Art Encounters for Families: Bay Area Art Walks & Open Studios
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Let the local arts scene nurture your child's imagination and innate creativity at these free arts experiences in all artistic mediums throughout the Bay Area. Meet the artists and their inspirations in their natural habitat at one of these Open Studio and Art Walk programs.
Open Studios
Take the family on a free, self-guided art discovery tour of 100’s of local artisans and craftspeople in their creative space at one of these awesome Open Studios.
April 12-13, 12-6pm
May 3-4 & May 10-11 from 11-6pm
Weekend 1 — May 3 – 4 – Coastside and Northern Peninsula
Weekend 2 — May 10 – 11 – Mid-Peninsula
Weekend 3 — May 17 – 18 – South Bay
May 31-June 8
June 7-8 & 14-15
August 23-24 & August 30-September 1, 11am - 5 pm
September 12-13 & September 19-20
September 20 – 21 & September 27 – 28, 10am – 5pm
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Art Walks
On certain nights every month, neighborhood art galleries open their doors to the art-loving public of all ages. Some offer free drinks and small nibbles with occasional live music and performance art. Everyone is welcome to stroll from gallery to gallery to enjoy art at these Bay Area Art Walks.
ARTS ALIVE connects and promotes Petaluma's vibrant arts community. Join us on the third Thursday of each month in a citywide celebration of art and artists.
First Tuesday Art Walk, Mill Valley
Mill Valley Art Commission is pleased to announce the First Tuesday Art Walks are open between 5:30pm and 7:30pm.
2nd Friday Art Walk, San Rafael
Enjoy galleries, open studios, art exhibits, live music and refreshments as you stroll in downtown San Rafael. Anchored by Art Works Downtown galleries and artist studios, the 2nd Friday Art Walk links venues along downtown Fourth Street the second Friday of each month. 2025 Schedule: 1/10, 2/14, 3/14, 4/11, 5/9, 6/13, 7/11, 8/8, 9/12, 10/10, 11/14, 12/12
Castro Art Walk, San Francisco
The Castro Art Walk is every First Thursday of the month! Participating locations extend their business hours to host special events and share artwork with the neighborhood. Join the art walk for a self-guided experience through the creativity of the Castro!
First Thursday Art, San Francisco
On the first Saturday of each month, galleries at Minnesota Street Project (1275 Minnesota Street) and select other SFADA member galleries present special opportunities to connect with artists or learn more about current exhibitions. Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. [On hold at this time]
Stroll through the charming, festive streets of the Inner Sunset, immerse yourself in the community atmosphere, and discover a diverse range of local art, music and business. Participating galleries and businesses will offer something to sip and/or special seasonal promotions to take advantage of and enjoy while you shop and connect with neighbors.
North Beach First Friday Art Event
Please join us for the monthly North Beach First Friday art event when over a dozen local venues exhibit work by a wide variety of artists.
First Thursday Art Walk: Lower Polk & Tenderloin, San Francisco
Next Art Walk will take place Thursday, March 6th, 2025. Please check back here on the day of for a full itinerary of participating venues.
Every month – rain or shine! On the first Friday of every month, Oakland Art Murmur hosts an evening art walk featuring arts and mixed-use venues collectively open to the public. Many of the galleries that participate in Oakland’s highly popular First Friday Art Murmur gallery walk are also open EVERY Saturday afternoon. Known as the Saturday Stroll, this is a quieter and more focused time to view art at your own pace and visit with Oakland Art Murmur gallery directors.
Join us for our first Oakland First Fridays of 2025 on March 7th as we honor International Women’s Month with a celebration of the incredible women who inspire, lead, and shape our community. This special event will feature performances, art, and stories from women creators, entrepreneurs , and visionaries who are making a difference in Oakland and beyond. Enjoy live music and pop-ups from women-led businesses, all while connecting with the community and uplifting the voices of women who continue to make history every day. Let’s come together to celebrate their resilience, creativity, and impact!
Find participating artists throughout Alameda and Contra Costa County.
Every 2nd Friday from 5pm-9pm. Come experience fine arts, music, craft boutiques, galleries, local shops, and the great restaurants of Downtown Vallejo.
2nd Fridays (AKA Estuary Art Attack) venues are partnering with local restaurants, clubs and coffee/tea houses in the area that open themselves up to local art, artists and art lovers by featuring changing exhibits and creative dining experiences. Start your Estuary Art Attack experience at any of the many participating art venues featuring performance art, live music, DJ’s, and film screenings, alongside a rotating schedule of amazing visual art. Grabbing something delicious to eat or drink along the way as you stroll or roll from venue to venue, end it by having dinner or a cocktail at one of the many “art-ful” clubs, tea/coffee houses, bars and restaurants along the route.
An eclectic evening of Arts & Culture in downtown San Jose's SoFA district (and beyond) every First Friday of the month.
Do you know any more great Art Walks in the Bay Area? Please comment below.
