Free Things to Do in the Bay Area This Weekend (That Are Actually Fun)
Spent too much money last weekend? Same. Good news: the Bay Area is one of the best places anywhere to have a great weekend for exactly zero dollars. Here is where to start.
Wander a farmers market
The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 8am to 2pm, and it is free entertainment of the highest order. Samples everywhere, the Roli Roti line snaking down the sidewalk, dogs in tote bags, the whole show. Across the bridge, Oakland’s Grand Lake Farmers Market goes Saturdays from 9am to 2pm and is somehow even more of a neighborhood hangout.
Hit a trail
Hiking is the Bay Area’s favorite free activity for a reason. Lands End gives you shipwreck views and the Golden Gate without leaving the city, Mount Tam is an hour away and feels like another planet, and Sawyer Camp Trail on the Peninsula is the easy flat one everybody underrates. If you want company, consider joining of our our many Bay Area hiking communities. We regularly organize free weekend hikes at trails all over the Bay Area.
For those who want to join guided hikes, our Bay Area Parenting Group also organizes hikes for parents and children. Snacks and drinks are included and we always aim to have nature docents join to provide education for all involved.
You can also subscribe to our Luma calendar for the latest updates!
Play pickleball at Dolores Park
The public courts at Dolores Park are free and first come, first served. Bring a paddle, wait your turn, and you will be in a game within twenty minutes. More on where to play (and who to play with) is always actively discussed in our Bay Area Pickleball group.
Join a run club
Most run clubs in the Bay Area cost nothing to try. SF Road Runners meets Saturday mornings at 8am, and there are free community runs happening all over the city every weekend.
Catch a free event
Two worth knowing about right now: San Jose is hosting free World Cup watch parties downtown through July 19, and Off the Grid at Fort Mason is back on June 19 (entry is free, the tacos are not).
Walk the murals
Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley in the Mission are open air galleries that cost nothing and change constantly. Go slow, read the walls, end with a coffee somewhere on 24th Street.
Want a heads up when free stuff is happening? Our Bay Area communities on Tribe share free events all week. Communities are always free to join as well.
