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Out on the Town

They’re Here

     Indie folk–alt rockers She & Him — singer/actress Zooey Deschanel and guitarist/producer M. Ward — land at the Oakland Fox on May 29 in the middle of a world tour promoting the duo’s second release, Volume Two. The unlikely but complementary pair with the anonymous moniker do their own band of bright-yet-bittersweet countryish pop that resonates with fans, thanks to wide-eyed Deschanel’s straightforward delivery and harmonizing vocals and Ward’s soulful tone and practiced guitar. 8 p.m., ticket prices vary, Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, thefoxtheateroakland.com, apeconcerts.com, ticketmaster.com.

MAY

1  •  Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Pakistani musician who mainly sings Qawwali, a devotional music of the Sufis. 8 p.m., ticket prices vary.
Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, (510) 569-2121. Info for tickets, parking, etc., at coliseum.com/events.

1-2  •  Reopening of Oakland Museum of California. Join a weekend celebration of the newly renovated museum! Thirty-one hours of fun.
11 a.m.–6 p.m. 1000 Oak St., Oakland, (510) 238-2200, museumca.org. FREE

1  •  KGO Craft Beer & Fine Food Pairing Festival. This Alameda County Food Bank benefit brings together local gourmands and brewmasters to treat your palates.
12-3 p.m. Jack London Square Pavilion, Oakland, (510) 645-9292, jacklondonsquare.com.

1-2  •  Bring Back the Natives Garden Tour and Plant Sale Extravaganza. Tour a few of the 50 luscious East Bay gardens open to the public on Sunday, hear a garden talk or just take advantage of this great selection of hard-to-find native plants available from various nurseries. Register online for this self-guided tour.
Tour 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, plant sale 10 a.m.–5 p.m. both days in various East Bay locations. (510) 236-9558, bringingbackthenatives.net. FREE

1–6  •  53rd San Francisco International Film Festival at Pacific Film Archive. Enjoy the remaining days of PFA’s selection of films from this world-renowned cinematic feast.
Show times vary; $10 members and UCB students, $11 youth and non-UCB student and disabled patrons, $12.50 general admission. UC Berkeley, 2625 Durant Ave., Berkeley, (510) 642-0808, bampfa.berkely.edu.

2–Sept. 12  •  Brent Green: Perpetual and Furious Refrain. Opening night will consist of short films with improvised soundtracks and live narration performed by Green and Brendan Canty of Fugazi, Drew Henkels of Drew and the Medicinal Pen and Donna K. Matrix 232.
11 a.m.–5 p.m., free for members, $8 adults, $5 non-UCB students, seniors, disabled patrons, young adults. Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave., Berkeley, (510) 642-0808, bampfa.berkely.edu.

2  •  Ballet Folklorico “Quetzalli” de Veracruz. Cal Performances presents a taste of regional dances and dazzling costumes of old Mexico.
3 p.m., $24–$38. UC Berkeley, Zellerbach Hall, (510) 642-9988, calperfs.berkeley.edu.

7  •  Sacred & Profane. In collaboration with organist Jonathan Dimmock, this chamber chorus will be performing the program “Madness and Mirth.”
8 p.m.; $18 advance, $20 at door, $15 students. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, (510) 524-3611, sacredprofane.org.

7  •  Re-fashioned: Origins of Our Clothing. Most of us like to know where our food came from and how it is treated along the way, so why should it be any different with our clothes? As part of the May 7 Oakland Art Murmur, this multimedia show highlights the process of textile production, dyes and processing. The sustainably artful garments of five clothing designers will be on display as well.
7-10 p.m. Oakopolis Creative Center, 447 25th  St., Oakland, (510) 663-6920, oakopolis.org, oaklandartmurmur.com/re-fashioned-origins-of-
our-clothing.

7–8  •  Laurie Anderson. Talented storyteller Laurie Anderson graces the Cal Performances lineup May 7–8 with Delusion, a multimedia series of short mystery plays influenced by Balzac, Ozu and Laurence Sterne. Delusion debuted at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The environment Anderson creates — using her voice, violin, puppets, music and poetics — is one populated by nuns, elves, golems, rotting forests, ghost ships, archaeologists, dead relatives and unmanned tankers
8 p.m., $30–$56. Zellerbach Hall A, Berkeley, (510) 642-9988, calperfs.berkeley.edu.

8  •  Bay Area Comedy Explosion. Laugh it up with an all-star lineup of nine internationally known comedians.
7:30 p.m. Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, (510) 569-2121. Info for tickets, parking, etc., at coliseum.com/events.

8-9  •  Park Street’s 10th Annual Spring Festival. Spring merchandise, food, and refreshments coupled with live music and activities for the kids at this free festival.
10 a.m.–6 p.m. Alameda, (510) 523-1392, shopparkstreet.com/springfestival.html

9  •  Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch Cruise on the Bay. Treat the mother in your life to a cruise aboard the USS Potomac, historically known as F.D.R.’s “floating White House.”
11:30 a.m., $90 adult/$50 children. Docks at Jack London Square, Oakland, (510) 627-1215, usspotomac.org.

9  •  Ragas and Redwoods: Indian Classical Music in the Grove. Spend Mother’s Day with sitar player Partha Bose and Indranil Malik
on tabla.
2–4 p.m., $15, $12 members. UC Berkeley, Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, (510) 643-2755, events.berkeley.edu.

13  •  16th Annual Bike to Work Day. Give up the urban pastime of finding parking and join the other 43,000 bike commuters in propelling yourself to work with pedal power. All nine San Francisco Bay Area communities will be celebrating as part National Bike Month. Refresh yourself along the way at one of the “Energizer Stations” and register to win free bike stuff.
(510) 250-0909, youcanbikethere.com. FREE

14  •  Concerts at the Cove. Enjoy an evening at the beach with a free opera concert celebrating the opening of the 12th season of this concert series.
5:30-7:30 p.m. Crab Cove Visitor Center, 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda, (510) 455-6512, westalamedabusiness.com. FREE

14  •  Oakland Indie Awards. An awards ceremony honoring outstanding local businesses.
5:30–9:30 p.m. Jack London Square Pavilion, Oakland, (510) 645-9292, jacklondonsquare.com/events.html.

14, 16  •  Oakland East Bay Symphony Season Finale: Ode to Joy. Michael Morgan conducts Beethoven’s final movement of his Ninth Symphony.
8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday, ticket prices vary. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland, (510) 465-6400, paramounttheatre.com.

14–June 13  •  Sylvia at the Altarena Playhouse. This play by A.R. Gurney and directed by Gene Kahane bespeaks the trials and tribulations of a pair of empty nesters adopting a dog.
8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 2 p.m. Sun.; $22 adult, $19 seniors and students. 1409 High St., Alameda, (510) 523-1553, altarena.org.

May 15  •  Kevin Hart. Catch comedian/actor Kevin Hart — from Paper Soldiers, Scary Movie 3, Along Came Polly, Scary Movie 4 and Comedy Central TV specials — on May 15 at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre. Former shoe salesman, writer, co-executive producer, he’s a funny guy guaranteed to have the audience in stitches.
8 p.m., $34.50–$44.50. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland, (510) 465-6400, paramounttheatre.com.

15  •  Oakland Underground Film Screening. Be prepared for anything at an evening hosted by the producers of the Oakland Underground Film Festival.
7–11 p.m. Jack London Square Pavilion, (510) 645-9292, jacklondonsquare.com/events.html. FREE

16  •  Lake Merritt Joggers and Strider’s 23rd Annual Tilden Tough Ten Miler. Sweat it out with the East Bay’s oldest running club.
8 a.m., $30 ($22 members). Parking lot off Wildcat Canyon Road near Nimitz Way, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley, (510) 644-4224, lmjs.org.

16  •  St. Joseph’s Garden Club of Alameda’s 16th Annual Gardens Galore Garden Tour. A self-guided tour of six Alameda gardens to please the senses.
11 a.m.–5 p.m.; $20 advance, $25 day of event; purchase tickets in advance at these Alameda locations: Daisy’s, 1347 Park St.; Thomsen’s Garden Center, 1113 Lincoln Ave.; Smart Phone and Photo, 2006 Encinal Ave. For more information call the St. Joseph’s Garden Club, (510) 995-9544.

17–June 25  •  Vanishing Birds of the Bay and Beyond. Examine this exhibit of award-winning local artist Rita Sklar’s artistic take on the condition of bird life in the S.F. Bay Area.
10 a.m.–5 p.m., free. Craft and Cultural Arts Gallery, 1515 Clay St., Oakland, (510) 531-1404, ritasklar.com.

19–June 20  •  God’s Ear. The Shotgun Players tell a story of loss and healing.
7 p.m. Wed., 8 p.m. Thu.-Sat., 5 p.m. Sun.; ticket prices vary, Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley, (510) 841-6500, shotgunplayers.org

21  •  Family Overnight Experience on the USS Hornet. Spend the night on an aircraft carrier surrounded by vintage and modern aircraft.
5 p.m.–10 a.m., $100 per person. 707 W Hornet Ave., Pier 3 Alameda Point, Alameda, (510) 521-8448, ext. 280, uss-hornet.org/overnight.

21–June 20  •  No Right Angles: The 40th UC Berkeley M.F.A. Graduate Exhibition. A chance to appreciate up-and-coming locally trained artists.
7:30 p.m.; free for members, $8 general admission, $5 non-UCB students, seniors, young adults, disabled persons. UC Berkeley, Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave., (510) 642-0808, bampfa.berkely.edu.

23  •  Castro County Fair. It’s not exactly East Bay, but for this we’ll cross the big water. Come on over to this family style event of county fair style fun of all stripes with a San Francisco twist on. It benefits the AIDS Emergency Fund and marks the first observance of Harvey Milk’s birthday as a state holiday. From auctions and pie sales to music and kids’ games, this weekend event proves to be a good time for a good cause.
11 a.m.–6 p.m., advance $25, kids free. San Francisco Armory Community Center, 1800 Mission St., San Francisco, (415) 558-6999, castrocountyfair.org.

26  •  Goldfrapp. Gilded and glittering, Goldfrapp will rock out with their fox-out at Oakland’s Fox Theater. Wake up and smell the renovated ’80s synth-pop/dance music with a few pinches of ambient, folk and introspection for an interesting flavor. This London-formed electro duo will dazzle with breathy lyrics and vintage instruments while ministering to the pop aesthetic.
8 p.m., $32.50. 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, (800) 745-3000, thefoxoakland.com, apeconcerts.com, ticketmaster.com.

27  •  Glassmaster Ken Matthias: “Taking Panes: Glorious Glass in Alameda.” An illuminating addition to the Alameda Museum’s monthly lecture series.
7 p.m., free for members, $5 all others. 2324 Alameda Ave., Alameda, (510) 521-1233, www.alamedamuseum.org.

31  •  Memorial Day Ceremony, USS Hornet. US Armed Forces veterans will be honored in a ceremony on this floating city.
1-2 p.m. 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda Point, Alameda, (510) 521-8448, ext. 280, uss-hornet.org. FREE
 

JUNE

1–Aug. 31  •  Marisa Olson: Double Bind. This piece of cyber performance art is available for viewing and response online only via a link from the Berkeley Art Museum’s website during these dates. The responses are an integral part of the art.
UC Berkeley, (510) 642-0808, bampfa.berkely.edu.

2  •  Sunset Stroll. Soak in the last of the long summer evening rays as you saunter or sit with your beverage of choice in the UC Botanical Garden.
6-8 p.m., $10, free for members. UC Berkeley, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley, (510) 643-2755, events.berkeley.edu.

4  •  Maxwell and Jill Scott. A performance from this duo will slide along the R&B and neo-soul groove and bump into poetry and design here and there.
7 p.m., Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, (510) 569-2121. Info for tickets, parking, etc., at coliseum.com/events.

4–Aug. 29  •  Akira Kurosawa Centennial. Catch any part of this three-month retrospective of works by Japan’s most influential filmmaker. After directing 30 films in 57 years, there is bound to be something to please everyone in his filmography.
Show times vary; $10 members and UCB students, $11 youth and non-UCB student and disabled patron, $12.50 general. UC Berkeley, 2625 Durant Ave., Berkeley, (510) 642-0808, bampfa.berkely.edu.

5  •  See Jane Run Women’s Half Marathon, 5K & Kids’ Run. Enjoy the benefit of a benefit. Proceeds from this event will go to Girls Inc. of the Island City, and you can realize all of the physical bonuses of training for and running in this race.
8 a.m.; before May 3, Half Marathon $85, 5K $45, Kid’s Run $10; after May 3, $95, $55, $15 respectively. Washington Park, Alameda, (888) 606-4394, seejanerun.com.

5  •  Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Have a last dance with Mary Jane with heartland rockers at their best. Thirtyfour years later they’re still runnin’ down a dream.
7:30 p.m., Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, (510) 569-2121. Info for tickets, parking, etc., at coliseum.com/events.

6  •  7th Annual Temescal Street Fair. Temescal will be celebrating its various scenes from food, music, art and fashion to environmental and health consciousness with this family event.
All day. Temescal near 51st and Telegraph, Oakland, (510) 860-7327, temescaldistrict.org/events.html. FREE

9  •  Intro to Lake Making. No, not the body of water. Artist Judi Pettite will lead this class in creating paints made from natural dyes, known in art lingo as “lakes.”
6–9 p.m., $65, $60 members. UC Berkeley, UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, (510) 643-2755, events.berkeley.edu.

10  •  Jazz in the Grove. Intimately surrounded by music and towering trees, the UC Botanical Garden’s Redwood Grove Amphitheatre is a superb place to enjoy jazz and a summer evening.
5:30–7 p.m., $15, $12 members. UC Berkeley, 200 Centennial Drive, (510) 643-2755, events.berkeley.edu.

11-13  •  Elmo & Friends. Love Elmo, Bert, Ernie, Abby Cabdaddy and Big Bird? You can see them and more of their Sesame Street friends at 1-2-3 … Imagine! With Elmo & Friends at the Oracle Arena on June 11-13. It’s a fast-paced musical that travels around the world. Ernie takes to the high seas, Elmo boogies to the beat of a rainforest and Bert cheers up a sad octopus. Bring the kids out for this seven-show run and extravaganza.
Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, (510) 569-2121. Info for tickets, times, parking, etc., at www.coliseum.com/events.

11–27  •  Tales from the Golden Age: Recent Romanian Cinema. Step into the Ceausescu era and away from Hollywood with compelling realism and absurdist humor with this film viewing experience.
5 p.m., $6.50–$9.50. UC Berkeley, Pacific Film Archive, 2625 Durant Ave., 2250, Berkeley, (510) 642-0808, bampfa.berkely.edu.

12  •  Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse 42nd Anniversary. Local legend Phil Marsh will be gracing the show because he was a member of the Cleanliness and Godliness Skiffle Band that played the very first Freight shindig.
Doors 7 p.m., house 8 p.m.; $18.50 advance, $19.50 at the door. 2020 Addison St., Berkeley, (510) 644-2020, thefreight.org.

16  •  U2 360° Tour. Untouchable Irish rockers tour the world once more.
Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, (510) 569-2121. Info for tickets, parking, etc., at coliseum.com/events.

17  •  Horticultural Walk, Peter Klement, South America. Enter a different botanical realm every month at the UC Botanical Garden. This month, tour the South American collection.
$10, free for members. UC Berkeley, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley, (510) 643-2755, events.berkeley.edu.

19  •  44th Annual Sand Castle and Sand Sculpture Contest. Nothing says ephemeral art like a sand sculpture. Artists from all over the world, of all ages, of all abilities, creators and spectators alike, are invited to bring their shovel and bucket to this free sand-shaping event. You can watch the art in progress or just come scope the sands when all is said and done.
9 a.m.–1 p.m. Robert Crown Memorial State Beach, Westline and Otis drives, Alameda, (510) 747-7526, ci.alameda.ca.us/arpd/events.html. FREE

19  •  Bay Area Carnivorous Plant Society Annual Show and Sale. We eat plants, and some of these botanical beauties might eat us if we’re not careful.
9 a.m.–4 p.m. Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland, bacps.org. FREE

20  •  Father’s Day on the USS Hornet. Join a day celebrating the father in your life on this historic Navy ship.
707 W Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda Point, Alameda, (510) 521-8448, ext. 280, uss-hornet.org.

20  •  New World Flamenco Music. Join John Gilliat and Tomas Michaud for a night of fiery fast fingers.
8 p.m., $20 advance, $25 at the door. Rhythmix Cultural Center, 2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda, (510) 865-5060, rhythmix.org.

21  •  Open Cockpit Day. Climb into the driver’s seat of your favorite aviation machine.
10 a.m.–4 p.m.; $9 adults, $8 seniors, $7 military personnel or teens, $5 children ages 6-12, free for children under 5. Oakland Aviation Museum, 8252 Earhart Road, Bldg. 621, Oakland, (510) 638-7100, oaklandaviationmuseum.org.

21  •  Celebrate the Summer Solstice. Savor the sultry colors of the sunset on the longest day of the year in a magnificent garden milieu.
5–9 p.m., free with garden admission. UC Berkeley, Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, (510) 643-2755, events.berkeley.edu.

24  •  Alameda Sun executives Dennis Evanosky and Eric Kos on “The Oakland Estuary: Its Role in Alameda History.” Learn how the estuary shaped the town at the Alameda Museum’s monthly lecture series.
7 p.m., free for members, $5 others. 2324 Alameda Ave., Alameda, (510) 521-1233, alamedamuseum.org.

24–27  •  El Futuro Está Aquí: Sci-Fi Classics from Mexico. Mexican pop culture scuffles with classic sci-fi on film. Luchadors, Aztec Mummies and a charro from Chihuahau in the mix with Martians, robots and Venusians.
Show times vary, $5.50 members, $9.50 adults, $6.50 non-UCB students, seniors, disables patrons, youths, UC Berkeley, Pacific Film Archive, 2625 Durant Ave., (510) 642-0808, bampfa.berkely.edu.

24–26  •  The Real Americans. Part of Berkeley Rep’s “Fireworks: Festival of Sparkling,” this one-man show is Dan Hoyle’s take on America’s culture wars.
8 p.m.; $25, $20 subscribers, $12.50 for patrons under 30. Berkeley Repertory Theatre, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley, (510) 647-2900, berkeleyrep.org.

25  •  Pavement. California-created lo-fi indie/alternative band will rock the Greek Theater.
8 p.m., ticket prices vary, UC Berkeley, Gayley Road, (510) 642-9988, apeconcerts.com, ticketmaster.com.

26  •  A.R. Rahman. Take in the sounds of the Indian singer, musician and composer at Oakland’s Oracle Arena.
7000 Coliseum Way, (510) 569-2121. Info for tickets, parking, etc., at coliseum.com/events.

27  •  Dog Days of Summer. Participate in pet contests, get advice from SPCA experts and enjoy live music at the waterfront.
Free, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. The foot of Broadway, Jack London Square, Oakland, (510) 645-9292, jacklondonsquare.com/events.html.

30–July 1  •  Tings Dey Happen. Part of Berkeley Rep’s “Fireworks: Festival of Sparkling,” this one-man show is Dan Hoyle’s take on Nigerian oil politics.
8 p.m.; $25, $20 subscribers, $12.50 for patrons under 30. Berkeley Repertory Theatre, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley, (510) 647-2900, berkeleyrep.org.
 

ONGOING

This list expands and contracts as space permits.

Art/Galleries/Museums

Oakland Artisan Marketplace. Local artist peddle their wares on Fridays at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza and Saturdays and Sundays at Jack London Square.
Free admission; 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Fridays and Sundays, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturdays, (510) 238-4948, oaklandartisanmarketplace.org.  

The Compound Gallery. Explore the new space, new art and Professor Squirrel Shop.
7 p.m.–10 p.m., First Fridays; 12 p.m.–5 p.m. Sat.–Mon. Free. 1167 65th St., Oakland, (510) 655-9019, thecompoundgallery.com.

Mercury 20. These 20 elemental artists are taking their show to the hub of the Oakland Art Murmur and joining forces with a few other galleries in the old United Glass Company compound.
475 25th St. Oakland, (510) 701-4620, mercurytwenty.com.

Swarm Gallery. Through maintaining an experimental worldview, this gallery continues to contribute to Oakland’s cultural scene celebrating emerging and affiliated artists.
12–6 p.m., 560 Second St., Oakland, (510) 839-2787, swarmgallery.com.

Oakland Art Murmur. Spend the first Friday of each month perusing new art in downtown Oakland in one or all of the 21 participating galleries.
Event times vary, free. Downtown Oakland between Telegraph and Broadway, oaklandartmurmur.com.

Estuary Art Attack. For a bit of estuary culture, come check out local artists of all media. Plus music, food and beverages.
6–9 p.m., free. Second Friday of every month. From Jingletown in Oakland winding over to Park Street in Alameda, estuaryartattack.com.

L@TE: Friday Nights @BAM/PFA. With different acts each Friday night for only $5 this is a sure-fire way to see new world-class performances in an interesting space as well as check out the current exhibits at the museum.
6 p.m., $5. UC Berkeley, Berkeley Art Museum, 2625 Durant Ave., (510) 642-0808, bampfa.berkely.edu.

La Peña Cultural Center. A vibrant community and cultural center where artists of all ilks can converge, create, share and enjoy. Spectators are more than welcome, too.
Event times and prices vary. 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, (510) 849-2568, lapena.org.

Sports

Oakland A’s. The A’s have been playing their brand of the all-American sport in Oakland for 32 consecutive years. Whether you’re a face-painted, hot dog–munching die-hard or just an occasional fan, there’s always room for one more at the Coliseum, so come on down. Nearly 80 home games this season.
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, (510) 569-2121. Info for tickets, parking, etc., at coliseum.com/events.

Music/Performance

Yoshi’s Oakland. With a show nearly every night, the catalog covers a huge spectrum of performers ranging from high school jazz bands to Jack Dejonette. There’s bound to be something everyone can sink his teeth into (including the delectable sushi and fantastic cocktails).
Show times and prices vary. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, (510) 238-9200, yoshis.com/oakland.

The Uptown. Delight in the nightclub life with everything from bluegrass to burlesque.
Show times and prices vary, 1928 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, (510) 451-8100, uptownnightclub.com.

Julie’s Coffee & Tea Garden. With regular appearances of arts, crafts, live music and happenings, this is more than just a lovely lush spot to drink tea and coffee.
Event times and prices vary. 1223 Park St., Alameda, (510) 865-2385, juliestea.com.

Aurora Theater. Substance, intelligence and craft are the names of the games played at this playhouse.
Event times and prices vary. 2081 Addison St., Berkeley, (510) 843-4822, auroratheatre.org.

Frank Bette Center for the Arts. Proprietors of an inclusive nurturing environment encourage all to engage in the enjoyment of the arts.
Event times and prices vary. 1601 Paru St., Alameda, (510) 523-6957, frankbettecenter.org.

Rhythmix Cultural Works. Based on community, creativity and cultural exchange, this establishment churns out everything from family-friendly classes to intimate musical performances.
Event times and prices vary. 2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda, (510) 865-5060, www.rhythmix.org. 

Diesel Books. You won’t find the typical NY Times Best-Seller List selection at this quirky venue for book discussions and signings and the occasional poetry flash.
5433 College Ave., Oakland, (510) 653-9965, dieselbookstore.com.

Families

Alameda Point Antique and Collectibles Faire. The first Sunday of every month holds the promise that only 800+ vendors can provide.
6 a.m.–3 p.m., $15 for arrivals between 6–7:30a.m., $10 for arrivals between 7:30–9 a.m., $5 for arrivals after 9 a.m., Alameda Point, Alameda, (510) 522-7500, antiquesbybay.com.

Chabot Space and Science Center. Expand you mind into the final frontier of space with scientific exhibits, the planetarium or theater.
10 a.m.–5 p.m. Wed.-Thu., 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun; $14.95 adults, $10.95 youths, members free. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland, (510) 336-7300, chabotspace.org.

Children’s Fairyland. Bring a kid and children’s literature comes to life with storybook sets, gentle rides, friendly animals and more.
Summer hours: open 7 days a week, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m Sat.-Sun.; $7. 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland, (510) 452-2259, fairyland.org.

Crab Cove Visitor Center. Come see what the Bay has to offer in this sneak peak into its ecosystem with an aquarium system and interactive exhibits.
10 a.m.–5 p.m. Wed.-Sun., free. 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda, (510) 544-3187, ebparks.org/parks/vc/crab_cove.

Oakland Zoo. Take a gander at the more than 660 native and exotic animals this animal trove has to offer.
10 a.m.–4 p.m. daily; $11 adults, $7.50 seniors and children, under 2 free. 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, (510) 632-9525, oaklandzoo.org.