Not That Into Football? Try These Super Bowl Alt-Events

Super Bowl week is upon us, and by now you’ve likely heard of all the big-time hotshot corporate parties. Kehlani and Dom Dolla are coming to San José, Illenium is performing at the Cow Palace, and Calvin Harris is making his appearance at the Midway. The Bay Area is packed with watch parties, concerts and block parties to celebrate the game.

But for those who favor more chill, less commercialized sports-oriented events, there’s no shortage of options. Whether it’s because you’re not a huge football fan yourself, or your team didn’t make it into the mix, here’s a list of game-week events that aren’t exceedingly big, brawny and Super Bowl-centric. Even though you may not be into the game, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a little bit of fun too.

Super Hunger Anti Valentine Bowl Games Part LX
Through Feb. 15
San José Works, San José

Works/San José is hosting their second ever Super Hunger Anti Valentine Bowl Games exhibition. Combining their biennial Anti Valentine exhibit with the excitement around the Super Bowl and upcoming Hunger Games movie release, this open-call exhibit explores themes of love, hate, sports and brutality.

The Big Game Opening Night Drone Show
Feb. 2
Discovery Meadow, San José

Super Bowl week kicks off with drones lighting up the night sky in downtown San José. It’s free, family friendly, and you don’t have to know the names of the starting quarterbacks to enjoy it.

Bad Bunny Lookalike Contest and Lotería Party
Feb. 5
Tacolicious, San Francisco

Maybe you’re more of a Bad Bunny fan than a football fan. While many people won’t be able to see the Puerto Rican star perform live in person, they’ll have the chance to catch his look-a-likes at Tacolicous’s contest while playing Lotería.

Big Game Days in Union Square
Feb. 5–7
Union Square Plaza, San Francisco

The days leading up to the game promise action in the heart of San Francisco. Free family-friendly events in Union Square serve up inflatable footballs, high-flying CheerSF stunts, Salsa in the Square, a Cal Band performance and a spicy hot wings showdown.

Downtown Ice Skating
Through Feb. 8
120 S. Market St., San José

Although the holiday season has melted away, Downtown San José’s ice rink stays frozen in place. While it usually closes down by the time Super Bowl season comes around, DTSJ has extended their “Downtown Ice” through Super Bowl weekend.

Kota Ezawa: Artist Talk & One-Day Screening of ‘National Anthem’
Feb. 7
de Saisset Museum, Santa Clara University

If peaceful protests, racial injustice or police brutality are on your mind, Oakland-based artist Kota Ezawa’s watercolor animation, National Anthem, will play on loop at SCU’s de Saisset Museum. The piece documents athletes “taking a knee” during the national anthem. Ezawa will speak at 12:30 p.m., and a reception follows.

Paint, Sip, Perrero!
Feb. 7–8
Theory, Oakland

Reggaetón sets the tone at this Bad Bunny-themed paint-and-sip in Oakland, taking place both the day before and the day of the Super Bowl. Pre-sketched canvases celebrate Bad Bunny’s style, a curated playlist keeps the beats going, and cocktails keep the creativity flowing.

Super Bowl Weekend Rooftop Art Party
Feb. 8
Torch Oakland Rooftop Bar

The classic paint-and-sip meets the Super Bowl at Oakland’s Torch Rooftop Bar. Champagne, wine, mimosas – regardless of your drink of preference, here’s the chance to get boozy with brushstrokes as the big game plays in the background.

SFMOMA Sports Pennant Making
Feb. 8
SFMOMA, San Francisco

If you’d rather spend your day crafting rather than watching the big game, SFMOMA is hosting a free craft session for families to create sports pennants of their favorite teams as part of their Family Sundays program.

Tackle San José: Clean Up With the Mayor
Various dates and locations

A volunteer clean-up service is another way of bringing the community together for the big game. This year, BeautifySJ and San José’s Mayor (and candidate for governor) Matt Mahan are hosting multiple clean-up events downtown every weekend leading up to the Super Bowl.