September is here and so is Bay Area theatre week and you can find special pricing at so many unique and well known stages. The Palace of Fine Arts theatre has a wonderful September line up including Comedy with Kathy Griffin and music by Amy Grant. If you missed the summer art festivals, Mill Valley has one of the best coming up this month. Another fun fall activity is a ride on the Roaring Camp Railroad. And a Happy Labor Day to all.

Sept. 10-20. Bay Area Theatre Week

How did I not know there was a Bay Area Theatre week? There is, and so many fabulous theatres participate. BATW  is a multi-faceted celebration of the theatre community of the San Francisco Bay Area. From September 10 – 20, this is a festival of discounted and free events created by local theatres. Founded in 1976, Theatre Bay Area (TBA) is the largest theatre service organization of its kind, representing theatre companies and individual artists across the San Francisco Bay Area. TBA puts on BATW and it is your opportunity to catch discounted shows. Here are some shows coming up – check the website for many more all across the bay. BAY AREA THEATRE WEEK

Now -Oct. 11. The Cook at Berkeley

An aristocratic Cuban family flees from Havana to Miami on the eve of Castro’s revolution, entrusting their mansion to their devoted cook Gladys who vows to protect it until their return. For forty years, she keeps her promise, enduring loss, upheaval, and the slow unraveling of a country’s dreams. But when the aristocrats’ daughter returns, Gladys finds she has sacrificed everything for a bond that has been forgotten. A funny, and quietly devastating play where two worlds are held in tension: the life carefully preserved, and the life that had to be lived. THE COOK

Sept. 13. Anthony and Cleopatra

The  44th season of Free Shakespeare in the Park brings us “Antony and Cleopatra”. On September 13 at 2 PM, Mclaren Park SF. Set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire and Egypt, “Antony and Cleopatra” examines the conflict between duty and desire, and the impact of personal relationships on political power.  The heart of the drama lies in the powerful and intoxicating relationship between Mark Antony and Cleopatra — a bond that transcends borders yet threatens the very foundations of political order. Their love challenges loyalty, tests ambition, and reshapes the course of history. The show runs approximately 90 minutes; there is no intermission. ANTONY & CLEOPATRA

Sept. 12 & Sept. 27.  Kathy Griffin and Amy Grant

The Palace of Fine Arts is a wonderful venue on the smaller side, which we love. Kathy Griffin brings her biting satire and fearless comedy to the Palace of Fine Arts on September 12^th. This tomato’s new tour is called “New Face, New Tour”. One can only imagine it is because she might have had a little cosmetic surgery! The legendary performer holds the Guinness Book of World Records for writing and starring in an unprecedented 20 televised stand-up specials. Kathy is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, women, other disenfranchised groups, and is a cancer survivor herself. KATHY GRIFFIN
Another tomato, Amy Grant is bringing her unique musical talent to The Palace of Fine Arts on September 27th.  Her career spans more than 40 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into becoming an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. AMY GRANT

Sept. 19-20. Mill Valley Art Festival

If you didn’t get enough of summer’s art and wine fests, The Mill Valley fall arts festival will feed your soul. This is where art and community meet under the redwoods. Do a little forest bathing as you enjoy the creatives on display and delight in the community of like minded friends. Explore curated handmade art from 135 juried artists and wo lively days of music from local and national artists. Of course delicious food and drink is available to give you sustenance as you shop. MILL VALLEY ART FESTIVAL

Sept. 18-27. Oktoberfest

Not exactly a festival, but a fest indeed, Oktoberfest in Downtown Redwood City is an annual tradition that brings thousands to courthouse square. Pretend you are in Munich with steins of German beer, bratwurst, pretzels and of course German music. Don your Bavarian attire and head to the lively German “Village” under the big tent. Then join in the action with stein-holding challenges, dance contests, yodeling competitions, crowd-pleasing comedy skits, and audience games for all ages. And, of course, no Oktoberfest is complete without the famous “international” chicken dance.  Get ready for a truly wunderbar time, at Oktoberfest Downtown Redwood City. September 18 – 27. OKTOBERFEST

Grownup Evenings at Roaring Camp Railroad

If you thought that the Roaring Camp Railroad in the Santa Cruz mountains is just for kids – well, it is for kids of all ages. They have many different “rides”.  The Sequioas at Night lets you experience the magic  as this beloved art and light installation returns to the Santa Cruz Mountain for its second year. Lighted lanterns hang high overhead surrounded by thousand year old redwoods that are uplit to create a unique and awe-inspiring retreat back to nature. September 6^th and 26^th treat yourself to an evening of fun and relaxation at Roaring Camp’s Moonlight Steam Train Dinner Party. Start with a hearty BBQ dinner followed by a leisurely train ride aboard vintage railway cars. On September 12^th,  enjoy the Santa Cruz Starlight Evening. Ride, dine, and dance! Board the Beach Train at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and ride into Roaring Camp. When you arrive, enjoy dinner and a boot stompin’ good time to a live band. Your round-trip ticket takes you back to the Boardwalk with an evening ride beneath the stars.⁠ ROARING CAMP RAILROAD