This weekend in Oakland

Community events and activities for the weekend of Friday, February 18 to Monday, February 21. Got an event we didn’t know about? Please add it in the comments!

Friday, February 18

East Bay Moms Hike: Joaquin Miller Park
10 a.m.
Joaquin Miller Park: 3594 Sanborn Drive, Oakland

Come join other East Bay mothers on a moderately difficult four-mile loop. Meet at the yellow gate (by the Woodminster sign). Wear hiking boots and bring lunch. More info here.

SF Beer Week: Free Samples of Barleywine
6 – 11 p.m.
Amsterdam Café: 937 Geary Street, San Francisco

It’s Barleywine Night! Come try free draft samples including: Anchor Old Foghorn, Nogne-O #100, Green Flash Barleywine, Dieu de Ciel, Solstice D’Hiver, Mad River John Barley Corn, Hair of the Dog Fred, Avery Hog Heaven and Mikkeller Big Worse. There is also coffee and free Wi-Fi. More info here.

Opening Night of New Ancient Mexico Exhibit
6 – 8:45 p.m.
de Young Museum: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco

The de Young is celebrating the opening of its new exhibit, Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico. Ann Marie Sayers, tribal chair, Indian Canyon Nation and Don Pascual will give opening remarks. There will be live music from Orquesta La Moderna Tradicion. More info here.

SF Beer Week: BridgePort Brewing Company’s new brews
6 p.m.
Otis Lounge: 25 Maiden Lane, San Francisco

BridgePort Brewing Company is introducing two new brews, Café Negro and Kingpin. Samples of the beer will be provided at a discounted cost and Morgan Maki will provide free snacks. RSVP required. More info here.

Gallery Talk: Artist Squeak Carnwath
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Oakland Museum of California: 1000 Oak Street, Oakland

Join Chief Curator of Art Phil Linhares and artist Squeak Carnwath on a tour of the new OMCA Gallery of California Art. More info here.

Valerie Coleman Morris: “Mind Over Money: It’s Your Money So Take It Personally”
7 p.m.
A Great Good Place for Books: 6120 LaSalle Avenue, Oakland

Former CNN business correspondent Valerie Coleman Morris will share money-management techniques with attendees. More info here.

A Full Moon Walk in the Presidio
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Rob Hill Campground: Presidio, San Francisco

The tour will begin and end at the Rob Hill Campground, which is located in the Presidio, off of Washington Boulevard and overlooking Baker Beach. A relaxed walk will take you through the area and teach you about the natural and cultural history of the Presidio. The night will end with a story around the campfire. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring a water bottle. Limit 25 people. Please RSVP by calling 415-561-4449 or emailing pbidigare@presidiotrust.gov. More info here.

Zachary Mason reads The Lost Books of the Odyssey
7:30 p.m.
Pegasus Books Downtown: 2349 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley

The author will be reading passages from and signing his book, “The Lost Books of the Odyssey.”  The book re-imagines Homer’s story of Odysseus and his journey. More info here.

Richie Unterberger: “White Light/White Heat: The Velvet Underground Day-By-Day”
7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Book Zoo: 14 Glen Avenue, Oakland

Richie Unterberger will be talking about, and signing, his book, “White Light/White Heat: The Velvet Underground Day-By-Day.” Rare audiovisual material from the Velvet Underground will be featured. More info here.

Saturday, February 19

Maritime Flair to Chinese New Year
9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hyde Street Pier: 2905 Hyde Street, San Francisco

The SF Maritime National Historical Park is celebrating the Chinese New Year. It’s a day of cultural activities, kid’s crafts, history, folk music and sailboats covered in Chinese decorations. More info here.

Schedule
9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Recreated Junk
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Craft Making
11 – 11:30 a.m.: History Talk
1 p.m.: Traditional Music
11 and 11:30 a.m.; 1 and 1:30 p.m.: Rangers Presentations
2 p.m.: Dance Performance

Panel Discussion: “Family Journeys”
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Black Repertory Theater: 3201 Adeline Street, Oakland

Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, former chair of the San Francisco State University Africana Studies Department Oba T’Shaka, pastor Martha Taylor, and Hard Knock Radio’s Davey D will discuss the “great migration” of black families to the Bay Area. More info here.

Chinese New Year Community Street Fair
10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Chinatown: Kearny Street and Jackson Street, San Francisco

Happy New Year! Come experience the exciting celebration in Chinatown. There will be dance, music and Chinese arts – calligraphy, kite-making and acrobatics. The fair will be here (map). More info here.

Tulipmania: See the 39,000 Flowers at Pier 39
10 a.m.
Pier 39: The Embarcadero and Beach Street, San Francisco

Each year, Pier 39 is covered by tens of thousands of tulips in February. Tulipmania has been going on for 30 years. The flowers will be on display until Sunday, February 27. Every day at 10 a.m. there will be a free tour of the tulips. The tour meets at the Entrance Plaza to Pier 39. More info here.

SF Beer Week: Barleywine Festival
10 – 2 a.m. (also on Sunday)
Toranado: 547 Haight Street, San Francisco

Come celebrate the 18^th Annual Barleywine Festival. There will be over 50 Draft Barleywines to try. More info here.

Discussion: New Traditions in Bay Area Food Culture
1 p.m.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts: 701 Mission Street, San Francisco

Bay Area Now 6 Conversations (BAN6) brings you “From Produce to Production: New Traditions in Bay Area Food Culture.” Bryant Terry, Novella Carpenter and Leif Hedendal will lead the conversation. More info here.

Artist Talk: Duke Ellington
1 – 2:30 p.m.
57^th Street Art Gallery: 5701 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

Glen Pearson will host a lecture about Oakland native, Duke Ellington.  The lecture is in honor of Black History Month. More info here.

What We’re Up Against
2 p.m.
Laney College Theater: 900 Fallon Street, Oakland

It’s the world premier of “What We’re Up Against,” a romantic comedy written by Teresa Rebeck and produced by Laney’s Magic Theater. More info here.

Teresa Wu and Serena Wu
2 p.m.
Eastwind Books of Berkeley: 2066 University Avenue, Berkeley

The authors will be reading from and signing their book, “My Mom is a FOB: Earnest Advice in Broken English from Your Asian-American Mom.” More info here.

Documentary Screening: “From the Quarters to Lincoln Heights”
2 – 4 p.m.
African American Museum & Library at Oakland: 659 14^th Street, Oakland

This documentary, by James Langford and Mark Oliver, chronicles the history of African American communities in Siskiyou County. The film specifically looks at communities in the towns of Weed, McCloud, Mt. Shasta and Dunsmuir. More info here.

Author Discusses US History of Chinese Food
2:30 – 4 p.m.
Chinatown Public Library: 1135 Powell Street, San Francisco

Jennifer 8. Lee will discuss her book, “The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food.” Lee will also read passages from, and sign copies of, her book. More info here.

2011 Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt
3:30 – 9 p.m.
Justin Herman Plaza: Steuart Street and Market Street, San Francisco

Local private detective, Jayson Wechter, has created a neighborhood treasure hunt to help you learn about the hidden wonders of San Francisco. Teams will race against the clock, as well as competing teams. Cost: $40 at the door. Enter here to win free tickets. More info here.

2011 Chinese New Year Parade
5:15 – 8 p.m.
Chinatown: Kearny Street and Jackson Street, San Francisco

Come see the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco. It’s been named one of the top ten parades in the world!  Here is a map of the parade route. More info here.

Dream Day 2011: Celebration for Mike Dream
6 – 9 p.m.
The Oakland Metro Theater: 630 3^rd Street, Oakland

Come celebrate the life of “Oakland’s Writing King,” Mike ‘Dream’ Francisco. There will be an art show from 6 – 9 p.m. The music will start at 9 p.m. and is for 21+. Cost: $10-$20 (sliding scale). More info here.

Burlesque Moulin Presents: “Amour, The Many Faces of Love”
Saturday 7:30 p.m. – Sunday 2 a.m.
Shattuck Down Low: 2284 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley

Cabaret, singers and magicians will ruminate on love and its many incarnations. There will also by snacks by Chef Anna Rose. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8:30 p.m. Cost: $7. More info here.

Sunday, February 20

Happy Newt Year
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tilden Nature Area: North end of Central Park Drive, Berkeley

Learn all about newts on a hike led by a naturalist. Plan for a muddy trek and bring water and lunch. More info here.

Burlesque 101: Red Hots School of Shimmy
1 – 3 p.m.
Shattuck Down Low: 2284 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley

Ever wanted to try burlesque? Here’s your chance. Take this two-hour workshop and you will learn the history of burlesque, how to create your own burlesque identity, basic choreography and how to have a killer attitude.  There will also be an open discussion about increased confidence and positive thinking. More info here.

Catherine Brady: “Revealing Character Through Dialogue”
1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Oakland Public Library West Auditorium: 125 14^th Street, Oakland

Short story author Catherine Brady will share writing tips to those at the regular meeting of the Berkeley Branch of the California Writers Club. There will also be a social hour starting at 1:30 p.m.  More info here.

Black History Month Health Celebration
2 – 5 p.m.
Mandela Foods Cooperative: 1430 7^th Street, Oakland

Come celebrate the life George Washington Carver. Mandela MarketPlace and the Network for a Healthy California will have speeches, health screenings, healthy food demonstrations, gifts and prizes. More info here.

Peter O’Leary and Brian Teare
3 p.m.
Diesel: 5433 College Avenue, Oakland

Peter O’Leary will read from his poetry collection, “Depth Theology,” and Brian Teare will read from, “Pleasure,” his collection of poetry. The event is part of Poetry Flash. More info here.

SF Beer Week Closing Party Hosted by Trumer Pilsner
4 – 8 p.m.
Trumer Brauerei: 1404 Fourth Street, San Francisco

Tour the Trumer Brewery, sample over 30 locally brewed beers, and meet veteran brewers. Tours will start every half-hour between 3:30 and 8 p.m. There will be a free shuttle running to and from the North Berkeley BART station. A full barbeque dinner will accompany the drinking. All proceeds go to support The California Small Brewer’s Association. Cost: $45 in advance and $60 at the door (cash only). More info here.

Free Burlesque Lesson: Truvy Trollop’s Tease Training
6 p.m.
Truvy Trollop’s Tease Training: 1640 A University Avenue, Berkeley

Ever wanted to learn burlesque? Come join this high energy, dance based fitness class, in which you will learn movements from burlesque, as well as Bollywood, samba and jazz. For details email: TeaseTraining@gmail.com or call/text 510-356-8703. More info here.

San Francisco Chamber Orchestra Concert: Now or Never
7 p.m.
First Congregational Church: 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley

The concert opens with a Renaissance suite. The orchestra will then be playing a new score for Stravinsky’s Octet, composed by UC Berkeley professor Cindy Cox. The concert will end with silent film composer Donald Sosin’s new score for Harold Lloyd’s 1921 Now or Never. Maestro Ben Simon will give a 30-minute talk before the show. Doors open 45 minutes prior to showtime. Space is limited. The concert is free but tickets are required and are available online or at the door. More info here.

San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival: The Crooked Jades with The Water Tower Bucket Boys
8 p.m.
Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse: 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley

The Crooked Jades Trio, Jeff Kazor, Lisa Berman and Erik Pearson will perform with The Water Tower Bucket Boys. More info here.

Booze & Brew Brawl
Sunday 9 p.m. – Monday 12 a.m.
15 Romolo: 15 Romolo, San Francisco

15 Romolo has partnered up with Firestone-Walker Brewery and St. Georges Spirits to host this event. They have invited seven bartenders to create beer cocktails, which will be provided free to all guests. Competing bartenders include: Dom Venegas (Smuggler’s Cove), Alicia Walton (Comstock Saloon), Jared Anderson (15 Romolo), Joel Teitelbaum (Zero Zero), Chase Williamson (Prospect) and Darren Crawford (Bourbon and Branch). The event is free with RSVP. More info here.

PRESIDENT’S DAY
Monday, February 21

The Yelp Culture Club: A Week of 50% Off Deals
All Day Monday, February 21 – All Day Sunday, February 27
Various Locations

Yelp is offering great 50% off deals all week! Highlights include: 50% off Berkeley Repertory Theater and the Walt Disney Family Museum; $5 off admission to the de Young Museum, and $49 tickets for Dress Circle seats at the San Francisco Ballet. All coupons can be seen here. More info here.

Coffee Constitutional Walking Tour
10 a.m.
Peet’s Coffee: 2124 Vine Street, Berkeley

Jacque Ensign will take you for a leisurely stroll, starting at Peet’s with coffee and a snack. More info here.

Big Bands, Jazz Dance & Social Change
7 – 11:30 p.m.
City College of San Francisco Wellness Center: 728 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco

In honor of Black History Month, jazz legend Dawn Hampton will speak. Hampton, accompanied by Chris Lee, Ashley Sarver, Lavay Smith, Leon Oakley, Clint Barker and Chris Siebert, will also perform and social dance.  More info here.

Schedule
7 – 7:15 p.m.: Dawn Hampton ‘Feels’ the Music
7:15 – 8:15: The Legacy of Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Billie Holiday & Ella Fitzgerald
8:15 – 8:30: Lindy Hop & The Castle Dance Project
8:30 – 8:45: Dawn Hampton ‘Feels’ the Music, Part II
8:45 – 9: Intermission/Question & Answer Session
9 – 9:30: Lindy Hop Dance Lesson
9:30 – 11:30: Band Performance & Swing Dance

Staged Ready: The Tempest
7:30 p.m.
Berkeley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship: 1924 Cedar Street

Robert Estes will direct the reading. More info here.

West Coast Songwriters Competition
7:30 p.m.
Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse: 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley

Have you have written a good song lately? Come see if it’s good enough to win! More info here.

6^th Annual Mid-Winter Bar Workers Ball
8 p.m.
Benders Bar: 800 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco

Free for all service industry workers, bartenders, barbacks, cocktailers, servers, bussers, club dancers and door folks, but an invitation is necessary to attend. There will be cheap booze and free stuff from Renet Branca, and free food from Espetus Churrascaria. Winners of the San Francisco Bay Guardian’s “Barstars” Contest will be awarded at the event. Vote for your favorite bartenders, DJs, dancers and doormen, here. 7×7 Magazine and the San Francisco Bay Guardian are sponsoring the event. To get an invite, ask around your friends in the industry and find someone who is already invited. They can then invite you to the private Facebook page so you can RSVP.  More info here.

Ongoing community weekend events and gatherings

Talks

Wildlife Theater
Saturdays at 11:45 a.m. and Sundays at 1:45 p.m.
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 a.m.
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 a.m. – 2 p.m., year round
. More info here.

Kaiser Permanente Oakland Farmers Market: 3801 Howe Street, Oakland
Fridays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., year round. 
More info here.

Grand Lake Farmers Market: Splash Pad Park at Grand Avenue and Lake Park Avenue
Saturdays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., year round  More info here.

Phat Beets Produce Market: 5717 Market Street, Oakland
Saturdays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
More info here.

Temescal Farmers Market: 5300 Claremont Avenue, Oakland (at the DMV)
Sundays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., year round. 
More info here.

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

Meetings

MTC Community Garden Hoe-Down
Saturdays 9 – 11 a.m.
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 a.m., Thursdays 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
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 25-27 to staff@oaklandnorth.net.