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Get Animated

     The Oakland Museum of California presents PIXAR: 25 Years of Animation, a major exhibition of more than 500 works by the artists at Pixar Animation Studios, including drawings, paintings and sculptures that illustrate the creative process and craftsmanship behind Pixar’s wildly successful computer-animated films. See art from movie favorites including Ratatouille, Up and Pixar’s latest, Toy Story 3. The exhibition, which runs July 31–Jan. 9, will be accompanied by screenings of Pixar’s feature and short films; a special program of lectures, talks and workshops with Pixar artists; and a new and expanded exhibition catalogue. Visitors will enjoy hands-on activities, demonstrations and tours by Pixar artists throughout the run of the exhibition. Emeryville-based Pixar  has won 22 Academy Awards, and its 10 films have grossed more than $5 billion at the worldwide box office to date. $12 general; $9 seniors and students with valid ID; $6 youth, ages 9–17; free for children 8 and under, OMCA members and free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month;
11 a.m.–5 p.m. Wed., Sat., Sun.; 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Thu., Fri.; open to 9 p.m. on second Fridays; closed Mon. and Tue. Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland, www.museumca.org.

July

2, 9, 16, 23, 30  •  Dancing Under the Stars
Free dance lessons provided by Linden Street Dance Studio at Jack London Square most Friday nights throughout the summer! Learn new steps and then dance the night away under the stars. July 2 (Hustle), July 9 (Merengue), July 16 (Waltz), July 23 (American Tango) and July 30 (Foxtrot).
8:30–10 p.m., Jack London Square, Pavilion Stage, Broadway and Water streets, Oakland, (510) 645-9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com. FREE

3, 24  •  Petapalooza
Autobody Fine Art hosts a special gala screening on July 3 of Sniff the Dog, a comic documentary for dog lovers of all ages that follows the lives of dogs at work and at play, The movie premiere kicks off the month of Petapalooza culminating in the third annual Dog Days Event, an all-day affair with a dog fashion show, vendors, silent auction and dog photo booth, on July 24. Proceeds from both go to help abandoned and unwanted animals find permanent and loving homes with the help of the Alameda Animal Shelter, Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter and Norcal German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue.
7–10 p.m., $35, Autobody Fine Art, 1517 Park St., Alameda, (510) 865-2608,  www.autobodyfineart.com.

 4  •  Pardee Patriotic Picnic
Celebrate the holiday with a charming re-creation of a 1909 family Independence Day picnic and charity bazaar, with wonderful food, games and activities for young and old, prizes and turn-of-the-century entertainment, including the piano pyrotechnics of ragtime maestro Barry Koron.
Noon–4 p.m., $12 adults, $4 ages 5–11, free under age 5, cash or checks only, 672 11th St., Oakland, (510) 832-3456, www.pardeehome.org.

 4  •  Family Fourth in Alameda
You’re invited to an old-fashioned picnic complete with food for sale, bounce houses, games and entertainment.
Noon–4 p.m., children’s wristbands $10–$20 for games and bounce houses, Rittler Park, Otis Drive and Grand Street, Alameda, www.ci.alameda.ca.us.

 4  •  Independence Day Celebration
Join in a fun-filled 1900-style community festival. Celebrate America’s 234th birthday with rousing patriotic music from a brass band on the lawn and fiddle music in the farmyard. There will be games, contests and races for everyone all day long. Test your skill at nail-driving, egg toss and watermelon seed spitting or join a bucket brigade and tug-of-war contest.
10 a.m.–4 p.m.,  $8 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 4–17, under 4 years free, Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, (510) 544-2797, www.ebparks.org.

 4  •  Celebrate on the USS Hornet
Celebrate this patriotic holiday onboard the USS Hornet with live music, ship tours and games on the flight deck. Stay and watch the panoramic view of Bay Area fireworks after dusk.
1–9 p.m., $25 adults, $10 children ages 5–17, under 5 and museum members are free, 707 W. Hornet Ave., Alameda, (510) 521-8448, www.uss-hornet.org.

 4  •  A Red, White and Blue Parade
Enjoy an old-fashioned holiday parade spanning 3.3 miles and featuring bands, floats, entertainers and more. Bring a lawn chair and see local community organizations present their parade entries for prizes.
11 a.m., Parade follows Park to Otis to Grand to Central to Webster to Lincoln, Alameda, www.myalamedaparade.com. FREE

Through July 11  •  Summer Fun at the Fair
Enjoy old-fashioned summer fun at the Alameda County Fair complete with carnival rides, entertainment, exhibits, horseracing, farm animals and all the sweet treats you can eat. Open daily, except Tuesdays.
Check website for hours, prices and special promotions including $3 Wednesdays and kids free on Fridays. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, www.alamedacountyfair.com.

7, 14, 21, 28  •  Summer Sounds Concerts
Oakland City Center is the venue for some of this summer’s hottest concerts. Joe Bagale entertains with soul music on July 7, followed by the sweet sounds of Club ’90s performing ’90s pop on July 14. Fito Reinoso performs Cuban music on July 21, and Blackberry Soup finishes up the month with dance music on July 28.
Noon–1 p.m.,Oakland City Center, near 12th Street BART, Oakland, (510) 628-9170, www.oaklandcitycenter.com. FREE

July 7, 17, 21  •  Presumed Dead Book Launch Party and Book Signings
SF Chron East Bay crime reporter Henry Lee launches his page-turning true crime yarn, Presumed Dead: A True Life Murder Mystery, about the Hans Reiser murder case with a book-signing party at A Great Good Place for Books. The Montclair computer programmer killed his Russian wife, Nina Reiser, and concealed her body in the Oakland Hills. Lee covered the police investigation and trial and tells all in his first book. Book signings also on July 17 at Orinda Books (276 Village View Court, Orinda, 925-254-7606, www.orindabooks.com) and on July 21 at Laurel Book Store (4100 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, 510-531-2073, www.laurelbookstore.com).
7 p.m., free, A Great Good Place for Books, 6120 LaSalle Ave., Oakland, (510) 339-8210, www.greatgoodplace.indiebound.com, http://www.facebook.com/henrykleefan.

July 9  •  Family Rock
Hip kids and their parents will enjoy hearing the band Octopretzel play engaging music that inspires curiosity, wonder and appreciation for the world we live in.
6 p.m., $7, Play Cafe, 4400 Keller Ave., Suite 410, Oakland, (510) 638-3712, www.playcafellc.com.

8  •  Waterfront Flicks
Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an outdoor movie on the Market Lawn at sundown. The fun kicks off when the Oakbook hosts Homegrown Trivia contests. Tonight’s movie, Julie and Julia, weaves the story of chef Julia Child’s start in cooking with blogger Julie Powell’s 2002 challenge to cook all the recipes in Child’s first book.
7:30 p.m., Jack London Square, Broadway and Water Streets, Oakland, (510) 645-9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com. FREE

9  •  Concert at the Cove
Fito Reinoso entertains audiences with a blend of Cuban and salsa music. Get ready to dance the night away!
5:30–7:30 p.m., Crab Cove Visitor Center, 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda, (510) 544-3187, www.ebparks.org.

9  •  Movie in the Park
Bring the blankets, lawn chairs, pillows and kids to see a special showing of The Princess Bride, a classic movie featuring swordplay, giants, an evil prince and a beautiful princess.
Movie begins at dusk, Redwood Heights Park, 3883 Aliso Ave., Oakland, (510) 482-7827, www.redwoodheights.org.

9–18  •  Hairspray
This entertaining Broadway musical and Woodminster production follows the adventures of loveable plus-size heroine Tracy Turnblad, whose passion for dancing wins her a spot on the local TV dance program, The Corny Collins Show. Can a larger-than-life teen find happiness and romance while going head-to-head with the show’s reigning princess?
8 p.m., $25–$40, Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland, (510) 531-9597, www.woodminster.com.

10  •  Partypalooza at Tilden Park
It’s a day of party festivities and celebration for children and adults alike at the Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round. Come enjoy an array of performers, face painting and characters of fantasy and whimsy as well as fresh popcorn, hand-spun cotton candy, ice cream, grilled food and new exciting healthy treats.
Noon–5 p.m., midway between the steam trains and the Little Farm at intersection of Central Park Drive and Lake Anza Drive, Berkeley, (510) 524-6773, www.ebparks.org.

10-11  •  SummerFest at NewPark Mall
The Newark Chamber of Commerce is putting on the second annual SummerFest featuring entertainment and arts and crafts, micro-brews, music, a motorcycle and car show and a kids’ park.
10 a.m.–5 p.m., Macy’s parking lot, 2086 NewPark Mall, Newark, www.festivalproductions2.com.

11  •  Going to the Dogs (and Cats)
Adopt your new forever friend when 10 local pet adoption agencies bring their puppies, kittens and rabbits for an adopt-a-thon.
10 a.m.–3 p.m., Jack London Square, foot of Washington, Oakland, (510) 645-9292,www.jacklondonsquare.com.

July 17  •  Bieber Fever
You Tube sensation turned teen heartthrob Justin Bieber entertains audiences at the Oracle Arena on July 17 with his blend of pop and R&B music. Bieber, who hails from Canada and just turned 16, has already released two albums back-to-back and holds the record of being the first artist on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart with seven songs from his debut album. His “World 2.0” tour marks his first North American tour and promises to be a sold-out success.
7 p.m., prices vary, Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, (510) 569-2121, www.oraclearena.com.

15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31  •  Summer Beats Concerts in Alameda
Enjoy some of the Bay Area’s best bands this summer at Alameda Towne Centre’s concert series every Thursday and Saturday in Centre Court. Each week a different band presents pop, rock, R&B, salsa and more. Bring the family and enjoy a picnic dinner and boogie as the sun sets.
5:30 p.m., Alameda Towne Centre, 523 South Shore Center West, Alameda, (510) 521-1515, www.alamedatownecentre.com.

16  •  Rusty Evans Man in Black
Enjoy an evening of Johnny Cash music for a good cause. The Elks’ Lodge Charity music series presents great monthly concerts with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits.
8 p.m., $20, Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda, (510) 522-1015, www.elks.org.

16-17  •  Fire Cabaret
The Bay Area’s unique industrial arts education nonprofit, the Crucible, presents its first-ever Fire Cabaret. It’s an intimate evening of music, drinking, dancing and illicit fire with seductive performances from the denizens of HEAT, a place where the masses gather to experience forbidden fire. The Crucible’s 56,000 square-foot studio space will be transformed into a searing underground haven where fantasy and fire converge with sultry music and machinery.
7 p.m., $40–$45, 1260 Seventh St., Oakland, (510) 444-0919, www.thecrucible.org.

17  •  A Beastly Feast
Visitors are encouraged to donate fresh produce, such as apples, watermelon, grapes, carrots, lettuce or other delicious fruits and vegetables to help feed the animals at  Oakland Zoo’s Feast for the Beasts. The first 250 guests will receive tickets to enter the elephant exhibit and leave food for the elephants. The day also features animal enrichment stations, where families can create burlap treats for the tigers and celebrate the day with live music and dance by Garfield Elementary’s Cultural Music and Dance class.
9 a.m.–3 p.m., $6.25-$11, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, (510) 632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org.

17  •  Glenn Miller Orchestra
Enjoy a memorable evening of live music from the Big Band era while you dance aboard a vintage aircraft carrier. Learn free dance moves from 7:30–7:55 p.m. and help to support a good cause with proceeds benefiting the USS Hornet museum.
8 p.m.–midnight, $50-$98, 707 W. Hornet Ave., Alameda, (510) 521-8448, www.uss-hornet.org

17  •  Green Home Expo
Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint and make your home more eco-friendly at this expo presented by the Alameda Association of Realtors. A variety of exhibitors will be on hand showcasing the latest environmentally friendly products and services. The Mad Science team will offer hands-on experiments for kids.
10 a.m.–4 p.m., Alameda Towne Centre, 523 South Shore Center West, Alameda, (510) 521-1515. www.thegreenhomeexpo.com.

17, 18  •  Black Business Expo
This annual event features everything you need to start a new business or take your existing business to the next level. Attend business workshops, view the latest office technology and enjoy a wide array of entertainers and exhibitors.
Visit website for times and prices, Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way, (510) 569-2121, www.bayareablackexpo.com.

23  •  Aerosmith
“The Bad Boys from Boston” featuring Steven Tyler bring their popular music rooted in blues-based hard rock to Oakland’s Oracle Arena.
7:30 p.m., prices vary, Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, (510) 569-2121, www.oraclearena.com.

23  •  Dog Day With the Oakland A’s
It’s your chance to take Scruffy to a major league baseball game. The A’s invite families and their four-legged friends to see today’s game against the Chicago White Sox. Online registration is required. Deadline to register is July 19. The festivities begin with a pre-game pup rally at 5:30 p.m. and a pooch parade at 6:20 p.m. Prizes will also be given in categories including Best Dressed A’s Dog, Best Dog Trick and more. A portion of the evening’s proceeds benefit Dogs4Diabetics.
$9–$15, 7 p.m., Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland. www.oakland.athletics.mlb.com/oak/ticketing/dogday_form.jsp

23  •  Python Ron at Play Cafe
Python Ron entertains audiences with 18-foot pythons and 4-foot long lizards. Get close-up and personal and learn about these awesome creatures.
6 p.m., $6, 4400 Keller Ave., Suite 410, Oakland, (510) 638-3712, www.playcafellc.com.

24  •  Jackson Browne in Concert
With hit songs including “Doctor My Eyes” and “Running on Empty,” the popular singer-songwriter entertains audiences with his songs spanning 40 years of rock and roll.
8 p.m., prices vary, UC Berkeley Greek Theater, Gayley Road and Piedmont Avenue, Berkeley, (510) 642-9988, www.commerce.cpsma.berkeley.edu.

24  •  Chevron Family Theater Festival
This family event features more than two-dozen professional entertainers including bands like the popular Sippy Cups. Storytelling, face painting and costumed characters entertain children outside for free.
10 a.m.–4 p.m., call for ticket prices, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, (925) 943-7469, www.lesherartscenter.org.

24, 25 • Park Street Art and Wine Fair
This annual event features fun for the entire family. Kids can enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides, kids’ area and an arts-and-crafts area. For the adults, there’s food, beer, wine, mimosas and two stages of entertainment.
10 a.m.–6 p.m., Central and Santa Clara between Broadway and Grand Streets, Alameda, (510) 523-1392, www.shopparkstreet.com

26-31  •  Frank Bette Plein Air Paintout

This city-wide art event features local, regional and nationally recognized award-winning outdoor painters. The artists are all celebrated for their abilities to create artworks in the open air, using portable easels and palettes, to portray the effects of light and shadow.
11 a.m.–7 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun., 1601 Paru St., Alameda, (510) 523-6957, www.frankbettecenter.org.

30, 31  •  Christmas in July in Livermore
Downtown Livermore turns into a winter wonderland this weekend with ice skating, holiday music and appearances by Santa.
Fri., July 30, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Sat., July 31, 10 a.m.-close, free (except for ice rink), J Street between First and Second streets, Livermore, (925) 373-1795, www.livermoredowntown.com.

30, 31, Aug. 1  •  Chicago
This Broadway musical about fame, fortune and all that jazz is presented by Stage Door Conservatory’s Teens
on Stage.
7:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., $15–$20 adults, $10 children and seniors, Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley, (510) 845-8542, www.juliamorgan.org.

31  •  Urban Wine Experience
Twenty-one wineries will be paired with outstanding local restaurants. Come sample upwards of 60 wines and gourmet bites to match while you listen to live music.
2–5 p.m., $45 advance, $60 at door, Jack London Pavilion, 98 Broadway Ave., Oakland, (510) 645-9292, www.eastbayvintners.com.
 
31  •  Steve Harvey
The King of Comedy comes to the Paramount to share his brand of humor that resonates with more than 7 million listeners each morning on his radio show.
7:30 p.m., $57.50–$75.50, Paramount Theatre,  2025 Broadway, Oakland, (510) 763-7308, www.paramounttheatre.com.

July 31-Aug. 1  •  Up, Up and Away
Kite lovers of all ages unite at the annual two-day Berkeley Kite Festival featuring
kite-making contests, workshops and kite dancing. Sponsored by Highline Kites. 
11 a.m.–5 p.m., free, Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina, (510) 235-5483, www.berkeleykites.com.

August

1  •  Bay to Barkers Dog Walk and Festival
Berkeley is going to the dogs, but it’s all for a good cause. Here’s your chance to help rebuild the Berkeley Humane Society that was affected by a devastating fire on May 20. This one-mile walk, associated games and various contests all benefit the Berkeley Humane Society. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
10 a.m.–1 p.m., $25 for dog walk, free for festival, north parking lot of Golden Gate Fields, 1100 Eastshore Highway, Berkeley, www.baytobarkers.kintera.org.

2  •  Joanna Newsom Concert 
This harpist, pianist and singer performs songs from
her new album and shows why critics have dubbed the 28-year-old Californian an artist to watch.
$32, 8 p.m., Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, (510) 302-2277, www.thefoxoakland.com.

6  •  Carne Cruda Oakland’s Tight CD Release Party Post-Latin funksters Carne Cruda celebrate the release of Oakland’s Tight, the high-energy band’s second album, at Upotwn Body and Fender. It’s an all-ages show where music and art lovers can see pinball art by Ed Cassel and hear music by Carne Cruda and other bands to be announced.
6–10 p.m., Uptown Body and Fender, 401 26th St, Oakland, (510) 251-8009, www.carnecruda.com

6  •  Crystal Castles
This band fuses low-res electronic noise and pop hooks and is touring this summer with artists Rusko, Sinden and Proxy. Known for its memorable live shows, this Canadian band performs songs from their quirky and provocative new album.
$29.50–$35, 7 p.m., Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, (510) 302-2277, www.thefoxoakland.com.

6-15  •  The Music Man
Woodminster continues summer performances with this popular Broadway musical about a con man posing as a boys’ band organizer and leader. Can he sell band instruments and uniforms to naive townsfolk before skipping town with the cash?
$25–$40, 8 p.m., Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland, (510) 531-9597, www.woodminster.com.

7  •  Family Sundown Safari
Here’s your chance to camp out with your family at the Oakland Zoo. Enjoy a twilight tour of the Children’s Zoo, create toys and treats for the animals and meet some furry friends up close. Ages 4 and older.
$75 per person for members, $85 nonmembers, 5 p.m. Sat.–10 a.m. Sun., 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, (510) 632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org.

7-8  •  Aloha Festival
Enjoy Pacific Islander music and Polynesian dance as well as arts and crafts vendors, island cuisine, educational exhibits and workshops.
10 a.m.–5 p.m., San Francisco Presidio Main Post/Parade Grounds (next to the Visitor’s Center and Officers’ Club), (415) 281-02221, www.pica-org.org.

7-8  •  Burlingame ArtzFest
This weekend festival features artisans and amateur children’s choirs. Among the rising stars who will appear on stage are the Burlingame Show Choir, a group of 30 elementary school children who will perform a special Grease musical medley, Burlingame Bollywood performing a dance medley of Indian style fusion dance, 16 finalists from the Burlingame Idol and much more.
10 a.m.–6 p.m., Burlingame Ave., Burlingame,(650) 344-1735, www.burlingamechamber.org.

11  •  Natalie Merchant
The popular recording artist performs songs from her new CD, Leave Your Sleep, featuring 19th-century children’s poetry set to music, as well as fan favorites including Carnival.
$45–$59.50, 8 p.m., Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, (510) 302-2277, www.thefoxoakland.com.

Aug. 11–15  •  Circus Antics
The Ringling Brothers circus is headed to the Oracle Arena with an all-new show, FUNundrun, celebrating the brothers’ 200th birthday and featuring amazing animal acts, stunning trapeze artists and gymnasts and memorable family fun.
7:30 p.m. Wed., Thu. and Fri.; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sat.; and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sun.; $15-$65 (all opening night tickets are $15); Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, (510) 569-2121, www.oraclearena.com.

13  •  Concert at the Cove
The band Casino Royale performs hits from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s at this family-friendly concert that will have you dancing on the beach. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy a relaxing evening with family and friends.
5:30–7:30 p.m., Crab Cove Visitor Center, 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda, www.ebparks.org.

13, 14, 15  •  Bye Bye Birdie
Stage Door Conservatory’s Teens on Stage present this Broadway musical about a rock and roll star that is drafted into the Army and is slated to give one last performance and a civilian kiss to one lucky girl before he ships off.
7:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., $15–$20 adults, $10 children and seniors, Piedmont High School Theater, 800 Magnolia St., Piedmont, (510) 521-6250, www.stagedoorconservatory.org.

13–15  •  San Jose Jazz Festival
This South Bay annual event features more than 100 artists performing jazz, salsa, Latin and R&B.
Times vary, free–$15 per day, Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, San Jose, (408) 288-7557, www.sanjosejazz.org.

13, 20  •  Dancing Under the Stars
Free dance lessons provided by Linden Street Dance Studio at Jack London Square most Friday nights throughout the summer! Learn new steps and then dance the night away under the stars. Aug. 13 (Samba) and Aug. 20 (Argentine Tango).
8:30-10 p.m., Jack London Square, Pavilion Stage, Broadway and Water Streets, Oakland, (510) 645-9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com.

14  •  Mt. Diablo Jazz Festival
George Benson and Natalie Cole headline this summer concert that also features jazz artists Lucy Woodward and Brian Culbertson.
4 p.m., ticket prices vary, Sleep Train Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord, (925) 676-8742, www.livenation.com.

14  •  Pony Rides and Petting Zoo
Play Cafe invites children to meet critters that include goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, pot belly pigs, sheep and turkeys and to learn about the farm animals that live in the Bay Area.
Noon, $6, 4400 Keller Ave., Suite 410, Oakland, (510) 638-3712, www.playcafellc.com.

14  •  Cinderella Trail Run
Enjoy a day of trail running in the Oakland hills. Choose from a 10K, half marathon, marathon or ultramarathon.
8:30 a.m., $30–$55, Joaquin Miller Regional Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland, www.coastaltrailruns.com.

15  •  Vintage Clothing and Style Festival
Looking for original clothing that can’t be found in a department store? This festival features live music, touring fashion show, two no-host bars, 50-plus vendors, demonstrations, dancing and great fun.
11 a.m.–5 p.m., $7, Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda, (510) 522-1015, www.vintageclothingstylefestival.com.

20  •  Heavy Petty – Elks’ Charity Music Series Join this Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band for a night of rocking music that benefits local charities.
8 p.m., $20, Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda, (510) 522-1015, www.elks.org.

Aug. 21, 22  •  Art & Soul Festival
Enjoy two days packed with music, dance, art, kids’ activities and tasty food at this annual event celebrating the essence of Oakland.
$10 adults, $5 seniors and youth ages 13–18, ages 12 and under free for one day of the festival; 14th Street and Broadway, Oakland, www.artandsouloakland.com.

27, 28, 29  •  Eat Real 2010 at Jack London Square Amazing food craft demonstrations ranging from noodle pulling and pizza tossing to butchery and everything in between! Films, music and more! Founded in 2008, Eat Real Festival is a social venture created to inspire eaters to choose food craft, street foods, artisan beers and local wines.
4–9 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun., Jack London Square, Broadway and Water streets, Oakland, (510) 645-9292, www.eatrealfest.com.

Aug. 28, 29  •  Chinatown Party
The annual Oakland Chinatown Street Festival features food, entertainment, arts and crafts, children’s activities and celebrates the traditions and cultures of Chinatown.
10 a.m.–6 p.m., free, Seventh to 11th and from Broadway to Harrison, Oakland, www.oaklandchinatownstreetfest.com.

ONGOING

Art/Galleries/Museums

Oakland Artisan Marketplace. Local artists sell their paintings, sculptures and other masterpieces on Fridays at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza and Saturdays and Sundays at Jack London Square.
11 a.m.–4  p.m. Fri. and Sun., 11 a.m.–6  p.m. Sat., free, (510) 238-4948, www.oaklandartisanmarketplace.org.

USS Potomac. Known as the “Floating White House,” it served as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s yacht until his death in 1945. Today it offers docent-led dockside tours Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays; frequent special events and bay cruises.
Prices vary; docks at Oakland’s Jack London Square, 540 Water St., (510) 627-1215, www.usspotomac.org.

Oakland Art Murmur. This group of downtown galleries holds public openings the first Friday of each month.
 7 p.m.–9  p.m. Check with the individual galleriesto make sure your favorite gallery is open. www.oaklandartmurmur.com.

Hayward Downtown Museum. Adults will enjoy taking a step back in time and learning local history while children will delight in the costumes, books and activities in the museum’s Curiosity Clubhouse.
11 a.m.–4 p.m. Tue.–Sat., free, 22701 Main St., Hayward, (510) 581-0223, www.haywardareahistory.org.

Music/Performance

The Uptown. Shows range from burlesque to dance to karaoke at this popular nightclub.

Show times and prices vary, 1928 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, (510) 451-8100, www.uptownnightclub.com.

Rhythmix Cultural Works. Based on community, creativity and cultural exchange, this performing arts venue offers everything from drum workshops to family circus playshops and world-class performances.

Event times and prices vary. 2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda, (510) 865-5060, www.rhythmix.org.

Yoshi’s Oakland. The best jazz artists in the country perform nightly at Yoshi’s, a Japanese restaurant also known for delectable sushi and fantastic cocktails. Sunday afternoons feature specially priced family matinees with top performers.
Show times and prices vary; 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, (510) 238-9200, www.yoshis.com.

Julie’s Coffee & Tea Garden. In addition to offering great teas and coffees in an inviting setting, Julie’s boasts a gallery with revolving art collections, and events and musical performances throughout the year.
Event times and prices vary; 1223 Park St., Alameda, (510) 865-2385, www.juliestea.com.

Families

Alameda Point Antique and Collectibles Faire. The first Sunday of every month offers families a virtual treasure trove as more than 800 vendors sell collectibles that are all at least 20 years old.

6 a.m.–3 p.m., $15 for arrivals between 6–7:30 a.m., $10 for arrivals between 7:30–9 a.m., $5 for arrivals after 9 a.m., Alameda Point, Alameda, (510) 522-7500, www.antiquesbythebay.com.

Museum of Children’s Art. Beat the heat this summer and drop by the MOCHA studios Tue.–Sun. for art activities with rotating weekly themes for ages 18 months and up. Materials are provided and experienced teaching artists will be on hand to guide children in creative projects.
10 a.m.–3 p.m. Tue.–Fri., noon–4 p.m. weekends, closed Mon. $7 children, $3 adults, 538 Ninth St., Suite 210, Oakland, (510) 465-8770, www.mocha.org.

Lawrence Hall of Science. This new exhibit, Scream Machines: The Science of Roller Coasters, offers a stomach-churning, jaw-dropping exhibition for thrill-seekers of all ages. Interactive exhibits, artifacts and images invite visitors to explore the physics of roller coasters and the physiology and psychology of thrill-seeking.
Through Jan 2, 2010. Open daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., $12 adults, $9 students, $8 ages 3–6, under 3 free. Lawrence Hall of Science, 1 Centennial Drive, Berkeley, (510) 642-5132, www.lawrencehallofscience.org.

Children’s Fairyland. Children’s literature comes to life with storybook sets, gentle rides, friendly animals, puppet shows and more.

Summer hours: open daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat.-Sun.; $7, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland, (510) 452-2259, www.fairyland.org.

Crab Cove Visitor Center. Come see the creatures that live in the Bay and get a sneak peak into an aquarium system and interactive exhibits. 
Hikes and drop-in children’s workshops are also offered on various weekends.
10 a.m.–5 p.m. Wed.–Sun., free, 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda, (510) 544-3187, www.ebparks.org.

Chabot Space and Science Center. It’s space as you’ve never experienced it, complete with scientific exhibits, a planetarium, theater and interactive exhibits that will delight children of all ages.

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, www.chabotspace.org.