Skip to content

This weekend in Oakland

on February 11, 2011

Community events and activities for the weekend of February 11-13.  Got an event we didn’t know about? Please add it in the comments!

Looking for a fun Valentine’s Day event?  Check out Valentine’s Day in Oakland: The ultimate list of ways to celebrate (or avoid) it.

Friday, February 11

SF Beer Week
February 11 – 20, all day each day
Various locations throughout San Francisco

The kickoff event for this fabulous week of beer is The SF Brewers Guild Opening Gala at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.  Tickets: $55.  Throughout the week, restaurants will be offering food and beer pairings, special beer dinners, pub-crawls, beer trivia nights and Wii Bowling.  More info here. For events in the East Bay, more info here.

SF Beer Week: PubQuest Scavenger Hunt
February 11 – 16, 9 am – 11 pm
Various locations throughout San Francisco

Receive clues here, www.pubquest.com, each day.  The clues will lead you to special beer drinking locations throughout the city.  Take pictures of yourself drinking beer there and you can win great prizes.

Free Taco Bell: 10 Million Free Tacos
All Day
All Taco Bell locations, map

In response to the recent lawsuit claiming that Taco Bell doesn’t use enough beef in their tacos to be allowed to called them “beef” tacos, Taco Bell wants to hear from the masses.  The first 10 million people to “like” the Taco Bell Facebook page will get a coupon for a free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco.  Download the coupon here.  More info here.

The 23rd Annual Russian Festival
5:30 – 9:30 pm; Saturday 11 am – 10 pm; Sunday 11 am – 7:15 pm
Russian Center: 2460 Sutter Street, San Francisco

It’s a celebration of Russian-American food, dance, music, and art.  There will be a performance from the folk ensemble Limpopo, a special exhibition on Russian emigration to the US, and of course, infused vodka.  Cost: $10.  There will be a dance party on Friday night from 9:30 pm – 12:30 am.  More info here.

Michael Franti Live at Amoeba
6 pm
Amoeba Music: 2455 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley

Michael Franti, of Spearhead, will be performing and signing records.  More info here.

Graffiti Artist Show Opening
7 – 9:30 pm
1AM Gallery: 1000 Howard Street, San Francisco

1AM Gallery is bringing the art of graffiti inside, and presenting “Outside in.”  Now you can see the graffiti up close and personal.  Artists showcased in the exhibit include: BUTER, JURNE, UFO, WAND, KEB, and CHEZ.  Some artists will even be on hand to discuss their work.  The show runs through March 12th.  Live music and wine served to those 21 and up.  More info here.

Black Choreographers Festival: Here & Now
8 pm (also on Saturday)
Laney College: 900 Fallon Street, Oakland

It’s the African and African-American dance and culture showcases’ seventh year. Dancers include Zak Diouf and Naomi Washington of Oakland’s DiamanoCoura West African Dance Company; Corey Action and Teela Shine from New Style Motherlode in Rockridge; Mahea Uchiyama; Tyler Knowlin; Paco Gomes and Raissa Simpson from PUSH Dance.  There will also be a question and answer session after Friday’s performance.  The festival moves to San Francisco for the two following weekends.  Cost: $10 – $20.  More info here.

Magic Jester Improv Show
8 – 10 pm
Temescal Arts Center: 511 48th Street, Oakland

An entertaining show with music, dance, comedy, poetry and more.  The audience inspires the show.  The show is every second Friday of the month.  Cost: $5 – $10.  More info here.

The Geek Savants Present: “Episode 200: They Live?”
7:30 – 11:30 pm
Golden West Sign Arts: 2819 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley

The Savants’ famous podcast is brought to life for their 200th episode.  There will be burlesque performances by Lady Satan – as Poison Ivy – and Sparkly Devil – as BarbWire.  Drink specials will be available.  $5 suggested donation.  Adults only.  Doors open at 8 pm.  More info here.

Saturday, February 12

A Llama Walking Tour
10 am
Secret Berkeley Location: Berkeley

Llama not required, but a sense of humor is.  Come for the unique experience.  The event is limited to 20 people, so an RSVP is required: keithskinner.public@gmail.com OR 510.320.3876.  Meeting location will be divulged upon RSVP.  No dogs.  More info here.

“The Find” Vintage and Gift Fair
11 am – 5 pm
Jack London Square Pavilion: 98 Broadway Avenue, Oakland

Over forty vendors will be set up to sell jewelry, estate items, furniture, clothing and more.  The JLS and the Port of Oakland are sponsoring the event.  More info here.

Oakland Lunar New Year Festival 2011
12 – 4 pm
Oakland Asian Cultural Center: 388 9th Street, Suite 290, Oakland

Elements of Chinese, Korean, Mongolian, Vietnamese, and Filipino cultures will all be featured in this celebration of the Year of the Rabbit, or the New Year of 4708.  There will be a fruit carving demonstration and Chinese painting and calligraphy along with numerous performances.  More info here.

Meet Shoe Guru Steve Madden
2 – 3:30 pm
Macy’s Union Square: 170 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco

Come meet Steve Madden and MTV’s Julissa Bermudez.  Everyone will receive a free t-shirt, tote bag and photo with Steve Madden.  There is also an additional special gift for those who purchase a Steve Madden product at the event.  More info here.

Exhibit Opening: Noguchi’s California with Live Tea Ceremony
2:30 – 5:30 pm
Peralta Hacienda Historical Park: 2465 34th Avenue, Oakland

Nina Egert’s photos will be on display.  The photos explore the Oakland hills and other locations that inspired the poet Yone Noguchi.  There will also be Japanese cultural performances, flower arrangement demonstrations, and a tea ceremony.  More info here.

Gallery Exhibit Opening Party: “Sacred Terrain”
6-9 pm
Float Gallery: 1091 Calcot Place #116, Oakland

Float Gallery and Gamma Black & White Photo Lab are hosting an opening party for Sacred Terrain – photography by Cathy Shine and plasma sculpture by Ed Kirshner.  There will also be live music and free psychic readings.  More info here.

Meet the Brewer @ Beer Revolution
6 pm
Beer Revolution: 464 3rd Street, Oakland

Beer Revolution is hosting a full day of beer from the Bruery Brewery.  More info here.

Yemanja Arts Festival
7 pm – 12 am
Casa de Cultura: 1901 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley

An event to honor Yemanja, goddess of the ocean and Oxum, goddess of fresh water.  There will be belly dancing and live music.  Cost: $15 in advance, $18 at the door.  More info here.

Sunday, February 13

History Expo at the Old Mint
11 am – 4 pm (also on Sunday)
Old Mint: 88 Fifth Street, San Francisco

More than 20 San Francisco historical associations will showcase their love of San Francisco and its history.  There will be live historic performances, historic films, an author’s forum, and a recording of participants’ memories by FoundSF.  More info here.

Lunar New Year Celebration, and Other Asian Traditions
12 – 4:30 pm
Oakland Museum of California: 1000 Oak Street, Oakland

Bring the entire family to this great celebration.  There will be lion dancing, a mochi pounding demonstration, magic, and storytelling.  More info here.

PillowFight 2011 “Feathers of Fury”
12 pm
Downtown San Jose –exact location announced via Twitter (@PillowFightSJ)

San Francisco’s fight has gone underground for 2011, so San Jose is stepping in and holding a huge Valentine’s Day weekend pillowfight.  Bring a feather pillow, and a bandana for your mouth – to keep it safe from feathers.  This event is not meant for little kids. More info here.

The Rules: tell everyone, wait until the signal to being, soft pillows only, never hit people without pillows or with cameras, remove your glasses beforehand, and swing lightly.

Screening and Discussion: Lunch Love Community
2:30 pm
Pacific Film Archive: 2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley

Come watch a screening of short films from the documentary about Berkeley’s school lunch program.  There will also be a panel discussion with the filmmakers, activists, and academics.  More info here.

SF Beer Week: North Beach Brewery Pub Crawl
4 – 8 pm
Board Room: 1609 Powell Street, San Francisco

At the Board Room there will be food specials and beer pairings.  The group will then move to Rogue, Tope, and Church Key – all will have beer specials as well.  Sign up at the Board Room for a wristband to get you to the crawl.  More info here.

Ongoing community weekend events and gatherings

Talks

Wildlife Theater
Saturdays at 11:45 am and Sundays at 1:45 pm
Oakland Zoo: 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland

Every Saturday, hear a story and meet an animal with the Oakland zoo staff.  On Sundays, there are more animals to meet and a chance to learn cool nature facts.

Toddler Storytime
Saturdays 10:30 – 11:30 am
Oakland Main Library, Children’s Room, 125 14th Street, Oakland
and Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Avenue, Oakland

Every Saturday, children ages three and under can listen to stories, sing songs, and enjoy family play time. More info here.

Farmers’ markets

Old Oakland Farmers’ Market: 9th Street between Broadway and Clay, Oakland
Fridays 8 am – 2 pm, year-round
.  More info here.

Kaiser Permanente Oakland Farmers’ Market: 3801 Howe Street, Oakland
Fridays 10 am – 2 pm, year-round.  
More info here.

Grand Lake Farmers’ Market: Splash Pad Park at Grand Avenue and Lake Park Avenue
Saturdays 9 am – 2 pm, year-round.  More info here.

Phat Beets Produce Market: 5717 Market Street, Oakland
Saturdays 9 am – 2 pm.  
More info here.

Temescal Farmers’ Market: 5300 Claremont Avenue, Oakland (at the DMV)
Sundays 9 am – 1 pm, year-round.  
More info here.

Jack London Square Farmers’ Market: Webster & Water Streets, Oakland
Sundays, 9 am – 2 pm, year-round.  
More info here.

Meetings

MTC Community Garden Hoe-Down
Saturdays 9 – 11 am
Memorial Tabernacle Church: 514 58 Street, Oakland (enter through the driveway)

Come join the weekly garden work party!  Whether you are a novice or an expert, all levels of gardening are welcome. Bring your gloves and gardening tools.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous
Sundays 8:30 – 10 am, Thursdays 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Summit Campus, Merritt Pavilion
350 Hawthorne Avenue, Oakland, in the “Fir Room.”

A program based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. There are no dues, weigh-ins, or fee, but pre-registration for this free program is required. The program is provided through Alta Bates Summit Medical Center and Jewish Family and Children’s Services of the East Bay. Call (510) 523-4361 for more information.

Got an Oakland event to share for next weekend’s events listing? Send info including address, time, and ticket price for events taking place in Oakland between February 18-21 to staff@oaklandnorth.net.

1 Comment

  1. Pamela Drake on February 11, 2011 at 10:28 am

    Saturday morning at the North Berkeley Senior Center at 10 am, the hosts of the canceled Morning Show on KPFA will meet and share breakfast with listeners and other former KPFA hosts like Larry Bensky, Mitch Jesseritch of Letters & Politics and news director Aileen Alfandary will also join with representatives of CWA 9415 for coffee and pastries. The KPFA Local Station Board meeting will follow at 11 am. Public comment is welcome at the meeting.



Oakland North welcomes comments from our readers, but we ask users to keep all discussion civil and on-topic. Comments post automatically without review from our staff, but we reserve the right to delete material that is libelous, a personal attack, or spam. We request that commenters consistently use the same login name. Comments from the same user posted under multiple aliases may be deleted. Oakland North assumes no liability for comments posted to the site and no endorsement is implied; commenters are solely responsible for their own content.

Photo by Basil D Soufi
logo
Oakland North

Oakland North is an online news service produced by students at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and covering Oakland, California. Our goals are to improve local coverage, innovate with digital media, and listen to you–about the issues that concern you and the reporting you’d like to see in your community. Please send news tips to: oaklandnorthstaff@gmail.com.

Latest Posts

Scroll To Top