Welcome to La Peña! Promoting social justice & intercultural understanding through the arts since 1975.
We're grateful and excited to be offering these FREE Immigration Rights Workshop for Allies: “Become an Immigration Rights Ambassador”! Due to the success of the last workshops and ongoing community need, we've scheduled additional sessions. These workshops cover how ICE operates, how they collect information, and what to do during encounters. You'll leave prepared to […]
Brazil is a country that is rich in music and dance. Often what is advertised as Brazilian dance in the United States, is only what has been explored in the North-East and South-East of Brazil. Now you have the opportunity to experience a wider variety of dances encompassing the entirety of Brazil. You will not […]
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, April 7, 14, 21, 28 - 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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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! Dance with DJ Rabeat and special guest DJ Sizzle Fantastic, enjoy a cumbia dance class with Donaji, and celebrate in a welcoming, safe space! Happening monthly on second Thursdays. Special performance by our FemCumbia Workshop with Diana Olivares! Date: Thursday, April 10th, 2025 | 7:30 pm - 12:00 am […]
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 […]
The Wiggle Room: judgement free movement spaces April's theme is “Release the Cheeks” -- all about releasing tension and stress by connecting our mind to our hips through movement. The Event: Come shake off the stress and weight of the week with us at The Wiggle Room – judgement free movement workshops that get you out of […]
Salsa and Mingle A Night of Rhythm and Connection! Come join a fun and unique night of dance lessons and speed dating. Come join us for a night of salsa dancing and mingling at the La Peña Cultural Center! Stay Connected for Updates! Follow us on Instagram.com/salsanmingle to get the latest event updates, exciting announcements, photos, and all things Salsa and […]
EVENT CANCELLED Join us at La Peña for this Open Mic Series that uplifts the experiences and talents of BIPOC, women, LGBTQAI+ folks, immigrants / migrants, and all other voices that have been historically erased, marginalized, and under/misrepresented. We want to hear you, support you, and transform the world with you! TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE […]
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 […]
Brazil is a country that is rich in music and dance. Often what is advertised as Brazilian dance in the United States, is only what has been explored in the North-East and South-East of Brazil. Now you have the opportunity to experience a wider variety of dances encompassing the entirety of Brazil. You will not […]
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 […]
Sundays, 11:30am – 1:00pm. Cost: Drop-in $35 Adults, all levels. This class includes basic skills, improvisation techniques, choreography, and developing skills to dance in a Batey or community jam. Teenagers with some dance experience welcomed (please email for info). Folks interested in practicing Bomba percussion during the class are welcome (some experience in playing Bomba 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 […]
Join us for a screening of No Separate Survival and intimate discussion with the director and filmmakers! No Separate Survival is a short documentary film and community experience about asylum seekers across the U.S./Mexico border. Through a lens of creative expression, the film gives voice to what it means to create home and seek safety. Themes […]
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 conjunction […]
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 […]
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. […]
Sunday, April 20th class is CANCELED See you next week! Sundays, 11:30am – 1:00pm. Cost: Drop-in $35 Adults, all levels. This class includes basic skills, improvisation techniques, choreography, and developing skills to dance in a Batey or community jam. Teenagers with some dance experience welcomed (please email for info). Folks interested in practicing Bomba percussion during […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Let’s have some laughs and raise some funds for local org Respond Crisis Translation! Tickets: Lapena.info/Just-For-The-Funds (case-sensitive) General Admission: $20 per ticket 2-for-1 Deal: Get 2 tickets for $15 total Respond Crisis Translation is a nonprofit organization comprised of abolitionist translators-interpreters. They provide rapid response language support to migrants and fighting for language justice in Gaza and […]
Experience Afro-Cuban Folklore and Cuban Charanga Fusion with Grammy-Nominated Michael Spiro and Bay Area’s Finest Musicians! Spirology: Afro-Cuban Folklore & Cuban Charanga Fusion Concert with Michael Spiro Enjoy an evening of music and dance at La Peña with Spirology, led by renowned percussionist Michael Spiro. This concert highlights the fusion of Afro-Cuban folklore and Cuban […]
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 […]
We're grateful and excited to be offering these FREE Immigration Rights Workshop for Allies: “Become an Immigration Rights Ambassador”! Due to the success of the last workshops and ongoing community need, we've scheduled additional sessions. These workshops cover how ICE operates, how they collect information, and what to do during encounters. You'll leave prepared to […]
Brazil is a country that is rich in music and dance. Often what is advertised as Brazilian dance in the United States, is only what has been explored in the North-East and South-East of Brazil. Now you have the opportunity to experience a wider variety of dances encompassing the entirety of Brazil. You will not […]
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 […]
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 […]