Your Guide to Bay Area Arts & Entertainment This Weekend
The Bay Area is buzzing with cultural events this weekend, offering a diverse range of entertainment from captivating dance to thrilling concerts and thought-provoking art. As November 20, 2025, marks the start of a lively period, locals can discover new favorites or revisit beloved holiday traditions across the region.
Celebrate the Holidays with Dance & Music
Smuin Contemporary Ballet’s “Christmas Ballet”
Kick off your holiday season with Smuin Contemporary Ballet’s much-anticipated annual “Christmas Ballet.” Known for its first-rate ballet and contemporary dance, combined with trademark charm and humor, this production promises to delight. The program features new works by Julia Adam, Amy Seiwert, and Myles Thatcher, alongside classic Smuin pieces, including the sassy “Santa Baby” with its famous “world’s longest boa.”
- Walnut Creek: November 22-23 at Lesher Center for the Arts (www.smuinballet.org, $30-$120)
- Carmel: December 5-6
- Mountain View: December 11-14
- San Francisco: December 18-28
Cantabile Youth Singers: “Winter Starlight”
Experience the enchanting voices of the Cantabile Youth Singers of Silicon Valley, the South Bay’s premier co-ed youth choir. Their “Winter Starlight” concert features holiday music by Bach, Rheinberger, and more, conducted by Elena Sharkova, in the beautiful setting of Mission Santa Clara de Asis.
- When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, November 22
- Where: Mission Santa Clara de Asis, Santa Clara
- Tickets: $15-$35, via cantabile.org
Live Music & Electrifying Performances
Thrice Brings “Horizons/West” Tour to San Francisco
Orange County rock veterans Thrice are celebrating their twelfth album, “Horizons/West,” with a powerful live show. Vocalist-guitarist Dustin Kensrue and the band continue to evolve their modern rock sound, delivering tracks that hit hard and resonate. Modern Color and Downward will join them for an unforgettable evening.
- When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 21
- Where: Regency Ballroom, San Francisco
- Tickets: $51.32, available at axs.com
Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” with the San Francisco Symphony
Immerse yourself in Baroque splendor as violinist Alexi Kenney plays and directs Vivaldi’s timeless “Four Seasons” on the San Francisco Symphony’s Great Performer Series. The program also includes Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major, Olli Mustonen’s Nonet No. 2, and Kenney’s arrangement of Barbara Strozzi’s “Che si puó fare.” Featuring flutist Yubeen Kim and harpsichord master Jonathan Dimmock.
- When: 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 20; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, November 21-22
- Where: Davies Hall, San Francisco
- Tickets: $45-$175, via www.sfsymphony.org
Captivating Operas & Musicals
“The Monkey King” Opera Makes Thrilling Debut
Based on the first chapter of the Chinese novel “Journey to the West,” the new opera “The Monkey King” by Huang Ruo and David Henry Hwang offers a thrilling, action-packed fusion of music, dance, puppetry, and more. Directed by Diane Paulus, it’s a dazzling spectacle suitable for the whole family.
- When: Through November 30
- Where: War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco
- Tickets: $29 and up, available at www.sfopera.com
Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” in San Jose
Experience the heart-wrenching beauty of Giaccomo Puccini’s classic “Madama Butterfly” presented by Opera San Jose. Starring artist-in-residence Emily Michiko Jensen as Cio-Cio-San and Christopher Oglesby as Pinkerton, with Kayla Nanto and Eugene Brancoveanu rounding out the cast. Despite its tragic outcome, the gorgeous music ensures it remains a beloved opera.
- When: Remaining performances 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 21 and 2 p.m. Sunday, November 23, 29, and 30
- Where: California Theatre, San Jose
- Tickets: $58-$215, via operasj.org
“Million Dollar Quartet” at San Jose Stage
Relive a legendary moment in music history with “Million Dollar Quartet,” the musical re-creation of the impromptu 1956 jam session at Sun Studio involving Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. San Jose Stage brings this Broadway hit to life.
- When: Through December 14
- Where: San Jose Stage, 490 S. 1st St., San Jose
- Tickets: $38-$84, available at www.thestage.org/
Thought-Provoking Art & Free Family Fun
“Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice” Exhibit
Take a moment to reflect with this thought-provoking art show at UC Davis’ Manetti Shrem Museum, exploring social and environmental injustice. Featuring works by more than a dozen artists, activists, and scientists, including Clarissa Tossin’s tangible monuments to climate change. Runs concurrently with “Ojo” by Julio César Morales, informed by the immigrant experience.
- When: Through November 29; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday
- Where: Manetti Shrem Museum, 254 Old Davis Road, Davis
- Admission: Free, more info at manettishremmuseum.ucdavis.edu
SF SPCA Holiday Windows at Macy’s Union Square (Free!)
Our favorite part of the Union Square holiday season kicks off with the adorable antics of adoptable puppies and kittens at the San Francisco SPCA holiday windows. It’s a heartwarming, free activity perfect for families and animal lovers.
- When: Noon-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, November 21-December 31
- Where: Macy’s, 170 O’Farrell St., Union Square, San Francisco
- Online: Watch live cams 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily from November 22-December 31 at www.sfspca.org/holiday-windows-2025/
Weekend Arts & Entertainment at a Glance
| Event Name | Type | Location | Key Dates | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smuin’s Christmas Ballet | Dance | Walnut Creek (starts) | Nov 22-23 (W.C.) | $30-$120 |
| Thrice: Horizons/West Tour | Rock Concert | San Francisco | Nov 21 | $51.32 |
| The Monkey King | Opera | San Francisco | Through Nov 30 | $29+ |
| SF SPCA Holiday Windows | Family/Free | San Francisco | Nov 21-Dec 31 | Free |
| Vivaldi’s Four Seasons | Classical Concert | San Francisco | Nov 20-22 | $45-$175 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Bay Area Weekend Events
- Are there any free events happening this weekend?
Yes! You can visit the SF SPCA Holiday Windows at Macy’s Union Square for free, or explore the “Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice” art exhibit at UC Davis’ Manetti Shrem Museum, which also has free admission. - What types of music performances are available?
This weekend offers a wide variety, including rock with Thrice, classical Baroque with the San Francisco Symphony playing Vivaldi, holiday choral music by the Cantabile Youth Singers, and the musical “Million Dollar Quartet.” - Are there family-friendly activities?
Absolutely! Smuin Contemporary Ballet’s “Christmas Ballet” and “The Monkey King” opera are great for all ages. The SF SPCA Holiday Windows offer adorable fun for families, and the Cantabile Youth Singers’ holiday concert is also suitable for younger audiences. - How can I find tickets for these events?
Ticket information and links are provided for each event in the sections above, typically directing you to the official venue or ticketing agent websites like smuinballet.org, axs.com, sfopera.com, sfsymphony.org, cantabile.org, and thestage.org.
Whether you’re looking for festive cheer, a night of rock, a thought-provoking art experience, or a classic opera, the Bay Area offers a vibrant array of choices this weekend. Dive into the local arts scene and make these upcoming days truly memorable.
Bay Area holiday arts season begins with dance
