Things to Do in the San Francisco Bay Area
January 2026

Courtesy of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty

|December 30, 2025|inMarin Lifestyle
Jerry and Dawg Revisited with Stu Allen performing live at Sweetwater Music Hall, one of the top things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area in January 2026

Jerry & Dawg Revisited with Stu Allen Play Sweetwater in Mill Valley January 2nd

January in the San Francisco Bay Area brings a welcome shift in pace—an ideal time to enjoy the arts, food, and community events that define the region’s exceptional quality of life. From Marin and San Francisco to Wine Country and the East Bay, these experiences reflect the very best of Marin County lifestyle, where culture, nature, and connection come together year-round. Whether you’re a longtime local or exploring what it’s like to live here, this curated guide to the things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area in January 2026 offers a thoughtful look at what makes the Bay Area such a compelling place to call home.

What’s Happening Around the Bay This January
An Evening with David Sedaris
January 3-11
Step inside the comedic genius of David Sedaris as he returns to Berkeley Rep, debuting fresh, unreleased essays ahead of his Spring 2026 collection.
Living Jazz: In the Name of Love
January 17
Celebrate Dr. King’s vision with the music of Sly & The Family Stone as this iconic Oakland tradition returns to the Paramount for its 22nd year.
Tides & Taste: Seafood Soiree
January 24
Enjoy a vibrant evening of coastal cuisine—caviar, baked oysters, shrimp scampi, and hearty cioppino served in warm bread bowls.
Chinatown Lunar New Year Bazaar
January 31-February 1
Celebrate the 34th Annual Lunar New Year Bazaar with two days of cultural traditions, entertainment, art, food, and local vendors.
Jerry & Dawg Revisited with Stu Allen
January 2
Jerry & Dawg Revisited is a recreation of the sound and spirit of Garcia Grisman (1990-1994) with original members Joe Craven and Jim Kerwin.
Holiday Light Spectacular
Through January 4
Celebrate the season in San Rafael with a night of sparkling lights, enchanted pathways, and festive surprises made for unforgettable moments.
Linked Local Winterfest 2026
January 13
Enjoy a fun evening at the January Linked Local Marin Mixer—an easygoing way to connect with fellow Marin professionals.
Bioluminescence Tour in Tomales Bay
January 10, 14
Tomales Bay glows with bioluminescent organisms that light up the water with every splash and swim—an unforgettable nighttime kayak experience.
Burlingame–SFO 2026 Annual Meeting
January 15
Join 300+ Bay Area business leaders for an energizing lunch program on innovation, growth, and the future of navigating technology.
San Jose Bike Party
January 16
Enjoy the South Bay Bike Party—ride together, explore the city, and enjoy great food vendors and music bikes that keep the streets active and fun.
MLK Jr. Day of Service for 2026
January 19
This event will take place at multiple sites, where we will be engaging in various service projects to make a positive impact.
Santa Clara County Annual Crab Feed
January 24
Started in 2010 as a small church crab feed, SCCoLPA’s signature event has grown into an often sold-out tradition—and the best crab feed in town.
R&B and RIBS
January 1
Pops up on select Sundays with top DJs spinning their best R&B-inspired sets. Great music, good vibes, and yes—amazing ribs.
Lightscape 2025
Through January 4
Stroll a mile of brilliant lights, vivid colors, and glowing sculptures as the Botanical Garden transforms into a breathtaking experience in the heart of San Francisco.
Candlelight Concerts in San Francisco
Throughout January
Enjoy Candlelight concerts! The best concerts performed under candlelights with live performers and in the most emblematic locations in San Francisco.
AURA: At Grace Cathedral
Throughout January
After captivating over 2 million visitors in Montreal and Paris, AURA arrives in SF to transform Grace Cathedral into a canvas of light, music, and projection.
Napa Truffle Festival
January 17
Immerse yourself in the world of truffles as Oxbow Public Market merchants showcase delicious bites inspired by this coveted delicacy.
Yountville Art & Mustard Celebration
January 22
Enjoy an evening of vibrant mustard-themed art along with mustard-inspired bites, splashes of local wines, and opportunities to shop local vendors.
Chowder Day on the Sonoma Coast
January 31
Enjoy a scenic driving adventure through the Bodega Bay area, stopping at local restaurants to sample delicious chowders along the way.
Healdsburg Jazz Winter Festival
January 29-February 1
Intimate and cozy concert venues in picturesque Healdsburg featuring an array of celebrated artists, in unique formats.

From intimate concert venues and seasonal festivals to outdoor adventures and neighborhood gatherings, January’s events highlight the character and creativity that make the Bay Area unlike anywhere else. These moments—often discovered between everyday routines—are what turn a place into a community. For those thinking about putting down roots or simply wanting to learn more about the region, I am proud to offer local perspective grounded in experience, relationships, and a genuine appreciation for Bay Area living.

If moving to Marin County is on your horizon, call or text me at 415-847-5584—I’m always happy to help you navigate the market and the lifestyle.

Marin County Realtor Thomas Henthorne headshot

About the Author

Thomas Henthorne is consistently top-ranked, award-winning real estate agent in Marin, helping people buy and sell homes for almost a decade. He writes the #1 real estate blog in Marin County and is a frequent speaker on panels at industry gatherings.

He may be reached at 415-847-5584.

Learn More About Thomas Henthorne

What's Happening Around the Bay
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