So, you’re broke but still want to stay fit, learn new things, and have fun while you’re at it? Good news! San Francisco is packed with free opportunities, from dance and lawn bowling to chess, sketching classes, writing workshops, and career skill-building. Here’s your click-and-go cheat sheet for free fitness, creative arts, job skills, and quirky curiosities around the City — complete with when and where.
Photo courtesy of Rae Studios
Fitness
Fitness SF @ Salesforce Park – 425 Mission St, Main Plaza & Amphitheater.
Zumba — Mon, 6–7 p.m.
Yoga — Wed & Fri, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Bootcamp — Thu, 8–9 a.m.
High Fitness — Thu, 1–2 p.m.
MetCon — Sat, 10–11 a.m.
64 Movements Tai Chi – Union Square, Geary & Powell – Wed, 8 a.m., May 7–Oct 17, 2025.
Friends of Sunset Dunes – Great Highway @ Judah.
Tai Chi — 3rd Sun, 10–11 a.m.
Mat Yoga — 4th Sun 12-1 p.m.
SF Recreation & Parks Zumba – Multiple parks citywide, daily; please visit SF Recreation & Parks website for schedule.
SF Bicycle Coalition Urban Cycling Classes – Locations vary; often at SF libraries or community centers. Commonly Sat, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Please visit SF Bicycle Coalition’s website for details.
Circus Bella
Sports & Games
Lawn Bowling with the SF Lawn Bowling Club – 320 Bowling Green Dr, Golden Gate Park. – Tue & Thu, 10 a.m., Wed, 5 p.m., Sun, 10 a.m. Email the club to schedule a lesson.
Juggling with Circus Bella – Civic Center Plaza, 335 McAllister St, Sat, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Mahjong – Email “Mr Mahjong,” Andrew Keeler at [email protected] for more information.
Union Square – Geary & Powell – Mon, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Mamahuhu – 517 Clement St (Richmond) & 3991 24th Street (Noe Valley) – Mon, 6–9 p.m.
Ferry Building – 1 Ferry Building – Wed, 3–6 p.m.
UN Plaza – 7th & Market – Sun & Wed, 7 a.m.–4 p.m.
Chess at Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club – 57 Post St.
Women & Girls (online) — Sun, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Drop-ins:
Mechanics Monument Plaza – Market & Bush – Thu, 12–1 p.m.
Union Square – Geary & Powell – Fri, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Yerba Buena Gardens – Mission between 3rd & 4th – Sat, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
UN Plaza – Sun, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
American Conservatory Theater. Photo credit: Kevin Berne
Creative Arts
Performance Art & Dance
Community Music Center – 544 Capp St (Mission) & 741 30th Ave (Richmond). Multiple choir programs for adults; dates/times vary. Please see CMC’s website for details.
Studio ACT Free Class Sampler – American Conservatory Theater, Sat, Sept 6, 1:30–4 p.m., 30 Grant Ave.
Rae Studios – Outdoor dance classes include: Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Jazz Funk, and Bollywood. 2820 Taylor St (Fisherman’s Wharf), 1 China Basin Park (Mission Rock), 300 Powell Street (Union Square) & 355 McAllister (UN Plaza). Dates/times vary; please visit Rae Studios’ website for schedules.
Lindy in the Park – JFK Dr between 8th & 10th Ave (near de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park). Beginner lessons, Sun, 12–12:30 p.m.
Visual Arts
Sketching
Union Square – 333 Post Street – Mondays through Oct 20, 2025, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
de Young Museum – Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr – Select Saturdays through Aug 23, 2025, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Painting
Center for Creative Exploration – 300 Chenery St – Intuitive Painting, Sept 20–21, 2025, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 2–4:30 p.m.
Writing
BIPOC Hatchery – 2nd Tue monthly, 6–8 p.m. (Zoom)
3rd Sat Workshop – 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (Zoom)
Weekly Writing Workshop – Salesforce Park, Wetland Garden, 425 Mission St – Wed, 12–1 p.m.
Academic & Career Skills
City College of San FranciscoFree Noncredit Classes – Multiple campuses & online; subjects include ESL, computer skills, citizenship, business, and job training. Dates/times vary; please see CCSF’s website for details.
TechSF – Free training for tech careers, including coding, IT support, and digital marketing. Ongoing; online & in-person sessions.
SF Public Library Learning Resources – Free tutoring, ESL, GED prep, citizenship classes, and homework help. Multiple branches; see the SF Public Library website for the full schedule.
LinkedIn Learning via San Francisco Public Library – Access 16,000+ courses for free with a library card; available online anytime.
Workforce Development SF – Resume help, job readiness training, and career counseling. Multiple centers citywide. Dates/times vary; please visit Workforce Development SF’s website for details.
Brain Candy
City Guides Free Walking Tours – Various neighborhoods & themes. Daily at 10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.; check site for specific tours. Most start at landmarks like Ferry Building, Coit Tower, or Golden Gate Park.
Golden Gate Audubon Free Bird Walks – Common SF spots include Crissy Field & Lake Merced. Sat/Sun, 8–11 a.m.; check calendar for dates.
SF Public Library Free Workshops – Workshops include zine-making, podcasting, coding, & art classes. Multiple branches; dates/times vary. Please visit the San Francisco Public Library’s website for details.
The post Free Classes and Workshops to Get Fit, Learn, or Just Have Fun in SF appeared first on Broke-Ass Stuart's Website.
