Best Things to Do in the East Bay This January

January is filled with events and activities in Oakland, Berkeley, Pleasanton and more East Bay cities. We’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in the East Bay this month including museums, cultural events and more. If you’re looking for food, we also have an extensive list of our best restaurants in the East Bay. Staying for a weekend? We also know the best places to stay
 
January is cold in the Bay Area, with temperatures in the 40s-50s and eight days of rain on average.

Featured photo by Jed Villejo. 
Berkeley Art Museum
Photo by Iwan Baan.

Free First Thursdays at Berkeley Art Museum

January 2

Get FREE admission every first Thursday of the month to the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive! See the BAMPFA’s stellar exhibitions which showcase contemporary and centuries-old art. If you go in January, you can catch their exhibit “What Has Been and What Could Be,” a presentation of diverse holdings from the museum’s collections. 

More info: bampfa.org

A nighttime scene at a lantern festival in the East Bay features luminous animal lanterns, including two large antelopes, one adult and one calf, with striking red antlers. In the background, two illuminated gorilla lanterns sit amongst glowing green leaves. One of the best things to do in the East Bay this January!
Photo courtesy of Oakland Zoo.

Glowfari at Oakland Zoo

Through January 26

Not ready to give up the bright lights of the holiday season? Oakland Zoo’s massively popular Glowfari is back with a new group of its giant, glow-in-the-dark animals. A lantern show like no other, you and the family can walk among towering animals in fantastic glowing worlds.

More info: oaklandzoo.org

Bearded dragon on a branch.
Photo by Pierre Bamin via Unsplash.

NorCal Reptile Expo

2025 Dates TBD

Whether reptiles fascinate or scare you, you’re bound to have a memorable experience seeing these lizards, snakes, chameleons and more at the Alameda Fairgrounds. At $15 a ticket for adults and $7 for kids 12 and under, this expo can be a unique way to spend an afternoon with the family. Maybe you’ll even come home with a new pet! 

More info: norcalreptileexpo.com

Movie theater filled with people, blank screen being projected
Photo by Jake Hills via Unsplash.

NOIR CITY Film Festival

January 24–February 2

Cinephiles unite! The 21st annual film noir festival will host ten days of double-features at Grand Lake Theatre in Oakland. Each night will feature an English-language film followed by an international noir pick. A whole-festival pass is available for $200, or you can buy tickets per screening. Proceeds will go toward the continued preservation and restoration of classic film. 

More info: noircity.com

Red envelope for Lunar New Year
Photo courtesy of Jason Leung via Unsplash

Lunar New Year Bazaar

January 18–19

Every year, the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce puts on a bazaar to celebrate the new year. Join us in the year of the dragon and enjoy all the food and shopping that Oakland Chinatown has to offer!

More info: oaklandchinatownchamber.org

Ring in the Year of the Snake at Fairyland

2025 Dates TBD

Gung Hey Fat Choy! Celebrate Lunar New Year with traditional Lion Dancers and listen to the folk stories of Clara Yen at Fairyland! Bring the kids and celebrate the Year of the Snake, free with admission.

More info: fairyland.org

Looking for more things to do in the area?

Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!

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