Kick off the new year by trying a new local activity, right here in the Bay Area. All events listed here are open to the public. Know of a great event or activity that’s not listed here? Share it in the comments.

Sick Plant Clinic: Get an expert evaluation of your ailing indoor or garden plant at the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden’s sick plant clinic, offered the first Saturday of every month. The diagnostic team includes plant pathologists and entomologists from UC Berkeley and regional parks groups, as well as private plant consultants.

• When: Saturday, Feb. 1, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Craft Comedy Night at Federation Brewing: Every first and third Saturday, Craft Comedy features the best comedians in the Bay as well as touring guests from Comedy Central, Vice, Sketchfest, Conan, Netflix and more in a cool and intimate space. Join an exciting night of laughs, beer, food and fun!

• When: Saturday, Feb. 1 & Feb. 15, 8-9:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Alameda Point Antiques Faire: Check out the largest antiques show in Northern California. Held on the first Sunday of every month, the Faire boasts more than 800 dealer booths, including vintage and antique home decorations, clothing, furniture, jewelry, art, pottery, books and collectibles.

• When: Sunday, Feb. 2, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Cost: $5-15, based on entry time; see website

First Fridays: Visit Telegraph Ave. between West Grand and 27^th Street for an inclusive art- and community-centered experience. Join Oakland’s cultural art community in gathering to experience street artists, food artisans, craft makers, performers, musicians, dancers, live painters, DJs, poets, literary events and more! The theme for February is Black Love.

• When: Friday, Feb. 7, 5-9 p.m.
• Cost: Free (donations requested)

Wonder Women of East Bay walking tour: Meet female artists, pioneers and revolutionaries who have influenced Oakland’s legacy. The walk begins at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater and ends near the 12^th St. BART station.

• When: Saturday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Cost: Free (donations requested)

OMCA 19th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration: Join OMCA in celebration of the Year of the Rat with the 19th annual Lunar New Year festival, now held over two fun-filled days! Enjoy live cultural performances, demonstrations, hands-on activities, food, traditional and contemporary music and dance, storytime, a petting zoo and more.

• When: Saturday, Feb. 8 & Sun., Feb. 9, 12 – 4:30 p.m.
• Cost: Price varies based on selected ticket options

2020 San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade: This highly-anticipated annual event is the biggest parade celebrating the lunar new year outside of Asia, and has been celebrated since the 1860s.

It will include gorgeous floats, elaborate costumes, ferocious lions, exploding firecrackers and the newly crowned Miss Chinatown U.S.A., along with her court. A crowd favorite is the spectacular 288′ Golden Dragon (“Gum Lung”) — a team of more than 180 people carry it through the streets of San Francisco. Catch the television broadcast on KTVU Fox 2 or KTSF Channel 26.

• When: Saturday, February 8, 2020, 5:15 – 8 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Aelita: Queen of Mars at the San Francisco Public Library: Come hear acclaimed concert pianist Frederick Hodges accompany a screening of the classic silent science fiction film, Aelita: Queen of Mars. This big-budget 1924 film is famous for its flamboyant constructivist Martian sets and costumes.

• When: Saturday, Feb. 15, 2 – 4:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Girl Scout Cookie and Wine Walk: Spend an afternoon wandering Spirits Alley on former Alameda Naval Air Station (aka Alameda Point), sampling local wine and supporting both local business and Girl Scouts’ entrepreneurship. Enjoy a tasting at each winery, with specially selected wine paired with four of Girl Scouts’ world-famous cookies: Thin Mints, Samoas, Trefoils, and Tagalongs.

• When: Saturday, Feb. 15, 1-5 p.m.
• Cost: $25

Popping the Science Bubble: Every third Tuesday, come to the Berkeley Public Library for a conversation with scientists from Cal. Find out what Cal scientists are up to during a thrilling series of short lectures on cutting-edge research, featuring new guest lecturers every month.

• When: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Tent City Film Screening: La Peña Cultural Center will host a screening of the new local film, “Tent City,” along with live music by the Destiny Muhhammad Trio ft. WolfHawkJaguar. The event will include a resource fair, community discussion, Q&A session and more.

• When: Friday, Feb. 21, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Black Joy Parade and Festival: Now in its third year, this community-oriented parade and festival celebrates the black experience past, present and future. It is the largest free, family-friendly event of its kind in California. The parade begins on 14^th St. and Alice St. at 12:30 p.m.; the festival will be held on 19^th St. and Broadway, and will feature a curation of 100+ local artists, craftsman, food vendors, performances and more.

• When: Sunday, Feb. 23, 12:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free (donations requested)

Barrel-Aged Whiskey Tasting with Wright and Brown: Join the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden for a special event with Wright & Brown Distilling Co, based in Oakland. Learn how various woods can affect the aging and taste of locally crafted whiskeys. Guests will taste a variety of whiskeys, discover the importance of oak barrels and nibble on snacks while enjoying a vista of California oaks.

• When: Sunday, Feb. 23, 4-6 p.m.
• Cost: $60

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