Ocean Photographer of the Year, inaugural First Fridays at Alameda Brewing, Downtown Alameda Spring Market, Alameda Bike Festival, and a special party on the USS Hornet
Alameda is known for its hometown charm, but our Island City has a sophisticated side too. This week’s calendar offers everything from a local brewery’s shindig to the U.S. premier of a renowned ocean photography exhibition. Start your weekend with breathtaking galleries at the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition and special events on Alameda Point, Thursday through Sunday, April 31 to May 3. On Friday night, May 1, the local brewery scene is calling your name with Alameda Brewing’s inaugural First Fridays celebration. Shop local on Saturday, May 2, with Downtown Alameda’s annual Spring Market, complete with over 75 vendors. The same day, all bike lovers are invited to the Alameda Bike Festival for workshops, classes, and free bike goodies. And on Monday, May 4, history lovers and fans of the USS Hornet are invited to the historic aircraft carrier for a very special birthday celebration and new exhibit opening.
Ocean Photographer of the Year Special Events
Thursday, April 31 and Friday, May 1
One of the world’s most celebrated ocean photography exhibitions, Ocean Photographer of the Year, is on display now at Hangar 41, 650 West Tower Avenue, Alameda Point. The stunning exhibition is presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain, in local partnership with the West End Arts District (WEAD) and Bay Photo Lab.
The gallery is only open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, but attendees are invited to purchase tickets for special events throughout the exhibition. This week, check out these one-day-only special events:
- Field Notes from the Bay: An Evening of Live Storytelling | Thursday, April 31: Join scientists from the San Francisco Estuary Institute as they present true personal stories from their time in the Bay. Each speaker will have just five minutes to share their standout experiences. Gallery doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the storytellers take the stage from 7 until 8 p.m. Tickets are $23.18 for Youth (ages 3-12) and $33.85 for Adults.
- Opening Reception: Bay Perspectives & Performance by Mia Pixley | Friday, May 1: WEAD is proud to present Edge of the Pacific: Bay Perspectives, a gallery highlighting the Northern California shoreline as captured by Bay Area photographers. This Opening Reception will celebrate the gallery with a live, “ocean-inspired” cello performance by Alameda composer and vocalist Mia Pixley. Tickets are $23.18 for Youth (ages 3-12) and $33.85 for Adults.
Ocean Photographer of the Year is open Saturdays and Sundays through May 17. Reserve your date and time slot online in advance. Tickets range from $17.85 to $28.52. Discounted family packages are available, and children under 3 do not need a ticket. Check out the Eventbrite page for more information and other upcoming special events.
First Fridays at Alameda Brewing
Friday, May 1
Alameda Brewing is starting a new tradition, and you’re invited! Join the brewery for their inaugural First Fridays celebration on Friday, May 1, from 5 until 9 p.m. at 1716 Park Street. Guests are invited to shop local vendors, grab a bite from La Santa Torta, and enjoy live music from Bay Area artists.
“After hosting a variety of successful events of different sizes, we wanted to create something consistent each month that brings people together in a fun, welcoming atmosphere everyone can enjoy,” Marketing & Events Coordinator Alex Solis told the Alameda Post. “… First Fridays is designed to celebrate great local craft beer, support small businesses and musicians, and give the community a place to gather and start the month together.”
Of course, Alameda Brewing will have their full line of beers on tap, including favorites such as:
- No Cap | Black cherry sour.
- Pahuco | Mexican lager.
- Alameda Vice | Strawberry lemonade hard seltzer.
You don’t need to RSVP, and there is no cover charge. Alameda Brewing is a family-friendly taproom, and well-behaved dogs are allowed in the taproom and on the patio, as long as they are on a leash and with their humans.
Downtown Alameda Spring Market
Saturday, May 2
The annual Downtown Alameda Spring Market has returned, and it’s set for this Saturday, May 2. Walk, roll, bike, or ride down to the festival, stationed along Central Avenue between Park and Oak streets, in Parking Lot C (behind Tucker’s Ice Cream), and on the adjacent stretch of Alameda Avenue. Festivities are scheduled from noon until 5 p.m.
Shop over 75 booths featuring ceramics, paintings, handmade clothing, woodcrafts, toys, leather goods, candles, jewelry, and more. Live music from local artists is scheduled throughout the day, and attendees are encouraged to keep the good vibes going by exploring the many local stores and eateries throughout Downtown Alameda.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the Alameda Children’s Business Fair while you shop. Young entrepreneurs have been hard at work developing business proposals, and they’re finally ready to take their ideas public at a section of booths at the Spring Market. Last year, winners were selected in three categories: Most Creative Product, Most Likely to Turn a Profit, and Best Sales Pitch. We’re sure you’ll be inspired by the next generation of business-minded entrepreneurs!
No RSVP is required, and entry to the Spring Market is free. Proceeds support Downtown Alameda in their “goals and objectives of keeping the district economically sustainable and thriving for businesses, the community, and visitors.” Learn more on the Downtown Alameda website.
Alameda Bike Festival
Saturday, May 2
Bike riders of all ages and abilities are invited to the Alameda Bike Festival on Saturday, May 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Grab your helmet and head over to Ruby Bridges Elementary School, 351 Jack London Avenue, to join the fun.
The event includes all kinds of activities for both adults and kids, including:
- Free bike repairs with Bay Area BikeMobile.
- Helmet fitting and giveaway.
- Making a smoothie with the bike blender.
- Free bike goodies.
- Food trucks and music.
- Workshops and classes.
Admission to the festival is free, and you don’t need a ticket. Check out our previous coverage of the event for a full list of activities and directions for special workshop registration.
102nd Birthday of WWII Veteran Alfred J. Payne and Opening of the CV-8 Doolittle Raid Exhibit
Monday, May 4
The last known survivor of the USS Hornet (CV-8), Alfred J. Payne, is about to celebrate his 102nd birthday—and you’re invited. Board the USS Hornet (CV-12) aircraft carrier at 707 West Hornet Avenue on Monday, May 4 for the festivities. The celebration begins at noon with brief remarks, and guests are invited to enjoy birthday cake and a meet-and-greet with Mr. Payne.
Alfred J. Payne joined the Navy in August 1941 at 17 years old, trained at the Alameda Naval Air Station, and served as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate aboard USS Hornet (CV-8). The aircraft carrier launched the Doolittle Raid, participated in the historic Battle of Midway, and was ultimately sunk at the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. USS Hornet (CV-12), now our local museum, was commissioned after the loss of CV-8 and named in her honor.
The birthday party will also serve as a celebration of the new CV-8 Doolittle Raid exhibit, USS Hornet: Legacy of the Name. “Mr. Payne’s story bridges the legacy between both Hornets,” says Museum Executive Director Laura Fies. “It is especially meaningful to formally open this exhibit with his blessing, aboard the ship that carries forward the name and honor of the one he served on.”
Museum tickets are $12 for youth (ages 7-17), $15 for students and seniors, and $25 for adults. Thanks to Museums for All, guests who receive SNAP benefits are eligible for a reduced admission cost of $2. Please bring your EBT card to present to the admissions desk if you would like to receive this reduced rate.
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].
