Spring into summer with some incredibly fun and culturally rich events in the Bay. Starting with Night of Ideas, which has been one of our favorite San Francisco events of all time. A giant library and museum filled with talented San Franciscans, taste-makers, iconoclasts, artists, and of course, plenty of local logophiles. There are lectures and dancefloors full of your neighbors and literary heroes, all night long! And just like checking out your favorite novel at the SF library, Night of Ideas is totally free.

Now, if dancing all day to incredible live music is your thing, then KQED FEST can’t be missed, and if you enjoy sipping West Coast brews paired with chef-curated charcuterie then ‘Pints and Pairings’ is simply perfect.

But if you’re planning an incredible Pride, or searching for a conversation with a Bay Area revolutionary…we’ve also got you covered. Maybe you’re looking to explore an elaborate Victorian greenhouse or curious to climb the largest indoor rock wall in America? Well, KQED and their incredible partners thought of that as well…

Jump on in, the water’s just right

Night of Ideas returns in 2026 with an after-dark celebration of art, innovation, and culture across cities in the U.S. Night of Ideas San Francisco’s theme “Lighting the Way,” invites our Bay Area audiences to explore how ideas, creativity, and collective action can illuminate paths forward, helping reveal new ways of thinking and connecting about what’s next, as we look ahead to the next 250 years after the American Declaration of Independence. From cultural expression to shared responsibility, “Lighting the Way” asks what guides us, what inspires positive change, and how we can actively shape a more connected future together.

Schedule of Speakers & performances here (3 pm afternoon of ideas - 7 pm night of ideas)

List of Speakers here

Register here

This event explores the flavor relationship between bites and beers, led by food journalist Josh Decolongon.

Hosted at Laughing Monk Brewery, this seated tasting brings together three chefs whose dishes span cultures and traditions — offering everything from fresh, herb-driven plates to cured meats and cheeses to fruits and nuts.

As we move through the charcuterie experience, we’ll examine how balance, bitterness, acidity and aroma shape the experience of pairing.

Cost: $47.23 ($40 + fees), includes tasting (ages 21 and above only)

Register Here

Spend your Saturday with KQED at a free, festive block party and open house at our headquarters in San Francisco’s Mission District.

Celebrate the Bay Area’s beloved public media station with live, on-stage moments from KQED, NPR, and PBS programs, fireside chats with reporters and influential local personalities, and behind-the-scenes access through guided studio tours.

Enjoy interactive art, science, and learning activities for all ages, plus crafts and games from neighborhood vendors and cultural organizations. Savor bites from local food trucks featured in KQED Food and groove to live music on Noise Pop’s Homegrown Stage.

Saturday, May 9, 2026 11:00 AM
KQED Headquarters 2601 Mariposa Street, San Francisco
In-Person: Free / Livestream: Free

Register here

Skip the bar — the best energy happens after hours in the roastery. 

Escape to Fruitvale’s hidden gem for an evening at Red Bay’s stunning industrial roastery tucked away in Oakland.

The Roastery Unplugged is a casual weekday hangout featuring live soundscapes and behind the curtain cupping sessions in the coffee lab—the professional “slurp and sniff” process used to taste and score coffee like fine wine. It’s a rare chance to see the warehouse in the evening, grab a drink, and wander through the space. 

GA ticket includes a complimentary caffeinated beverage.

In-Person: GA $30 + fees, includes tour and coffee | VIP $45 + fees, also includes private coffee cupping tutorial

Tickets

With Pulse at the Pipe, KQED brings the Bay Area wellness scene to the largest indoor climbing gym in America. The event features workshops for first-timers and regulars, head-to-head speed climbing, wellness classes, and open climbing for the entire session. A market of local food and goods is available between sessions, and every ticket includes all necessary gear for climbing.

This is an opportunity to elevate a wellness routine, try something new, or sharpen skills at an iconic West Oakland space and wellness sanctuary.

Parents are welcome to bring kids of all ages!

In-person: $20 + fees (climbing gear incl.)

Register here

Co-presented with City Arts & Lectures

Boots Riley joins KQED’s award-winning public radio program Forum for a special live conversation celebrating his bold new film, I Love Boosters, onstage at City Arts & Lectures’ Sydney Goldstein Theater. Known for his sharp political insight, surreal storytelling, and genre-defying style, Riley will dive into the ideas behind the film, his creative process, and the cultural questions that fuel his work.

Hosted in Forum’s signature smart, curious style, this live taping invites audiences into a wide-ranging discussion that blends film, politics, art, and social commentary. Expect an engaging, thought-provoking evening that goes beyond the screen and into the bigger themes shaping Riley’s cinematic world.

In-person: $49 + fees

Kick-off your Pride festivities with an evening dedicated to uplifting queer voices in music, with a special spotlight on local Black and Brown artists. The night begins with a Vogue and Tone workshop grounded in the rich history of ballroom culture, followed by an intimate Q&A exploring the creative journeys and real-world experiences of featured artists, including Drebae, Hugo De La Lune, Sonic, King Isis. A live showcase will highlight these emerging queer performers, and the evening closes with a networking hour designed to spark connection, collaboration, and community among local artists.

A pop-up from cocktail bar Night Heron with charcuterie boards will be on-site. Each ticket comes with a complimentary beverage or bite.

In-person: $30 + fees | Livestream: Free

Bay Curious is dedicated to answering questions and curiosities about the Bay Area. Ever wanted to know more about San Francisco’s Conservatory of Flowers? It’s iconic … but what’s its story? Bay Curious made a historically-themed immersive experience to bring the past of this beautiful building and all its incredible exhibits to life. Join us for an interactive game that will allow you to explore the history of the Conservatory and the people who created it.

Space is limited. Tours run at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, 8pm. 

In-person: $40 + fees

Register in person

This post was sponsored by the fine folks at KQED