Best Things to Do in the Bay Area
This January
Featured Photo: Alcatraz, by Eric Ward
January in the Bay Area is a strong, enduring reminder of our region’s regenerative power. In addition to unparalleled nature that could fill up your entire calendar while making you feel reborn, you also get a wide array of cultural and culinary happenings that’ll make you look forward to another year. And the weather is still wonderful–whether you prefer a rainy day at home or a mossy hike.
From comedy festivals and legendary basketball matchups to art festivals that will inspire, there’s something for everyone in each part of the Bay Area. Plus, if you’re still not ready to let go of the holiday activities, you can even ice skate in Union Square for most of the month!
For even more coverage of the San Francisco Bay Area, plus where to stay and eat while you’re here, check out our region-specific guides to help you travel like a local. In the meantime, click any of the images below to learn what to do in the Bay Area this December.
Featured photo by Aniket Deole via Unsplash.
An MLK Day celebration, Edwardian ball, a beloved comedy festival and more.
San Francisco wastes no time starting the year off with rich cultural offerings that rival any other city in the world. The 23rd annual SF Sketchfest brings two weeks of your favorite comedy starts of stage, screen, and podcasting. History buffs will enjoy the Edwardian Ball, while sports fan have a dozen chances to see the Golden State Warriors’ championship pedigree in person.
For those seeking to be inspired, the Fog Design + Art festival will the perfect way to celebrate SF Art Week, while the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations commemorate our hard-won progress. Click the button below to learn more.
Virtuosic music concerts, marathon runs, climate workshops and more unique events.
The North Bay brings us another year of a slower pace without sacrificing the amazing list of events to attend. Civic-minded residents can learn about helping the climate change crisis or attend a lecture from former Mill Valley mayor Dicks Spotswood.
If you’re feeling more active, start the year off right by participating in the China Camp Challenge 5k, 10k or marathon runs. And the Renegade Orchestra brings its singular combination of rock and classical stylings to the heart of Fairfax. Visit the link below to for details.
Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations, classic film screenings and genre festivals, and more.
With so much iconic talent coming out of the East Bay Area for decades, 2026 promises to be yet another year of reminders why it’s a cultural powerhouse. While Oakland’s own Ryan Coogler or Sinners fame begins his award-season rounds, you can revisit classic films at the Pacific Film Archive or take in the wonderful NOIR CITY Film Festival.
If you want to dazzle the youngers ones in your family, take them to the Glowfari exhibit at the Oakland Zoo for an unforgettable night. Or combine a celebration of Chinese New Year with a visit to the always-charming Children’s Fairyland. Click the button below to learn more.
Latino cultural celebrations, transformative hikes, pro hockey action, and more!
The South Bay Area reminds us just how far the embarrassment of riches known as the Bay Area stretches. The top-notch San Jose Symphony is the perfect soundtrack to the world’s capital of innovation, while the San Jose Sharks allow hockey fans to cheer like a real Canadian.
El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos — Three Kings’ Day in English, or the Epiphany — kicks off the year with a vital reminder of the contributions of Latino culture. And there’s no better South Bay tradition than getting the mental wheels turning of the next generation’s innovators with CuriOdyssey’s seasonal exhibit IlluminOdyssey. Click below for more information.
