Get a start on your shopping, see the Diwali Festival of Lights, and more
Happy Halloween, Alameda! We have only treats for you—no tricks—in this edition of the Alameda Post events calendar weekly highlights. Try something new this Friday, November 1, with the Day of the Dead 5K at Alameda Point after dark. On Saturday, November 2, be dazzled by the lights at the Diwali Festival of Lights at Rhythmix Cultural Works. On both Saturday and Sunday, November 2-3, start your holiday shopping early at a local favorite, the 44th Annual Alameda Holiday Boutique at the O’Club. If you’re looking for a cozy space to gather on Tuesday, November 5, join Make It: A Fiber Arts Craft Circle and craft the evening away in good company. Finally, check out the 11th Annual Jewelry & More Sale for FAAS for good deals and a great cause.
Day of the Dead 5K
Friday, November 1
Grab your best costumes and your running shoes for the Day of the Dead 5K on Friday, November 1, on Alameda Point. The race begins at 6 p.m.—just 10 minutes before sunset—and promises to be a scenic and unique race. The event will celebrate both Halloween and the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), and costumes from both holidays are welcome.
After the finishing stretch, runners will be greeted by music, food, beer, and a fun time celebrating underneath the historic USS Hornet. Please note that this event will not include a separate kids fun run, due to traffic concerns and darkness. Register in advance online for the race, or sign up in person on the day of the race, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the USS Hornet.
Outfront Endurance—organizer of popular Alameda races—has teamed up with the USS Hornet to bring this race experience to Alameda Point. Proceeds will benefit the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum.
Diwali Festival of Lights
Saturday, November 2
Get ready for a dazzling performance as Non Stop Bhangra presents its colorful production celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, on Saturday, November 2, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Avenue.
The night’s festivities include a dance lesson, Non Stop Bhangra performance, music, open dancing, henna, a photo booth, food, and of course beautiful lights. Kids are welcome at this family-friendly event, and Rhythmix will provide free arts and crafts.The schedule is as follows:
- 5 p.m.: Doors open with free arts and crafts. Food, drinks, and henna available for purchase.
- 6 p.m.: Dance Performance & Group Lesson.
- 6:30 p.m.: Open Dance Party.
Tickets are available for purchase online. Indian attire is encouraged, but not required. “On Diwali, it’s a tradition to wear something new, bright, and vibrant,” the event website states. “Dress up in your favorite Indian style attire to celebrate this beautiful holiday!”
44th Annual Alameda Holiday Boutique
Saturday and Sunday, November 2-3
Get ready to check off your holiday shopping lists—or buy something special for yourself! A local island favorite is back with the 44th Annual Alameda Holiday Boutique at the Albert H. DeWitt Officers’ Club (O’Club) 641 West Redline Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, November 2-3.
From gourmet foods to crochet plushies, there’s something for everyone. Get a sneak peek of this year’s craftspeople on the Meet Our 2024 Artisans page. This year’s boutique boasts more than 60 artists!
Admission is free, and ample parking is available. The boutique will benefit the Leisure Club, an ARPD program for teens and adults with developmental disabilities.
Make It — A Fiber Arts Craft Circle
Tuesday, November 5
Looking for a calming activity to do on November 5? Make It — A Fiber Arts Craft Circle welcomes fellow crafters to meet in the Family Study Room of Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak Street, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Come work on your projects with good company.
All kinds of fiber artists are welcome. Please note that Make It is not a class. Crafters should bring their own supplies and expertise. If you need a pointer, the event description notes, “Limited instruction available.”
Make It meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month. If you have questions, please email [email protected] or call (510) 747-7713.
11th Annual Jewelry & More Sale for FAAS
Thursday, November 7
Shop secondhand deals and steals at the 11th Annual Jewelry & More Sale for FAAS on Thursday, November 7, noon to 7 p.m. at 2210-D South Shore Center (formerly Pinot’s Palette). All proceeds support Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter.
Shoppers can expect to find a great selection of jewelry, succulents, garden art, purses, greeting cards, treats, and more at this special event. Jewelry will include precious metals and stones, as well as everything from designer to costume jewelry.
Want first dibs? Reserve a presale ticket; entry at noon to 1 p.m. is $15, or 1 to 2 p.m. is $10. After early bird admission, the event is free and open to the public from 2 to 7 p.m.
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!
