See a movie, play pinball, eat pancakes, build a terrarium, and check out the Alameda Art & Wine Faire
If you’re searching for enticing, kid-friendly activities this weekend, look no further! The fun begins on Friday, July 24, with a free showing of Back to the Future at the latest Starlight Movies in the Park at the Alameda Point Multi-Purpose Field. On both Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26, Alamedans of all ages are invited to explore the 39th Annual Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire. On Sunday morning, bring your appetite and your community spirit to the Alameda City Firefighters Annual Pancake Breakfast. Kids ages 5 to 15 are invited to attend a special Mad Libs pinball adventure the same afternoon at Pacific Pinball Museum. And over on Park Street, check out the Made by You: Terrarium Workshop to mix gardening and art.
Starlight Movies in the Parks: Back to the Future
Friday, July 24
Take the kids on a trip down memory lane with a classic movie on Friday, July 24, at the Starlight Movies in the Park summer series. Catch a free showing of Back to the Future at Alameda Point Multi-Purpose Field, 1101 West Redline Avenue, courtesy of Alameda Recreation and Park Department (ARPD).
Pre-show festivities start at 6:30 p.m. with games and crafts for kids. The movie will start at about 8:15 p.m., depending on darkness. Snacks and food will be available for purchase—proceeds support the Teen Program.
Preregistration is not necessary. Please bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Kindly leave all barbecue grills, alcoholic beverages, and pets at home. Back to the Future is rated PG.
39th Annual Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire
Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26
It’s that time of year again! Alameda’s largest outdoor street event—the Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire—is back on Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26. Check out the online map to see which sections of Park Street, Central Avenue, and Alameda Avenue are participating. The Faire will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. both days.
Crafters, musicians, artists, food vendors, and all sorts of interesting booths will be open all day. Be sure to check out Central Avenue between Park and Oak streets for all of Alameda’s local artisans and businesses. Kids are sure to have a blast at the Kid’s Area on Park Street with bungee jumping, face painting, puppet shows, and more.
Parking will be limited, so make a transportation plan before you go. Check out AC Transit routes, enjoy free valet bike parking on Alameda Avenue, or try your luck with parking spaces at the Civic Center Parking Garage. Please note that smoking is prohibited in all public spaces. This all-ages event is free to attend.
City of Alameda Firefighters Annual Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, July 26
Did somebody say mimosas? Join City of Alameda firefighters for their annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, July 26, from 9 a.m. until noon. The breakfast will take place at Alameda Fire Station #1, 2401 Encinal Avenue.
The whole family is invited to get to know our local firefighters at this annual fundraiser. Check out vintage fire engines, sip beverages from a mimosa booth, enter a drawing, and learn more about our first responders. Tickets are $10 at the door, and kids under 5 eat for free.
The annual Pancake Breakfast is organized by the Alameda Firefighters’s Association, an affiliate of the International Association of Fire Fighters union. Proceeds from the event will benefit local charities and the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, which delivers fire prevention education and provides services to burn survivors and their families.
Pacific Pinball Museum Mad Libs
Sunday, July 16
The Pacific Pinball Museum (PPM) invites the next generation of pinball lovers to their Mad Libs event on Sunday, July 16 from 3 until 5 p.m. Kids ages 5 to 15 are welcome to attend this event at the PPM West Side location, 1510 Webster Street.
The special event will be led by instructor and facilitator Scott Weigum, a credentialed special education teacher and pinball lover. Kids can expect a mixture of pinball and summer literacy activities, and everyone will receive a prize.
Participation is covered by a regular ticket to PPM, which is $12 for ages 5-12 and $15 for students with a valid ID. No registration is required, and no experience is necessary. Please note that parents are required to stay on site during the event. You may observe the class and walk around the museum for free, or you may purchase an adult ticket for $22 to play.
If your kids enjoy themselves and like the instructor, be sure to check out PPM’s chapter of The Little Flippers, part of a national organization designed to “introduce kids to social interaction and engagement through fun, hands-on, cross-generational games, which helps to foster important social skills and group participation,” as well as keep the sport of pinball alive for future generations.
Made by You: Terrarium Workshop
Sunday, July 26
Build your own custom terrarium at the Made by You: Terrarium Workshop on Sunday, July 26. Meet at Bullseye Glass, 1911 Park Street, for this supportive class from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
Get creative with soil, colored sand, stones, and decorations to build your adorable terrarium. Participants are invited to choose their own small, beginner-friendly plants to inhabit their new miniature world. Beginners are welcome, the class is guided, and everyone will go home with directions to care for their plants.
All materials for the class are included in the cost of your ticket. Reserve your spot ahead of time for $35 per person plus a small processing fee. Participants under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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].
