Embrace the outdoors this week with a tackle and fishing expo, two educational walks, National Kids to Parks Day, and a plein air watercolor class
If you aren’t getting outdoors to enjoy the gorgeous Bay Area weather, you aren’t getting your money’s worth out of your Bay Area living expenses. This week offers some exciting new opportunities and old favorites, starting with the TackleMeet Fishing Expo at Faction Brewing on Saturday, May 16. The same morning, celebrate National Kids to Parks Day at Jean Sweeney Open Space Park with the Alameda Recreation and Park Department (ARPD). If you’re looking for an educational stroll on Saturday, be sure to head to Bay Farm Island for the first Alameda Walks event of the season. On both Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, history lovers are invited to learn about Park Street with the latest Alameda Post walking tour. And if you’re looking to combine history and a love for watercolor, be sure to check out the Intro to Plein Air Painting classes with Frank Bette Center for the Arts at the Meyers House and Garden on Monday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 19.
TackleMeet Fishing Expo
Saturday, May 16
Bay Area anglers, rejoice! TackleMeet, an outdoor fishing and tackle expo based in Southern California, is making a stop in Alameda during its tour of the state. Head to Faction Brewing, 2501 Monarch Street, on Saturday, May 16 to check out the gear and grab a beer. The expo is scheduled from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The multi-talented DJ Sonny from Frisco Fishing and Crab Snares will keep the music flowing while attendees shop from around 30 vendors. Check out exciting new products, grab some discounted used gear, and chat with the pros. When you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by the Califia Taqueria food truck, and grab a beer on draft from Faction Brewing. If beer isn’t your thing, check out Faction’s “Grape Gatsby” white wine-inspired seltzer and a selection of soft drinks.
“Our mission at TackleMeet is to help every angler, from beginner to pro, have the best possible fishing experience,” says TackleMeet’s Mission Statement. “We do this by offering a wide range of fishing supplies, from rods and reels to lures and clothing, as well as personalized advice and tips from our experienced sellers. Most Importantly, We have Reel DEALS!!!”
You don’t need to RSVP, and there’s no cover charge. All attendees will receive a free entry into a drawing for a Penn Battle IV 8000 fishing reel. Learn more about TackleMeet on Instagram, Facebook, and their website.
Alameda Walks
Saturday, May 16
On Saturday, May 16, take an educational stroll with Alameda Walks beginning in front of the restrooms at the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal parking lot, 215 Adelphian Way. This week’s walk will begin at 9 a.m. and last approximately one hour.
Take in beautiful waterfront views of the San Francisco Bay while you walk and learn about the businesses around the area. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, use sun protection, and bring water to stay hydrated.
This weekend’s tour marks the first 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.
Alameda Celebrates National Kids to Parks Day
Saturday, May 16
May 16 is the third Saturday in May, and that means one thing—it’s National Kids to Parks Day! Get outdoors to celebrate with APRD at Jean Sweeney Open Space Park, 1100 Atlantic Avenue. Festivities are scheduled from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
ARPD and the Alameda Free Library have teamed up to provide crafts, games, sports, and more. The event is free, and no RSVP is required. The schedule is as follows:
Movement Classes
- 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.: Yoga with Dina.
- 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.: Pilates and yoga with Tatiana.
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Zumba.
- 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.: “Get Up and Groove” fun movements.
- 1:15 – 2:00 p.m.: Martial arts.
ARPD Presentations (about 15 minutes)
- 10:15 a.m.: FUN Reactions.
- 11:15: STEM water creatures.
- 12:15: Flag football.
- 1:15 p.m.: Banana slug game.
- 1:30 p.m.: Special treat.
National Kids to Parks Day is an annual celebration of shared outdoor spaces, started by the National Parks Trust in 2011. “While discovering and exploring our parks, kids learn about park stewardship, outdoor recreation, STEM, and the history of our country and its amazing national treasures – because kids need parks and parks need kids!” writes the Trust.
Alameda Post History Walking Tour
Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17
Did you know that Park Street was once labeled a slum by the City of Alameda? Learn Downtown Alameda’s story at the latest Alameda Post History Walking Tour on Saturday, May 16, or Sunday, May 17, beginning at 10 a.m. Both tours start at the corner of Marti Rae Court and Park Avenue.
Historian Dennis Evanosky will dive into the history of the Park Centre project, which nearly tore everything down to start from scratch. Get to know the ladies who lived on Marti-Rae Court and fought to send developers packing. Dennis will also discuss three buildings that were taken down in anticipation of the project, as well as a murder story!
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. Reserve your spot for Saturday, May 16 or Sunday, May 17 online. Tours are limited to 35 attendees. Proceeds support the Alameda Post’s mission to provide local news to our community.
Intro to Plein Air Painting
Monday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 19
A rare artistic opportunity is unfolding on Monday and Tuesday, May 18 and 19—and you are invited to join. Frank Bette Center for the Arts is taking a field trip to the beautiful, historic Meyers House & Garden, 2021 Alameda Avenue, for the Intro to Plein Air Painting classes from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. each day.
Beginner- and intermediate-level artists are invited to learn how light, composition, and natural elements make plein air (outdoor) painting so unique. Participants will have the opportunity to capture the Meyers House, beautiful gardens, and outbuildings with watercolor.
On the first day, artists will decide what to paint, learn about the light, and make a value sketch. The second day will be spent on the final painting. Sailmaker, boat canvas designer, and watercolor painter Margaret Fago will instruct the sessions and provide demonstrations.
Tickets are $50 for Frank Bette Center for the Arts members and $65 for non-members. Reserve your spot online in advance. Review the materials list and class description for more information.
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].
