Your Bay Area Weekend Guide: 11 Arts & Entertainment Picks
The Thanksgiving weekend is here, and the Bay Area is bursting with diverse cultural experiences. From captivating classical performances to sparkling holiday light displays, topical comedy, and rock concerts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this weekend across San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, and Walnut Creek. Dive into our curated list of must-see shows and events.
Classical & Performing Arts
Panto Fun: Peter Pan in San Francisco
Experience a whimsical journey to Neverland with the annual “Peter Pan” panto at the Presidio Theatre in San Francisco. This British tradition promises a trippy adventure with live music and a talented cast of Bay Area performers. It’s a delightful way to reconnect with Peter, Tinkerbell, and Captain Hook.
Details: Through Dec. 28 at Presidio Theatre, San Francisco. Tickets $16.50-$66. Visit presidiotheatre.org.
Handel’s Messiah in Livermore
The Pacific Chamber Orchestra, led by Director Lawrence Kohl, presents Handel’s magnificent oratorio, “Messiah.” Featuring four fine vocalists—soprano Raven McMillon, alto Sara Couden, tenor Ricardo Garcia, and bass Matt Boehler—this beloved work is a classical highlight for the season.
Details: Nov. 30 at 3 p.m. at Bankhead Theater, Livermore. Tickets $25-$85. Learn more at livermorearts.org.
Opera San Jose’s Madama Butterfly
Don’t miss the final performances of Opera San Jose’s new production of “Madama Butterfly.” Directed by Michelle Cuizon and conducted by Joseph Marcheso, this rendition features Artist-in-Residence Emily Michiko Jensen in her role debut as Cio-Cio San, alongside Christopher Oglesby and Kayla Nanto.
Details: Nov. 29 and 30 at 2 p.m. at California Theatre, San Jose. Tickets $61.50-$221.50. Book at OperaSJ.org.
Dazzling Holiday Experiences
Garden of D’Lights in Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek’s Ruth Bancroft Garden transforms into a “Garden of D’Lights,” illuminating its famous cacti and succulents with thousands of colorful lights, sculptures, and lasers. Explore this magical, water-wise wonderland on select nights, with evening shopping, hot cocoa, and spiced wine available.
Details: Select nights through Jan. 11 at 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Adult admission $29+, ages 5-17 $16, children under 4 free. Visit ruthbancroftgarden.org.
San Jose’s Grand Holiday Celebrations
Downtown San Jose is set to explode with holiday merriment. The centerpiece is the annual free Christmas in the Park at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, returning Nov. 28. This walk-through attraction features 40 musical and animated exhibits, live entertainment, and a 60-foot Community Giving Tree. For ticketed options, explore Blinky’s Drive-Thru Light Show at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, or the brand new San Jose Holiday Lights show at Discovery Meadow Park, offering a five-acre display of illuminated sculptures and fanciful scenes.
Details: Christmas in the Park (free) Nov. 28-Jan. 1. Blinky’s Drive-Thru ($25-$40 per car). San Jose Holiday Lights ($19-$45) through Jan. 4.
Music, Comedy & Film Highlights
Sheila E. Returns Home to Yoshi’s
Oakland’s own “Queen of Percussion,” Sheila E., brings her “E-Train” band back to her East Bay roots for a three-night, six-show stand at Yoshi’s. Known for her electrifying performances and diverse musical style spanning jazz, funk, R&B, Latin, and pop, she’ll showcase her latest album, “Hella FonkE.”
Details: Nov. 28-30 at Yoshi’s, Oakland. Tickets $69-$129. Purchase at yoshis.com.
McCartney’s Other Great Band: Wings
For Paul McCartney fans, the newly released self-titled “Wings” anthology is a superb gift. This collection features all the big hits like “Band on the Run” and “Live and Let Die,” plus worthy offerings that highlight why Wings deserves its place among the finest bands of the ’70s. Available in various formats, including a limited edition three-LP color vinyl set and Blu-ray with Dolby Atmos.
Details: For pricing and information, visit paulmccartney.com.
Tim Dillon’s Topical Comedy at San Jose Improv
Long Island-born comedian Tim Dillon brings his hard-hitting, topical humor to the San Jose Improv. Known for his candid commentary on politics and cultural trends, Dillon’s popular podcast and comedy specials dive into contemporary matters, often tilting conservative but without party allegiance. Expect thought-provoking and controversial laughs.
Details: Nov. 28 (7:30 & 9:45 p.m.), Nov. 29 (7 & 9:30 p.m.), Nov. 30 (6 p.m.) at San Jose Improv. Tickets $43.19-$113.80. Get yours at improv.com/sanjose.
San Francisco Symphony Presents Barbie
Motor along with Barbie as the San Francisco Symphony, conducted by Sarah Hicks, plays the live score to Greta Gerwig’s Oscar-nominated film. Watch the 2023 movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling on a giant screen above the musicians, immersing yourself in Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt’s award-winning music.
Details: Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 29 at 2 p.m. at the San Francisco Symphony. Tickets $29.50-$149. Visit sfsymphony.org.
Bluesadelix in Hayward
If you’re into hard-driving blues with a psychedelic twist, head to The Bistro in Hayward on Nov. 29 to catch Bluesadelix. This East Bay venue, known as “a beer drinking pub with a music problem,” offers live bands nightly with no cover charge. Enjoy appetizers and a variety of brews while listening to seasoned veterans of the rock, blues, and folk worlds.
Details: Nov. 29 from 8 to 11 p.m. at The Bistro, 1001 B St., Hayward. No cover. More information at www.bluesadelix.com.
The Zodiac Killer Project in San Francisco
Director Charlie Shackleton presents “The Zodiac Killer Project,” an experimental film exploring the infamous Bay Area killings while questioning the nature of true-crime documentaries. Premiering at Sundance, this edgy film visits key locales and delves into an investigative documentary Shackleton originally planned, offering a trance-like experience that might make you question your own true-crime consumption.
Details: Opens Nov. 28 at the Roxie theater in San Francisco. Not rated; 1 hour, 31 minutes. Check roxie.com for showtimes.
Weekend Event Snapshot
Here’s a quick look at some diverse picks for your weekend planning:
| Event | Location | Dates | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Pan Panto | Presidio Theatre, San Francisco | Through Dec 28 | $16.50-$66 |
| Madama Butterfly | California Theatre, San Jose | Nov 29 & 30 | $61.50-$221.50 |
| Garden of D’Lights | Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek | Select nights through Jan 11 | $16-$29 |
| Sheila E. at Yoshi’s | Yoshi’s, Oakland | Nov 28-30 | $69-$129 |
| Barbie with SF Symphony | San Francisco Symphony | Nov 28 & 29 | $29.50-$149 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best family-friendly options this weekend?
The “Peter Pan” panto in San Francisco, the “Garden of D’Lights” in Walnut Creek, and the “Christmas in the Park” festivities in San Jose are all excellent choices for families. - Are there any free events happening?
Yes, the “Christmas in the Park” walk-through attraction at Plaza de Cesar Chavez in downtown San Jose is free to enter and runs through January 1st. - Where can I find live music this weekend?
Live music options include Handel’s “Messiah” in Livermore, Sheila E. at Yoshi’s in Oakland, the San Francisco Symphony’s “Barbie” screening with a live orchestra, and Bluesadelix playing in Hayward. - Are there unique film or documentary experiences?
Absolutely! Check out the experimental “The Zodiac Killer Project” at the Roxie in San Francisco, or the San Francisco Symphony’s live orchestral performance accompanying the “Barbie” movie.
With such a vibrant array of options, make sure to check specific event times and ticketing details, and enjoy the rich cultural tapestry the Bay Area offers this holiday weekend.
Bay Area Weekend Guide Arts Entertainment
