Art Encounters for Families: Bay Area Art Walks & Open Studios

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Let the local arts scene nurture your child's imagination and innate creativity at these free arts experiences in all artistic mediums throughout the Bay Area. Meet the artists and their inspirations in their natural habitat at one of these Open Studio and Art Walk programs.

Open Studios

Take the family on a free, self-guided art discovery tour of 100’s of local artisans and craftspeople in their creative space at one of these awesome Open Studio Tours.

Featured
Studio Discovery Tour
Aug 29
Studio Discovery Tour

5 Tour days on the Sonoma/Mendocino Coast Sat-Sun Aug 29-30 & Sat-Mon Sept 5-7 11 am - 5 pm.

Studio Discovery Tour
Sep 5
Studio Discovery Tour

5 Tour days on the Sonoma/Mendocino Coast Sat-Sun Aug 29-30 & Sat-Mon Sept 5-7 11 am - 5 pm.

Santa Rosa Open Studios
Sep 12
Santa Rosa Open Studios

Discover the vibrant art scene in Santa Rosa! 

Open Studios Napa Valley
Sep 19
Open Studios Napa Valley

WELCOME TO OPEN STUDIOS NAPA VALLEY OPEN STUDIOS is a self-guided, art discovery tour through the creative art spaces of Napa Valley.

Santa Rosa Open Studios
Sep 19
Santa Rosa Open Studios

Discover the vibrant art scene in Santa Rosa! 

Open Studios Napa Valley
Sep 26
Open Studios Napa Valley

WELCOME TO OPEN STUDIOS NAPA VALLEY OPEN STUDIOS is a self-guided, art discovery tour through the creative art spaces of Napa Valley.

Art Trails Open Studios Tour
Oct 10
Art Trails Open Studios Tour

Join us for annual juried Art Trails Open Studios Tour October 10-11 + 17-18, 2026, 10am - 5 pm Application Open in Late April for Fall 2026 - Check back here for updates!

ArtWalk Livermore
Oct 10
ArtWalk Livermore

Join us at ArtWalk – the Tri Valley’s premiere one day art festival. Over 200 artists display their works on sidewalks and plazas, in parks and galleries, surrounded by boutique shops, wine tasting rooms and restaurants in historic downtown Livermore. 

Art Trails Open Studios Tour
Oct 17
Art Trails Open Studios Tour

Join us for annual juried Art Trails Open Studios Tour October 10-11 + 17-18, 2026, 10am - 5 pm Application Open in Late April for Fall 2026 - Check back here for updates!

Art Walks

On certain nights every month, neighborhood art galleries open their doors to the art-loving public of all ages. Some offer free drinks and small nibbles with occasional live music and performance art. Everyone is welcome to stroll from gallery to gallery to enjoy art at these Bay Area Art Walks. 

Featured
Oakland First Fridays
May 1
Oakland First Fridays

Oakland First Fridays is a free, monthly street festival that celebrates the vibrant art, culture, and community of Oakland. Held on the first Friday of every month along Telegraph Avenue from West Grand to 27th Street, this beloved event brings together thousands of people for an unforgettable evening of creativity, connection, and local flavor.

First Fridays ArtWalk SJ
May 1
First Fridays ArtWalk SJ

First Fridays ArtWalk SJ is year round except Jan. & July. Join us for FIRST FRIDAYS ArtWalk SJ – a unique night out with friends and family!

Petaluma Arts Alive
May 1
Petaluma Arts Alive

FIRST FRIDAYS . ARTS ALIVE connects and promotes Petaluma's vibrant arts community. Join us on the third Thursday of each month in a citywide celebration of art and artists.

Castro Art Walk
May 1
Castro Art Walk

Welcome to the Castro Art Walk, a monthly event that brings the artistic spirit of the Castro neighborhood in San Francisco to life.

North Beach First Fridays
May 1
North Beach First Fridays

Art walk in North Beach. Produced by: The North Beach Business Association.

Minnesota Street Project
May 2
Minnesota Street Project

First Saturday is a monthly celebration of exhibtion openings, artist talks, book signings, lectures and more at Minnesota Street Project.

Mill Valley Artwalk
May 5
Mill Valley Artwalk

The Mill Valley Arts Commission invites you to join us! In the evening, on the First Tuesday of every month (except January), please take a stroll through town to view an exciting range of art by Bay Area artists.

SF First Thursday Art Walk
May 7
SF First Thursday Art Walk

The First Thursday Art Walk is a monthly self-guided walking tour of Downtown San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood and adjacent areas, during which time galleries, performance spaces, and other businesses hold their openings and other events which are open late to the public.

Art Walk Downtown San Rafael
May 8
Art Walk Downtown San Rafael

Free to the public, enjoy galleries, open studios, art exhibits, and more on the second Friday of each month.

Vallejo ArtWalk
May 8
Vallejo ArtWalk

Come experience fine arts, music, craft boutiques, galleries, local shops, and the great restaurants of Downtown Vallejo.

Redwood City: Art on the Square
Jun 12
Redwood City: Art on the Square

Kick off your weekend with some bopping and shopping at our first of four Summer Season shows!

Sonoma Art Walk
Jul 2
Sonoma Art Walk

Join us every first Thursday of the month. Visit wine tasting rooms, retailers, art galleries and restaurants to meet local artists and view their work. This will also include interactive demonstrations and short films.

Fairfax Art Walk
Sep 25
Fairfax Art Walk

This event honors the vibrant contributions of our local merchants and artists who help make Fairfax such a unique and creative community.