Breadmaking, cosplay, golf, gardening, and some Alameda history
The sun is shining, the flowers are starting to bloom, and it’s a great time to invest in your hobbies—without leaving the island! Learn to bake the perfect loaf at the Spent Grain Breadmaking Class at Faction Brewing on Thursday, March 20. Then on Saturday, grab your friends and your costumes for CarrierCon 2025 aboard the USS Hornet, plus the first-ever CarrierCon afterparty. The same day, Corica Park Golf Course invites you to their free Community Day & Putting Tour to celebrate the opening of the Back 9 of the North Course. On Sunday, March 23, join the Alameda Post for a walking tour of the Gold Coast from St. Charles Street to Caroline Street. Then, in the afternoon, the Alameda Free Library and the Alameda Backyard Growers welcome you to a free Family Seed Starting Workshop. How many hobbies will you nurture this week?
Spent Grain Breadmaking Class at Faction Brewing
Thursday, March 20
Talk about upcycling! After the brewers are done for the day, head to Faction Brewing, 2501 Monarch Street, to transform the spent grains from the brewing process into delicious fresh bread. Let the Grainbakers show you the ropes at their Spent Grain Breadmaking Class on Thursday, March 20, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Participants will enjoy a sampling of bread and butter, a presentation on breadmaking, and hands-on instruction. After learning to make the dough, students will have the opportunity to customize their loaves with a variety of additions. Once the dough is ready, class will be dismissed, and students can head home to bake the bread in their own ovens.
Please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes to the class. Participants must be 18 or older. Tickets are $60. If you can’t make it to this class, keep an eye on upcoming Grainbakers events at Alameda breweries and beyond. A limited number of complimentary tickets are available to volunteers who help with setup or cleanup.
CarrierCon 2025 on the USS Hornet
Saturday, March 22
The fourth annual CarrierCon is here! Board the USS Hornet, 707 West Hornet Avenue, on Saturday, March 22, to join the party. Festivities are planned from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Check out some of the highlights:
- Free parking.
- Variety of concessions including boba and bento.
- Cosplay Contest with $500 in prizes.
- Eight cosplay meetups.
- 60+ vendors and artists.
- 19 panels.
- Tabletop gaming area.
- Photo Track where attendees can view and photograph areas of the ship not usually open to the public. Commemorate your cosplay with an awesome photo shoot!
Tickets are $40 for adults, $30 for youth (17 and under). There is a small discount if you buy tickets in advance online. Members of the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum are advised to check their member emails for a $5 discount code. Prior to attending, please consult the Cosplay, Bag and General Policies section of the website to brush up on the dress code, prop guidelines, and more.
Bonus: If you don’t want the festivities to end, you’re in luck. The USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum presents its inaugural CarrierCon afterparty, “Oshi on Deck!” The event is hosted by ‘VTuber’ Pipkin Pippa, and promises over three hours of music and celebration. Tickets are $40 plus a processing fee, and must be purchased separately from CarrierCon tickets.
Community Day & North Course Grand Opening at Corica Park
Saturday, March 22
Be one of the first to test out Corica Park Golf Course’s brand new greens on Saturday, March 22, from noon to 3 p.m., at 1 Clubhouse Memorial Road. Corica Park’s Community Day & Putting Tour will celebrate the highly anticipated Back 9 of the North Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects.
Walk the new greens on the free putting tour and enjoy putting at all nine holes—if you don’t have a putter, Corica Park will have some available to borrow. Free festivities include a live DJ, interactive art, a cooking demonstration, and lawn games.
Complimentary beverages will be available from Almanac Beer, St. George Spirits, Maker Wine, and Alameda Soda Company. Bites by Five10Preps catering will be available for purchase. Admission is free, and registration is not required.
History Walking Tour: Gold Coast — St. Charles to Caroline
Sunday, March 23 and Saturday, March 29
The Alameda Post’s popular History Walking Tours set off on a new adventure this weekend. Put on your comfy shoes for a tour of the Gold Coast from St Charles Street to Caroline Street on Sunday, March 23 or Saturday, March 29 at 10 a.m. The tour begins and ends at the intersection of St. Charles Street and Fair Oaks Avenue.
Join award-winning Historian Dennis Evanosky for a leisurely walk that will leave you with a greater appreciation and understanding of Alameda’s history. This weekend’s walk will explore the area once known as “Encinal Park,” the real woman behind Caroline Street, and the fascinating architects of the area’s beautiful homes.
History Walking Tours generally last about 90 to 100 minutes and cover one to two miles. We suggest that you wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sunscreen. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to attend. Tickets are $20 each, and kids under six are free. Grab your ticket for Sunday, March 23 or Saturday, March 29 online. Get a preview of the tour with Dennis’s free, supplementary lecture on YouTube.
Family Seed Starting Workshop
Sunday, March 23
The Alameda Free Library and Alameda Backyard Growers (ABG) invite you and yours to the Family Seed Starting Workshop on Sunday, March 23, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak Street. This event is recommended for ages 7 and up.
Marcus Varini, founder of Newfound Foodscapes and board member at ABG, will lead this hands-on workshop. “Participants will learn the basics of seed selection, proper soil preparation, planting depth, watering techniques, and how to nurture seedlings until they are ready for the garden or patio,” the event description states.
The workshop will take place in Stafford Meeting Room A, which is on the ground floor of the library and is wheelchair accessible. All materials will be provided. Register online in advance for this free offering.
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. Reach her at [email protected].
