If you're looking for something to do or just want to know what to expect before you hit the road this weekend, then check out the Major Timesaver report. Every Friday, we publish a rundown of the major events happening around the Bay Area. The guide, put together by traffic reporter Bob Pryor, also includes tips about any expected disruptions on the roads or with mass transit.
You can get the weekend guide sent straight to your phone if you sign up for the RADIO.com app and make KCBS Radio one of your favorite stations. For the latest updates about traffic, follow @KCBSAMFMTraffic on Twitter.
If you want to get outdoors in San Francisco this weekend, you may want to check out Cesar Chavez Festival or Cherry Blossom Festival. For sports fans, the NBA and NHL are entering the playoffs. The Bay Area will see some of the action with Warriors at home in Oakland and the Sharks on the ice in San Jose. There will also be a monster truck rally in Levi's Stadium, racing in Sonoma and a circus in Daly City.
SOUTH BAY:
Fri, Apr 12 at 7:30pm: SAP Center: NHL Playoffs, Round 1, Game 2: Sharks play the Vegas Golden Knights.
- Pro tip: SAP parking lots typically open two-and-a-half hours prior to event time, as detailed here. A general-area parking map is here. This public transit page, lays out the transit options, including important timing considerations for post-game return service on CalTrain.
- Areas and roadways affected: In downtown San Jose, expect congestion along The Alameda / W Santa Clara Street, Autumn Street, and the general Arena Green West/SAP Center/Diridon area.
Sat, Apr 13 at 7pm: Levi’s Stadium: Monster Jam. Parking lots will open at 12:30pm. The Pit Party (pre-show truck display) begins at 2:30pm and stadium gates open at 5:00pm. Organizers expect about 43,000 people.
- Pro tip: Drivers should expect heavy traffic and delays on major thoroughfares leading to and from the stadium, starting around 12:30pm and continuing after the event ends around 9:30pm. Look at the City of Santa Clara's traffic advisory here.
- Areas and roadways affected: Expect heavy traffic on Highways 101, 237, 880, Lawrence Expressway, Great America Parkway and San Tomas Expressway. Tasman Drive will be closed from Convention Center Drive to Centennial Blvd / Marie P DeBartolo Way and there will be no parking allowed on Tasman or on the posted section of Lick Mill Blvd.
EAST BAY:
Sat, Apr 13 at 5pm: Oracle Arena: NBA Playoffs, Round 1, Game 1: Warriors play the Los Angeles Clippers.
- Pro tip: Taking BART to the Coliseum station will save you the hassle of driving the Nimitz and paying for parking. If you are going to go ahead and drive, the Warriors’ Parking And Directions webpage is here.
- Areas and roadways affected: In Oakland: Possible crowding on I-880, Coliseum Way, San Leandro Street, 66th Avenue.
PENINSULA:
Fri, Apr 12 thru Sun, Apr 14: Cow Palace: Garden Brother Circus will have multiple shows throughout the weekend featuring 60 performers in a fast-paced show that includes acrobats, motorcycle stunts and plenty of comedy.
- Pro tip: Lot parking will cost drivers $12. Public transportation riders coming from either the Balboa Park BART station or CalTrain’s Bayshore station will need to catch a bus for the remainder of the trip.
SAN FRANCISCO:
Sat, Apr 13 and Sun, Apr 14 from 10am-6pm: San Francisco’s Japantown hosts the 52nd Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, which continues next weekend. There will be traditional Japanese art and culture, such as a tea ceremony and Taiko drumming and contemporary creations like anime and J-Pop.
- Pro tip: Before you go, take a quick look at the map of the area, then a longer look at the schedule of events.
- Areas and roadways affected: Several blocks of Post, Webster and Buchanan streets will be closed in the heart of Japantown. The entire neighborhood will see increased traffic.
Sat, Apr 13 from 11am-6pm: San Francisco’s Mission District: Cesar Chavez Holiday Parade and Festival starts on 19th Street adjacent to Dolores Park. The following streets will be closed from 9am to 8pm for the festival:
- Pro tip: Parts of 24th Street and Harrison will be closed from 9am to 8pm for the festival. Expect the Mission to be crowded.
NORTH BAY/SOLANO:
Fri, Apr 12 thru Sun, Apr 14: Sonoma Raceway: CSRG David Love Vintage Races will have practice on Friday and races on Saturday and Sunday.
- Pro tip: Friday practice probably will have minimal impact on traffic, but Saturday, and especially Sunday, will have wider appeal and could impact traffic on Hwy-37.
