You don’t have to make a huge time commitment to get involved in local events this week. Just a few hours on a single day—or even 30 minutes to drop by a craft faire or potluck—is all you need to get a little more plugged in. Saturday, April 12, offers three different opportunities for fun, starting with a Monthly Coastal Cleanup to beautify our waterfront in good company. While you’re at Alameda Point, swing by the Alameda Punks Parade at Faction Brewing for a truly unique shopping and music experience. If you’re feeling crafty, consider signing up for the Earrings Fundamentals Class at Bead Inspirations. On Sunday, April 13, get ready for a special gardening workshop—Garden with Pedro: Alpine Strawberries at Dahoam 1516. And for a midweek pick-me-up, head over to REAP Climate Center for their new Fireside Potluck on Wednesday, April 16. Lend a hand cooking, bring a dish, or simply bring yourself to meet some cool people!
Monthly Coastal Cleanup
Saturday, April 12
Join Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA) and the San Francisco Bay Hope Spot team on Saturday, April 12, to help clean up our coastline. The Monthly Coastal Cleanup picks up trash from 10 a.m. to noon at Seaplane Lagoon Promenade, 1801 Ferry Point. Students who need community service hours are encouraged to join—be sure to bring your form for a signature!
Buckets and pickers will be provided to volunteers. Don’t forget to bring your own water, sun protection, and gloves. After you’ve worked up an appetite beautifying our island, walk over to The Rake from noon to 2 p.m. to enjoy lunch and a celebratory round of drinks.
Check the CASA events calendar for upcoming Monthly Coastal Cleanups, which are usually on the second Saturday of each month. Stay connected on Facebook—CASA will post an announcement if weather has cancelled the event. Alameda’s Monthly Coastal Cleanup is made possible by CASA, Mission Blue San Francisco Bay Hope Spot, and DOER Marine.
Alameda Punks Parade
Saturday, April 12
The Alameda Punks Parade returns to Alameda Point for Volume 7 on Saturday, April 12, from noon until 6 p.m. Head over to Faction Brewing, 2501 Monarch Street, for brews, bites, bands, and beyond.
The craft faire will be jam-packed with over 60 local sellers and artists. Seven different bands will take the stage throughout the day to keep the tunes going. (Check out the vendor list and bands on Instagram!) Once you’ve worked up an appetite, visit Lion Dance Cafe, Aburaya, and Gabba Gabba Pizza for some delicious refreshments.
In addition to the musical and artistic festivities, Rocket Dog Rescue will be facilitating a meet and greet with some very special guests. Come down to introduce yourself to some adorable, adoptable kittens and puppies. The nonprofit organization will also be hosting a fundraiser with prizes.
Doors open at noon, and the first band will take the stage at 12:30 p.m. Entry to the Alameda Punks Parade is $5, and children under six get in for free.
Earrings Fundamentals Class
Saturday, April 12
Let’s get crafting! Join Bead Inspirations, 1544 Park Street, for their Earrings Fundamentals Class on Saturday, April 12, from noon until 3 p.m.
Whether you’d like to make beautiful gifts for friends, or customize your jewelry armoire to your unique tastes, this class is for you. The instructor will teach the essentials of making earrings, including:
- The basic construction of earrings.
- How to make simple wire wrap loops.
- How to open and close a jump ring.
- How to use a 1-Step Looper tool.
- Materials selection technique.
Students are welcome to bring their own materials or purchase materials for a discounted rate. Up to six students may reserve a spot online for this intimate class. Tickets are $45 per person, or two for $35 each. If you can’t make it this week, keep an eye on the Bead Inspirations upcoming class list for all sorts of jewelry making opportunities.
Garden with Pedro: Alpine Strawberries
Sunday, April 13
Come learn about the Alpine strawberry, also known as the wild strawberry or Fragaria alpina, on Sunday, April 13, at Garden with Pedro: Alpine Strawberries. The class will take place at 1516 Lincoln Avenue from 3 to 5:30 p.m.
This beginner-friendly workshop is open to all. Instructor Pedro is the CGO (“Chief Growth Officer”) at Dahoam 1516, a nonprofit school and club with a mission to “have fun and share the joy of brewing and cooking, with a uniquely Bavarian flare.”
Pedro will instruct students on the care and maintenance of the Alpine strawberry, including propagation, placement, care, harvest, and kitchen use. You’ll practice your new skills and take home your very own plants at the end of the lesson.
This class will involve handling garden soil, so you’re encouraged to bring your own gloves if you want to use them. Reserve a spot online in advance for $20 per person. Students under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Fireside Potluck
Wednesday, April 16
Join REAP Climate Center, 2133 Tynan Avenue, on Wednesday, April 16, for their community Fireside Potluck. Guests are invited to come anytime from 4:30 until 8 p.m.
REAP describes their new Fireside Potlucks as “a weekly event intended to bring together climate-minded community members to talk, eat, and enjoy our lovely campus.” Some food is provided, but guests are invited to contribute to the potluck by lending a hand or bringing a dish to share.
The Fireside Potluck will take place after REAP’s Wednesday volunteer and open house hours. Cooking begins at 4:30 p.m.—bring your own ingredients or lend a hand with big meals if you’d like to. Dinner is served around 6 p.m., with activities and a casual hang-out to follow.
REAP invites the community to attend for any portion of the evening. Please sign this waiver if you’ve never been to campus before. RSVP is encouraged for the potluck.
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].
