This weekend in Oakland

Community events and activities for the weekend of April 1 – 3.  Got an event we didn’t know about? Please add it in the comments!

Friday, April 1

Dreamtime
All day
Branch Gallery: 455 17^th Street, Suite #301, Oakland

Dreamtime refers to the Australian aborigines’ idea of Creation.  Local photographers Aimee Friberg and Tabitha Soren explore the issue through art.  More info here.

Notes and Words – Musicians and Writers Onstage Together for Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland
6 pm
Fox Theater: 1807 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

The benefit features authors Michael Lewis, Kelly Corrigan, and Beth Lisick, as well as musicians The Family Crest, HYIM, and Megan Slankard.  For tickets click here.  Cost: $50-$250.  More info here.

April Ful’s Night
6 – 9 pm
Oakland Museum of California: 1000 Oak Street, Oakland

“’Ful,’ Egypt’s national dish made of mashed fava beans, will be served together with roasted goat at Friday night’s event at the Oakland Museum of California, when ‘April Ful’s Night’ visitors will share a communal meal and talk about the latest developments in the Middle East.”  Oakland North’s Felix Irmer has the whole story, here.

Oakland Art Murmur
6 – 10 pm
Telegraph Avenue corridor: 19th Street to 48th Street.

A monthly “First Friday” of gallery showings and street performances. See this map for participating galleries. More info here.

Conference: “Food Fights: Popular Struggles Beyond California Cuisine”
7 pm (also 8:30 am – 5 pm on Saturday)
Oakland Museum of California: 1000 Oak Street, Oakland

The event will feature speakers and workshops on food and food-justice related topics.  Speakers include, Sasha Abramsky, Favianna Rodriguez, Pam Peirce, Julie Guthman, and Navina Khanna.  Cost: $15 – $40.  More info here.

Oakland A’s vs. Seattle Mariners
7:05 pm (also 6:05 pm on Saturday and 1:05 pm on Sunday)
Coliseum: 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland

Cost: tickets range from $9 to $200.  More info here.

Paramount Movie Classics: “Pillow Talk” (1959)
8 – 10 pm
Paramount Theatre: 2025 Broadway, Oakland

The famous Art Deco movie palace boasts over 3,000 seats, period newsreels, cartoons, previews, live music from the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, and the audience game “Dec-O-Win.”  Doors open 60 minutes prior to the show.  Cocktails, beverages, and snacks will be available for purchase.  The feature film begins at 8:30 pm.  Cost: $5.  More info here.

Bob Seger Tribute Band is Total B.S.
9 pm
The Uptown:1928 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

Total B.S. is Oakland’s own Bob Seger tribute band – playing works from the great’s entire career.  Jesse Morris & the Man Cougars, Guitar Wizards of the Future, and Mick Leonardy will also be performing.  21+ only.  More info here.

Conference: “May Superman Pray?  The Role of Faith-Based Schools in School Choice”
8:30 am – 4 pm
International House: 2299 Piedmont Avenue, Berkeley

National leaders from both the education and faith fields will lead five talks over the course of the day long conference.  Cost: $40.  More info here.

Habitat for Humanity Warehouse Liquidation Sale
12 – 4 pm (also on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm)
Habitat for Humanity Warehouse: 50 West Trident Avenue, Alameda

New and used construction and home improvement materials will be on sale all weekend.  Friday is only open to contractors and wholesalers, but Saturday and Sunday are open to the public.  More info here.

WonderCon
12 – 7 pm Friday; 10 – 7 pm Saturday; 11 – 5 pm Sunday
Moscone Center: 747 Howard Street, San Francisco

The show – one of the biggest comics and popular culture events in country – is celebrating its 25^th anniversary.  The event includes panels from the comic industry’s big publishers, vendors selling everything pop culture, an artist alley, games, and workshops. Cost: children 11 and under are free with PAID adult badge, juniors are 12-17 years old and seniors are 60+.  More info here.

Advance Tickets: 3 Day Ticket – $40 adults, $20 juniors/seniors; 1 Day Ticket (Fri/Sat) – $20 adults, $10 juniors/seniors; 1 Day Ticket (Sun) – $10 adults, $5 juniors/seniors
Onsite Tickets: 3 Day Ticket – not available for onsite sale; 1 Day Ticket (Fri/Sat) – $25 adults, $13 juniors/seniors; 1 Day Ticket (Sun) – $15 adults, $7 juniors/seniors

WonderCon After-Party at Escapist Comics
8 – 11 pm
Escapist Comic Bookstore: 3090 Claremont Avenue, Berkeley

Escapist Comics – a new comic book store in Berkeley – is celebrating its grand opening by holding an after party for WonderCon.  Special guest Paul Levitz – the former president of DC Comics – will be signing copies of his new book, “75 Years of DC Comics: The Art of Modern Mythmaking.”  There will be free drinks and snacks.  More info here.

33^rd Annual St. Stupid’s Day Parade
12 – 3 pm
Justin Herman Plaza: Market Street and Steuart Street, San Francisco

Put on your silliest hat and join San Francisco’s 33^rd Annual St. Stupid’s Day Parade.  There will be four ritual stops: The Federal Reserve Bank – HQ for the ritual of the Dead Lottery Ticket, The Pacific Stock Exchange – the “Sock” Exchange, The Plaza of the Holy Lug Nuts – the Leap of Faith, and The Bankers Heart – the Penny Toss.  More a map of the parade route, click here. More info here.

9th Annual Human Rights Film Festival (Day Two)
12 – 8 pm
University of San Francisco – Presentation Theatre: 2350 Turk Boulevard, San Francisco

The festival is from Thursday March 31 – Sunday April 2 and hopes to promote awareness of human rights issues across the world.  On Friday, there will be four film presentations.  More info here.

12 pm: Offside
2 pm: Budrus
4 pm: Occupation Has No Future: Militarism and Resistance in Israel/Palestine
6 pm: Monsenor: The Last Journey of Oscar Romero

Rotunda Dance Series “Fauxnique”
12 pm
San Francisco City Hall: 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

Monique Jenkinson – Fauxnique – is a drag queen with exceptionally theatrical dancing skills.  She will be performing a solo number in conjunction with San Francisco Grants for the Arts nine free performances in 2010 and 2011.  Dancers’ Group and World Arts West are also sponsoring the event.  More info here.

Off the Grid: Friday Night Food Truck Party
5 – 10 pm
Fort Mason: Marina and Laguna, San Francisco

After a four-month break, this weekly food fete is back!  Every Friday, a diverse group of 30 different food vendors gathers in the Fort Mason Center parking lot to serve the masses with great food.  Alembic Bar and Magnolia Brewery will be running the bar and there will be live music from 6 – 10 pm.  New vendors for 2011 include: Wow Truck, JapaCurry, Brass Kuckle, Zombie Curry, Peter’s Kettle Corn, Sataysfied and Masubi Kings.  More info here.

Karen Benke: “Rip the Page: Adventures in Creative Writing”
5 pm
Books Inc.: 1760 Fourth Street, Berkeley

Karen Benke will share tips and tricks from her book “Rip the Page: Adventures in Creative Writing.”  More info here.

St. Stupid’s Day Big Stupid Party & Art Show
6 – 11 pm
K Gallery Rhythmix Cultural Works: 2513 Blanding Avenue, Alameda

In conjunction with the 33^rd annual St. Stupid’s Day Parade, the First Church of the Last Laugh presents a collection of art that depicts the oldest of all human impulses, stupidity.  Bishop Joey, the instigator of the parade, curated the exhibit.  The show will run till April 30^th.  Saturday night there will also be a Big Stupid Party to celebrate April Fools Day.  More info here.

A Night of Mexican Dance
6 – 8:45 pm
De Young Museum: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco

The museum is celebrating the artist residency of Carmen Lomas Garza.  Danza Xitlallit, San Francisco’s oldest Aztec dance troupe will perform.  More info here.

Lower Haight Spring Art Walk & Scavenger Hunt
6 – 9:30 pm
Lower Haight: Haight Street and Steiner Street, San Francisco

23 different businesses will be offering special deals and discounts for 2011’s Lower Haight Art Walk.  There will also be food carts, live music, a scavenger hunt, and sidewalk BBQ.  If you want to participate in the scavenger hunt, bring your friends (a team can be up to 4 people) and you camera to the check-in at Lower Haters.  You can start the hunt at any time, but if you want to be in the running for the $100 cash prize you have to finish before 9:30 pm.  More info here.

Watch Terrible Movies on April Fool’s Day
7 – 11 pm
Big Umbrella Studios: 906.5 Divisadero Street, San Francisco

Love terrible movies?  Big Umbrella Studios is screening two of the worst, The Room and Troll 2.  There will be popcorn.  The event is BYOB and they suggest bringing your own blankets, lawn chairs, and cushions to sit on.  Cost: $1 for admission, $3 pizza, $2 PBR.  More info here.

Christina Hutchins and Jeanne Wagner
7:30 pm
Mrs. Dalloway’s: 2904 College Avenue, Berkeley

Christina Hutchins will read from her works, “The Stranger Dissolves” and “Radiantly We Inhabit the Air.”  Jeanne Wagner will also being reading from her collection of poetry, “Body of Our Lives.”  More info here.

Mark Danner: “Stripping Bare the Body: Politics, Violence, War”
7:30 – 9:30 pm
First Congregational Church of Berkeley: 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley

Mark Danner will be talking about his new book, “Stripping Bare the Body: Politics, Violence, War” and recent American power.  More info here.

San Francisco Bike Party: Dress Like Robots & Ride
7:30 – 11:30 pm
Civic Center Plaza: Larkin Street & Grove Street, San Francisco

San Francisco Bike Party is dedicating their fourth themed bike ride to Robots and Cyborgs.  200 – 700 cyclists will gather in Civic Center Plaza at 7:30 pm.  The group will head out at 8 pm.  More info here.

Saturday, April 2

Woman-to-Woman Brunch and Beyond
9 am – 5 pm
The Cathedral of Christ the Light: 2121 Harrison Street, Oakland

The gathering is for women looking for revival, rejuvenation, and refreshment.  The event will include educational sessions, forums, and keynote speakers.  A full breakfast and lunch will be included.  More info here.

District 1 Town Hall Meeting
10 am
North Oakland Senior Center: 5724 MLK, Oakland

Mayor Quan and Jane Brunner will be holding the District 1 Town Hall Meeting at 10 am on Saturday.  More info here.

Prescott Circus Theater Showcase
11:30 am and 2 pm
Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts: 1428 Alice Street, Oakland

The Prescott Circus Theater will perform will a number of Oakland students – representing seven public elementary schools.  While both shows are free, seating is limited and it is first come, first serve.  More info here.

The Crucible’s Spring Open House
12 – 4 pm
The Crucible: 1260 7th Street, Oakland

The Crucible’s 56,000 square foot studio will be open to all for their Spring Open House.  There will be tons of live demonstrations in welding, glass working, metal casting, and blacksmithing.  Student and faculty art will be on display and drinks and snacks will be available.  More info here.

Shirley Masengill Memorial Gathering
1 pm
Laurel Bookstore: 4100 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland

Shirley Masengill – a staple of the bookstore community in Oakland – passed away on February 12.  A memorial to celebrate her memory will be held at Laurel Bookstore.  There will be food and drinks, as well as all of Shirley’s favorite books.  At 1 pm everyone will gather to tell their favorite stories about Shirley.  More info here.

Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks
7:30 pm
Oracle Arena: 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland

Cost: tickets range from $15 to $1500.  More info here.

East Bay Cambodian New Year Festival
11 am – 6 pm
Cesar Chavez Educational Center: 2832 International Boulevard, Oakland

The alcohol-free celebration will include, free Cambodian food, Karaoke, traditional dancing, a fashion show, games, and family friendly activities.  More info here.

Cambodian New Year Festival 2011
10 am – 5 pm
Tenderloin Children’s Playground: 570 Ellis Street, San Francisco

The festival promises to be a fusion of both traditional celebrations and modern customs.  The day will start out with a Cambodian monk will give the customary blessings.  There will be traditional food, games, a giant jumper, Cambodian dancing, break dancing, and poetry readings.  Moreinfo here.

The Last Gun: Load & Aim a 50-ton Cannon
11 am – 3 pm
Presidio – Battery Chamberlain: Battery Chamberlin, Presidio, San Francisco

Battery Chamberlin was built by the army in 1904, just above Baker Beach.  The guns at the Battery were able to disappear from site, despite weighing 50-tons each.  In 1977, the Golden Gate National Parks got a 97,000 pound canon – similar to those that used to be at the Battery – the last of its kind.  In case of rain, please call 415-561-4323.  More info here.

9^th Annual Human Rights Film Festival (Day Three)
12 pm
University of San Francisco – Presentation Theatre: 2350 Turk Boulevard, San Francisco

The festival is from Thursday March 31 – Sunday April 2 and hopes to promote awareness of human rights issues across the world.  On Saturday, there will be five film presentations.  More info here.

12 pm: Enemies of the People
2 pm: Waste Land
4 pm: Testify
6:30 pm: Social Change and Media – New Tools for Continuing Problems
7:30 pm: “Nile Revolution 2.0: Egypt’s Youth Uprising” Ana Mish Fahim (“I Don’t Understand”)

1906: The Earth Shook & The Sky Burned
1:30 pm
Bay Model Visitor Center: 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito

Ranger Linda will walk you through the events of April 18, 1906 – the day of the great San Francisco fire.  More info here.

NCAA Basketball Final Four Free BBQ
3 – 10 pm
Shanghai Kelly’s: 2064 Polk Street, San Francisco

Come watch the final four battle it out for the change to compete in the March Madness Championship on Monday night.  Shanghai Kelly’s will be showing both games, Butler vs. VCU at 3 pm and UConn vs. Kentucky at 5:45 pm.  There will be free food – until it runs out – so get there early.  Although the free BBQ is only free with the purchase of a drink at the bar.  More info here.

Singles Art and Wine Tasting Party
7:30 – 9:30 pm
Show Place Art; 1318 Tenth Street, Berkeley

Come meet other singles who enjoy there wine, and art too.  There will also be appetizers to tide you over.  Come dressed to impress and you may meet your new mate.  Cost: $20 in advance, $30 at the door.  More info here.

1^st Annual International Hip Hop Fest
8 pm
La Pena Cultural Center: 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley

This new event celebrates Hip Hop culture and dance at an international level.  Performers from Latin America and Japan will be performing live.  Cost: $10 – $12.  More info here.

Sunday, April 3

Cesar Chavez Day Community Celebration
12 – 3 pm
Dover Street Park: 5701 Dover Street, Oakland

The festival will celebrate the life and work of activist Cesar Chavez.  There will be speakers, poetry readings, a hip-hop performance, tree planting and a community mural installation.  More info here.

Macy’s 65^th Annual Flower Show
All day
Macy’s Union Square: 170 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco

The entirety of Macy’s Union Square store will be covered in flowers and decorative greenery.  The show will remain open until April 10.  This year’s exhibitions include: Enchanted Garden (Cosmetics Department), Whimsical Topiary Garden (Fragrance Department), Rooftop Garden (Watch Department), Tropical Rainforest (Handbag Department), and a Zen Garden (Jewelry Department).  If you bring your Flower Show brochure to the 6^th floor Visitor Center you can receive 10% off for the day.  For daily events, click here.  More info here.

Free Hands-on Bicycle Class: Flat Repair
11 am – 12 pm
REI Berkeley: 1338 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley

Bring your bike and your tools and learn how to fix your bicycle’s flat tire.  More info here.

Free Sailboat Rides
1 – 4 pm
Cal Sailing Club: 124 University Avenue, Berkeley

The spring sailing season will commence with the Cal Sailing Club’s Open House.  Anyone who wants, will be treated to a free 20-minute ride on sailboat with an experienced sailor.  There will a sign up in front of the Cal Sailing clubhouse.  Please bring a strap for your sunglasses and a change of clothes in case you get wet.  More info here.

Laura McCreery: “Great Depression and Grand Elevation”
2 pm
Berkeley Public Library, Central Branch: 2090 Kittredge Street, Berkeley

Laura McCreery – author of “Living Landscape: the extraordinary rise of the East Bay Regional Park District and how it preserved 100,000 acres” – will show slides and lead a discussion of the history of the East Bay Regional Park District.  More info here.

Jessica Rivera
3 pm
Zellerbach Hall: UC Berkeley, Berkeley

Famed soprano Jessica Rivera comes to Berkeley to perform a number of pieces, including a West Coast premier.  Rivera – accompanied by Molly Morkoski – will perform Schumann’s Fraulenliebe und Leben and Debussy’s Ariettes oubliees.  The West Coast premier will be Mark Grey’s Atash Sorushan.  Cost: $48.  More info here.

Incredible Shrinking Orchestra Plays Stravinsky
3 – 5 pm
First Congregational Church: 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley

The Incredible Shrinking Orchestra takes large masterpieces and re-works them for smaller groups of musicians.  There will be two performances on Sunday, guitarist David Tanenbaum will perform Gariela Lena Frank’s Inca Dances and Vivaldi, and the Orchestra will play Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring with only 14 musicians.  Space is limited so reserve your free tickets here.  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.

Bay Area Poets Coalition Open Reading
First Saturday of every month, 3 – 5 pm
Strawberry Creek Lodge: 1320 Addison Street, Berkeley

All ages are welcome to come participate at the Bay Area Poets monthly open reading.  Each poet or reader has between three and five minutes to present his or her pieces.  Just coming to listen is also fine.  Please only park on the street.  Check in at the front desk and you will be directed to the meeting location.  More info here.

“artiFACTS”
First Sunday of every month, 3 pm
Auctions by the Bay Theater: Alameda Point Naval Air Station, Alameda

“artiFACTS” is a monthly talk about the art of collecting and a preview of the monthly estate auction, which takes place the following Monday.  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

LOUD Youth Group
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 4 – 6 pm
Pacific Center: 2712 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley

LOUD Youth Group is a drop-in group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) youth.  Tuesdays focus on arts and crafts, writing, and music.  Thursdays focus on hot topics and guest speakers.  Fridays focus on queer moves and video games.  More info here.

Bay Street Stroller Strides
Fridays 9:30 am
Old Navy: 5625 Bay Street, Emeryville

Come join other mom’s as they incorporate power walking, jogging, body toning, and strength and flexibility training into their morning walks with their babies.  First class is free.  Cost: $120 for a 10-class pass.  More info here.

Chemical Dependency Workshop
Saturdays 10 am – 12 pm
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s MPI Treatment Services: 3021 Summit Street, 5^th Floor, D Wing, Oakland

Whether you are dealing with alcohol or drug abuse yourself, or helping a family member or friend through the addiction, everyone is welcome at Alta Bates’ Dependency Workshops.  Call 510-652-7000 for more information.

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.

Scrabble Club
Third and First Saturday of every month, 1 – 4 pm
It’s Your Move Games and Hobbies: 4920 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

The club meets two to three times a month and hold a monthly tournament.  Cost: $1 to join the club and $25 for six games at the tournament.  More info here.

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 April 8-10 to staff@oaklandnorth.net.