SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA AUTISM COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturdays Weekly: Saturday Drum Circle
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Where: Pomeroy Center, 207 Skyline Blvd, San Francisco
What: Drum circles held on the first Saturday of the month from fall 2019 through February 2020. Come share good times with the drum circle hosted by Autism Families Bay Area and Pomeroy Center! This an open community space for children and adults with developmental and other disabilities, as well as neurotypical families, friends, and friends-to-be. No experience necessary -- this is a fun activity accessible to everyone of any level of functionality and skill. Upcoming events will be posted on the AFBA Facebook page. Check the AFBA Facebook page for cancellations or changes.
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Where: Pomeroy Center, 207 Skyline Blvd, San Francisco
What: Drum circles held on the first Saturday of the month from fall 2019 through February 2020. Come share good times with the drum circle hosted by Autism Families Bay Area and Pomeroy Center! This an open community space for children and adults with developmental and other disabilities, as well as neurotypical families, friends, and friends-to-be. No experience necessary -- this is a fun activity accessible to everyone of any level of functionality and skill. Upcoming events will be posted on the AFBA Facebook page. Check the AFBA Facebook page for cancellations or changes.

Saturdays Weekly: Dance for All - Inclusive Exercise Class
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Where: El Camino YMCA, 2400 Grant Rd, Mountain View, CA 94040
What: This weekly class offers a safe and accepting environment where differences are accepted without judgment and special need participants can exercise side-by-side with their family members and other Y members. Attendees participate in a series of dances, choreographed to popular music enjoyed by youth, as well as Pilates-based exercise that exposes them to moves they would find in a number of other Y classes.
More Info: http://www.ymcasv.org/pdfs/ECyouthactivities.pdf
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Where: El Camino YMCA, 2400 Grant Rd, Mountain View, CA 94040
What: This weekly class offers a safe and accepting environment where differences are accepted without judgment and special need participants can exercise side-by-side with their family members and other Y members. Attendees participate in a series of dances, choreographed to popular music enjoyed by youth, as well as Pilates-based exercise that exposes them to moves they would find in a number of other Y classes.
More Info: http://www.ymcasv.org/pdfs/ECyouthactivities.pdf

First Fridays Monthly: Movie Night at Northgate Mall
Time: Drop in anytime between 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Northgate Food Court, at the tables in front of Subway, 7000 Northgate Mall, San Rafael, CA
What: This program is excellent for socializing, only 1.5 hours of this program is spent in the theater. Come join us in the center of the Food Court at the Northgate Mall to meet a gang of friends, see a movie(or not) and grab dinner at the food court or bring a bag dinner. We encourage healthy meal choices. We will be there to help you pick a movie and get to it on time. This program has little to no supervision; you must be able to get your own dinner, to sit through a movie, leave, and meet your transportation without assistance. People choose different movies and it is arranged that no one has to go alone to a show unless they want to.
More Info: http://recinc.org/programs/Movienight.htm
Time: Drop in anytime between 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Northgate Food Court, at the tables in front of Subway, 7000 Northgate Mall, San Rafael, CA
What: This program is excellent for socializing, only 1.5 hours of this program is spent in the theater. Come join us in the center of the Food Court at the Northgate Mall to meet a gang of friends, see a movie(or not) and grab dinner at the food court or bring a bag dinner. We encourage healthy meal choices. We will be there to help you pick a movie and get to it on time. This program has little to no supervision; you must be able to get your own dinner, to sit through a movie, leave, and meet your transportation without assistance. People choose different movies and it is arranged that no one has to go alone to a show unless they want to.
More Info: http://recinc.org/programs/Movienight.htm

Sept. 12 - Dec. 12: Mixed Media Class
Time: Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Where: 2124 Brewster Avenue, Redwood City
What: Presented by Opening Doors Parent Teacher Association and Artists on Wheels, for children 7 and up of all abilities. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to explore and create art, including kids with disabilities. Our curriculum is designed with our special kids in mind! Projects are subject to change depending on participants' ability and interest. Cost is $100 and includes all sessions and materials, financial assistance is available. Click here for registration and details.
Time: Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Where: 2124 Brewster Avenue, Redwood City
What: Presented by Opening Doors Parent Teacher Association and Artists on Wheels, for children 7 and up of all abilities. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to explore and create art, including kids with disabilities. Our curriculum is designed with our special kids in mind! Projects are subject to change depending on participants' ability and interest. Cost is $100 and includes all sessions and materials, financial assistance is available. Click here for registration and details.

Nov. 15 - Dec. 31: Creativity Explored Holiday Art Shop
Time: Visit creativityexplored.org for extended holiday season hours
Where: Creativity Explored Gallery & Studio, 3245 16th Street (between Guerrero + Delores), San Francisco, CA 94103
What: As the holiday shopping season approaches, Creativity Explored is opening the vaults of our exclusive collection of original artwork by local artists with developmental disabilities. During the Holiday Art Shop the general public will access new and previously exhibited framed and unframed paintings and drawings, plus a huge collection of hand-made ceramics, textile art, original fashions, and limited edition gift items -- with purchases directly supporting local artists with developmental disabilities.
Time: Visit creativityexplored.org for extended holiday season hours
Where: Creativity Explored Gallery & Studio, 3245 16th Street (between Guerrero + Delores), San Francisco, CA 94103
What: As the holiday shopping season approaches, Creativity Explored is opening the vaults of our exclusive collection of original artwork by local artists with developmental disabilities. During the Holiday Art Shop the general public will access new and previously exhibited framed and unframed paintings and drawings, plus a huge collection of hand-made ceramics, textile art, original fashions, and limited edition gift items -- with purchases directly supporting local artists with developmental disabilities.

Friday, Dec. 6: Snow Ball
Time: 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Where: Camden Community Center, 3369 Union Avenue, San Jose CA
What: Snow Ball! For individuals with special needs ages 16 and above. Cost is $7 payable at the door (no pre-registration). Photos will be $3. Snacks will be provided. Please fill out the registration form and bring it with you. The Snow Ball is presented cooperatively by the City of San Jose, the City of Santa Clara, and the City of Sunnyvale parks and rec departments.
Time: 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Where: Camden Community Center, 3369 Union Avenue, San Jose CA
What: Snow Ball! For individuals with special needs ages 16 and above. Cost is $7 payable at the door (no pre-registration). Photos will be $3. Snacks will be provided. Please fill out the registration form and bring it with you. The Snow Ball is presented cooperatively by the City of San Jose, the City of Santa Clara, and the City of Sunnyvale parks and rec departments.

Saturday, Dec. 7: Holiday Craft Fair
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: San Andreas Regional Center, 6203 San Ignacio Avenue, San Jose, CA
What: SARC's inaugural holiday craft fair! Free entry, door prizes, and refreshments will be provided. Over 50 vendors, individuals with differing abilities, will be selling their holiday crafts and goodies. For more information, call 408-341-3809.
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: San Andreas Regional Center, 6203 San Ignacio Avenue, San Jose, CA
What: SARC's inaugural holiday craft fair! Free entry, door prizes, and refreshments will be provided. Over 50 vendors, individuals with differing abilities, will be selling their holiday crafts and goodies. For more information, call 408-341-3809.

Sunday, Dec. 8: Sensory-Friendly East Bay Youth Orchestra
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Where: California State University East Bay Theater, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward, CA 94542
What: Please join California State University East Bay and the East Bay Youth Orchestra for a FREE inaugural special sensory-friendly holiday concert. Lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds; lights remain on at a low level in the theater during the performance; guests are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance; guests may engage with electronic devices, cell phones, tablets at low lights; standing and movement. Please RSVP at https://ebyo.org/holidaysignup.
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Where: California State University East Bay Theater, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward, CA 94542
What: Please join California State University East Bay and the East Bay Youth Orchestra for a FREE inaugural special sensory-friendly holiday concert. Lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds; lights remain on at a low level in the theater during the performance; guests are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance; guests may engage with electronic devices, cell phones, tablets at low lights; standing and movement. Please RSVP at https://ebyo.org/holidaysignup.

Tuesday, December 10: AMC Sensory Friendly Films: Ford v. Ferrari (PG13)
Time: See participating theaters.
What: AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.
More Info: https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
Time: See participating theaters.
What: AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.
More Info: https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films

Thursday, Dec. 12: San Jose Nutcracker Dress Rehearsal
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where: SJSU Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113
What: A full dress rehearsal production of San Jose's Nutcracker, produced by New Ballet. Please pre-register HERE.
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where: SJSU Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113
What: A full dress rehearsal production of San Jose's Nutcracker, produced by New Ballet. Please pre-register HERE.

Saturday, December 14: AMC Sensory Friendly Films: Frozen II (PG)
Time: See participating theaters.
What: AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.
More Info: https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
Time: See participating theaters.
What: AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.
More Info: https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films

Sunday, Dec. 15: Ho Ho Ho! It's the SFASA Holiday Party!
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where: O'Malley's Sports Pub, 2135 Old Middlefield Road, Mountain View
What: Come enjoy a pint under the mistletoe with friends, new and old. Parents of children or adults with autism, and adults with autism age 21 and up, are welcome! Find us at the tables in the rear of the pub. No need to RSVP, just show up, but if you have any questions, please email us at info@sfautismsociety.org. See you there!
—Your event chairs, Feda Almaliti, Mawuko Nyuiadzi, Sara Kole and Jill Escher
With thanks to generous donor TJ Scimone for underwriting this event!
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where: O'Malley's Sports Pub, 2135 Old Middlefield Road, Mountain View
What: Come enjoy a pint under the mistletoe with friends, new and old. Parents of children or adults with autism, and adults with autism age 21 and up, are welcome! Find us at the tables in the rear of the pub. No need to RSVP, just show up, but if you have any questions, please email us at info@sfautismsociety.org. See you there!
—Your event chairs, Feda Almaliti, Mawuko Nyuiadzi, Sara Kole and Jill Escher
With thanks to generous donor TJ Scimone for underwriting this event!

Tuesday, Dec. 17: Los Gatos Ballet's Behind the Magic Nutcracker Rehearsal
Time: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: McAfee Performing Arts Center, 20300 Herriman Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070
What: A very special opportunity to see behind the scenes of Los Gatos Ballet's production of the Nutcracker! Experience the magic of the Nutcracker alongside the cast while you watch key scenes from the show at a live rehearsal. Guests can even meet dancers and costume makers. This event is FREE but please pre-register HERE. Donations to Los Gatos Ballet gladly accepted at the door.
Time: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: McAfee Performing Arts Center, 20300 Herriman Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070
What: A very special opportunity to see behind the scenes of Los Gatos Ballet's production of the Nutcracker! Experience the magic of the Nutcracker alongside the cast while you watch key scenes from the show at a live rehearsal. Guests can even meet dancers and costume makers. This event is FREE but please pre-register HERE. Donations to Los Gatos Ballet gladly accepted at the door.

Thursday, Dec. 19: Peninsula Ballet Nutcracker Dress Rehearsal
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where: Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063
What: Peninsula Ballet Theatre is thrilled to open their dress rehearsal to families in the Bay Area with sensory-differences and special needs. Tickets are only $5 for this very special event, please register at www.eventbrite.com/e/pbt-presents-a-sensory-friendly-nutcracker-tickets-80573871619. Financial assistance is available for those who need it, please contact us at info@sfautismsociety.org for information.
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where: Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063
What: Peninsula Ballet Theatre is thrilled to open their dress rehearsal to families in the Bay Area with sensory-differences and special needs. Tickets are only $5 for this very special event, please register at www.eventbrite.com/e/pbt-presents-a-sensory-friendly-nutcracker-tickets-80573871619. Financial assistance is available for those who need it, please contact us at info@sfautismsociety.org for information.

Tuesday, December 24: AMC Sensory Friendly Films: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (PG13)
Time: See participating theaters.
What: AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.
More Info: https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
Time: See participating theaters.
What: AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.
More Info: https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films

Saturday, December 28: AMC Sensory Friendly Films: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (PG13)
Time: See participating theaters.
What: AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.
More Info: https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
Time: See participating theaters.
What: AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.
More Info: https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
What is included in our calendar:
Inclusion in the SFASA events calendar lies in the discretion of the SFASA Communications Committee. Criteria include:
• Event must take place in the Bay Area. We will occasionally list events outside of the Bay Area if they are major events of interest to local families.
• Event must offer beneficial experience or information to autism families and must be in line with our values as an organization.
• Event must be hosted by a nonprofit, or if hosted by a for-profit entity, must be free to participants.
SFASA provides this calendar as a public service, there is no charge for a listing.
Submissions: Please submit your event info (text, not as an attachment) to: info@sfautismsociety.org
Inclusion in the SFASA events calendar lies in the discretion of the SFASA Communications Committee. Criteria include:
• Event must take place in the Bay Area. We will occasionally list events outside of the Bay Area if they are major events of interest to local families.
• Event must offer beneficial experience or information to autism families and must be in line with our values as an organization.
• Event must be hosted by a nonprofit, or if hosted by a for-profit entity, must be free to participants.
SFASA provides this calendar as a public service, there is no charge for a listing.
Submissions: Please submit your event info (text, not as an attachment) to: info@sfautismsociety.org
Please share your event with us. See our criteria above. info@sfautismsociety.org.
The Autism Society of the San Francisco Bay Area provides information but it does not constitute medical or legal information. Referrals provided are suggestions to organizations that might help, but do not constitute a recommendation. The Autism Society cannot be held responsible for consequences that arise from individual dealings with a professional or organization. The Autism Society provides an I&R service but individuals must assume personal responsibility for what they do with the information provided. Inclusion of any organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval.
The Autism Society of the San Francisco Bay Area provides information but it does not constitute medical or legal information. Referrals provided are suggestions to organizations that might help, but do not constitute a recommendation. The Autism Society cannot be held responsible for consequences that arise from individual dealings with a professional or organization. The Autism Society provides an I&R service but individuals must assume personal responsibility for what they do with the information provided. Inclusion of any organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval.