There are so many events taking place across Oakland this week that we wish we could feature them all. We’re still looking for Halloween events to showcase. So if you’re hosting one or know of one that you think should be on our radar, let us know.
Do you have an event you would like to promote on our calendar? You can use the self-registration form at any time by clicking on the “Events” tab on our homepage. Is there anything you would like me to highlight in this weekly recap? Email me at [email protected]
Alta Live: Love Letter to Oakland Libraries
Liam O’Donoghue, Podcast Host and Producer East Bay yesterday (and occasional contributor to The Oaklandside) recently wrote about how much the Oakland Public Library has helped him understand and learn about the city he calls home. During his many hours of research at the main library’s Oakland History Center, he even formed lifelong friendships with some of the librarians. This Wednesday, O’Donoghue will speak virtually about how magical public libraries are and why the center is such a great place to discover new things we never knew about our city. The event is part of a series presented by Alta Journal, a quarterly publication about the arts and culture, environment, technology and more in California and the West. O’Donoghue also has more personal events of his own on the horizon, and you can find out about his upcoming appearances at the East Bay yesterday Website.
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 12:30 p.m., Register onlineabove zoom
Celebrating 4 Decades of Art in Jingletown at Gray Loft Gallery
What some people may not know is that Jingletown is home to many artists occupying living and working spaces throughout the neighborhood. Ford Studios (on Ford Street) is one of them. The space also houses the Gray Loft Gallery. Commemorating the studio’s four decades of artistic activity, the Gray Loft Gallery unveils Jingletown Originals, an exhibition of works by 20 artists – all either current or former residents of Ford Street – who helped pave the way for this distinctive, thriving arts scene. Her paintings, photographs, sculptures, mixed media works, glass art and jewelery will be on display from Saturday September 24th and the exhibition will run until Saturday October 29th.
Saturday, September 24, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission free, Gray Loft Gallery, 2889 Ford Street #32
Grand Opening of the SF Bay Area Curling Club
The Raiders and Warriors have left the city and their East Oakland stadiums behind, but other sports teams like Oakland Roots Soccer Club and Oakland Spiders Ultimate Disc Club have stepped in to fill the gap. Now the San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club is helping to do the same. Founded in 1958, the club recently relocated to a beautiful new curling facility between 85th Avenue and Hegenberger Road in East Oakland. Players from across the Bay Area and around the world have been quietly enjoying the space for weeks, but this weekend it will officially open to the public with a two-day grand opening ceremony. If you want to know what curling is all about, this is your chance to see some world famous players compete live and meet others who have occasionally played curling at what is considered the best in the country.
Saturday, September 24, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club
8450 corporate path
Closing of the Oakland International Film Fest
Since September 15, the Oakland International Film Festival has taken over multiple venues across the city to showcase a variety of short films and features from local and out-of-town filmmakers. This Saturday, the festival concludes its 10-day stretch with a screening of American Pot Story: Oaksterdam. The documentary tells the behind-the-scenes story of the founders of Oaksterdam University who fought to get Prop. 19 – a measure legalizing cannabis – passed in California in 2010. The campaign helped destigmatize medicinal cannabis and push legal marijuana into mainstream conversation. Mayor Libby Schaaf and celebrities such as comedian Tommy Chong and rapper-actor Redman are expected and will receive awards.
Saturday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m., $10-$75Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave.
Public tours of the Cohen Bray House
Few of the grand Victorian homes that once lined the streets around Oakland remain standing. The Cohen Bray House on 29th Avenue in Fruitvale is one of them. Built in 1882, the home was owned by two prominent gold rush families, the Cohens and the Brays, and was designated an Oakland Historic Landmark in 1975. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is now a museum owned and operated by the descendants of the original owners. Public tours of the entire home are held every fourth Sunday of the month, during which visitors can hear stories about its former residents. Sunday tours are just one of many events that take place in the historic house. 4th Sunday of each month $10, check or cash, RSVPCohen Bray House, 1440 29th Ave.
