Coming to Berkeley, you simply hit the jackpot with constant entertainment and unique attractions to explore. From San Francisco concerts to our local Berkeley farmers markets, the Bay Area is home to a wide array of venues and activities that are both safe and lively during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking a break from strenuous schoolwork is rewarding when you have all of these places and events to experience.
Greek Theater Concerts
The Greek Theater is an outdoor amphitheater that hosts an array of events. Tickets are typically cheap, and with the theater being on campus, it is extremely accessible. The theater was closed throughout the pandemic, so its reopening is exciting for students! Some upcoming concerts include Quinn XCII on Aug. 31, Counting Crows on Sept. 3 and John Legend on Sept. 15. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required for entry.
Downtown Berkeley Farmers Market
The farmers market on Martin Luther King Jr. Way is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers fresh Bay Area produce and goods. This is an easy way to support local businesses and meet neighborhood vendors. If you go in the morning, you will have your pick of all kinds of fruits, vegetables and coffee, and then you can head off to explore the rest of Downtown Berkeley.
Outside Lands
Located in Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands is one of the Bay Area’s largest music festivals, spanning from Oct. 29 to 31. With headliners such as Lizzo and Tame Impala, you will be spending your Halloweekend with insane company. Tickets are selling out, so make sure to purchase them soon. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required for entry to the park.
The Big Game
Join UC Berkeley fans across the country in rooting for the Bears against our Bay Area rival, the Stanford Cardinals, at Stanford’s stadium in the pinnacle of annual UC Berkeley football games Nov. 20. Plan to watch the game with your family and cheer on the Bears either in the stadium — if you are lucky — or at a watch party. There is no doubt that the Bears will take the Axe this year!
The de Young museum
The de Young is a museum dedicated to displaying 17th- to 20th-century African, Oceanian and American fine arts. It is currently showcasing the “Hung Liu: Golden Gate” exhibit and her lyrical style of historical painting. On the first Tuesday of every month, the de Young Museum offers free admission to every visitor. Similarly, every Saturday, the de Young offers free general admission to all residents of the Bay Area.
Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants games
Take some friends out to the ballgame and cheer on our Bay Area baseball teams as they enter the MLB postseason. Whether you visit the Oakland Coliseum or Oracle Park, you can catch some entertainment. Taking BART to both stadiums is a popular and easy mode of transportation, so make sure to plan out the train times prior to heading to the ballpark.
Fire Trails Hikes
Behind Clark Kerr, the Fire Trails take you to some of the most unique and jaw-dropping views of the Bay. If you start hiking around 7 p.m., you can watch the sunset over San Francisco from the top of Berkeley Hills. There are multiple routes and paths to reach the top, but the most easily accessible path begins behind Clark Kerr, near the track. Hiking the Fire Trails is COVID-19 safe, and very good use of your time.
