Art & Music
Family-friendly Bay Area Arts, Music, &Â Performances
Art museums, plays, classes, camps, and kid-friendly shows for East Bay Area children.
Upcoming Art or Music Events in the East Bay
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: St. Patrick's Day Celebration @ Main Branch | San Leandro Public LibraryWednesday, March 11, 2026
1:15 pm – 2:45 pm: MOCHA at the Library @ Martin Luther King Jr Branch | Oakland Public Library2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Kids Craft Hour @ Albany Library
Thursday, March 12, 2026
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Mariachi Luz de Oro de Berkeley @ Claremont Branch | Berkeley Public LibraryFriday, March 13, 2026
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: MOCHA at the Library @ Central Library | Berkeley Public Library4:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Women's Herstory Fest @ Downtown San Leandro
Saturday, March 14, 2026
9:30 am – 5:00 pm: St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival @ Dublin Civic Center10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Family Art Day @ Center for Community Arts
11:00 am – 12:30 pm: MOCHA at the Library @ Temescal Branch | Oakland Public Library
11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Leaves, Flowers, and Popsicle Sticks @ Berkeley Art Museum (BAMPFA)
Arts & Music Resources for Families
Ticket Alert: Big Art Weekend at Bay Area Discovery Museum
Explore hands-on activities from building giant cardboard creations to squishing colorful foam.
Upcoming Shows & Special Events {Ticket Alerts}
Save the date and book your tickets now for these Bay Area events for kids.
Ticket Alert: Cal Performances Drum Tao
Cal Performances brings the best of music, dance, and theater from around the globe to Bay Area audiences.
The Black Joy Parade Returns to Oakland on Feb 22
The Black Joy Parade in Oakland, the largest free, family-friendly event of its kind in California, celebrates the Black experience and the culture.
Black History Month for Kids and Families in the Bay Area
Celebrate with storytimes, dance performances, and a parade! We'll be adding new kid-friendly Black History Month activities all month.
Kid-Friendly OMCA: Oakland Museum of California
Children under 12 are free. Kid-friendly exhibits and beautiful gardens make the Oakland Museum of California a win for families.
Giddy-up! Lunar New Year at Fairyland
Come to the party: lion dances, lucky crafts, delicious eats, and rhythmic beats promise plenty of good fortune and fun.
Ticket Alert: Once Upon a Mattress at the Presidio Theatre
Children will enjoy a magical fairytale about a silly prince finding his perfect mate using 20 mattresses and a pea at the Presidio Theatre.
Children’s Creativity Museum in SF
The Children's Creativity Museum in Yerba Buena Gardens is a hands-on, multimedia art and technology experience for kids 2-12.
20+ Valentine’s Day Outings for East Bay Families
Love is love. Valentine's Day activities for families in the East Bay. We are excited to share this round-up of love- and heart-themed activities
Ticket Alert: Music for Families at San Francisco Symphony
Come to Davies Symphony Hall for dance, rhythm, and storytelling that make classical music feel alive and exciting for young audiences.
Ticket Alert: Train Ride with Easter Bunny Visit
Easter Bunny and a steam train ride through the redwoods! Just, wow. Buy tickets now for one of these train rides in April.
Lunar New Year in the Bay Area is a Family-Friendly Celebration
As the Year of the Horse approaches, a handful of wonderful kid-friendly Lunar New Year celebrations pop up around the Bay Area.
Oakland Roots Soccer Team Moves to the Coliseum
Have you been to a pro soccer game with your kids? The Oakland Roots play at the Oakland Coliseum through October.
30+ Experience Gift Ideas for East Bay Families
Experience gifts are memorable, magical, and clutter-free. We love to give tickets and memberships as holiday gifts. Need ideas?
Drop-in Art Studios for Families
I love art studios stocked with supplies where I can let my kids get messy without worrying about cleaning up afterward. These drop-in studios fit ...
Ticket Alert: The Nutcracker Bird presented by Berkeley Ballet
This special holiday experience includes festive treats and cozy beverages before the show!
Ticket Alert: The Harlem Globetrotters in Oakland
What to know about taking your family to the Harlem Globetrotter's game in Oakland
Ticket Alert: Barbie the Movie at San Francisco Symphony
Experience a symphonic celebration of the Barbie Movie at the SF Symphony with your whole family. Book tickets now.
25 Best Things to Do in Oakland With Kids
Oakland offers many family-friendly activities, restaurants, and outdoor spaces. Where to begin? Take a look at 25 of our faves.
Ticket Alert: Home Alone at San Francisco Symphony
This silly classic holiday movie will be made epic alongside the San Francisco Symphony's take on the John Williams score.
Ticket Alert: Garden of D’Lights, a Sparkling Outdoor Holiday Event in Walnut Creek
Ruth Bancroft Garden lights up 3 acres of garden paths with twinkling lights to explore on a dark evening. Lovely outing for mixed ages.
Ticket Alert: Bay Area Nutcrackers & Other Holiday Performances
Want to see the Nutcracker in Oakland? Here are some lovely holiday performances to choose from including larger- and small-scale theaters.
On Sale Now: Teddy Bear Tea in Walnut Creek
Teddy Bear Tea in Walnut Creek on December 6+7, 2025, is a perfect holiday tea service for preschoolers. And it will sell out quickly!
DÃa de Los Muertos with East Bay Kids
In the East Bay, there are lots of ways to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos including festivals, performances, and crafts with children in tow.
Indigenous People’s Heritage Month for Kids
November is Indigenous People’s Heritage Month. Here are a few ways to reflect on the cultures, traditions, and history of the Bay Area's first peoples.
Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month for Kids & Families
Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 through October 15. We found a variety of ways to celebrate with kids in the East Bay.
Celebrating Diwali with Kids in the East Bay
Buy your tickets now for these family-friendly Navratri and Diwali events in the East Bay and South Bay. Tickets will sell out.
Shop Local: Christmas Crafts to Enjoy Together
Here are the holiday crafts I love to do with my young daughter and the local shops where we pick up supplies in Berkeley, Oakland, ...
Community Music Day at Crowden School is Back
Community Music Day at the Crowden School offers free hands-on music experiences for children.
Ticket Alert: Berkeley Symphony Performing Free for K-12 Children
Berkeley Symphony announced that they'll be providing free tickets to four upcoming symphony performances for youth.
Ticket Alert: Family-friendly Maker Faire Bay Area
Maker Faire Bay Area is about creativity, which means every year brings something completely new that you’ve never seen.
On Sale Now: Autumn Lights Festival Near Lake Merritt
From October 16-18, 2025, the Gardens at Lake Merritt will be lit up at night. Come, take a stroll and enjoy the magic.
Taking Kids to Performances at Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall: A Guide for Families
Cal Performance's family-friendly lineup at Zellerbach Hall makes planning a special outing a cinch. Adults will appreciate the East Bay location!Â
Labor Day: Scottish Games in Pleasanton
Labor Day Weekend at the Alameda County Fairgrounds come for feats of strength, colorful highland dances, whisky tasting, and lots of kilts.
Where Do You Take Guests From Out-of-Town?
To show off the East Bay to your friends from back home, where do you go? We've got culture, stunning views, the Bay, and redwoods!
Until Nov.2 : Bubble Planet Experience in Oakland
Bubble Planet is part art exhibit, part playground—a perfect combo for young children and Instagram-happy parents.
Oakland Pride Parade
Oakland Pride is here! Fairyland Pride Fest and a Pride Parade.
Ticket Alert: Yo-Yo Ma & Angélique Kidjo in a Family-Friendly Show at the Greek Theatre
A not-to-miss event for East Bay families, on Saturday, August 30, musical legends Yo-Yo Ma and Angélique Kidjo will take the stage at Berkeley’s iconic ...
Favorite Visual Art Classes for Kids in the East Bay
Presenting our guide to getting your child started in art classes in the East Bay.
Event Alert: Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire
July 26-27, you'll want to be in Downtown Alameda for the Annual Art & Wine Faire. Attending is free, but attractions have a fee.
BAMPFA for Kids and Families
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, BAMPFA, is for families and children with FREE admission for many and a hands-on art lab.
Ticket Alert: Book Now for Thomas & Percy Halloween
Thomas the Tank Engine is coming close to the Bay Area for Thomas and Percy's Halloween Party, October 4 -26, 2025.
Free Drop-in Art Workshops with MOCHA in the Library
Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA) is partnering with Public Libraries to offer free art workshops to children throughout the week.
Giant Trolls at Filoli through Nov. 10
Don't miss 6 gigantic wooden troll sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo and the incredible natural play area in the redwoods.
Drop-in Craft Projects at Michaels Stores
Join a free kid-friendly weekend craft session at Michael's in San Leandro, Emeryville, Alameda, or Pinole. Usually in a seasonal theme.
19+ Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth With Kids
Celebrate Juneteenth, June 19th, with community gatherings, great meals, lively music, and cultural celebrations. Or a little of everything.
Ticket Alert: Pride Event at Bay Area Discovery Museum
Bay Area Discovery Museum is hosting a lively Pride celebration especially for young families with joyful activities & stories!
A Crafter’s Paradise: East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse
The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse is "every teacher's first stop and every artist's second home" for a good reason. Find your treasure.
East Bay Father’s Day Guide
Looking for things to do on Father's Day in Oakland? Here are some local-ish ideas for treating, entertaining, and celebrating Dad.
Oakland’s Magic Kitchen Returns to Fairyland
Fairyland is bringing the culinary delights of Oakland to its diverse children and families for special Saturday cooking events.
75 Days of Summer Fun for East Bay Kids
The best ideas for family fun all summer long: fruit picking, ice cream, bike rides, beaches, splashing, and concerts!
Join Us: Baby’s Day Out at Brushstrokes with Shef
We are so excited to announce a fun event for 510Families.com readers with pre-crawling babies made possible by Shef!
East Bay Summer Concert Round-Up for Families
If your family loves listening to live music, check out our round-up of outdoor concerts -- most of which are free -- to enjoy this ...
Comic Book Day Meets Star Wars Day
Support your indie shops! Free comic book titles will be released to participating stores on the first Saturday in May.
Art, Design, and Maker Summer Camps
Let's design and make amazing things this summer! This roundup of maker and art summer camps will keep hands and brains busy.
Music and Theater Day Camps for East Bay Kids
This roundup of artistic camps includes a range of summer camp creative pursuits from instruments, vocals, and dramatic fun.
Save the Date: Y for Youth Community Festival in SF
Join a free, family-friendly event with live music, play, free classes, bubbles, yoga, pickleball, Clifford the Big Red Dog, & beach party
Date Night, Mom’s Night Out, or Family Night Out at Berkeley’s Greek Theatre
When the sun goes down and the production lights go on, there's nothing like the energy of the crowd at Berkeley's Greek Theatre.
Exploring Oakland’s Jack London Square with Kids
Things to do with kids in Oakland's Jack London Square, from food to play, there's a lot to do and see.
Messy Art Day for Under 6-Year-Olds Returns to El Cerrito Preschool Coop
Messy Art Day is a special event, open to the public, for kids five & under at El Cerrito Preschool Coop on Sunday, March 16. ...
Ticket Alert: Free Family Matinees at Rialto Cinemas
Cerrito Rialto and Elmwood Theatre welcome families to their free weekend matinees. Tickets available in advance.
Bay Street Emeryville: A Family-Friendly Destination
Bay Street welcomes families with new restaurants, seating, and free games to play.
Ticket Alert: Monster Jam Brings Monster Truck Action to San Francisco
Tickets for this loud, action-packed, dirty truck adventure are on sale now. If you like truck tricks and crashes, Monster Jam is the best!
Ticket Alert: Return of the Ringling Circus
The new circus has all of the thrills with none of the animals. There may even be too many exciting things at once.
Introducing The Merola Opera Program in San Francisco
Merola Opera offers an approachable, affordable program that showcases young opera singers at the start of their careers.
Cheer On Oakland Ballers Baseball Team
My family is so excited to cheer for the Ballers at Raimondi Park in West Oakland.
Dance Classes for Toddlers in the East Bay
Ballet and pre-dance classes for toddlers and children under five are both popular and prolific. Find the perfect dance class for your child.
10+ Drop-in Toddler Activities in the East Bay for $10 or Less
A helpful list of toddler activities and outings that don't require advanced planning, for East Bay kids and parents.
May 4: de Youngsters Day Out is a Celebration of Art
Reserve tickets to the annual free community day for children – the de Youngsters Day Out - a must-do for art-loving kids.
25 Places to Take Preschoolers in the East Bay – Indoors
Places to take East Bay toddlers and preschoolers: Bay Area destinations for younger kids featuring amazing indoor play spaces and museums.
Day Trip to Bay Area Discovery Museum
The Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito is a hands-on, outdoor science museum that will entertain & educate children under 5
Paint Baby Keepsakes at Brushstrokes
Paint baby keepsakes at Brushstrokes Studio by getting footprints on pottery. We like mugs and tiles the best.
Sponsor Spotlight: East Bay Music Together
All five of our children had large doses of the Music Together program as babies and toddlers. We whole-heartedly endorse the classes, teachers, instruments, and ...
Ticket Alert Aug 5-6: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
Don't miss Chase Center's Hot Wheels Monster Truck Glow Party! Kids can see enormous versions of their toy cars do exciting stunts.
Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza {Ticket Alert}
Tickets are on sale now for this one-day event that will bring dozens of favorite characters together for a concert-style show packed with singing, dancing, ...
Ticket Alert: Big Bounce America, the World’s Biggest Bounce House
An action packed family-friendly day out featuring THE WORLD'S BIGGEST BOUNCE HOUSE is coming to Berkeley in July. Get tix now!
The Temescal Farmer’s Market, Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt & Frog Park
This Oakland playground is filled on Sundays with folks who have walked over from the Farmer's Market. Try it any day of the week!
Theater & Performing Arts Classes for Kids in the East Bay
Looking for musical theater or acting classes for kids or teens? Here are the Oakland, Berkeley, and Alameda programs that let kids take the stage.
21+ Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Richmond
Visit the parks, playgrounds, pools, museums and other kids-friendly spots located in the city of Richmond. There's plenty to explore!
Drop-in art-making hours for preschoolers at MOCHA in Oakland
MOCHA offers children as young as 18 months the opportunity to explore art materials in a space designed just for them.
Créatif Art Studio: Drop-in painting in Pleasanton
Bring your little artist to this drop-in art studio for a creative outing. It's combination of art and tech make it worth the drive to ...
Sponsor Spotlight: The Crowden School in Berkeley
For students in grades 3-8, Crowden offers a special daily schedule designed to provide students with passion for music-making with academic development.
Taking Your Kids to San Francisco Symphony
Through dance, rhythm, and storytelling, the concert makes classical music feel alive and exciting for young audiences.
Save The Date: Solano Avenue Stroll
Solano Avenue in Berkeley and Albany will come together for their superfun Solano Stroll on Sunday afternoon, September 11, 2022.
Music Classes for East Bay Kids
Looking for group-based music lessons for kids or teens? Here are the Oakland, Berkeley, and Alameda programs that let kids find their sound.
SingJam: All Ages, Drop-In Music Events
Drop into the next SingJam event. The sessions take place in Berkeley and offer music development in an outdoor setting.
Day Trip to Di Rosa: Kid-Friendly Art Museum in Wine Country
Wine country, art museum—these things may not initially strike you as family-friendly, but they totally are. Trust me on this one!
Banksy in San Francisco: What Parents Need to Know
Recommended for teens, adults, and subversive pre-teens with an anti-Capitalist sensibility, the Unauthorized Art of Banksy is here.
teamLab: Continuity at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
teamLab: Continuity at the Asian Art Museum is totally awesome and your kids will love it. And kids under 12 are always free!
3 Easy Ways to Introduce Middle Eastern Culture to East Bay Kids
Thanks to Stephanie Meade for this guest post. Stephanie is the founder and editor of InCultureParent.com, a tremendous resource for parents raising global citizens. One ...
Cornerstone Sonoma: Kid-friendly Botanical Garden and Wine Tasting
Want a good family-friendly wine country activity? We love Cornerstone Sonoma, a botanical garden/art exhibit/wine tasting experience in one.
Extended Through January: Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit in SF
Located on Van Ness at Market St, Immersive Van Gogh will surround you with colorful lighted artwork and possibly delight your kids!
Kid-friendly Beer Garden: The Junction Beer Garden
The Junction Beer Garden in Mill Valley has a huge outdoor eating area, large play structure, 30 beers on tap, and fantastic pizzas and salads.
What to Do With Kids in the Elmwood (Berkeley)
Our favorite fantastic places in the Elmwood to enjoy with children including where to eat, where to play, and where to shop!
Ticket Alert: Disney on Ice
Coming soon to a theater or arena near you: Moana on ice skates. Get your tickets now.
Chocolate and Chalk Art Festival
The sidewalks in North Berkeley will be bursting with color during the CHOCOLATE & CHALK ART FESTIVAL on Saturday, June 19, 2021.
Art with Kids: Andy Goldsworthy Nature Installations in San Francisco’s Presidio
If you love art and nature but struggle with your kids on long hikes or quiet art museums, the Andy Goldsworthy walking tour in the ...
A Colorful East Bay Treasure Hunt: Painted Rocks
Paint then hide painted rocks around the East Bay as a small, random act of kindness to brighten someone's day.
Reopening Oct. 4: SFMOMA With Free Admission For 2 Weeks
There’s plenty to see at SFMOMA with kids and they're reopening with two weeks of FREE admission.      Â
7 Instagram-Worthy Wall Murals in the East Bay Kids Will Love
Stunning street art wall murals around Oakland that will make you want to get your camera out, where to find them, and who made them!
Join Us Wednesdays at Noon: Berkeley Music Circus
Grab an instrument -or just your voice- for a Wednesday at noon city sing-along. We'd love to see everyone sing and play along!
Bedford Art Gallery in Walnut Creek is Small & Kid-friendly
Bedford Gallery in Walnut Creek is a small art space with exhibits, colorful and kid-friendly, that rotate every few months. Parking and transit is easy.
Mom’s Night Out idea: Step-by-step Canvas Painting Studios
Painting studios where adults can feel confident about putting their brushes to canvas, including some with kid-friendly painting classes.
Places Where Kids Can Rock Out: Music Camps and Classes in Oakland and Berkeley
Afterschool classes and summer camps that offer group music classes in the rock genre to school-aged kids in a handful of East Bay locations.
Bay Area International Children’s Film Festival in Oakland
Hey movie lovers, the Bay Area International Children's Film Festival 2020 (BAICFF) takes place this February in Oakland. It goes beyond screen-time.
Ticket Alert: Summer Musical Theater at Woodminster Amphitheater in Oakland
This lovely outdoor musical theater experience in Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park is a must-do summer date night or outing for older kids.Â
FLAX Oakland: Family-friendly Art, Design, Creativity
FLAX art & design Oakland is the new 14,500 sq ft flagship store. Parents will like the kids' table for creating while you shop. And ...
Bandalooping: A unique dance form in Oakland
Weekly dance class with an aerial spin for students 9-14
Golden Gate Knights jedi training
If you have any huge Star Wars nerds in your house, you’ll want to consider an afternoon of jedi training for you and your padawan. ...
Save the Date: Annual Storytelling Festival at Berkwood Hedge
Each year a line-up of impressive storytellers take the stage in front of Bay Area families, who gather with their listening ears on.
It’s here: Candytopia (San Francisco)
Get your tickets for Candytopia - a sweet candy experience coming to San Francisco that's not to be missed.
Oakland Mural Festival now through May 19th
The Jack London District of Oakland will be hosting this year's Bay Area Mural Festival all week with a big celebration culminating in Jack London ...
{510} Families’ Big Birthday Bash (photos)
50 toddlers and their big people joined us at the Junior Center of Art & Science in Oakland to celebrate our 7th birthday. Thanks to ...
Introducing Girls Garage
Girls Garage in West Berkeley offers the space, resources, and teachers to get girls hands-on with welding, woodwork, and a little trouble.
Tutu School offers ballet in Oakland’s Montclair Village
Tutu School, where toddlers and preschoolers can take their first ballet steps, is the latest addition to Montclair Village. Classes begin at 18 months.
Me time: Handcraft Studio School
Each month, a roster of artist/teachers rotate through the Handcraft Studio School space, offering a few hours of instruction to a group of 10-20 adult ...
Get messy at Berkeley’s Sticky Art Lab
Sticky Art Lab in Berkeley offers craft sessions for families, after school supervision for elementary kids, creative reuse parties for all.
Music Together review: East Bay baby and toddler music class
I wrote up my family's experience trying Music Together for the first time. Basically, we loved it. I wasn't sure it could be as great ...
Saturday stroll: Art murmur for kids
I told you about Oakland Art Murmur for date nights and I’m excited to report there’s a daytime version for kids, too! Many of the ...
Date night: Oakland’s Art Murmur
We discovered Oakland Art Murmur, the perfect feel free again, but still be glad you’re older than most of the kids out there date spot! ...
Birthday party entertainment: Magic Dan
Magic Dan is a former teacher whose performances are as much fun for the parents as they are for the kids. Oakland mom, Kristen McClusky ...
