BAO Cultural Events

SPECIAL NOTICE:For indoor settings, face masks must be worn by all attendees when not eating or drinking.

Learn about new cultures, history, technology and more! This year we have FREE environmental volunteering events.

BAO members receive a discount on the events. BAO Premium Members receive up to 50% discount and Basic Members (free) receive up to a 25% discount on BAO events. If you are not already a BAO member, and want to join to receive discounts, please Click Here before registering for the events.

**REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED** and space is limited, so please sign up as soon as possible using the registration button below. Detailed information, such as directions, will be sent one week and one day before the event date.

WAITLIST ONLY Event 1 San Jose History Extravaganza

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 09:45 AM to 02:30 PM

Join us for a visit to historic Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch!. This ranch traces its origin to Jose Joaquin Bernal, who came as a young boy with the DeAnza Party in 1776 and later founded Rancho Santa Teresa in 1826. Our expert guide will lead us on a tour of the historic ranch house that is also a museum full of exhibits and period furniture. Next, we visit the barn where we will get hands on experience of what it was like to live and work on a ranch in the early 1800’s. We will also learn about the evolution of the ranch’s business - from cattle ranch to fruit production and more. After a break for a social picnic lunch, we will take a short walk to the hidden springs and pass a historic marker for the original adobe home. This event is hosted in partnership with Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. Images by Anne Ferguson.

Level of Difficulty: : Easy
Number of Miles: : 1.0
Location: Meeting location is San Jose, CA 95120
Additional Benefits: Transportation and lunch are included.

WAITLIST ONLY Event 2 Japanese Friendship Garden Walking Tour

Wednesday March 11, 2026 from 09:45 AM to 02:00 PM

Join us for a tour of the Japanese Friendship Garden that was built as a symbol of everlasting friendship between the City of San Jose and its Sister City of Okayama in Japan. This tranquil garden has picturesque bridges, symbolic lanterns, waterfalls and one golden Koi pond. This event is hosted in partnership with Valley Water. Images by Anne Ferguson.

Level of Difficulty: : Easy
Number of Miles: : 1.0
Location: Meeting locations are Cupertino CA 95014 or San Jose CA 95112
Additional Benefits: Transportation, parking fees and lunch are included.

Event 3 Alviso Habitat Restoration Day

Saturday May 2, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Join other BAO members for this FREE social and environmental volunteering event to help restore the wetlands for the vital birds, insects and mammals that live by the bay! Help with planting native plants to improve habitat. All volunteering activities will be standing up and supplies and tools are provided. Bottled water, snacks and picnic lunch are included. This special program is hosted in partnership with Valley Water, Santa Clara County Parks and San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory.

Location: Meeting location is Alviso CA 95002 or Saratoga CA 95070
Additional Benefits: Transportation, lunch, snacks, bottled water are included

Event 4 Don Edwards Habitat Restoration Day

Sunday May 17, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Join other BAO members for this FREE social and environmental volunteering event to help restore the wetlands for the vital birds, insects and mammals that live by the bay! Help with planting native plants to improve habitat. All volunteering activities will be standing up and supplies and tools are provided. Bottled water, snacks and picnic lunch are included. This special program is hosted in partnership with Valley Water and San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory.

Location: Meeting location is San Jose, CA 95002 or Saratoga CA 95070
Additional Benefits: Transportation, lunch, snacks & bottled water are included

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH