This weekend in Oakland

Community events and activities for the weekend of April 29 – May 1.  Got an event we didn’t know about? Please add it in the comments!

Friday, April 29

Bay Area National Dance Week: Day 8
All day
Various locations

The country’s largest dance week returns to the Bay and runs for 10 days, from Friday April 22 – Sunday May 1.  There will be over 400 free dance events – including tango, hip-hop, and clogging – throughout the Bay.  For a complete schedule, click here.  More info here.

Lisa Lutz and David Hayward
7 pm
A Great Good Place for Books: 6120 LaSalle Avenue, Oakland

The authors will read from and sign copies of their new book, “Heads You Lose.”  According to the venue’s website the book is a kind of “tag-team crime novel.”  More info here.

Oakland A’s vs. Texas Rangers
7:05 pm (also Saturday and Sunday: 1:05 pm)
Coliseum: 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland

More info here.

Give ‘Em the Finger for Me!
9 pm
The Uptown: 1928 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

Numerous performers gather for a Memorial Benefit for Mr. Eddie Daniel.  More info here.  Cost: $10.  More info here.

*****

Cal Softball vs. UCLA
3 pm (also Saturday: 1 pm)
Levine-Fricke Field: Centennial Drive, Berkeley

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.

An Evening with Joyce Carol Oates
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Doe Library: UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley

The author will read from and sign copies of her new book.  A reception with refreshments will follow the program.  Cost: $100 – with all proceeds going to the library. More info here.

“Democracy Is Not a Spectator Sport: The Ultimate Volunteer Handbook”
7:30 pm
Mrs. Dalloway’s: 2904 College Avenue, Berkeley

Arthur Blaustein, a Cal professor, will be on hand to read from his book of over two hundred community service opportunities.  More info here.

Saturday, April 30

Bay Area National Dance Week: Day 9
All day
Various locations

The country’s largest dance week returns to the Bay and runs for 10 days, from Friday April 22 – Sunday May 1.  There will be over 400 free dance events – including tango, hip-hop, and clogging – throughout the Bay.  For a complete schedule, click here.  More info here.

ZooKids: Skins and Scales at Oakland Zoo
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Oakland Zoo: 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland

ZooKids is a mini day camp designed for 4 and 5 year old kids.  Cost: $20 members, $23 non-members.  More info here.

Do It Right: Bone-Safe Yoga
5 – 6:30 pm
Piedmont Yoga Studio: 3966 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland

Piedmont Yoga Community – along with American Bone Health – are hosting this yoga workshop.  A question and answer session will follow.  More info here.

“American Vinyl” Artist Opening
6 – 9 pm
The Compound Gallery: 1167 65^th Street, Oakland

“American Vinyl,” the fictitious last record store on the planet is coming to Oakland.  The Compound gallery is hosting Jeanne Lorenz’s creation.  Lorenz will give a talk on Sunday from 3 – 6 pm.  More info here.

Family Paths 2^nd Annual Blue-Ribbon Fundraiser
6 – 9 pm
Stage Left Cellars: 2102 Dennison Street, Oakland

The Friends of Family Paths are presenting this evening of wine tasting in honor of Child Abuse Awareness Month.  There will also be food, live music, and a great silent auction.  Cost: $40.   More info here.

Free Cookie Variety Show
8 pm
Oakland Public Conservatory of Music: 1616 Franklin Street, Oakland

Scott Alexander – a combination comedian, musician, and chef – will host this wild and crazy night.  There will be music, poetry, comedy, hula hooping, yo-yoing, and of course lots of free cookies!  Cost: $10, $8 if you bring a canned good.  More info here.

Showdown in Oakland III
Weigh ins start at 9 am, matches at 1 pm
Pacific Ring Sports, 493 40th Street, Oakland

Amateur boxing match. General admission tickets $15, kids 7 and under free. More info here.

Disaster Preparedness Citywide Drill

Throughout the city, 60 neighborhood groups will rehearse a disaster drill including searching for “victims” and setting up first aid centers. More info here.

District 2 Town Hall Meeting
10 am – 12:30
Regeneration Church, 238 E. 15th Street

Residents can participate in breakout groups to discuss local issues of concern, and Mayor Jean Quan will attend.

*****

Cooking Class: Asian Fusion
9:30 am – 12 pm
Café Gratitude: 1730 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley

Among other things, you’ll learn how to roll vegetarian sushi and spring rolls as well as how to use coconuts to make homemade Thai coconut soup.  More info here.

36th Annual Spring Plant Sale
10 am – 2 pm
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley

Annual sale of plants both native and exotic, with garden experts on hand to offer help. Proceeds benefit the botanical garden. Maps, “survival guide” and more info here.

Family “Quest” Adventure

10 am
Presidio Habitats Exhibition Pavilion: Storey and Ralston Avenues, San Francisco

Are you ready for a treasure hunt?  Head over the Presidio and grab an adventure booklet – that will lead you through the Presidio.  You will have to solve riddles and make keen observations.  This adventure is best suited for families with kids age 5 to 12.  Booklets can be picked up anytime between 10 am and 12 pm, and the quest takes about two hours to finish.  Please RSVP to pbidigare@presidiotrust.gov or call 415-561-4449.  More info here.

3^rd Annual Lao New Year Festival
10 am – 5 pm
United Nations Plaza: Market Street & 7^th Street, San Francisco

The International festival will celebrate the New Year 2554.  The people of Thailand, Cambodia, and Burma share their calendar with Laos and will also be on hand to celebrate.  Over 40,000 people are expected to come out and enjoy the festivities.   More info here.

International Family Fair
11 am – 5 pm
New School of Berkeley: 1606 Bonita Street, Berkeley

There will be lots of food, along with a raffle and great activities for kids.  More info here.

Community Yard Sale & Craft Fair
11 am – 3 pm
James Kenny Park: 1720 8^th Street, Berkeley

Clean out your closets, garages, and attics and bring what you find to the Community Yard Sale.  Pre-registration is required if you wish to sell.  Call 510-981-6651 to register.  It is free to come and shop!  Cost: $5 to rent a space.  More info here.

“Seasons In The Wine Country” Cooking Demo
11 am
The Ferry Building: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco

Cate Conniff will be on hand to demonstrate recipes from and sign copes of her book, “Seasons in the Wine Country.”  More info here.

20^th Annual Spring Open Studio
11 am – 6 pm (also on Sunday)
Hunters Point Shipyard: Building 101, Hunters Point, San Francisco

About 150 artists will open their doors to the public on Saturday and Sunday.  The event is hosted by The San Francisco Hunters Point Shipyard Artists.  More info here.

Vagabond Indie Craft Fair
11 am – 5 pm
Urban Bazaar: 1371 9^th Avenue, San Francisco

Over a dozen local artists and craftsmen will be selling their unique items in Urban Bazaar’s backyard.  There will be jewelry, yoga clothes, hair accessories, soy candles, soaps, pottery, and more.  Raw Daddy Foods will be serving vegan cuisine.  More info here.

SF Bike Party Volunteer Ride & Free BBQ

11 am – 3 pm
Conservatory of Flowers: 100 John F Kennedy Drive, San Francisco

Come meet the members of the San Francisco Bike Party.  You can also take a leisurely ride with the group through the Presidio.  The ride will end around 1 pm at Crissy Field and is followed by a free BBQ.  Please RSVP on the group’s facebook page or email, sanfranciscobikeparty@gmail.com.  More info here.

Dancing in the Park 2011
11 am – 5 pm
Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park: 55 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco

In honor of National Dance Week, the Mark Foehringer Dance Project is hosting two events in Golden Gate Park.  First, the Young Choreographers Festival will be from 11 am – 12 pm.  Then, from 12 – 5 pm they will host Dancing in the Park 2011.  Oakland’s Axis Dance Company will perform at 2:22 and the Oakland Ballet will perform at 3:41 pm.  More info here.

SELF Magazine ‘Workout in the Park’
11 am – 3 pm
Little Marina Green: 3500 Yacht Road, San Francisco

The trainers from Crunch gym will lead an afternoon of yoga, cardio, and more.  Alison Sweeny – the host of The Biggest Loser –will be there to share her thoughts on healthy living. Cost: $20 (the price includes a one-year membership to SELF magazine and a one week membership to Crunch).  Click here for a full schedule of events.  More info here.

Dutch “Queen’s Day” Celebration & Street Fair
12 – 6 pm
Union Square: Geary and Stockton, San Francisco

The Netherlands Consulate General in San Francisco is sponsoring the event.   There will be orange tulips, a Dutch beer garden, fresh baked stroopwafels, cheeses, and more.  More info here.

Red Bull “Ride + Style” Bike Festival
12 – 4 pm
Justin Herman Plaza: 1 Market Street, San Francisco

The festival is a combination of fixed gear biking and urban contemporary art.  Racers will face off in both track and freestyle competitions.  There will be 50 riders.  For a list of riders, click here.  More info here.

Pierre Labosierre and Robert Roth: “Report from Haiti on Aristide’s Return”
4 pm
La Pena Cultural Center: 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley

Pierre Labosierre and Robert Roth are the co-founders of the Haiti Action Committee.  Both were in Haiti to witness President Jean Bertrand Aristide’s return home on March 18^th.  The two will share their stories.  Cost: $5 – $10.  More info here.

Menage
8 pm
La Pena Cultural Center: 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley

Rebecca Vasile and Gina Bruno will lead a belly dancing class with creative choreography.  Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door.  More info here.

Sunday, May 1

Bay Area National Dance Week: Day 10
All day
Various locations

The country’s largest dance week returns to the Bay and runs for 10 days, from Friday April 22 – Sunday May 1.  There will be over 400 free dance events – including tango, hip-hop, and clogging – throughout the Bay.  For a complete schedule, click here.  More info here.

Self-Guided Tours of 50 East Bay County Gardens
10 am – 5 pm
Various locations

The self-guided tour will take you to 50 gardens throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties.  Garden talks are also scheduled throughout the day.  The event is free but registration is required.   To register, click here. More info here.

The Hillside Gardeners of Montclair present their 2011 Garden Tour, “The Ups and Downs of Hillside Gardening”
11 am – 4 pm
Hillside Gardeners of Montclair: 5601 Harbord Drive, Oakland

The event features a self-guided tour of eight Oakland gardens – each using recycled materials in creative ways.  There is a tropical garden, a recycling showroom, a collector’s paradise and a garden covered in purple mulch.  Cost: $30 in advance, $35 day of. For tickets, call (510) 530-1681 or email hgmgardens@gmail.com.  More info here.

Cinco de Mayo 2011
11 am – 5 pm
Fruitvale: 2345 Fruitvale Avenue, Oakland

The parade will start at 11 am and will feature a “Banda de Guerra” military marching band.  There will also be three stages with live music, the work of local artists on display, and amazing Mexican food.  More info here.

Gayle Forman
4 pm
A Great Good Place for Books: 6120 LaSalle Avenue, Oakland

The author will be reading from and discussing her new young-adult novel, Where She Went. More info here.

Women’s Cancer Resource Center 25th Anniversary Celebration
2-5 pm
5741 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

A 25-year retrospective will honor the center’s founders and include a special exhibit at the JanRae Community Art Gallery, plus entertainment, birthday cake and champagne. Tickets $25. More info here.

*****

‘Opening Day on the Bay’ Boat Parade
All day
Marina Green: Marina Boulevard, San Francisco

Each year, the start of boat season is welcomed with a big celebration.  There will be over 120 historic powerboats, fireboats, vessel assist towboats, and boats of all shapes and sizes decorated for the occasion.  The theme of this year’s parade is “Giants of the Bay.”   Free public viewing is available along San Francisco’s Northern shoreline from Crissy Field along the Marina Green and ending at Pier 39.  More info here.

13^th Annual Glen Park Street Fair
All day
Glen Park: 2800 Diamond Street, San Francisco

There will be one stage with live music and tons of artist and food booth will line the streets.  There will be balloon animals, face painting, and prize wheels.  More info here.

Cinco De Mayo Parade and Festival 2011
10 am – 6 pm
Discovery Meadow: E. San Carlos Street and Woz Way, San Jose

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla.  There will be floats, costumes, marching bands, drill teams, and more.  The Festival will take place in Discovery Meadow.  More info here.

Holocaust Remembrance Day
11 am – 6 pm
Contemporary Jewish Museum: 736 Mission Street, San Francisco

The museum is offering free admission, tours, ceremonies, readings, and music.  There will be a Service of Remembrance from 5 – 6 pm.  For a full schedule of events, click here.  More info here.

Spring Capsule Design Festival
11 am – 6 pm
Hayes Valley Park: Hayes at Octavia, San Francisco

130 designers will be selling their creations.  More info here.

Mindful Schools Fourth Birthday Celebration
11 am – 1 pm
Hs’ Lordships Restaurant: 199 Seawall Drive, Berkeley

Educators, parents, and students – who have been apart of Mindful Schools – will talk about their experiences.  More info here.

Art In The Alley
12 – 6 pm
Jack Kerouac Alley: 255 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco

It’s a celebration of 10 year of Art in the Alley.  Over 25 new artists will show their work at the event.  Quartet Rouge will perform.  More info here.

Magic Meadow Pagan Spring Ritual
12:30 pm
Golden Gate Park – Magic Meadow: 41^st Avenue & Lincoln Way, San Francisco

The witches Reclaiming are having a pagan ritual to reflect on the passing season.  The ritual begins with wreath making and music and includes a Maypole dance.  Please bring flowers and vines for your wreath.  More info here.

Pensive Spring: A Portrait of Emily Dickinson
2 pm
Berkeley City Club: 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley

Choreographer Kathryn Rosazak will perform her new piece – Pensive Spring: A Portrait of Emily Dickinson – with her company, Danse Lumiere.  There will be a reception with the performers after the show.  Cost: $15 – $25.  More info here.

Two-Buck Chuck Wine Scavenger Hunt Hike
2 pm
Presidio Gate at Arguello: Arguello and Jackson, San Francisco

Alex Genadinik – in an attempt to make hiking more fun and enticing to the masses – has hidden wine bottles across the Presidio.  You get to drink what you find.  More info here.

Jennifer Holm
3 pm
Mrs. Dalloway’s: 2904 College Avenue, Berkeley

The author will be signing copies of and discussing her new historical novel, The Trouble with May Amelia.  More info here.

“The Great Disruption: Why the Climate Crisis Will Bring On the End of Shopping and the Birth of a New World”
5 pm
Books Inc.: 1760 Fourth Street, Berkeley

Author Paul Gilding will be discussing and signing copies of his new book.  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 May 6-8 to staff@oaklandnorth.net.