Swap a plant, view watercolor artworks, get your own arcade game, support Rhythmix Cultural Works, and take a nature walk
It’s set to be another beautiful summer weekend in the Bay Area, and our Community Events Calendar forecasts plenty of fun! On Saturday, August 1, join Alameda Walks for a nature sightseeing tour beginning at the Encinal Boat Ramp near Alameda’s own harbor seal float and brown pelican hotspot. The same day, stop by the Alameda Free Library for their Summer Plant Swap—simply bring a healthy plant or cutting to trade, and take a new one home with you. Also on Saturday, head over to South Shore Center for live painting demonstrations and artwork for sale at Franke Bette Center for the Arts’s 21st Annual Plein Air Paintout Exhibit and Sale. If you’re looking to keep the party going by supporting local arts, check out the Rhythmix Cultural Works annual Pour Your HeART Out fundraiser. And on Sunday, August 2, take a peek inside the Pacific Pinball Museum’s Alameda Point annex at their Surplus Game Sale.
Alameda Walks: Encinal Beach to Alameda Point Promenade
Saturday, August 1
On Saturday, August 1, take an educational stroll with Alameda Walks beginning at the Encinal Boat Ramp and the Bay Trail, 190 Central Avenue. This week’s walk will begin at 9 a.m. and last approximately two hours and 15 minutes.
East Bay Regional District Naturalist Susan Ramos will lead this nature walk along the shoreline. Learn about local wildlife against the backdrop of the beautiful Bay and the historic USS Hornet aircraft carrier. This out-and-back 2.5 mile walk will end where it began at the Encinal Boat Ramp. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars if they wish.
This weekend’s tour marks the sixth of 12 guided Alameda Walks tours around Alameda and Bay Farm scheduled through October. Alameda Walks are sponsored by ARPD. Registration is not required for these free events. Kindly leave pets at home. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, use sun protection, and bring water to stay hydrated.
Summer Plant Swap
Saturday, August 1
Gardening is a great way to support your mental health, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. This Saturday, August 1, head to the Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak Street, for a free Summer Plant Swap. The event is scheduled from 2 until 4 p.m.
To participate, please bring in a healthy bulb, seedling, plant, or cutting to trade. Outdoor plants and indoor plants are both welcome, so long as they are disease and pest free. Please place them in labeled, travel-safe containers or pots, and then get ready to send your plant to a new home! You can find your own new plant to cherish, and stick around to chat with fellow gardeners.
You don’t need to RSVP to this drop-in event. The swap will take place in the outdoor courtyard, which is through the cafe on the main level.
21st Annual Plein Air Paintout Exhibit and Sale
Saturday, August 1
Keep your eyes peeled for artists at their easels throughout the island this week! Frank Bette Center for the Arts annual Plein Air Paintout officially began on Monday, and a special exhibit and sale is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, at South Shore Center. Stop by from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to see this year’s beautiful pieces.
A juried group of 40 local and out-of-state artists have been tasked with capturing the charms of Alameda and its surrounding areas. You can expect scenes of tree-lined streets, gorgeous architecture, natural waterscapes, and other iconic local imagery using watercolor, gouache, oil, acrylic, and pastel. Artists will paint en plein air over the course of the week, and the finished pieces will be displayed for all to enjoy at the exhibit and sale on Saturday.
Festivities are scheduled as follows:
- 10 a.m. – Exhibit and art sale opens.
- 10:30 a.m. to noon – Water media demonstration with Nathaniel J. Bice.
- Noon to 1:30 p.m. – Oil painting demonstration with Steven McDonald.
- 1 to 4 p.m. – Live music by 360 Band.
- 1:45 to 2:15 p.m. – Awards ceremony.
- 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Battle of the Brushes contest.
- 5 p.m. – Exhibit and sale closes.
Be sure to check out the artists’ booths at the event. Artists will be painting live and are happy to talk with the public about their works. If you can’t make it, be sure to visit Frank Bette Center for the Arts at 1601 Paru Street. They host regular free galleries and events, and unsold paintings from the Plein Air Paintout are often on exhibit and for sale.
Pour Your HeART Out – Benefit for the Arts
Saturday, August 1
Support local art this weekend at Pour Your HeART Out, an annual fundraiser presented by Rhythmix Cultural Works to support arts education for Alameda County youth. The event is set for Saturday, August 1, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Rhythmix, 2513 Blanding Avenue.
“Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon!” Rhythmix promises. “Enjoy live music, savor delicious bites from Alameda’s amazing local eateries, sip on fine wines and craft beverages, dance to irresistible beats, and support arts education for Alameda County youth.”
Maze Daiko will headline at the fundraiser. The Alameda-based ensemble is known for blending Japanese taiko with global rhythms—from African marimba and djembe to Persian santur and Brazilian percussion. AZA, whose music fuses traditional North African Tamazight styles with global influences, will also be performing.
Food, beverages, and the wine raffle start at 2 p.m., AZA takes the stage at 2:30, and headliner Maze Daiko will perform at 4:30. Tickets are $179 per person, or $1232 for a table of eight.
Pacific Pinball Museum’s Surplus Game Sale
Sunday, August 2
Are you looking for an epic addition to your game room or basement? Head over to the Pacific Pinball Museum’s Alameda Point annex at 1680 Viking Street to check out their Surplus Game Sale this Sunday, August 2. Doors are open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., and members get to start shopping 30 minutes early at 10:30 a.m.
As you peruse, you’ll find a selection of pinball games for sale, both machines in working condition and “projects.” Broaden your horizons—and save some square footage—with a pachinko or bagatelle game. You can even browse for artwork amongst a variety of framable vintage backglasses.
You don’t need to reserve a spot for the sale. Please note that only credit cards, debit cards, and cash will be accepted.
What else is going on in Alameda?
All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird. Reach her at [email protected].
