Over 25 Bay Area festivals, fun events and things to do

We’re nearing the close of 2022, but there’s still so much left to do! Here’s a full roundup of all the Bay Area events you still need to check out before the year is up, and for a special curation of holiday-themed events and pop-ups, check out our holiday events calendar here: bayareane.ws/3Dwwyvn 

ZOPPÉ — an Italian Family Circus: Various showtimes through the end of November, 1044 Middlefield Road, Redwood City. Enter the Big Top and be dazzled by thundering horses, trapeze and acrobat artists, highwire walkers, Nino the Clown and other amazing talents. $10 to $20. redwoodcity.org/residents/redwood-city-events/zoppe-italian-family-circus

Golden Jubilee Anniversary Exhibit: Nov. 1-20, Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. As you stroll the Ruth Bancroft Garden, which is celebrating its 50th year, enjoy a self-guided, interpretive jubilee exhibit. Follow the numbered signs to get an overview of the garden’s past, present and future. $0 to $12. ruthbancroftgarden.org/golden-jubilee-exhibit-in-the-garden

IlluminOdyssey: Nov. 4 to Jan. 16, 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo. Inspired by the science of light, this amazing exhibition will thrill guests with fascinating works of interactive luminosity and kid-friendly glowing art. All facets of this family-friendly exhibition focus on the beauty and characteristics of light with four levels to explore. $21.95 to $25.95. curiodyssey.org/exhibits-events/illuminodyssey

‘A Slice of Life’: Nov. 5-27, Theatre Rhinoceros, 4229 18th St., San Francisco. Roxanne and Jordy have absolutely nothing in common, except that they are daughter and father. They’re also both storytellers, some of the stories true and some complete fantasies. In this comic-drama, they take a long night’s journey as they discover what has happened in the 20 years since they last saw each other. $15-$25. therhino.org/

The Jungle Book — Rudyard Revised: Friday through Sunday, Nov. 11-20, Cowell Theater, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. Your favorite foot-stomping adventure has been reclaimed, reimagined and rewritten for our times. The beloved tale returns to its South Asian roots with EnActe’s contemporary sparkle, exquisite costumes, catchy songs and Kalaripayattu choreo. $25 to $65. eventbrite.com/o/enacte-arts-39745302133

Alma Deutscher’s ‘Cinderella’: Nov.12-27, California Theatre, 345 First St., San Jose. Opera San José will host the international operatic conducting debut of prodigy composer/musician Alma Deutscher for a lavish production of her landmark opera, “Cinderella.” This production resets the classic fairytale at an opera company run by a scheming stepmother, in which the title character is a brilliant composer, laboring as a copyist. $55 to $195. operasj.org/cinderella-ticketpage

Beaujolais Nouveau Celebrations: 12 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Left Bank Brasserie locations. Several Left Bank Brasseries are rolling out celebrations for Beaujolais Nouveau, the “first wine” of the harvest season, by featuring festive menu additions, live music and the new wine made from the gamay grape, whose fresh, fruity flavor pairs well with autumn dishes. Prices vary. leftbank.com

On the Cosmic Dimension of Human Stories: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17, California Institute of Integral Studies, 1453 Mission St., San Francisco. Novelist and CIIS professor in interdisciplinary arts and writing Carolyn Cooke explores the impact of time-developmental cosmology and its potentiality to impact and possibly transform human consciousness. Free admission. bayareane.ws/3NL6CQg

BAILA Community Dance Party: 7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Nov. 18, La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. Imagine a spontaneous dance party breaking out in your kitchen, if your kitchen had big wood floors and a great live band and sound system. $15 to $30. bayareane.ws/3UkGMVY

‘Basilosauraus’ World Premier: 7 p.m. Nov. 18-20, 2172 Railroad Ave., Livermore. Newly commissioned by SPARC Theater, this play follows Grace, a paleontology professor, as she examines a past climate crisis that resulted in the extinction of an apex predator. Audience members will become part of the process, giving feedback to the playwright as she continues to polish the script. $20. sparctheater.org

Fall BioBlitz: 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 19, 996 Hellyer Ave., San Jose. Hellyer County Park is a safe haven for many species of plants and animals right along Coyote Creek. Join in cataloging and documenting all the living things that reside there alongside experts in various fields to help guide participants through all the cool plants and wildlife. Free admission. eventbrite.com/e/fall-bioblitz-at-hellyer-park-registration-430334812007

Raptor Fest at Rancho San Vicente: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 19, 21151 McKean Road, San Jose. This event highlights important species of raptors, who play an integral role in the health of our ecosystems. Free admission. eventbrite.com/e/raptor-fest-at-rancho-san-vicente-tickets-422924467467

Patchwork Show – Modern Makers Festival: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 19, Jack London Square, 472 Water St., Oakland. Shop handmade and independent goods from more than 75 local makers, crafters, designers and food artisans with local DJs spinning classic soul tunes and crafting stations on the waterfront. Free admission. bayareane.ws/3NtUnr8

Macramé Maker Workshop: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 19, 1334 Haight St., San Francisco. Macramé making is a great hands-on activity with endless possibilities for all ages. In this class you can create an exciting decoration and learn different ties and knots to create your own macramé masterpiece. All materials are included for this workshop to make a few macramé wall hang decorations. $35. eventbrite.com/e/macrame-maker-workshop-1119-tickets-453915532577

Step/Song/Story: 12 and 2 p.m.: Nov. 20 at Salesforce Rooftop Park, 425 Mission St. in San Francisco. Join in for this new cross-disciplinary storytelling program conceived and curated by RAWdance Co-Artistic Director Katerina Wong that brings together Bay Area-based literary/spoken-word artists, dancers and musicians. Free. rawdance.org/events/stepsongstory

Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience: 3 p.m. Nov. 20, Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St. Livermore. You’ve seen Perondi’s act performed on “The Tonight Show,” David Letterman, Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, now see them live on stage. $0-$35. livermorearts.org/events/chris-perondis-stunt-dog-experience-3/

Fan Expo SF: Nov. 25-27, Moscone Center West, 800 Howard St., San Francisco. This expo will bring together some of the biggest personalities in acting, comics, cosplay, art and animation for a one-of-a-kind fan experience. Meet legendary comic book creators, attend autograph sessions, snap pictures with celebrities and shop the latest in gaming, art and collectibles. $30 to $349. fanexpohq.com/fanexposanfrancisco

Garden of D’Lights: Nov. 25 to Jan. 8, Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Wander through the glowing paths and discover the colorful, botanical sculptures created by thousands of lights and lasers on cacti, succulents, trees and dazzling sculptural art from local artists. $0 to $28. ruthbancroftgarden.org/garden-of-dlights

Historic Downtown Pacifica Small Business Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 26, Palmetto Avenue at Francisco Boulevard, Pacifica. This day of special events features more than 20 local businesses, craft and food vendors and more. Free admission. facebook.com/events/1787636848287766

The Winter San Francisco Crystal Fair: Nov. 26-27, San Francisco County Fair Building, 1199 Ninth Ave., San Francisco. Local and national vendors will showcase inspiring holiday gifts, minerals, gems and, jewelry. $0 to $14. crystalfair.com

Black Women’s Roots Festival: 4 p.m. Nov. 27, Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. This festival celebrates the powerful, pioneering Black women of blues, roots, and gospel and showcases legendary artists and emerging talent. $40-$44. secure.thefreight.org/11867/black-womens-roots-festival

‘The Never Too Late Show’: 7 p.m. Sundays Nov. 27 to Dec. 18, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. The Marsh Berkeley will inspire audiences with this hilarious, heartbreaking tale about never giving up by fan favorite Don Reed, who chronicles his travails through Hollywood to late night television. $25-$100. themarsh.org/shows_and_events/runs/the-never-too-late-show/

‘Ain’t Too Proud’: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28,  A.C.T.’s Strand Theater, 1127 Market St., San Francisco. This Tony Award-winning show originated in the Bay Area and has been a smash hit around the USA. Based on the story of The Temptations, this electrifying show showcases some of Motown’s best music. Joining the cast will be San Francisco jazz icon Paula West. $45-$100. ono_tooproud.eventbrite.com/

‘Little Shop of Horrors’: select days and times Nov. 30 to Dec. 24, Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Follow meek florist Seymour Krelborn as he makes a Faustian bargain with the world’s most vicious vegetation and learns that fame and fortune can come with a grisly price. Everybody’s favorite carnivorous plant is ready to devour San Francisco’s Chinatown in a reimagined production of the cult-classic musical. $30-$95. theatreworks.org/season52/little-shop-of-horrors/

The Art of Sabrage Outdoor Winery Experience: 11 a.m. Dec. 2, Breathless Wines, 499 Moore Lane, Healdsburg. One of Champagne’s most exciting rituals is the traditional art of sabrage, which uses an authentic saber to open a bottle of sparkling wine. You’ll receive one-on-one instruction from our experienced guide on the proper technique for this artful ceremony. $69. healdsburgisheavenly.com/event/the-art-of-sabrage-outdoor-winery-experience/2022-12-02/

Gaby Moreno Live at The Bankhead: 8 p.m. Dec. 2, 2400 First St., Livermore. Hear Grammy winner and Emmy nominee Gaby Moreno. Moreno perform music in a broad spectrum of genres, from blues and jazz to pop, R&B, soul and Latin folk styles. $35-$65. livermorearts.org/events/gaby-moreno-quartet/

Rock Paper Scissors CRAFT-A-THON: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 3, 2120 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. Rock Paper Scissors Collective is throwing its annual day-long craft party, featuring nine craft workshops: Mindfulness Jars for Kids, Wreath Making, Tissue Paper Flower, Alternative Zine Binding and Mini Zines, Heat Emboss, Fix a Flat, Digital Self Portrait, Terrarium Making and Felt Flowers Pins. $20 per workshop. bit.ly/craftathon2022

Le Feste Italian Wine & Food Tasting: 12:30 to 4 p.m. Dec. 3, 1041 Middlefield Road, Redwood City. Donato Enoteca will host its 12th Enoteca 100 Italian Wine and Food Tasting, an extravaganza showcasing an extraordinary number of Italy’s top wines and chef Donato Scotti’s acclaimed food. $95, reservations essential. donatoenoteca.com

Oakland Jazz Choir Benefit Concert: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Come out to enjoy cool, original and standard jazz choral material celebrating the joy of vocal expression, performed by an Oakland jazz choir. The event will benefit both OJC’s and Calliope’s programs. $15-$25. calliope-ebma.org/

Jazz pianist Gerald Clayton: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View. This community concert features six-time Grammy-nominated pianist-composer Gerald Clayton. Free. arts4all.org/events/gerald-clayton

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Dec. 4, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. The world-famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater offers a family-oriented blend of the unique comedy and juggling skills of Gregory Popovich, plus the stunts and skills of his furry costars. Each of the show’s 30 pets has been rescued from animal shelters and given a new leash on life! $35-$55. paloaltojcc.org/events/popovich-comedy-pet-theater-1

Billie! Backstage with Lady Day: various showings Dec. 9-11, The Gateway Theatre, 215 Jackson St., San Francisco. Emmy Award-winning actor-singer-playwright Synthia L. Hardy brings the story of Billie Holiday to vibrant life in “Billie! Backstage with Lady Day.” $35. billiebackstagewithladyday.com/

Winter Whiskey Walk: 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 10, 167 E. Taylor St., San Jose. The inaugural Whiskey Walk features unlimited tastings at three locations. $95-$125. eventbrite.com/e/winter-whiskey-walk-tickets-444774531597

Beach Break Film Festival: Dec. 28-30, Coastal Repertory Theatre, 1167 Main St., Half Moon Bay. Beach Break Entertainment’s inaugural film festival will showcase filmmaking talent from across California, who will personally share their films with attendees on the beautiful San Mateo coast. Individual screening tickets and various packages available. bbffhmb.org/

Have an entertainment event to add? Submit it online at bit.ly/3uAx8Vc.