Calendar for July and August
1 • Play Day on the Plaza
Bring the entire family to celebrate National Recreation and Parks Month with activities including face painting, double dutch, drumming and more.
11 a.m.–2 p.m., Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, (510) 238-7275, www.oaklandnet.com
2–3 • Fillmore Street Jazz Festival
Every summer, this festival welcomes 90,000 guests who enjoy two days of music, culture and cuisine.
10 a.m.–6 p.m., Fillmore Street, between Jackson and Eddy Streets, San Francisco, www.fillmorejazzfestival.com
4, 10, 17, 24, 31 • Oakland Municipal Band
Enjoy summer concerts conducted by Troy Davis and performed by 35 musicians featuring an array of jazz, contemporary, pop, big band and show tunes. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
1–3 p.m., Lakeside Park, Lake Merritt, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland, www.oaklandnet.com
4 • Fourth of July Celebration
The USS Hornet Museum comes alive with music by Eddie and the Boppers, Tempest and The Mighty NepTunes. Enjoy games and activities for the whole family and food and drink concessions. Stay to watch Bay Area fireworks.
1–9 p.m., $20 adults, $25 at door, $10 ages 5–17, under 5 and members are free. 707 W. Hornet Ave., Alameda, (510) 521-8448, www.uss-hornet.org
4 • Festival of Family Fun
Celebrate the 4th of July throughout Jack London Square with family fun and games.
11 a.m.–4 p.m., Foot of Washington Street, Oakland, (510) 645-9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
4 • Fireworks in Berkeley
Enjoy an all-day celebration at the Berkeley Marina featuring fun, food, entertainment and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Noon–10 p.m., Foot of University Ave., Berkeley, (510) 981-6740, www.anotherbullwinkelshow.com
4 • City of Alameda Mayor’s 4th of July Parade
The city of Alameda celebrates with an old-fashioned parade at 10 a.m. at Lincoln and Park streets and concludes around noon at Washington Park, Central and Eighth streets. Continue the celebration with the Jumpin’ and Jivin’ Jubilee festival at Rittler Park, Otis Drive and Grand Street, from noon–4 p.m. featuring family fun,
food, games, crafts, jump houses, music, family activities, and more.
Parade: free; festival: $7 crafts wristbands, $10 games and jumper wristband, $15 all-inclusive wristband.
(510) 633-9550, www.alamedaparade.com
6, 13, 20, 27 • Summer Sounds Concerts
Oakland City Center is the venue for some of this summer’s hottest concerts. On July 6, enjoy the sweet sounds of pop and soul by Swoon; on July 13 Busta Groove entertains with dance music; Napata performs Motown music on July 20; and Anthony Blea finishes up the month with Latin/salsa music on July 27.
Noon–1 p.m., Oakland City Center, near 12th Street BART, Oakland, (510) 628-9170, www.oaklandcitycenter.com
6–31 • The Verona Project
Cal Shakes presents this stage show featuring eight actors with three times as many instruments, performing a hybrid of theater and rock concert.
Times and ticket prices vary. Bruns Amphitheater, 100 California Shakespeare Theater Way, Orinda,
(510) 548-9666, www.calshakes.org
7, 21 • Waterfront Flicks
Enjoy outdoor movies at Jack London Square. Grab dinner at a local restaurant or pack a picnic. Movies begin at sundown, but the fun begins earlier with trivia questions and prizes. The culinary comedy Julie & Julia will be shown on July 7, and Big Night, a comedy about two brothers who open an Italian restaurant, will be shown on July 21.
6:30 p.m. Foot of Washington Street, Oakland,
(510) 645-9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
8 • Concert at the Cove
Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the Michael Jackson Tribute band, Foreverland, tonight at Crown Beach.
5:30–7:30 p.m. Crab Cove, McKay and Central avenues, Alameda, www.westalamedabusiness.com
8–17 • Oliver
Woodminster Summer Musicals presents this musical about the adventures of an orphan boy in 19th-century London as he escapes abusive treatment in an orphanage and joins a group of pickpockets.
8 p.m., $26–$42. Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland, (510) 531-9597, www.woodminster.com
9–Aug. 14 • Suessical the Musical
This stage show presented by Berkeley Playhouse brings to life favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination.
Times vary, $15–$33. 2640 College Ave., Berkeley,
(510) 845-8542, www.berkeleyplayhouse.org
9 • ’70s Soul Jam
The Dramatics, The Stylistics, Heat Wave, The Delfonics and guest host Jimmie “JJ” Walker take the stage at the Paramount.
8 p.m., $39.75–$69.75. 2025 Broadway, Oakland, (510) 465-6400, www.paramounttheatre.com
9–10 • Newark Summerfest
The Newark Chamber of Commerce sponsors the third annual festival featuring fun, entertainment, arts and crafts, a car show, a kids’ zone, micro-brews and more.
10 a.m.–6 p.m. Newpark Mall, 2086 Newpark Mall (between Sears and Macy’s), Newark, www.festivalproductions2.com
Through July 10 • Fun at the Fair
The Alameda County Fair’s annual two-week event features live entertainment, farm animals, carnival rides, exhibits, activities, culinary creations and more.
Closed Tuesdays. Check website for hours and special pricing on certain weekdays. 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, (925) 426-7600, www.alamedacountyfair.com
10 • Eden Medical Center Walk and Run
Eden Medical Center holds the annual Run to the Lake featuring a 5K and 10K race starting at 8 a.m. in front of Eden Medical Center and continuing to Lake Chabot Regional Park and back. There is also a 50-yard dash for kids ages 3–8 starting at 9:30 a.m. A free Health Expo featuring music, health screenings, giveaways and more will be held from 7:30–10:30 a.m.
$25 for 5K and 10K, $11 for kids’ dash. 20103 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley, (510) 537-1234, www.edenmedicalcenter.org
11-12 • Eddie Vedder in Concert
Pearl Jam’s lead vocalist, Eddie Vedder, entertains with tunes from his solo album, Ukulele Songs.
7:30 p.m. $78. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland, (510) 465-6400, www.paramounttheatre.com
12 • American Idol Live
The popular television reality show comes to the Oracle Arena with live performances by this season’s top 11 contestants.
7 p.m. Ticket prices vary. 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland. (510) 569-2121, www.ticketmaster.com
15 • Dog Day at the A’s
Bring your favorite pooch to see his or her first Major League Baseball game as the Oakland A’s take on the Los Angeles Angels. This year’s event features a pre-game “Pup Rally” and “Pup Parade” around the field starting at 5:30 p.m. The game starts at 7:05 p.m.
$15 plaza reserved seats; must register online at
https://secure.mlb.com/oak/fan_forum/dogday_form. 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, (510) 569-2121
I5–16 • INFERNO: A Fire Circus
Explore a world of flames with an amazing cast of enticing characters and creatures where seductive sirens, fallen angels, fire-breathing acrobats and irresistible creatures from the underworld beckon to the audience.
7 p.m., $45–$60. The Crucible, 1260 Seventh St., Oakland, (510) 444-0919, www.thecrucible.org
16 • Bay Area BBQ Championship
Alternative Family Services, in cooperation with the Oakland A’s, the International Barbecue Cookers Association, Facebook’s Culinary Team and the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, have teamed up for the Bay Area BBQ Championship, a professional cook-off prior to the A’s doubleheader against the Los Angeles Angels.
$18–$48 includes admission to barbecue, tasting tickets and admission to the game. 9:30 a.m. Game starts at 1:05 p.m. Overstock.com Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, (510) 759-1271, www.bayareabbq.org
16 • Movie in the Park
Bring the blankets, lawn chairs, pillows and kids to see a special showing of Return of the Jedi, Star Wars episode VI.
Movie begins at dusk. Redwood Heights Park, 3883 Aliso Ave., Oakland, (510) 482-7827, www.redwoodheights.org
17 • SPCA Summer of Love
Adopt a new best friend at this event sponsored by the East Bay SPCA and featuring a number of local animal rescue organizations, as well as vendors selling animal related goods. This family-focused event also offers many kids activities to go along with finding homes for homeless animals.
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Jack London Square, foot of Washington Street, Oakland, (510) 645-9292, www.eastbayspca.org
23 • East Bay Food Fight
Iron Chef-like battles and more than 40 East Bay restaurants and vendors provide food and beverage at this fun foodie event to support St. Vincent de Paul Alameda County.
4:30–7:30 p.m., ticket prices vary. Jack London Square, foot of Washington Street, Oakland, (510) 645-9292, www.eastbayfoodfight.org
23 • A Beastly Feast
This annual event offers families the chance to donate produce to the zoo and receive a free ride coupon. The first 250 guests receive tickets to visit the elephant exhibit. Enjoy a day of activities including face painting, art and trivia games.
9 a.m.–3 p.m., $12.50 adults, $8.50 ages 2–12, under 2 free. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland,
(510) 632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org
23 • Living Ship Day
Celebrate the Apollo 11 Splashdown 41st anniversary with simulated flight operations, mission briefings and more aboard the USS Hornet.
10 a.m.–5 p.m., $15 adults, $6 ages 5–17, free for ages 4 and under with a paying adult. 707 W. Hornet Ave., Alameda, (510) 521-8448, ext. 28, www.uss-hornet.org
23 • Bay Area Black Expo
This event offers attendees a health and tech fair, job showcase, wealth pavilion, music showcase and small business resource center as well as information on colleges, home ownership and more.
10 a.m.–6 p.m., $10. Overstock.com Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, (510) 473-7759, www.bayareablackexpo.com
23 • Oakland Jazz Festival
The Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate is the venue for this annual event featuring Kem, Boney James, Will Downing, Lalah Hathaway, Ray Obiedo and The Latin Jazz Project and Lloyd Gregory, presented by KBLX.
Begins at noon, ticket prices vary. 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, (510) 615-5555, www.ticketmaster.com
29 • Intimate Evening at Dunsmuir
It’s an elegant evening of music, food, silent auctions and entertainment by popular musicians including Martin Luther, Bay Area Music Society, LAVA Band, Leticia Theory, Ken Cooper and Tarika Lewis.
6–10 p.m., call for ticket prices. Dunsmuir Historic Estate, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, (510) 615-5555, www.oaklandnet.com
29 • Starlight Movie
Enjoy the family movie, Night at the Museum, under the stars at Alameda Point. Box dinners available for $5 if pre-ordered a week before the show.
Pre-show festivities begin at 7:30 p.m., movie begins at 8:15 p.m. Alameda Point Multipurpose Field, 1101 West Redline Ave., Alameda, (510) 747-4700, www.cityofalamedaca.gov
29–Aug. 28 • Greater Tuna
Altarena Playhouse presents this comedic stage show about the third smallest town in Texas featuring memorable residents and quirky small-town politics.
Check website for times and ticket prices. 1409 High St., Alameda, (510) 523-1553, www.altarena.org
30 • A’s Beerfest
The 15th Annual Oakland A’s Beer Festival takes place from 4:05–6:05 p.m. in the Eastside Club at Overstock.com Coliseum. Enjoy more than 30 different microbreweries, live music from Bay Area 1980s cover band Tainted Love and other festivities. A special acrylic souvenir beer mug and three microbrew tastings will be available for $12. Additional tastings will be available for purchase. Mug and tasting sales end at 5:30 p.m.; last pour is at 6 p.m. Must be 21 or older to purchase tastings; admission is free with a game ticket to the evening’s game against the Minnesota Twins starting at 6:05 p.m.
Game ticket prices vary. 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, (510) 569-2121, www.oakland.athletics.mlb.com
30–31 • Up, Up and Away
Experience the excitement of modern kite flying at the Berkeley Kite Festival’s two-day event featuring kite making, giant creature kites and family activities.
10 a.m.–5 p.m. Cesar Chavez Park, 11 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley, www.highlinekites.com
30–31 • Park Street Art & Wine Faire
This weekend event features two stages of music, food, arts, crafts, bouncy house and petting zoos and wine.
10 a.m.–6 p.m. Between Central and Santa Clara, Alameda, (510) 523-1392, www.shopparkstreet.com
31 • Bay to Barkers
Help Support the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society by walking to raise funds at the annual dog walk and festival fundraiser. This fun event features a 1-mile dog walk, a lead dog contest, doggy olympiad, craft activities for kids and dogs and a pet festival with booths hosted by community groups and pet supply companies.
Noon–4 p.m., $25. North parking lot of Golden Gate Fields, 1100 Eastshore Highway, Albany, (510) 845-7735, www.berkeleyhumane.org
AUGUST
3, 10, 17, 24, 31 • Summer Sounds Concerts
Oakland City Center is the venue for some hot summer concerts. On Aug. 3, the Eyewitness Blues Band performs blues; Pa’l Ballador does salsa music on Aug. 10. The Family Crest takes the stage on Aug. 17 with pop/rock music; Future Perfekt entertains with pop/rock on Aug. 24. The band Everyday People finishes up the concert series on Aug. 31.
Noon–1 p.m. Oakland City Center, near 12th Street BART, Oakland, (510) 628-9170, www.oaklandcitycenter.com
4, 18 • Waterfront Flicks
Enjoy outdoor movies at Jack London Square. Grab dinner at a local restaurant or pack a picnic. Movies begin at sundown, but the fun begins earlier with trivia questions and prizes. See Ratatouille, the animated movie about a culinary chef who is also a rat, on Aug. 4, and Dinner for Schmucks, the hilarious comedy about two unlikely friends and one memorable dinner on Aug. 18.
6:30 p.m. Foot of Washington Street, Oakland, (510) 645-9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
5–14 • My Fair Lady
Woodminster presents this musical about a Cockney flower girl who takes accent lessons from a professor so that she can pass as a proper lady.
8 p.m., $26–$42. Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland, (510) 531-9597, www.woodminster.com
6 • Urban Wine Experience
Join more than 15 members from the East Bay Vintners Alliance to enjoy more than 50 wines, food from local restaurants and live music.
Noon–3 p.m., ticket prices vary. Pavilion Building, Jack London Square, foot of Washington Street, Oakland, (510) 473-2821, www.eastbayvintners.com
6 • Divas Fashion Show
The group 8 Plus Divas, dedicated to providing trendy, beautiful clothes for women who wear sizes 8–32, sponsors a fashion show and shopping extravaganza with more than 20 vendors.
6 p.m., $20 advance, $25 at door. Oakland Metro Operahouse, 630 Third St., Oakland, www.8plusdivas.com
6–7 • Fremont Festival of the Arts
This two-day event is the largest free street festival west of the Mississippi and features food, wine, beer, artists, live entertainment and a play area for children.
10 a.m.–6 p.m. 39159 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, www.fremontfestival.net
12 • Wiggles Birthday Party
The fab four, stars of the popular children’s show, celebrate their birthday at the Paramount with friends including Wags the Dog and Dorothy the Dinosaur.
2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., $17.50–$77.50. 2025 Broadway, Oakland, (510) 465-6400, www.paramounttheatre.com
13 • Cajun/Zydeco Festival
This annual festival features music, dancing and Southern Cajun food.
10 a.m.–7 p.m., $18 adults, $3 children if purchased in advance; $22 adults day of event, $5 children ages 4–15; ages 3 and under free. Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, (510) 544-2797, www.ebparks.org
19 • Fireside Lounge: Playa Bound
Celebrate art, fire and movement with fire performance, textiles, hot wheels and kinetics. Watch amazing fire feats by talented fire performers, learn how to make soft-circuit clothing and how to bring life to any sculpture.
6:30–9:30 p.m., $10. The Crucible, 1260 Seventh St., Oakland, (510) 444-0919, www.thecrucible.org
20–21 • Art and Soul Oakland
Enjoy two days of live entertainment, kid-friendly carnival rides, interactive art projects, face painting and roaming costumed characters. Stroll through the Artisan Marketplace and sample exotic foods and tasty treats from a multicultural menu and view great art.
Noon–6 p.m., tickets available for online purchase beginning July 6, $15 adults, $8 ages 13–17, under 12 free. 14th Street and Broadway, Oakland, www.artandsouloakland.com
21 • Open Cockpit Day
Sit in a Korean War MiG-15, find out what it’s like to go through Naval Flight Officers training in a Navy A-6 simulator and tour the Solent Flying Boat from the Indiana Jones movie.
Noon–4 p.m., $9 adults, $8 seniors, $7 military and teens, $5 children ages 6–12 and free for children under 5. Oakland Aviation Museum, 8252 Earhart Road, Oakland, (510) 638-7100, www.oaklandaviationmuseum.org
26–27 • Sade and John Legend
These two talented performers take the stage at
the Oracle Arena for two nights of R&B music.
7 p.m. Fri., 8 p.m. Sat.; ticket prices vary. 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, (866) 448-7849, www.ticketmaster.com
27 • Miranda Cosgrove in Concert
The star of the popular television show, iCarly, takes the stage playing songs from her new CD.
7 p.m. $29.50–$99. Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, (510) 302-2277, www.thefoxoakland.com
27–28 • Oakland Chinatown Street Fest
This annual two-day event features food, entertainment, arts and crafts, children’s activities and celebrates the traditions and cultures of Chinatown.
10 a.m.–6 p.m. Seventh to 11th and from Broadway to Harrison, Oakland, www.oaklandchinatownstreetfest.com
Sports
Oakland A’s. Enjoy green collar baseball at its best as the boys of summer return to the Overstock.com Coliseum for home games throughout July and August.
Overstock.com Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, (866) 614-4183, www.oakland.athletics.mlb.com
Raiders 2011 Season. Join the silver-and-black home team as it kicks off the new season playing the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 11. On Aug. 20, the Raiders take on the 49ers in San Francisco. There is a home game on Aug. 28 against the New Orleans Saints. Times and ticket prices vary.
Oakland Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, (510) 864-5000, www.raiders.com
History
Peralta Hacienda Historic Park. The 6-acre park and historic Peralta House Museum is open 2:30–5:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat., with 40-minute guided tours at 2:30 and 4 p.m, free. Hear the untold history of the Peralta rancho and the stories of the Fruitvale community today, giving voice to the many cultures that have created — and are still transforming — California.
2465 34th Ave., Oakland, (510) 532-9142, www.peraltahacienda.org
Oakland Walking Tours. Glimpse both today’s happening scene and landmarks from Oakland’s past during one of eight walking tours. These free 90-minute walking tours of downtown Oakland are offered at 10 a.m. on Wed. and Sat. through Oct.
Reservations recommended but not required. (510) 238-3234, www.oaklandnet.com
Art
Oakland Museum of California. This dynamic local museum combines art, history and natural science to tell the stories of California and its people.
11a.m.–5 p.m. Wed., Thu., Sat. and Sun. and 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri.; $12 general, $6 ages 9–17, free for children under 8 and free for all on the first Sundays of each month. 1000 Oak St., Oakland, (510) 238-2200, www.museumca.org
Frank Bette Center for the Arts. Art classes, workshops for all ages and exhibits make this island museum a popular spot for established artists and those who want to pursue their talents. Event times and prices vary.
1601 Paru St., Alameda, (510) 523-6957, www.frankbettecenter.org
Family
Chabot Space Center. Learn about the wonders of space through interactive exhibits, planetarium and theater shows, special events and Bill Nye’s Climate Lab where you can learn about climate change.
10 a.m.–5 p.m. Wed. and Thu., 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun., closed Mon. and Tue. $14.95 adults, $10.95 ages 3–12. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland, (510) 336-7373, www.chabotspace.org
MOCHA. Families can enjoy various art projects at the Museum of Children’s Art. The museum holds weekend family programs, drop-in art programs throughout the week and also sponsors exhibits and events in the
Oakland libraries.
10 a.m.–3 p.m. Tue.–Fri., noon- 4 p.m. weekends, closed Mondays. 538 Ninth St., Ste. 210, Oakland, (510) 465-8770, www.mocha.org
Children’s Fairyland. This storybook park enchants with rides, animals, puppet shows and performances.
Open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon.–Fri. and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. weekends through Aug. 28. $8, under 1 free.
699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland, (510) 452-2259, www.fairyland.org
Lawrence Hall of Science. Learn about the fantastic prehistoric creatures that roamed the earth in the new Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit running through Jan. 1, 2012.
$12 adults, $9 students, $8 ages 3–6, free under 3. Lawrence Hall of Science, 1 Centennial Drive, Berkeley, (510) 642-5132, www.lawrencehallofscience.org
Music/Performance
Rhythmix Cultural Works. Based on community, creativity and cultural exchange, this performing arts venue offers everything from drum workshops to family circus playshops and world-class performances.
Event times and prices vary, 2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda, (510) 865-5060, www.rhythmix.org
Yoshi’s Oakland. The best jazz artists in the country perform nightly at Yoshi’s, a Japanese restaurant also known for delectable sushi and fantastic cocktails. Sunday afternoons feature specially priced family matinees with top performers. Show times and prices vary.
510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, (510) 238-9200, www.yoshis.com
Comedy Chuckles. Enjoy laugh-out loud comedy shows 8 p.m. every Thu., Fri. and Sat., $10.
Miss Pearl’s Jam House, 1 Broadway, Oakland, (510) 444-7171, www.misspearlsjamhouse.com
Bay Street Emeryville. This outdoor shopping mall holds features free concerts and entertainment throughout the summer, typically on Fri.-Sun. Check website for times and specific entertainers.
5616 Bay St., Emeryville, (510) 655-4002, www.baystreetemeryville.com
Speisekammer German Restaurant and Bar. Live music Thursdays and Fridays at 8:30 p.m. No cover charge.
2424 Lincoln Ave., Alameda. (510) 522-1300, www.speisekammer.com
This article appears in the July-August 2011 issue of Alameda Magazine
Did you like what you read here? Subscribe to Alameda Magazine »