Upcoming Shows & Special Events {Ticket Alerts}

Coming soon! Here’s a list of kid-friendly ticketed events and shows for which you might want to buy tickets now and save the date.

Thanks to Imaginarium in Pleasanton for sponsoring this list!

Affiliate links are included in some places.

October Events for East Bay Families

Imaginarium

Wander through rose gardens and enchanted forests at this outdoor immersive light festival. Families can also attend a circus performance, which is included in the price of admission. For discounts on tickets, use the promo code STONERIDGE4 on the Imaginarium ticketing page
Where: Stoneridge Mall Rd, Pleasanton
When: September 1-October 20, 2024
Learn more >

Wicked, San Francisco

Recommended for 8+. Wicked tells the musical story of The Land of Oz from the angle of the fiery, misunderstood green witch rather than Dorothy. 2 hours and 45 minutes with one intermission.
Where: Orpheum Theatre, San Francisco
When: August 28-October 13, 2024
Learn more >

SLAM!

A pro-wrestling-themed spectacle produced by a Quebecois circus troupe.
Where: Zellerbach Hall on UC Berkeley campus
When: October 5 at 8 pm and October 6 at 3 pm
Tickets >

Luna Dance Workshops

Family creative dance classes for all ages. These pop-up workshops are free, but require advanced registration.
Where: Strawberry Creek Park, Berkeley
When: Sunday, October 6 at 10 am
Learn more >

Alphabet Rockers

A Grammy award-winning kid-friendly hip-hop band with a social justice message.
Where: Bruns Theater (Cal Shakes), Orinda
When: October 5 at 6 pm (pre-show fun begins at 4)
Tickets >

CURIOUS AND CURIOUSER: The “Alice In Wonderland” Musical

Join Alice as she encounters a curious collection of cracked eggs, singing flowers, and mad hatters.
Where: Lafayette, Alameda, and Danville
When: October 12, 20, and 27
Tickets >

Elephant and Piggy’s We Are in a Play

The Mo Willem’s characters come to life on stage in this children’s theater piece, staged by Play Theater Company
Where: Creativity Theater (part of Children’s Creativity Museum), San Francisco
When: October 12-27, 2024
Book now >

Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party

Thomas the Tank Engine is coming near the Bay Area for Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party. Includes a 25-minute train ride and loads of kids’ activities for train lovers.
Where: Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton
When: October 12-27, 2024
Book now >

Autumn Lights Festival

The Gardens at Lake Merritt hosts an annual showcase of light installations integrated with the rich garden atmosphere. When the sun goes down, the lights twinkle and pulse! Food trucks and more make this a festive evening out for the family.
Where: The Gardens at Lake Merritt, Oakland
When: October 17-19, 2024
Learn more >

Disney ON ICE–Mickey’s Search Party

Ice performances from Mickey, Minnie, Moana, The Little Mermaid, and Coco. Your favorite characters perform world-class ice skating, stunts, and acrobatics set to a Disneyfied soundtrack. Ages 2+ are required to have a ticket. All ages are welcome.
Where: Oakland Arena
When: October 17-20, 2024
Learn more >

Fairyland Halloween Jam

Costumed characters and a Monster Mash parade invite your costumed kiddo to join the fun at Fairyland. Each day has a different theme, from Wizard Day to Pirates, but wear whatever makes you feel good!
Where: Children’s Fairyland, Oakland
When: October 19, 20 and 25-27
More info >

Goblin Jamboree

This wonderful indoor-outdoor children’s museum-turned-Halloween-experience is a favorite fall day trip.
Where: Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
When: Saturday – Sunday, October 19 – 20 and Friday – Sunday, October 25 – 27
More info >

Boo at the Zoo

The Oakland Zoo welcomes kids in costumes during a special weekend of programming before Halloween. A self-guided scavenger hunt and trick-or-treating experience, plus a huge hay maze are included with admission.
Where: Oakland Zoo
When: October 26-27; tickets go on sale one month before the day of attendance.
Read more >

Music for Families

The San Francisco Symphony presents Music for Families. A 60-minute performance designed to introduce young children to the joy of music. Recommend for ages 5-12.
Where: Davies Hall, San Francisco
When: October 26-27, 2024
Learn more >

Mummenschanz

This totally silent Swiss mime troupe is performing a retrospective program celebrating their 50 years of storytelling in a two-hour performance. The visually stunning performance that includes puppetry and expressive dance delights audiences of all ages.
Where: Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley
When: October 26-27, 2024 including matinee
Learn more >

November Events for East Bay Families

Coco with The San Francisco Symphony

Join the San Francisco Symphony as they perform the musical score to Disney Pixar’s Coco. Audiences of all ages will enjoy watching this animated film while listening to the San Francisco Symphony perform.
Where: Davies Hall, San Francisco
When: November 1, 2024
Learn more >

Disney Concerts’ Encanto Sing-along

Disney’s Encanto comes alive at this interactive sing-along film concert performance. Watch the film while enjoying live music performed by Banda de la Casita.
Where: Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley
When: November 24, 2024
Learn more >

December Events for East Bay Families

Dorrance Dance, The Nutcracker Suite

Tap dance and jazz rhythms come together in acclaimed company Dorrance Dance’s production of the holiday classic, danced to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s 1960 reinterpretation of The Nutcracker Suite
Where: Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley
When: December 14-15, 2024
Learn more >