Lean into the power of yes!
When we say “yes” we do more, create more, laugh more, live more.
It’s January, a time when partygoers in Marin are in recovery mode after the holidays. However, for those of us who never stop, there’s an abundance of options for getting out and make the most of the month! While the well-heeled are donning ball gowns to kickoff the 2024 season of the San Francisco Ballet, the design-minded are headed to FOG Design+Art at Fort Mason and the wild ones are hitting up Monster Jam at Oracle Park.
Here’s a list of more unusual and under-the-radar offerings throughout the Bay Area, from an avant-garde ball to a fairytale forest. Time to say “Yes” to …
Feature image: Courtesy of Marco Sanchez
Yes, and I want to get dressed up!
Celebrating the art of Edward Gorey this event is impossible to describe and delightful to experience! The Edwardian Ball is a whimsical weekend filled with art, music, theater, fashion and technology. Why are you still reading? Say yes, and start planning your outfits, we did say fashion and art after all.
More info:
Date: January 26–28, 8pm–2am
Cost: $35- $200
Location: Regency Ballroom, San Francisco
Yes, and I want to be enchanted!
Charles Gadeken’s interactive light installation leads you through a fairytale experience that’s at once futuristic and reminiscent of a world long gone by. You’ll definitely want to say yes and bring a long lost love, secret crush or best friend on a walk through this fantasy forest.
More info:
Date: Through April 28, 5pm–8pm
Cost: Free
Location: Peacock Meadow, Golden Gate Park
Yes, and I want to be inspired!
What could be better than experiencing the fully immersive, kaleidoscopic Infinite Love exhibit by Yayoi Kusama? Staying for curated, hand crafted cocktails afterward! Say yes and treat yourself to an afternoon surrounded by love, illumination and reflection.
More info:
Date: Thursdays through January 30
Cost: $150
Location: SFMOMA
Yes, and I want to swing!
From the Disneyland Resort to 54 Below in NYC and even overseas to Germany and Italy, this band really gets around! Combine their sexy, swinging beats with the delicious Cucina Toscana of the Seahorse and you’ve got an evening to remember. Say yes, and bring your dancing shoes!
More info:
Date: Saturday, January 13
Cost: $20
Location: Sausalito Seahorse, 305 Harbor Drive
Yes, and I want to groove!
This singer, songwriter and Oakland native who’s performed with legends such as Prince, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder will be spending the weekend at Yoshi’s creating an intimate musical experience. Ms. E has said, “The sounds of the Bay Area molded me.” You should say yes and embrace the “Glamorous Life,” even if it’s just for one night!
More info:
Date: Friday, January 12 Sunday, January 14
Cost: $65–109
Location: Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland
Yes, and I want to laugh!
Perhaps best known for his HBO series Mr. Show and FOX’s Arrested Development, hilariously weird and weirdly hilarious David Cross is a stand-up comic, writer and actor. When Dave comes to the city, say yes and buy a ticket!
More info:
Date: Friday, January 19 Saturday, January 20
Cost: Starting at $110
Location: Club Fugazi, 678 Green St #3, San Francisco
Yes, and I want to philosophize!
Join the Immersive Arts Alliance team for a tour of the Quixote Winery, delicious tastings and stimulating conversation on art, ecology, design and so much more. In 1989 Quixote founder, Carl Doumani was inspired by the works and words of Austrian philosopher Friedensreich Hundertwasser “I want to show how simple it is to have paradise on earth.” Say yes and enjoy an afternoon of culture and creativity!
More info:
Date: Saturday, January 20 2pm–4pm
Cost: $150
Location: Quixote Winery, 6126 Silverado Trail, Napa
Yes, and I want to be amazed!
You’ll be amazed even before you sit down. Guests enter through a secret door, within a vintage clock shop — seriously. Once inside the Palace Theatre, modern San Francisco is left behind and you’ll find yourself in a Prohibition era city. The Illusionist — Kevin Blake — is handsome, charming and of course magical. Say yes and come see a show where anything is possible.
More info:
Date: January 18–31, 7pm
Cost: $50–300
Location: The Palace Theater, 644 Broadway, San Francisco
Yes, and I want to celebrate MLK Day!
Living Jazz and SF Jazz collaborate for the 20th Anniversary of this epic birthday bash honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, featuring the music of Stevie Wonder and showcasing Bay Area musicians, dancers and other local talent. The 2024 Oakland Citizen Award will also be presented. Say yes, and wish Dr. King a happy birthday!
More info:
Date: Saturday, January 13, 7pm
Cost: $13–103
Location:
Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland
Yes and I'd rather to chill at home
Here are programs you can help support while you stay home in your sweats:
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
