Mid-Autumn Festival, arts auction, return of the Filipino Island Fest, new walking tour, and the Antiques Fair
Happy October, Alameda! Spooky season is around the corner, and the whole island is wondering the same thing: “Can I put away my summer clothes, or is it going to get hot again?” While you’re navigating the mysteries of Bay Area weather patterns, check out these fun local events around town. You might want to bring sunscreen, a hat, a jacket, and an umbrella—just to be safe.
On Friday, October 3, shop unique local art at the West End ArtBeats Soirée & Art Auction at Saltbreaker’s new outdoor space. On Saturday, October 4 or Sunday, October 5, brush up on local Alameda history with the Alameda Post’s latest History Walking Tour: The North Shore. For vibrant culture and delicious eats, be sure to check out the second annual Filipino Island Fest on Saturday, October 4 at Alameda Waterfront Park. Sunday, October 5 is the first Sunday of the month, which could only mean one thing: The Alameda Point Antiques Faire returns with treasures, treats, and temptations. On Monday, October 6, attune with the changing seasons (regardless of what the weather app says) with the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival at Julie’s Coffee and Tea Garden. Spend a multicultural evening under the harvest moon, celebrate the end of summer, and look forward to the longer nights and festivities yet to come.
West End ArtBeats Soirée & Art Auction
Friday, October 3
Start your weekend on the right foot by supporting local arts at the West End ArtBeats Soirée & Art Auction. The festivities are scheduled from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at Saltbreaker, 2350 Saratoga Street.
While you’re winding down from a busy week, grab a cocktail and enjoy the atmosphere at The Yard at Saltbreaker, the popular restaurant’s new outdoor space. An “eclectic collection” of art will be on display, and DJ Kula Baker will keep the tunes flowing. Attendees are invited to simply enjoy the pieces or place bids in the Silent Art Auction if they wish. The auction is already live online, and bids may be placed until 7 p.m. on the evening of the Soirée.
Tickets to the event are $15 for attendees under 21 and $30 for those ages 21 and up. Each ticket includes a cocktail or a mocktail, and guests are welcome to order additional drinks or bites from Saltbreaker. All proceeds from the event will support free arts programs of the West End Arts District.
Filipino Island Fest
Saturday, October 4
Get ready for a day of vibrant culture and family fun at Alameda’s second annual Filipino Island Fest on Saturday, October 4, at Alameda Waterfront Park, 2151 Ferry Point. The celebration kicks off at 11 a.m. and lasts until 8 p.m.
“This year’s theme, ‘Experience Bayanihan—Building Bridges & Connecting Culture,’ honors the Filipino spirit of unity, cooperation, and shared identity, bringing together people of all backgrounds to celebrate the richness of our heritage,” the event description promises. The lively event will feature performances, authentic cuisine, DJs, vendors, cultural exhibits, kid-friendly activities, and more.
Attendees of all ages are welcome at this free event, and registration is not required. Reserve a spot online if you’d like the VIP experience with a private bar, VIP restrooms, an exclusive lounge, shaded seating, and curated bites. VIP tickets are $100 plus a small processing fee.
History Walking Tour: The North Shore
Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5
Join award-winning Historian Dennis Evanosky and Alameda Post publisher Adam Gillitt for a stroll along Alameda’s northern waterfront at the Post’s latest History Walking Tour on Saturday, October 4 or Sunday, October 5. The informative walk will meet at 2431 Mariner Square Drive (next to Pasta Pelican) for a 10 a.m. start time on both days.
Alameda’s impressive maritime industries left lasting marks across the island from discontinued railroad lines to new luxury apartments in the former Del Monte facility. For the first half of the 20th century, Alameda’s northern waterfront was home to several major shipbuilding sites that produced massive vessels, and packing companies played a large role in local economic development.
Prior to the tour, attendees are invited to watch two supplementary online lectures, “Salmon, Canning Industries Shaped North Shore” and “The North Shore AD: After Del Monte,” so they can hit the ground running. Those who prefer to read can get a sneak peek into the convoluted history of the waterfront in Dennis’s articles Shipbuilding on Alameda’s North Shore, Packing Companies Shaped Alameda’s North Shore, and Canner, Ships, Railroad Shaped Alameda’s North Shore.
Alameda Post History Walking Tours generally last about 90 to 100 minutes and cover one to two miles. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and sunscreen. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to attend. Tickets are $20 each, and kids under 6 are free. Get your ticket for Saturday, October 4 or Sunday, October 5 online.
Alameda Point Antiques Fair
Sunday, October 5
The largest antiques show in Northern California is right here on the island, and it happens every first Sunday of the month at 3900 Main Street. Treasure hunters from far and wide flock to the Alameda Point Antiques Faire to shop at 800+ booths and enjoy culinary offerings from a wide selection of food trucks.
The Faire uses a tiered ticketing system for entry into the venue:
- VIP Shopping: 6-7:30 a.m. – $20.
- Early Buy: 7:30-9 a.m. – $15.
- Morning: 9 a.m.-noon – $10.
- Afternoon: Noon-3 p.m. – $5.
Attendees may purchase tickets for VIP Shopping and Early Buy online in advance. All ticket time slots are also available on the day of the Faire at the Box Office and must be purchased with cash only. Children under 12 may attend for free with a parent. Please leave pets at home.
Parking is free, and a shuttle is available between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to transport attendees from the parking lot to the Faire entrance. The shuttle will make occasional stops at the Main Street Ferry Terminal as well. More information is available online.
Mid-Autumn Festival
Monday, October 6
If you look up into the night sky on Monday, October 6, you’ll see a beautiful harvest moon. By its nature, there is only one per year, and the night is associated with crop harvest and the changing seasons. Julie’s Coffee and Tea Garden, 1223 Park Street, invites the community to spend the illustrious evening basking in the moon’s glow and celebrating the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. The festivities are scheduled from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m.
The event is promised to be “a distinctive cultural event that bridges Eastern and Western traditions.” Come and learn more about the Mid-Autumn Festival at this cross-cultural celebration. Attendees can enjoy tea, mooncakes, poetry, music, and more.
Children ages six and older are invited to participate in a dedicated kids activity zone at this family-friendly event. Special crafts will include watercolor and calligraphy. Reserve your spot online in advance for this intimate event. Tickets range from $27 to $12 depending on age group. Children ages five and under are free but still require a reservation.
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].
