10 Winter Celebrations And Events Northern CA Residents Shouldn’t Miss

Winter events make cold weather fun for Northern California residents seeking an antidote for cabin fever that can set in at this time of year.

From a celebrity football game or heading indoors to avoid the cold and catching a comedy show or free concert, the Bay Area always has great events during the winter season.

We’ve rounded up 10 other winter events that bring people together and create warmth against the cold. Before we get to them, a reminder:

If you’re planning a winter event, feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Castro Comedy Cabaret
When: Sat, Jan 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Where: Beaux, 2344 Market St, SF, CA, 94114
Details: Don't miss the Castro Comedy Cabaret on Saturday, January 10th at Beaux (2344 Market St, SF)! Doors open at 6pm, and the show starts at 7pm, featuring a sparkling fusion of drag and stand-up in the heart of the Castro with headliner Geneva Rust-Orta, drag performers Franzia Rose and Pony Gambino, comedian Gold E. West, and host Baruch Porras Hernandez. VIP and Pay What You Can tickets are available—reserve your spot now!

The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - San Francisco, CA
When: Sat, Jan 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Where: The Marker Union Square San Francisco, 501 Geary St, SF, CA, 94102
Details: Experience San Francisco's award-winning, interactive Murder Mystery Dinner. Unlike traditional shows, our actors blend with the audience for an unexpected, engaging mystery unfolding around you. Enjoy a full-plated dinner, laughs, and twists as you solve the case. Get your tickets now!

Desi Speed Dating Party for Single Professionals
When: Sun, Jan 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Where: Suspiro, 3060 Olsen Dr, San Jose, CA, 95128
Details: Expand your social circle at DESI speed dating for singles in their 20s and 30s! Meet people for 5 minutes each at Santana Row. Dress to impress. Sunday, January 11, 2026, 3-5 pm. Tickets: $30/early bird, $45/advance, $55/door (if available). We strongly suggest buying online as events often sell out. Please buy at least one drink to support the venue.

Book & Wine Trivia Night
When: Wed, Jan 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Where: Book Society, 2945 College Ave, Berkeley, CA, 94705
Details: Start the new year with our free Book & Wine Trivia Night at Book Society! Test your knowledge on classic novels and wine facts. Come solo or bring a team for a fun night of competition. Prizes and bragging rights await. RSVPs are helpful, but just show up to play!

House Concert in Livermore -- Sixpenny
When: Sun, Jan 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Where: Livermore, CA
Details: Sixpenny, an East Bay group formed in 2021, performs traditional, lively Celtic music with a driving energy, emphasizing the fiddle alongside other acoustic instruments like mandolin, guitar, bass, cello, bodhrán, flute, and penny whistle, and features members Jean Olds, Ken Passeri, Nancy McGhee, Larry Milder, and Lauren Nourse. They have performed at major Bay Area Celtic events and local venues; for concert and livestream details, reservations (suggested donation $20), and donation instructions, please visit the LJS website's Events page and reservation links provided.

Concerts on the Corner Presents: The Parker Grant Trio
When: Sun, Jan 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Where: Christ Presbyterian Church in Terra Linda, 620 Del Ganado Rd, San Rafael, CA, 94903
Details: Don't miss this free concert! Come enjoy an afternoon of incredible Jazz, including original compositions and beloved classics. It's the perfect opportunity to listen, relax, and connect with your neighbors.

Lunar New Year with Safeway!
When: Sun, Feb 1, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Where: Safeway, 14939 Shady Grove Rd, Rockville, MD, 20850
Details: Celebrate the Year of the Horse at Safeway's 5th annual Lunar New Year event in Rockville, MD, from 12-4 PM. Enjoy a Wong People Kung Fu Assoc. lion dance (1-3 PM), Traditional GuZheng Music (12-2 PM), face painting, food/drink samples (Fly By Jing, Consalo Family Farms, Signature Select, Kikkoman), giveaways, and in-store savings. Details at https://atsafeway.com/lunarnewyear/.

The Mostly British Film Festival
When: Thu, Feb 5, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Where: Vogue Theatre, 3290 Sacramento St, SF, CA, 94115
Details: The Mostly British Film Festival is back for its 18th season, running from February 5th to 12th. This year's lineup showcases award-winning films from the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and India. A highlight on February 9th is the debut film from director Nadia Fall, Brides. This tense dramatization is based on real events and centers on two isolated teenagers who are seduced by social media into running away to join the Islamic State of Syria to marry Jihadis. The festival concludes with a Valentine-themed after party that includes dessert.

Celebrity Sweat Flag Football Game
When: Thu, Feb 5, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Where: California Memorial Stadium, 2227 Piedmont Ave, Berkeley, CA, 94720
Details: Stars, athletes, and fans will gather at Cal Memorial Stadium on February 5, 2026, for the Celebrity Sweat Flag Football Challenge in Berkeley, hosted by Visit Berkeley. The action-packed evening runs from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, featuring a tailgate zone on the Plaza from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by Game Time from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM; VIP access is also available at The University Club from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

MCBC's Big Bike Bash
When: Thu, Mar 12, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Where: Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA, 94941
Details: Tickets are now available for MCBC's 2026 Gala Event, Big Bike Bash, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Mill Valley. Join us at the Mill Valley Community Center for a celebration of the bicycle and MCBC's work, including cocktails, an inspiring presentation on our new 5-Year Strategic Plan, a special culinary experience from Emmy Award–winning Chef Ryan Scott, a live auction with celebrity auctioneer Chad Carvey, and dancing with Mercy & the Heartbeats. A heartfelt thank you to our Host Committee: Julia Violich, Jeff Jungsten, and Kim Ford. Interested in volunteering for a gala committee? Email Sandy Allen. Every ticket supports safer streets, more trails, and a bike-friendly Marin.