Valentine’s Day, Black History Month and Lunar New Year are a few of the many things to celebrate this February. Remember, the month is short, so make those 28 days count! Make plans with your friends and family this month and enjoy what the East Bay has to offer. Here are the best things to do in the East Bay this February.
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Every year, the Oakland Asian Cultural Center hosts a dual Lunar New Year and Black History Month event, celebrating two communities that are integral to the Town’s cultural fabric. A vendor marketplace and Children’s Zone complement a packed schedule of dance and music performances, featuring lion dancers, African dance styles, a cappella spirituals, Korean drumming and more. Join in on the fun while strengthening Asian and Black solidarity.
Dates TBD
Calling all hop heads, mead fiends and brewski broskis. The Bistro, a local pub on Hayward’s Main Street, puts the medium-sized city on the map every February for its annual Double IPA Festival, now 25 years running. Over 80 varieties of doubles (and even triple IPAs, if you dare) are available to try during the daytime event. Entry includes unlimited samples, plus access to food trucks and viewing for the special awards ceremony at 2 p.m.
February 14
Every year, the Rocky Horror Picture Show comes to the UC Theatre for a steamy, fishnet-bedecked Valentine’s Day performance. A shadow cast performs in front of the 1975 cult film, and the audience participates through shouting, dancing and even getting on the stage. Though Berkeley crowds skew college-aged, the Rocky Horror spirit knows no age limit.
Dates TBD
Six days of in-person screenings present Jewish stories from all around the world. This year marks the 30th annual run of this festival celebrating international and independent films, and you can join in by attending a showing at Century 16 in Pleasant Hill. Can’t make it out to the East Bay for the in-person festival? A virtual festival follows in March, with films available to view online, plus some additional screenings at Vine Cinema in Livermore.
Dates TBD
Celebrate Black History Month with the Black Joy Parade, an event by and for the Oakland Black community and allies. The excitement is contagious at this yearly event which platforms Black-owned businesses, puts on outstanding performances and, above all, amplifies joy in downtown Oakland. The parade starts at 12:30 p.m., and the fun continues throughout the day with a celebration with music and food.
Dates Vary
This February promises great shows at the Fox, which are some of the best things to do in the East Bay this February. Look out for concerts by groups like Foster the People, L’Impératrice, Dark Star Orchestra, Hippo Campus and more — including a standup performance by Kumail Nanjiani, the Oscar- and Emmy-nominated writer/actor/comedian.
Celebrate Lunar New Year, honor Black History Month and learn about our Golden State at the Oakland Museum of California. The museum’s annual Lunar New Year event — Feb. 8 — will feature storytelling, performances and activities for the whole family. Be sure to see OMCA’s other educational opportunities, like its ongoing Black Power exhibit or some of its special events, like a Spotlight Sunday on Feb. 16 called “Gospel at the Museum,” with live performance by Bay Area musicians.
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now in the East Bay? Our comprehensive list of venues below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
