Enroll in a pottery class, learn to crochet, do yoga at sunset, join a choir, take an educational walk, and get your tickets for a mahjong social
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a rookie, Alameda is ready to nurture your hobbies this weekend and all year long. Bring your binoculars and get ready to learn on Saturday, September 12, with Alameda Walks’ latest tour [1], an educational stroll around Crab Cove. On Sunday, September 13, newbies are invited to learn how to make a “granny square” at the Beginning Crochet for Adults class [2] with Coven of Stitches. The same day, climb aboard the USS Hornet for a special yoga and dance fest at Sunset on the USS Hornet [3] by Yoga Amansala. And on Monday, September 14, get plugged in at a local choir with Alameda Sings! Bring-A-Friend Open House [4].
This week’s edition of “All Around Alameda” also includes a couple of gatherings worth scheduling ahead of time. Next Saturday, September 19, another event by the wildly popular Alameda Mahjong Social Club is set to take over Alameda Brewing. Be sure to get your ticket in advance for the Mid-Autumn Festival: Mahjong Social [5]. And if you’ve been thinking about joining a pottery class, check out the many offerings at Alameda Pots [6]. Classes enroll throughout the year and tend to fill up, so you’ll want to join the email list to snag a spot. Happy crafting!
[7]Classes at Alameda Pots
Enrolling throughout the year
During each Thursday’s edition of All Around Alameda, I try to recommend events that are easily added to your social calendar and take place within the next week. However, I must take a moment now to highlight a local shop that merits some advance planning. Alameda Pots [6], the charming local pottery studio at 1517 Webster Street, offers six-week courses for artists of varying skill levels.
Owner Dave Thomson opened the studio in 2024 [8] after trying to find summer activities for his three children. Alameda Pots became the only pottery shop open to the general public in Alameda, and it was met with immediate enthusiasm. A quick glance at the website will reveal that the classes regularly fill up well in advance.
The most recent batch of classes [9] began on August 18, and the next set has not yet been publicly announced. Students are currently enjoying the Handbuilding, Intro to Wheelthrowing, and Advanced Beginner Wheelthrowing classes throughout the week, including 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. time slots.
If you’re interested in joining the next session, be sure to sign up for the Alameda Pots mailing list. Enter your email address towards the bottom of their website homepage [6], and you’ll be on your way to getting started.
[10]
Alameda Walks
Saturday, September 12
On Saturday, September 12, take an educational stroll with Alameda Walks, beginning at the Doug Siden Visitor Center, 1251 Mckay Avenue at Crab Cove. This week’s walk [1] will begin at 9 a.m. and last approximately two hours and 15 minutes.
East Bay Regional Park Naturalist Michael Charnofsky will lead the walk, along with special guest Lauren Eisele from Community Action for Sustainable Alameda (CASA). Learn about the area’s natural and land-use history while considering the resiliency of the shoreline in a time of rising ocean levels. This out-and-back 2.5- or 3-mile shoreline walk will end where it began at the Doug Siden Visitor Center.
This weekend’s tour marks the ninth of 12 guided Alameda Walks tours [11] around Alameda and Bay Farm Island scheduled through October. Alameda Walks are sponsored by ARPD. Registration is not required for these free events. Kindly leave pets at home. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, use sun protection, and bring water to stay hydrated.
[12]Beginning Crochet for Adults
Sunday, September 13
It’s easy to buy crochet supplies envisioning a future where you make handmade holiday gifts—and much harder to come face-to-face with all those beautiful supplies in the back of the closet. The good news is that Coven of Stitches at 1602 Webster Street is ready to help you on your journey. Check out their Beginning Crochet for Adults class [2] on Sunday, September 13 for guidance. The class is scheduled from 10 a.m. until noon.
This class is especially crafted for absolute beginners, and students will learn to make the classic “granny square.” The versatile squares are the building blocks of countless other projects, from home decor to garments.
Students will need a 4mm/G crochet hook and one ball of worsted weight wool yarn. Feel free to bring your own supplies, or check out the shop to purchase yours before class begins. Reserve your spot online [2] for $40 per person. Be sure to check out the schedule for lots of other upcoming classes [13] from broom making to cross stitch.
[14]
Sunset on the USS Hornet – Dance and Yoga
Sunday, September 13
Yoga Amansala is back at it again, with another community- and wellness-focused celebration. Join the local hub for dancing and yoga with spectacular views at Sunset on the USS Hornet [3] on Sunday, September 13. The event is scheduled from 5 until 9 p.m.
Bring your yoga mat and a water bottle, and dress to be outdoors on the Hornet. The deck is the dance floor! An all-female DJ lineup will keep the tunes flowing for an evening of movement, community, and fun. When you need a break, check out the mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages on offer.
Grab your ticket [3] in advance for $23.18. Kids under 12 get in for free. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum. If the weather turns rainy, the event will move indoors. More information is available online [3].
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Alameda Sings! Bring-A-Friend Open House
Monday, September 14
If you’ve been looking for a chance to meet new friends and express your love for music, the Alameda Recreation and Park Department (ARPD) has the group for you. Check out the Alameda Sings! Bring-A-Friend Open House [4] on Monday, September 14, 7 to 9 p.m., at Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Avenue.
Interested singers are invited to check out the local group in a low-stakes environment at the Open House. Alameda Sings! welcomes all singers, from experienced vocalists to complete beginners, to join their upcoming season. No audition is required.
Alameda Sings! is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization that “engages the community in advancing the love of choral music through education, performance, and collaboration.” Participants must be age 16 and up. Get more information on the Alameda Sings! website [16] or register for the season with ARPD [17]. Registration is not required for the first night.
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Mid-Autumn Festival: Mahjong Social
Saturday, September 19
Many local mahjong events sell out well in advance, so I’m giving readers an early heads-up on this one. If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to play mahjong and meet new people, the Mid-Autumn Festival: Mahjong Social [5] on Saturday, September 19 is the perfect opportunity. The special event is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. at the back dock of Alameda Brewing, 1716 Park Street.
The Dragon Mahjong Club [19] and The Alameda Mahjong Social Club [20] are teaming up to produce a very beginner-friendly social. “Mahjong Aunties will be available throughout the event to answer questions, assist with scoring, and clarify rules as you learn,” the event description assures.
Your $10 ticket [5] includes moon cake tastings, a raffle ticket, and a candy treat bag to take home. Check out The Dragon Mahjong Club on Instagram [21], and send an email to [email protected] [22] to join the mailing list for The Alameda Mahjong Social Club.
What else is going on in Alameda?
All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar [23]. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post [24]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird [25]. Reach her at [email protected] [26].