Welcome to La Peña! Promoting social justice & intercultural understanding through the arts since 1975.
Femme Empowerment Cumbia Dance Class Series 
Embrace Your Inner Feminine Power: A 4-Day Dance Course Mondays: April 28, May 5, 12, 19 - 2025 | 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM REGISTER HERE! Join us for a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment through the vibrant rhythms of folkloric cumbia! This 4-class series is […]
Interested in RUMBA and the Afro-Cuban Tradition? We have these 2 music classes back-to-back at La Peña that explore the musicality of Cuban Rumba and more! Note: classes are taught in spanish, but english speakers are welcome to join if you're comfortable with limited translation. CLASE 1: Lunes, 7:00pm – 8:15pm @La Peña LA RUMBA […]
Wapau! 8-Week Fusion Bachata: Lead Shines Welcome and thank you for your interest in Wapau! Lead Shines Class Series!!! March 17th class is Drop-In friendly! Details: 8-Week Bachata Training Team Series All levels, no partner required All gender inclusive 8:00 - 9:30pm La Peña Cultural Center $150 + fees March 17th Drop-In single class: $15 […]
TUESDAY MORNING: BILINGUAL Family Music Classes with Anna-Maria Violich-Olivier For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SESSION: TUESDAYS, APRIL 8 - JUNE 24 (12 WEEKS) 10:15-11:00 AM FAMILY MUSIC CLASS (BILINGUAL) […]
Join this fun class with instructor Momo Lebeau!! About Bodywerk Dance Classes: Bodywerk Dance offers a variety of different classes, all taught by award winning instructor, Momo LeBeau. We feature a fusion of Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, jazz and many other dance styles. Bodywerk is a dynamic hip hop dance jam, good for all levels, […]
Founded in 1979 by Chilean refugees and community supporters, La Peña Community Chorus has been performing Latin American New Song — Nueva Canción — for many years. Accompanying themselves on guitars, flutes, drums, and a large assortment of Latin American instruments, the Chorus has sung for schools, churches, homeless shelters, retirement homes, drug rehab centers, […]
Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm In person at La Peña Cultural Center **FREE Community Class on the last Wednesday of every month!** Come experience the spirit, music, and movement of Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola! We begin our class with one hour of […]
Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm Instructor: María de La Rosa Son jarocho is a community music that reflects the cycle of life in its poetic lyrics. Classes at La Peña focus instruction on jarana jarocha, singing (including poetry), and percussion (including zapateado dance), although all son jarocho instruments are welcomed. Emphasis is placed on learning basic […]
FREE Community Class with Capoeira Balanço de Angola Last Wednesday of every month, 7:00pm – 9:00pm Come experience the spirit, music, and movement of Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola! We begin our classes with one hour of music followed by one hour of movement class. Our weekly classes are open to […]
THURSDAY MORNINGS: Family Music Class (SPANISH) with Natalia Bernal For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SESSION: THURSDAY MORNINGS, APRIL 10 - JUNE 26 (12 WEEKS) 9:15-10:00 AM FAMILY […]
María Elena Pacheco & Ernesto Hermoza Live in Concert Direct from Perú: An unforgettable night of music with two masters of guitar and violin La Peña is excited to welcome 4-time Grammy-nominated guitarist and musical director for Susana Baca, Ernesto Hermoza, to our humble stage to share his artistry with us in an intimate and […]
Join Bloco Ginga Brasil in SF CARNAVAL 2025! Parade with one of carnaval’s oldest continuing comparsas celebrating 36 years of bringing authentic Brazilian Carnaval to San Francisco. Discover how BGB will celebrate SF Carnaval’s theme: AfroMundo! Sundays 9:45-10:45am April 6, 13, 27 May 4, 18 Parade Day: May 25th $250 Includes Registration, Costume and 5 […]
Beginners Salsa, Bachata & Merengue Dance Class Series (4 sessions) Mondays, May 5, 12, 19 | June 2 - 2025 6:15pm - 7:15pm Join us and explore the possibilities of your body and learn how to communicate with others through dance, rhythm and flavor! This class is taught as "leaders" and "followers" and prioritizes creating a safe […]
Wapau! 8-Week Fusion Bachata: Lead Shines Welcome and thank you for your interest in Wapau! Lead Shines Class Series!!! March 17th class is Drop-In friendly! Details: 8-Week Bachata Training Team Series All levels, no partner required All gender inclusive 8:00 - 9:30pm La Peña Cultural Center $150 + fees March 17th Drop-In single class: $15 […]
TUESDAY MORNING: BILINGUAL Family Music Classes with Anna-Maria Violich-Olivier For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SESSION: TUESDAYS, APRIL 8 - JUNE 24 (12 WEEKS) 10:15-11:00 AM FAMILY MUSIC CLASS (BILINGUAL) […]
Join this fun class with instructor Momo Lebeau!! About Bodywerk Dance Classes: Bodywerk Dance offers a variety of different classes, all taught by award winning instructor, Momo LeBeau. We feature a fusion of Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, jazz and many other dance styles. Bodywerk is a dynamic hip hop dance jam, good for all levels, […]
Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm In person at La Peña Cultural Center **FREE Community Class on the last Wednesday of every month!** Come experience the spirit, music, and movement of Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola! We begin our class with one hour of […]
La Peña Presents La Cumbia Dance Party! Happening monthly on second Thursdays! Cumbia is back monthly at La Peña! Dance with DJ Rabeat, enjoy a Cumbia dance class, and celebrate in a welcoming, safe space! DATE: Thursday, May 8th | 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM | Doors open at 7:30 PM TICKETS: Lapena.info/LaCumbia (case-sensitive) $10 […]
THURSDAY MORNINGS: Family Music Class (SPANISH) with Natalia Bernal For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SESSION: THURSDAY MORNINGS, APRIL 10 - JUNE 26 (12 WEEKS) 9:15-10:00 AM FAMILY […]
Join us for a FREE hour of song, hope, and community joy! Because we need it more than ever. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Event organized by Aya de León and Kaylah Marin Aya de León is the Poet Laureate of the City of Berkeley, a creative writing teacher at UC Berkeley, and the […]
Every two Saturdays: April 12, 26 | May 10, 24 10:00am – 11:00 am Price: $20 per class This class focuses on the basic rhythms and techniques of Afro-Peruvian cajón percussion and music, including Lando, Festejo, Zamacueca, and more! No previous experience needed, come join us! Instructor Braulio Barrera All levels Ages: Adults and Youth […]
Wapau! 8-Week Fusion Bachata: Lead Shines Welcome and thank you for your interest in Wapau! Lead Shines Class Series!!! March 17th class is Drop-In friendly! Details: 8-Week Bachata Training Team Series All levels, no partner required All gender inclusive 8:00 - 9:30pm La Peña Cultural Center $150 + fees March 17th Drop-In single class: $15 […]
TUESDAY MORNING: BILINGUAL Family Music Classes with Anna-Maria Violich-Olivier For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SESSION: TUESDAYS, APRIL 8 - JUNE 24 (12 WEEKS) 10:15-11:00 AM FAMILY MUSIC CLASS (BILINGUAL) […]
Join this fun class with instructor Momo Lebeau!! About Bodywerk Dance Classes: Bodywerk Dance offers a variety of different classes, all taught by award winning instructor, Momo LeBeau. We feature a fusion of Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, jazz and many other dance styles. Bodywerk is a dynamic hip hop dance jam, good for all levels, […]
Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm In person at La Peña Cultural Center **FREE Community Class on the last Wednesday of every month!** Come experience the spirit, music, and movement of Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola! We begin our class with one hour of […]
THURSDAY MORNINGS: Family Music Class (SPANISH) with Natalia Bernal For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SESSION: THURSDAY MORNINGS, APRIL 10 - JUNE 26 (12 WEEKS) 9:15-10:00 AM FAMILY […]
Dust off your dancing shoes for an epic night with live music & vibrant community energy! Join us for an evening featuring live music, not one but two dance floors, a gender-inclusive salsa and bachata dance class, a fundraising bar, delicious food from our partners at Los Cilantros, complimentary coat check, and a vibrant, inclusive community. […]
Join Bloco Ginga Brasil in SF CARNAVAL 2025! Parade with one of carnaval’s oldest continuing comparsas celebrating 36 years of bringing authentic Brazilian Carnaval to San Francisco. Discover how BGB will celebrate SF Carnaval’s theme: AfroMundo! Sundays 9:45-10:45am April 6, 13, 27 May 4, 18 Parade Day: May 25th $250 Includes Registration, Costume and 5 […]
Every third Sunday of the month from 2:30pm-5:00pm in our Lounge! Join us for this Cuban Rumba Community Jam that has been held at La Peña for many years. Led by Cuban percussionist Einar Leliebre! Free / donations encouraged Family-friendly event Bring your instruments if you have them! More about the Afro-Cuban Rumba Community […]
Wapau! 8-Week Fusion Bachata: Lead Shines Welcome and thank you for your interest in Wapau! Lead Shines Class Series!!! March 17th class is Drop-In friendly! Details: 8-Week Bachata Training Team Series All levels, no partner required All gender inclusive 8:00 - 9:30pm La Peña Cultural Center $150 + fees March 17th Drop-In single class: $15 […]
Immigrant Voices Film Series: Prodigal Daughter Centering powerful immigrant stories through film. Join us for the Immigrant Voices Film Series every 3rd Tuesday at La Peña! Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Doors open: 7:00 PM | Screening at 7:30 PM | Runtime: 90 min Sliding Scale Tickets: $10-$25 – Pay what you can. Your support helps […]
TUESDAY MORNING: BILINGUAL Family Music Classes with Anna-Maria Violich-Olivier For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SESSION: TUESDAYS, APRIL 8 - JUNE 24 (12 WEEKS) 10:15-11:00 AM FAMILY MUSIC CLASS (BILINGUAL) […]
Join this fun class with instructor Momo Lebeau!! About Bodywerk Dance Classes: Bodywerk Dance offers a variety of different classes, all taught by award winning instructor, Momo LeBeau. We feature a fusion of Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, jazz and many other dance styles. Bodywerk is a dynamic hip hop dance jam, good for all levels, […]
Come join The La Peña Old Guard* “Third Wednesday” Gatherings: each time a different discussion topic! Open to all. Please spread the word! If you're planning on coming, RSVP to oldguard@lapena.org *What is La Peña OLD Guard? We are a group of progressives who came of political age during the 60’s, 70’s and early ‘80s, often, in […]
Remember the music jams? All ages, all instruments, all skill levels, all welcome, all fun! Mark your calendars for the return of these legendary music jams to La Peña, led by José Roberto Hernández! Las mermeladas musicales son un espacio donde la gente y sus instrumentos se juntan para hacer música, comunidad y compañerismo. It’s Wednesday…don’t you […]
Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm In person at La Peña Cultural Center **FREE Community Class on the last Wednesday of every month!** Come experience the spirit, music, and movement of Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola! We begin our class with one hour of […]
THURSDAY MORNINGS: Family Music Class (SPANISH) with Natalia Bernal For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SESSION: THURSDAY MORNINGS, APRIL 10 - JUNE 26 (12 WEEKS) 9:15-10:00 AM FAMILY […]
THURSDAY AFTERNOON: Kids Music, Yoga & Movement Class (SPANISH) with Natalia Bernal For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SESSION: NEW!! THURSDAY AFTERNOON, MAY 22 - JULY 3 (7 […]
NEW!! THURSDAY AFTERNOON Family Music Class (SPANISH) with Natalia Bernal For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SESSION: THURSDAYS AFTERNOON, MAY 22 - JULY 3 (7 WEEKS) 5:00-5:45 […]
Thanks to Life: A Violeta Parra Book Launch & Sing-Along with Ericka Verba Join us for a celebration of the life and work of Violeta Parra—Chilean musician, artist, and global symbol of resistance—through the launch of Thanks to Life, a new biography by Ericka Verba. Friday, May 23, 2025 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (doors […]
Every two Saturdays: April 12, 26 | May 10, 24 10:00am – 11:00 am Price: $20 per class This class focuses on the basic rhythms and techniques of Afro-Peruvian cajón percussion and music, including Lando, Festejo, Zamacueca, and more! No previous experience needed, come join us! Instructor Braulio Barrera All levels Ages: Adults and Youth […]
¡LASTESIS vienen a La Peña! IMPORTANT: please note that this event will be primarily in Spanish, with option of partial English translation. We'll do our best to accommodate everyone! Thank you, and let us know if you have any questions! Ven y participa de este taller de 3 módulos a cargo de Colectivo LASTESIS. El […]
CHILE IN THEIR HEARTS: Book Launch & Conversation with Author John Dinges Sunday, May 25, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Doors open at 5:30 PM FREE EVENT | La Peña Cultural Center | 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA RSVP at: Lapena.info/John-Dinges (case-sensitive) | Sign up to Volunteer here! Join us for an evening uncovering an untold […]
Wapau! 8-Week Fusion Bachata: Lead Shines Welcome and thank you for your interest in Wapau! Lead Shines Class Series!!! March 17th class is Drop-In friendly! Details: 8-Week Bachata Training Team Series All levels, no partner required All gender inclusive 8:00 - 9:30pm La Peña Cultural Center $150 + fees March 17th Drop-In single class: $15 […]
TUESDAY MORNING: BILINGUAL Family Music Classes with Anna-Maria Violich-Olivier For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SESSION: TUESDAYS, APRIL 8 - JUNE 24 (12 WEEKS) 10:15-11:00 AM FAMILY MUSIC CLASS (BILINGUAL) […]
Join this fun class with instructor Momo Lebeau!! About Bodywerk Dance Classes: Bodywerk Dance offers a variety of different classes, all taught by award winning instructor, Momo LeBeau. We feature a fusion of Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, jazz and many other dance styles. Bodywerk is a dynamic hip hop dance jam, good for all levels, […]
FREE Community Class with Capoeira Balanço de Angola Last Wednesday of every month, 7:00pm – 9:00pm Come experience the spirit, music, and movement of Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola! We begin our classes with one hour of music followed by one hour of movement class. Our weekly classes are open to […]
THURSDAY MORNINGS: Family Music Class (SPANISH) with Natalia Bernal For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SESSION: THURSDAY MORNINGS, APRIL 10 - JUNE 26 (12 WEEKS) 9:15-10:00 AM FAMILY […]
THURSDAY AFTERNOON: Kids Music, Yoga & Movement Class (SPANISH) with Natalia Bernal For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SESSION: NEW!! THURSDAY AFTERNOON, MAY 22 - JULY 3 (7 […]
NEW!! THURSDAY AFTERNOON Family Music Class (SPANISH) with Natalia Bernal For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SESSION: THURSDAYS AFTERNOON, MAY 22 - JULY 3 (7 WEEKS) 5:00-5:45 […]
La Rumba me Llama: Honrando los Antepasados: Una celebración de música Afro-Cubana Director and culture bearer Einar Leliebre Nuñez has selected top-notch musicians and dancers to perform at this unique celebration, which will honor the legacy of the rumbero/as who have illuminated the path. Creating a tradition following last year’s successful event, the show will bring together Cubans, Caribbeans, Latinos, […]