Cheap Activities San Francisco

Free Fun Open Mic (Music, Comedies, Poetry, etc)

One of the best open mics in the whole Bay Area!!! Whether you have something to share: a song, a comedy sketch, a poem, spoken words, an interesting story, a dance, a magic act, etc... There no better place to share your creativity to others! (yes, honing your instrument playing, your vocal, etc) Or just to come and enjoy the free show and make new friends! Win/win.

Protest Merck's Puppy Torture

Merck is one of the greatest culprits in the animal testing industry. They are actively subjecting dogs to horrific experiments. In the past, they have induced beagles with rabies, killed them to extract their organs, and pumped them full of experimental drugs. Please join us for this nonviolent demonstration. **WHEN:** Friday, October 13 at 3:00 pm **WHERE:** Merck Research Laboratories: 213 E Grand Ave., South San Francisco, CA 94080. Parking is sparse so please allow time to get a spot if driving. **WHO:** Everyone is welcome! \-\-\- Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) is a grassroots network of animal rights activists. Through open rescue, demonstration, and disruption, we help build a world where every animal is safe, happy and free. DxE cultivates a welcoming and supportive community. We ask that all those who attend our events (online and offline) respect our Code of Conduct which can be reviewed at [dxe.io/conduct](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdxe.io%2Fconduct%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgFicmlkETE2MzBFNDJYUTRGcVpHSEdDc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrcj95F2mCDd1dFzUmVODD5dGRd0gCe0fTHsYAfGRGceAiZAi56zA9_Tori3_aem_b5f1KcoXsf1cCqnPR2POvg&h=AUDmsfPSbEoc4-ySmpTmTDqdnH_koRSkde7qVA2sTHsTtCRo-CKwgeGK0gyx_tylQTQUKiJtOENH4izB0kYLHlykhEzRuEDlIhUwk-ndd_03HmCTiLn5s8oGuO1uRph_jCSMuvM2LOnRoaRFKVgg-Sr37sAXNFJr&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AUC1Rbu-YhGmHKtNI-CirhY_9w1wFYVwMXcSNKAyT3d5znw5IvIkN38gUpkIEoMfBetEnqYFWNnP1OQO1Ohp3OZ2nsFlqJSsvZSfUBWKM2tKuY5SmcdeEntYCvDYpE_c_FHAVjtewYB89fNDzmWepAUA30gnClMFIPA). To learn about our vision, goals, strategy and more check out the San Francisco Bay Area chapter Activist Handbook here: [dxe.io/handbook](http://dxe.io/handbook?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgFicmlkETE2MzBFNDJYUTRGcVpHSEdDc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqkr-kl8FbUw5JdUOcd5P0K6JfuuR4-85w8Hbt80CU6HS3N3FAO6kJySSlvR_aem_xIsXyOQNwET9RIkie3ml2w)

Park Hack

Come for five minutes or stay for the whole afternoon. Friends, newcomers, and curious passersby are all welcome. No special equipment, or commitment necessary. The idea is simple: get outside, play, laugh, and build a little community along the way.

Meetup: A Conversation With Melanie Kaplan, author of Lab Dog

Journalist Melanie Kaplan, author of Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research, will be in conversation with Dane4Dogs founder Rebekah Robinson, discussing Hammy, the former lab beagle who inspired Melanie’s book; the closing of Envigo and Ridglan, two of the three biggest breeders of research beagles in the United States; the current state of animal testing and government requirements for dog use; and the promising non-animal alternatives that give us reasons to be optimistic. Former lab beagles will be in attendance! Follow and support Melanie's work here: Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/melanie.d.kaplan/](https://www.facebook.com/melanie.d.kaplan?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZjvokZvKdRkdT_-6OrqvqYQKysQsGMoNfBmwTSZjaK0msGNaQtyfST99zMZEvj4kw1JH_0wKoryWivZXiuxN91hTnvTgkDPQ2YyJYA08ZkxGcvG6Ektf5unvf-Dd5rJiqJf&__tn__=q) Instagram: @labdoghammy and @melaniedgkaplan.ista Fresh coffee, tea, and a delicious plant-based brunch will be provided at the Meetup as well! **Where:** Berkeley Animal Rights Center West (2414 6th St, Berkeley) **When:** Saturday, November 14th 11am-12:30pm **What:** Hangout and presentation \- ARC West is a 30 minute walk from North Berkeley BART and only a 10 minute walk from the 51B bus stop at University and 6th St\. \- Dogs that like other dogs are welcome at this event\! \- There will be plant\-based brunch and coffee\, donations accepted \- If you cannot join in person\, you can join at 11:15am on Zoom at this link: [dxe.io/meetupzoom](http://dxe.io/meetupzoom?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgFicmlkETFQRWo3TGUyMlI1RXZYT1hBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiSErHzXPw_WgDnzJEFQ5P9AkLsJ9j6-6CLkr6686Nhi_y4ZGTzuFZL1IRq9_aem_b4QEhhkCSMES96-PhMD8yA) Every Saturday at 11am we have Meetups for everyone and anyone who cares about animals and making the world a better place! Learn more about our values here: [dxe.io/values](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdxe.io%2Fvalues%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgFicmlkETFQRWo3TGUyMlI1RXZYT1hBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHql7L4voPyOmOna-xuSdCaJw2N4mY99F9x6tRv4oe6FrxSe9VJgZ5l2xIc4R_aem_-oCieBVrI5XLmBZf3S350Q&h=AUDk0cQlga7qL09UVCV--ztHUeIRr_AaeWacd37c7HfJNt1SvWixyUbG-9TfT3tNKZGefos3d3D3f54if5CE4EtolUNW2mg09hwzEl-xcE4kPH9vGkHY-h4az1FatJ6rdX2RL2uBE7jZ12mVaT7IIG4tAU8BSTIL&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AUCd8k1aw0P0rqWzmwiNPOCpSJuZvdmdUnPMX9uWUoSXrA1_b5uAfyf7dXtsc3CRnHNRt5MaBtC-iAbNuKyMILpffhbFzi4La_9nWxFQcY3HP0ElMLtlt4xSbnL3rQTaK9VhvZW8DGE_uQoseYQuYOKULxJ--V3uEPo) \-\-\- Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) is a grassroots network of animal rights activists. Through open rescue, demonstration, and disruption, we are creating a world where every animal is safe, happy and free. DxE cultivates a welcoming and supportive community. We ask that all those who attend our events (online and offline) respect our Code of Conduct which can be reviewed at [dxe.io/conduct](http://dxe.io/conduct?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgFicmlkETFQRWo3TGUyMlI1RXZYT1hBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlJgsNTVYIfYQ_1Fjvbq63yiY49T_3Cvp5eaLbe0JFzn3T6T_1wMCi4kyuaF_aem__CysdS8NhSEAbXhDS13Y_A) To learn about our vision, goals, strategy and more check out the San Francisco Bay Area chapter Activist Handbook here [dxe.io/handbook](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdxe.io%2Fhandbook%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgFicmlkETFQRWo3TGUyMlI1RXZYT1hBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiSErHzXPw_WgDnzJEFQ5P9AkLsJ9j6-6CLkr6686Nhi_y4ZGTzuFZL1IRq9_aem_b4QEhhkCSMES96-PhMD8yA&h=AUBuLCQ2QD6QT-uRNQSmKB135zctn9dv7jerXuuhMi-1ZwYHGbMn8LFf40WHKuZ_PozxI4dUvO-q7yaG8EynUQVGEksjgwE8NKHSIfNzC5yyu_rXOsLqnSBBlOuNUFhBsFkxsXpe2tsefm6uYOKb5-kmDywwGhlP&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AUCd8k1aw0P0rqWzmwiNPOCpSJuZvdmdUnPMX9uWUoSXrA1_b5uAfyf7dXtsc3CRnHNRt5MaBtC-iAbNuKyMILpffhbFzi4La_9nWxFQcY3HP0ElMLtlt4xSbnL3rQTaK9VhvZW8DGE_uQoseYQuYOKULxJ--V3uEPo) If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail sfbay@directactioneverywhere.com

Holiday Fun at the Dickens Fair!

Join me at ***The Great Dickens Christmas Fair***, where over 4 acres of the historic Cow Palace exhibition halls are magically transformed into the winding lanes and bustling play houses of Victorian London! Immerse yourself in a world of theatres, pubs, dance parties, and charming shops. Discover holiday revelry in this lamp-lit city brimming with hundreds of lively and colorful characters from the imagination of Charles Dickens and the often saucy world of the Victorian stage. (Dressing up is recommended, but not required) +++There are too many activities to mention here, so go to DICKENSFAIR.COM to see it all: Food, entertainment, shopping and more. 7 stages, 5 pubs, and over 800 costumed characters. +++ SIGN UP HERE SO I KNOW WHO'S COMING, * PURCHASE TICKETS DIRECTLY FROM DICKENSFAIR.COM \* Discounted tickets are available from 10/16 to 10/31, then it's about $10 more. (starts at $35 + fees). \*EARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE ON THIS SPECIAL LINK: https://dickensfair.ticketspice.com/dickens-christmas-fair-2026 +++PARKING COSTS $20 PER CAR (as of last year). Bring cash! Enter comments if you want to carpool with someone.

Meetup: Pigeons - Their History and Our Advocacy

\* There will be pigeons at this event! Please do not bring dogs! Cynthia Bardouka-Large, from Palomacy Pigeon and Dove Adoptions, will talk about the history of pigeons and what they represent to people, how they have suffered BECAUSE of what they represent to people, and how best to help the pigeons in our world now. Slide show and talk will be followed by Q&A. Learn more and support their work at: www.pigeonrescue.org **Where:** Berkeley Animal Rights Center West (2414 6th St, Berkeley) **When:** Saturday, November 21st 11am-12:30pm What: Hangout, news updates, and cartoons \- ARC West is a 30 minute walk from North Berkeley BART and only a 10 minute walk from the 51B bus stop at University and 6th St\. \- There will be plant\-based brunch and coffee\, donations accepted \- If you cannot join in person\, you can join at 11:15am on Zoom at this link: dxe\.io/meetupzoom \-\-\- Direct Action Everywhere \(DxE\) is a grassroots network of animal rights activists\. Through open rescue\, demonstration\, and disruption\, we are creating a world where every animal is safe\, happy and free\. DxE cultivates a welcoming and supportive community. We ask that all those who attend our events (online and offline) respect our Code of Conduct which can be reviewed at dxe.io/conduct. To learn about our vision, goals, strategy and more check out the San Francisco Bay Area chapter Activist Handbook here dxe.io/handbook. If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail sfbay@directactioneverywhere.com

🕹️ 🎱 Emporium Arcade - Childfree by Choice

If you’re childfree-by-choice and looking to meet others in our community while having a good time — join us at Emporium SF! ***Note***: childfree-by-choice means you don’t have and won’t have children. Enjoy pool, classic and new arcade games, and a bar if you drink 🎱 👾🕹️ ✅ RSVP on their site to get free tokens at the door 🚎 Accessible by public transportation 🍕 Food options nearby for dinner (you can bring food inside!) 🍹 Non-alcholic/zero-proof drinks available at the bar https://www.emporiumarcadebar.com/events/ Build community! ✨

Tilden Regional Park

Join us for a nice walk around Lake Anza in Tilden Regional Park. We'll meet in the Lake Anza parking lot near the start of the trail.

Dim Sum Lunch

Join us for a group dim sum lunch at East Ocean Restaurant in Alameda!

Golden Gate Park Swing Dance & Picnic

**RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/QV9bbzZf1bksuq62uk7v **Early Bird Discounts | More $ Later** Hey vintage jazz fans, Grab your most comfortable dancing shoes and join me this morning to catch the fresh breeze off the promenade while moving to some classic big band tunes. We'll spend the first bit of the morning using the app for quick, paired chats to meet fellow swing lovers, then pick a small group to actually jump into the beginner lesson and share a picnic on the grass together. During the first hour, the Gist IRL app takes the guesswork out of mingling by setting up short, focused conversations for us. It's a fantastic way to figure out who shares your passion for vintage rhythms and outdoor dancing. Once the rounds wrap up, you'll pick the people you vibed with most. From there, we'll gather into small groups and head straight to the promenade for the free beginner swing dance lesson, followed by lounging on the grass with whatever snacks you brought. By the end of the hour, you are laughing through swing footwork and sharing picnic snacks on the lawn with a fun new crew. Whether these folks become your regular Sunday swing dance crew or it just turns out to be a beautifully sunny morning out, I promise it's going to be a blast. The Plan: - 11:00AM: Check-In. Follow the link to set up your quick profile on your phone. - 11:05AM - 12:25PM: One-on-One Rounds. The app pairs you for focused chats. Find out who shares your love for vintage jazz, swing music, and outdoor dancing. - 12:25PM+: Form Groups & head over to the promenade to join the swing dance lesson together. Reconnect with your favorite matches, form groups of 4-6, and head over to the promenade to join the swing dance lesson together — your group leaves together today. Instead of just talking about wanting to try swing dancing but never actually hitting the dance floor together, we're going to dive right in to take a swing dance lesson and picnic. You might just walk away with your go-to group for future swing dance socials, live jazz nights, and park picnics. To keep things super easy, you can keep in touch with everyone you met directly through the app later on, completely skipping the awkwardness of asking for personal phone numbers. I'm so ready to enjoy the morning sunshine and some great music with you all on the dance floor. A few favorite spots nearby: Lindy in the Park - This long-running Sunday gathering on the JFK Promenade features a vibrant open-air dance floor and a free noon beginner swing lesson open to everyone. de Young Cafe - Located right off the concourse, this cafe offers fresh seasonal salads, sandwiches, and espresso drinks that you can grab to go or enjoy on the serene sculpture garden patio. Japanese Tea Garden Tea House - Perched just steps from the concourse, this historic open-air pavilion serves steaming pots of sencha, iced matcha, and traditional Japanese sweets surrounded by calming koi ponds. Arizmendi Bakery - Just a short walk south on 9th Avenue, this worker-owned cooperative turns out incredible sourdough focaccia, daily vegetarian pizza slices, and fresh pastries built for a lawn picnic. The Yellow Submarine - An old-school Inner Sunset staple on Irving Street, this cash-only corner shop specializes in hearty, toasted sub sandwiches wrapped up and ready for an afternoon in the park. **RSVP via:** https://app.gistirl.com/event-details/QV9bbzZf1bksuq62uk7v **Early Bird Discounts | More $ Later**

Dim Sum 🥟 in Millbrae

Give Thanks, Breathe Deep: Qigong & Refreshments

Welcome the season of gratitude with gentle Qigong movement and mindful breathing. All levels are welcome, and complimentary healthy refreshments will be served after class. Qigong is a gentle practice that combines flowing movements, relaxed breathing, and focused attention. It’s an easygoing way to stretch, unwind, and feel more centered, with movements that can be adapted to different abilities. No experience is needed. Come and give it a try! Getting here: The location is a short walk from Muni lines 30, 45, 22, 28, and 43. Limited free parking is available at Marina Green Park, about a 12-minute walk away. Please bring sunscreen, a hat, and gloves for sun protection. Sessions are canceled in case of rain. Featured on the SFPL Marina Branch Library calendar: https://sfpl.org/locations/marina