Explore Asian traditions at the Lunar New Year Celebration in San Jose, enjoy pints and spice in San Francisco, follow the birds in Berkeley, and race your friends in Oakland! You can try it all when you take the Capitol Corridor.
Lunar New Year Celebration: 2/17 – 2/18, San Jose
Happening: 11am – 5pm
Enjoy free admission to the San Jose Museum of Art when you attend theย San Jose Lunar New Year Celebration. This celebration marking the Year of the Dog will bring together the traditions of many Asian cultures, including foods, gifts, rituals, and family gatherings. Enjoy hands-on crafts and activities such as brush painting and paper folding. There will be cultural demonstrations, as well as live traditional musical and dance performances throughout the day.
Getting there: Take the train to the San Jose/Diridon Station. The museum is within a mile from the station and is accessible by the VTA with a free Transit Transfer from the Capitol Corridor.
Hops on Fire: 2/17, San Francisco
Happening: 11am – 6pm
Get ready to challenge your palate at Hops on Fire,ย an SF Beer Week event. This Saturday,ย spicy food and IPAs, a perfect combo, will be featured at the SoMa StrEat Food Park. There will be an interactive Hop-xhibit, where industry pros show off their knowledge of hop varieties, brewing techniques, and flavor during a fragrant flower sniff-test. Enjoy a lineup of extra spicy eats from fiery food trucks, and if you’re feeling adventurous, sign up for the chili eating contest. The winner receives two All-You-Can-Drink tickets to any upcoming 2018 SoMa StrEat Food Park Beer Festival.
Getting there: Depending on your station of origin, take the Capitol Corridorโs dedicated connecting bus from the Emeryville Station to the Transbay Terminal (SFC). You can also connect to BART at Richmond or Oakland Coliseum Station and travel to Powell St. From there you can walk, jump on Muni, catch a cab, or take Lyft or Uber.
Great Winter Backyard Bird Count: 1/17 โ 1/28, Berkeley
Happening: 9 – 11:30am
Calling all bird lovers! Bring your binoculars and join other birdwatching enthusiasts Saturday morning at the Great Winter Backyard Bird Count in Berkeley. The centennial celebration of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Year of the Bird 2018, and the release of Oliver James’s forthcoming book, “Birds of Berkeley,” will take place along an easy stroll through Berkeley’s Aquatic Park. The fieldtrip will be planned to coincide with the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), a citizen-science project organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon, giving scientists an annual “snapshot” of global bird populations. The walk will be family friendly (ages 8+) and is open to all skill levels, but participation is limited to 20. Please register online.
Getting there: Take the train to the Berkeley Stationย and walk 10 minutes to reach the park.
Tricycle Drag Races and Pig Roast: 2/18, Oakland
Happening: 3 – 6pm
Show your courage in a daring tricycle race at the Tricycle Drag Races and Pig Roastย at Ale Industries‘ SF BeerWeek event this Sunday. Come to the brewery, mount a tricycle and dash to victory in a fun and friendly three-wheeled drag race competition. Winners will be granted beer prizes! After the race, win or lose, enjoy some fresh, locally-sourced roasted pig, with vegan options available inside the brewery. And of course enjoy the brews from this local brewery throughout the day!
Getting there: Take the Capitol Corridor to the Richmondย or Oakland Coliseum Station and connect to BART. Exit at the Fruitvale and the brewery is just a five-minute walk from the station.
Written by Sylvia Sheehan
Photo courtesy SoMa StrEat Food Park