and a bit of friendly competition. Participation is free, and no team is required. Come on your own, bring friends, or meet new teammates once you arrive. Free prizes are awarded during the event, including a movie token good for one movie ticket at The New Parkway and a “1 peso” voucher worth one dollar off food at concessions. The space can fill quickly, so arriving a little early can help with finding a table, getting comfortable, and ordering food and drinks before trivia kicks off. The theater serves classic concessions and a full menu, plus beer and wine, with plenty of vegan options. Open to everyone, this gathering welcomes trivia regulars and first timers alike and keeps the emphasis on fun.

A tribute to the music of Van Morrison fills the stage at Yoshi's Oakland -Jack London square, brought to life by an ensemble launched in 2019 by the late Gary Coppola. Lead vocalist Jason Feddy, a UK born singer and songwriter, has shared bills with Neil Young, Tears for Fears, The Cranberries, Joe Cocker, and Christie Moore at venues such as The London Palladium and Albert Hall. Guitarist and harmony singer Magic Kramer brings experience from collaborations with Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, The Knack, Norah Jones, B.B. King, Diana Krall, Michael MacDonald, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Bramlett, Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, and Phillip Bailly of Earth Wind and Fire. Bassist and vocalist Bobby Pickett has performed and recorded with Sugarloaf, Etta James, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Big Joe Turner, The Drifters, The Coasters, Martha Reeves, Bobby Freeman, and Greg Allman, and was a longtime member of Detective. Drummer Chris Ross has toured and recorded with Maria Muldaur, Coco Montoya, Lyle Lovett, Mark Chestnutt, Kenny Loggins, John Waite, Three Dog Night, Grammy Award winner Pete Anderson, and Hall of Fame singer Sam Moore. Keyboardist Chris Rhyne has appeared on stage and in the studio with Santana, Whitney Houston, Jean Luc Ponty, Gino Vannelli, Dianne Reeves, Dave Koz, BB King, Buddy Rich, Burt Bacharach, and George Benson. Mel Steinberg on saxophone and flute has worked with Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, The Beach Boys, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Lesley Gore, Sam the Sham, Joe Williams, Emmanuel, Lupita d'Alessio, Little Joe y La Familia, Yoram Gaon, Dudu Fisher, and Alexander Bisenz. Baritone saxophonist Chris Jennings brings credits with Martha Reeves, Freddy Cannon, Brian Wilson, José Feliciano, John Entwistle, Carla Olson, Doug Fieger, and Bob Hope. Trumpeter Gary Bivona has collaborated with Tom Jones, The Four Tops, Mel Torme, and Phil Hartman, and has also played on and produced tracks tied to Survivor, Seinfeld, 21/2 Men, Hill St Blues, Frazier, Murphy Brown, Everybody Loves Raymond, and The Tonight Show. Promotional videos for the project were filmed by Nathaniel Beaver with support from Steve Vlasak, and edited by Beaver with assistance from Magic Kramer.

At Just Dance Ballroom, take part in a welcoming Bachata class, then stay after the lesson for a Bachata social dance party.

Bay Area Explorers leads a short hike on the Sinawik Loop in Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland. The route covers roughly 1.2 miles at a relaxed, social pace through shaded woodlands and oak forest, making it a comfortable choice for beginners or anyone easing back into hiking. Parking is available near the ranger station, with additional roadside options nearby. Children are welcome, though very small kids may find narrow sections and frequent bike traffic challenging. Dogs are allowed on leash and must remain under control. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and carry a light layer in case temperatures drop. Solo participants are welcome, and there is no need to know anyone beforehand.

Grammy-nominated R&B and soul artist Syleena Johnson brings her rich, soulful vocals to Yoshi's Oakland in Jack London Square, sharing the artistry that has connected with audiences for nearly two decades. A multifaceted performer, she is a singer and songwriter as well as an author and daytime talk show host, delivering songs with a polished style and a commanding presence.

A tango weekend in Oakland explores the genre’s breadth, from Golden Age favorites to contemporary and alternative sounds. The schedule features workshops with Nick Jones and Diana Cruz, live music by Trio Tangazo, and five milongas. Each evening includes two curated dance rooms, with the Golden Room presenting selections from the Golden Age through contemporary tango, and the Spectrum Room highlighting contemporary through alternative music. Designed for dancers who value musicality, creativity, and connection, it offers opportunities to learn in depth, dance with joy, and discover the wide range of tango.

Just Dance Dance & Event Center hosts an evening of West Coast Swing led by instructors Stephanie Krul and Jason Wayne. The night starts with a class for beginner and pre-intermediate dancers, continues with an intermediate lesson, and wraps up with a social West Coast Swing party on the dance floor.

Grammy-nominated R&B and soul vocalist Syleena Johnson performs at Yoshi's Oakland -Jack London square, highlighting the powerful, heartfelt delivery that has defined her nearly twenty-year career. A singer, songwriter, author, and television host, she pairs classic style and a rich, sultry tone with themes of resilience and empowerment, reflected in her single WOMAN and her 11th studio album, Woman, created with a Grammy-winning production team. Her catalog includes early standouts such as I Am Your Woman and Guess What, notable features like Kanye West's All Falls Down, and the tribute album Rebirth of Soul, recorded with live musicians and produced with her father, Syl Johnson. Her Chicago roots, collaborations with artists including Common and Anthony Hamilton, and appearances on R&B Divas: Atlanta, Marriage Boot Camp, and Sister Circle trace a career grounded in soul tradition and forward momentum. Johnson is also the author of The Weight Is Over and the founder of SheLean Health & Fitness, underscoring a commitment to wellness that parallels the honesty in her music.

Kruder & Dorfmeister bring their K&D Kicks 30th anniversary tour to Oakland’s historic Fox Theater. An online presale presented by Another Planet Entertainment is available with the password ace, and there is also a general on sale. Presale tickets are available online only.

Karaoke Night at The New Parkway offers an easygoing evening of music and community. Step up to the mic or sing along from your seat, since all comfort levels are welcome. Pick a song when you arrive using YouTube’s wide selection, or simply relax and enjoy the show. Every kind of performance is appreciated, whether heartfelt, playful, bold, or quiet, and first-timers are encouraged. Food and drinks are available for purchase throughout the night, including beer, wine, and nonalcoholic choices. Arriving a little early makes it easier to find a seat and add your selection before the list fills. Come as you are, choose a favorite tune, and enjoy a friendly night out.

Yoshi’s Oakland hosts a showcase built on the legacy of Detroit-born talent linked to Rick James’s punk funk era and Motown history. At the center is vocalist Val Young, who started out singing behind acts like The Gap Band, George Clinton and P-Funk, and Roy Ayers before Rick James elevated her at Motown with a glamorous "Black Marilyn Monroe" image. Her debut album Seduction became a gold seller with songs such as "Mind Games," "Piece Of My Heart," and "If You Should Ever Be Lonely," followed by Private Conversations on Amherst Records. Her credits span collaborations with artists including Mariah Carey and Tupac Shakur, notably the track "To Live & Die In L.A.," and sessions with members of Rufus. Sharing that lineage is Candice "Candi" Ghant, another Detroit native who signed to Motown at 19, moved to Hollywood, and was selected by Rick James as one of the Mary Jane Girls. Her studio and stage work ranges from background vocals for Ice Cube and other hip hop and R&B figures to soundtrack contributions and production projects that highlight her range behind the scenes. The story also connects to Farah Saraya Melanson, an L.A. artist who has performed with The Mary Jane Girls featuring Val Young, New Birth, and Jon B, and has recorded with Barry White. A multi-instrumentalist with formal music studies, she has collaborated with Val Young and Candi Ghant for several years. Together, these histories trace a path from Motor City roots to Hollywood studios, reflecting the voices and collaborators that shaped a distinctive chapter of funk, soul, and R&B.

The SFO show takes place in the main ballroom of the Best Western Plus Grosvenor Airport Inn, set roughly a mile north of the SFO United Airlines maintenance facility and close to Highway 101.

Rain or shine, this monthly DBFL bag sale features a wide mix of clothing, shoes, accessories, home goods, toys, sporting goods, books and more. Fill a paper grocery bag for $15 per bag, with no limit on how many you can purchase. It is an easy way to buy used and save for the whole family. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

See the unveiling of a custom 34 foot by 10 foot tiny house built for Velux as the Mobile Skylight Experience at the ADU Festival at the Bay Area ADU Expo. This event gathers everything related to accessory dwelling units in one place, making it easy to compare options, ask questions, and take the next step whether you are exploring ideas or preparing to build. Admission is free.

Adoptable cats and dogs will be available to meet at PetSmart in Daly City. This in-store event offers a chance to get to know the animals in person and see if one could be the right fit.

A club session for teens to play Dungeons & Dragons. All dice are provided, and new players can begin with pre-made characters. The game is led by Dungeon Master Vic. Accessibility information is available. Sesión para adolescentes para jugar Dungeons & Dragons. Se proporcionan los dados, y las personas nuevas pueden comenzar con personajes ya creados. La actividad está a cargo del Dungeon Master Vic. Hay información de accesibilidad disponible.

The 7th Annual Black Podcasting Awards comes to Oakland, honoring independent Black podcasters who consistently release episodes and grow real audiences without major network or media support. After six seasons of recognition, the seventh season brings the ceremony to the West Coast for the first time. With Black-led shows accounting for fewer than one percent of podcasts worldwide, the evening centers on these creators and their achievements.

Learn how to assemble a succulent terrarium in an elegant glass container with guidance throughout. Reserve a spot to be part of this creative, hands-on experience.

Settle in for a free, drop-in afternoon of Super Smash Bros. Melee and board games at The New Parkway. Choose from the in-house selection or bring a favorite of your own. Jump into a Melee match, pick a tabletop game, or switch between both at your own pace. Come on your own or with friends, and stay for a quick round or make a longer hang of it. Chef Tyler will be available to host tables, explain rules, and help new games get started if you want guidance, though independent play is equally welcome. The vibe is casual and welcoming with easy come-and-go flexibility. Food and drinks can be purchased on site.

This once-a-year flamenco night returns to The Dome for its fourth edition, showcasing Melissa Cruz in live performance with an ensemble of dancers and musicians. The program highlights Roberto Zamora on flamenco vocals, Brenna McDonald on flamenco guitar, Yeshe Wingerd on flamenco guitar and vocals, Jesse Torre on flamenco guitar, and Bob Sanders on electric bass, with Melissa Cruz leading in flamenco dance. Additional artists will be announced. Guests can settle in to enjoy the distinctive setting along with drinks and light snacks. A suggested donation of $25 per person is requested, and a separate reservation should be made for each attendee. Thanks to The Dome, performers receive 100 percent of donations.

Oakland Roots SC faces Phoenix Rising FC at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum with Conoce Tus Raíces, a tribute to Hispanic and Latino heritage in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month. The match highlights culture, history, and community, honoring the deep roots and lasting influence of Latino communities in Oakland and beyond.

A community-forward stand-up showcase that centers Black, Queer, and Femme experiences, with room for the occasional ally. Expect sharp sets from standout comedians from the Bay and a supportive atmosphere where laughter brings people together. Presented at All Out Comedy Theater. Tickets are $12 online or $15 at the door. All ages are welcome, though the content may not always be kid friendly.

Metropolitan Horsemen's Association presents a hunter jumper schooling show at Sequoia Arena in Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland. This event is part of a schooling show series that focuses on a welcoming, supportive experience in an inclusive environment at a budget friendly rate. Entry information and event specifics are available through the association, and details about membership are also offered.

On Sundays, Just Dance Ballroom hosts rounds in the Standard and Smooth styles.

Receive basic computer assistance with instruction provided in English only. Appointments can be arranged by phone, and walk-ins are helped on a first-come, first-served basis after those with appointments. Accessibility information is available.

At Spire the Church, a yoga session unfolds to the pulse of goth music, weaving atmospheric tracks into an all-levels practice. Participants can expect stretching and strength work guided by a carefully curated, moody playlist, with space to connect with others who share an interest in both yoga and goth culture. The experience also invites personal reflection and inner exploration. Participation is offered on a sliding scale of $10 to $20, with a suggested donation of $15, and no one is turned away for lack of funds. Donations are accepted at the door via Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle, and presales are available. The venue is in a residential neighborhood, so consideration for nearby residents is essential. Parking in the immediate area is limited, so plan ahead by biking, carpooling, walking, using public transit, or taking a rideshare. If you drive, avoid crowding the closest block. Please bring a yoga mat, or borrow one on site, and wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement.

A casual brunch gathering at Prescott Market in West Oakland centers on American Sign Language and community connection. Deaf hosts create a Deaf friendly setting where conversations happen entirely in ASL, inviting Deaf and hard of hearing signers along with hearing allies to socialize and practice together. The meetup takes place in the food hall with indoor seating. Attendees who are learning may want to review with an ASL teacher beforehand to feel prepared.

Isaiah Collier, born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, is a composer, arranger, educator, and a self-described “Sonic Scientist” whose vibrant voice in contemporary jazz has earned global attention. His achievements include a Steve Jobs Archive Fellowship and recognition as Chicagoan of the Year in Jazz in 2024. He has appeared on the cover of DownBeat Magazine, his recordings have been cited by The New York Times among the best jazz albums of the year, and his suite The Story of 400 Years was featured on NPR’s Jazz Night in America. Honors also include a DownBeat Critics Poll award and the Jazz Journalists Association’s Up and Coming Artist of the Year. Collier is devoted to weaving the depth of jazz tradition with the urgency of the present to shape the sound of tomorrow. Known for fearless creativity and improvisational command, he has collaborated with Kahil El’Zabar, Ambrose Akinmusire, Craig Taborn, Joe Dyson, Azar Lawrence, NEA Jazz Masters Billy Hart and Marshall Allen, Denardo Coleman, Nicole Mitchell, Randy Brecker, Billy Harper, Marquis Hill, and Makaya McCraven. He also leads the formidable ensemble The Chosen Few. A proud member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, he stands in the lineage of Chicago’s storied tenor saxophone heritage, channeling respect for the past alongside forward-looking innovation. DownBeat has hailed him as “The Next Sax Giant.”

International Latin classes are offered at Just Dance Ballroom, taught by Katya Syzdykov and Artem Syzdykov.

Every Monday, Just Dance Ballroom hosts salsa classes taught by world champions in salsa dance, John Narvaez and Liz Rojas.

At Yoshi's Oakland, Martha High's Funky Divas team up with Fred Wesley and The New JBs for a night of classic funk rooted in the legacy of James Brown. The performance features songs Martha helped bring to life during her 40 years on stage with the Godfather of Soul. Fred Wesley, the JBs bandleader and trombonist of the 1970s, is widely regarded as a forefather of funk, and he later pushed the sound further with Parliament-Funkadelic alongside George Clinton and Bootsy Collins. Both artists also toured extensively with Maceo Parker, bringing seasoned chemistry and undeniable groove to the stage.