The Bay Area arts scene is vibrant this weekend, offering a diverse array of performances and festivals. Here’s a roundup of nine cool shows and concerts to catch, spanning opera, blues, Cambodian culture, and more.

Classical Music & Opera

San Francisco Opera’s “Bohème Out of the Box”

San Francisco Opera’s annual production, “Bohème Out of the Box,” returns for performances throughout the Bay Area through April. This free, family-friendly abridged version of Puccini’s opera will be performed in parks across San Francisco, Emeryville, Oakland, Woodside, and Concord.

Merola Opera Program Recitals

The San Francisco Opera’s Merola Opera program and Opera Center will present recitals this summer at the Taube Atrium Theater. Baritone Gabriel Natal-Báez and pianist Tzu Kuang Tan perform on May 5, followed by bass-baritone Kyle Ketelsen and pianist Carrie-Ann Matheson on June 16, featuring works by Ravel, Bizet, Gounod, and Mozart.

Blues & Community Support

Restoring 7th Street Walk of Fame

A concert featuring Sweet Meat Horns, emceed by Brenda Knight of Ladies in Red, aims to restore the historic “The Music They Played on 7th Street Oakland” Walk of Fame in West Oakland. Thieves stole approximately 40 bronze plaques honoring Bay Area blues and R&B artists in early 2025, and the restoration is estimated to cost around $150,000.

Cultural Celebrations

Oakland’s Khmer New Year Festival

Oakland will host its annual Khmer New Year Festival on Saturday, transforming Peralta Hacienda Historical Park into a cultural village. The event will feature Cambodian food, drink, music, art, dance, monk blessings, and family activities. Organizers encourage attendees to “Come for the food. Come for the music. Come for the blessings. Stay for the joy, connection and powerful sense of community.”

Art & Craftsmanship

“Jeremy Frey: Woven” at Cantor Arts Center

The Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University is showcasing the work of Passamaquoddy artist Jeremy Frey, a seventh-generation basket-weaver. The exhibit, “Jeremy Frey: Woven,” will be on display through July 20. The museum is open with free admission.

Music Performances

Mary Halvorson with Canis Major

MacArthur “genius grant” winner and acclaimed jazz guitarist Mary Halvorson will perform with her new quartet, Canis Major, in Northern California this week. Halvorson’s latest release is 2025’s “About Ghosts.”

Theater

“Flex” at San Francisco Playhouse

San Francisco Playhouse is presenting Candrice Jones’ 2020 play, “Flex,” which centers on a championship-hungry girls high school basketball team in Arkansas. The play explores themes of rivalry, personal issues, and teamwork, and is directed by Margo Hall.

Brass Band Competition Prep

San Francisco & Pacific Brass Bands Concert

The San Francisco Brass Band and Pacific Brass Band will perform a joint concert on April 4 at the Scottish Rite Center in San Jose. The concert will feature pieces from “West Side Story,” works by Jan van der Roost, and selections for their upcoming North American band competition.