Enjoy an array of fun events along the Capitol Corridor this weekend! Tiptoe through the tulips of Tulipmania, celebrate all things Russian in San Francisco, join in on the biggest pillow fight in downtown San Jose, stroll Main Street Martinez sipping wine and eating chocolates, and feast on bacon all week in Sacramento!
Tulipmania: 2/10 – 2/18, San Francisco
Winter may technically only be half over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start enjoying the colors of spring. This Friday the beautiful blooming tulips burst at San Francisco’s PIER 39 during Tulipmania. Between February 10 and 18, experience floral beauty on a guided tour of the 39,000 flowers. You can also take part in the Tulipmania photo contest by using #tulipmania when you post your shots on social media. The winning photographer will receive 4 round-trip tickets for travel anywhere along the Capitol Corridor!
Getting there: Depending on your station of origin, take the Capitol Corridor’s dedicated connecting bus from the Emeryville Station to the PIER 39 stop. You could also connect to BART at Richmond or Oakland Coliseum Station and get off at the Embarcadero station. From there you can walk, jump on Muni, catch a cab, or take Lyft or Uber.
Russian Festival: 2/9 – 2/11, San Francisco
Say “Da” and take a trip to Russia without leaving the San Francisco Bay Area at the 30th Annual Russian Festival at San Francisco’s Russian Center. From 5 to 9:30pm on Friday; 11am to 10pm on Saturday; and 11am to 7:15pm on Sunday, the festival will celebrate all things Russian. Visitors can sample the flavors of traditional Russian dishes such as piroshki, borsch, pelmeni, and the always popular, flavored vodkas. Enjoy performances of traditional ballads, folk music and dance, ballet, and much more. You’ll find historic treasures in the Museum of Russian Culture, while local Russian artists display art available for purchase and vendors sell souvenirs like scarves, Baltic amber, lacquer boxes, and matryoshka dolls. For the kids, there will be face painting and crafts. Buy online, $12 for adults, $8 for seniors/students and free for children under 12.
Getting there: Depending on your station of origin, take the Capitol Corridor’s dedicated connecting bus from the Emeryville Station to one of our San Francisco stops, or connect to BART at Richmond or Oakland Coliseum Station and get off at the downtown San Francisco stop. From there you can walk, jump on Muni, catch a cab, or take Lyft or Uber.
Feathers of Fury: 2/11, San Jose
Who needs a sleepover to have a pillow fight? Head over to downtown San Jose with your friends and family this Sunday and join in the 5th Annual Feathers of Fury. Bring a feather pillow, dress up in costume, and of course all your energy! Starting at noon, on the Paseo de San Antonio (in front of the old Camera 12 Cinema), listen for a loud whistle which will signal the beginning of the event. To keep it fun and safe, participants should bring only soft pillows, never swing at people without pillows or with cameras, remove glasses beforehand, and swing lightly! An area will be designated outside the pillow fight for those who just want to observe. “Fighters” are asked to participate in the clean up as gloves and garbage bags will distributed at the end of the event attempt to leave the area as feather free.
Getting there: Take the train to the San Jose Diridon Station. The event AT ADDRESS is accessible by the VTA, with a free Transit Transfer, or you can catch a cab, Lyft, or Uber.
Bacon Week: 2/6 – 2/11, Sacramento
Bacon goes with everything, right? Bring your appetite and head over to Sacramento for the 7th Annual Baconfest. Around the city, from 11am to 9pm, bacon will be the featured item on everyone’s menu. Highlighted events include Bacon Dim Sum, a chefs competition, and the Kevin Bacon Soundtrack Tribute Show. It all wraps up on Sunday, so don’t miss your chance to indulge! For a complete list of events and to purchase tickets, visit Sacramento Bacon Fest’s Facebook page.
Getting there: Take the Capitol Corridor to the Sacramento Station. From there, you can walk, take a cab, Uber, or Lyft, or hop on the SacRT Gold Line with a free Transit Transfer to event locations.
Wine & Chocolate Stroll: 2/10, Martinez
Enjoy a relaxing weekend indulging in chocolate and wine as you peruse Main Street during the Martinez Wine and Chocolate Stroll. From 2:30 to 5:30pm on Saturday, stroll downtown Martinez sampling delicious wines and chocolate treats at participating stores and restaurants. Redeem your advance purchased ticket for a wine glass, tasting tickets, and a passport at Main Street Plaza before hitting up the shops. Tickets are available online for $20 plus tax and service fee, or $30 in the plaza.
Getting there: Take the train to the Martinez Station, which is just a short walk from downtown.
Written by Sylvia Sheehan
Photo courtesy Feathers of Fury