Watch a movie from the pool, celebrate radio, catch a free concert, set your sights on space, and turn back time in the Gold Coast
This week in Alameda, soak up some local charm and summertime vibes without crossing a bridge or braving a tunnel. On Friday, July 17, the whole family is invited to a “Dive In” movie of The Little Mermaid. The next morning, the party starts early and lasts all day at Radio Day by the Bay. Also on Saturday, July 18, check out a free accordion soul music concert. Make it a Saturday triple-dipper by swinging over to the USS Hornet afterwards for their Apollo 11 Splashdown Celebration with special exhibits and activities. And on both Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, learn something new about the Gold Coast on the latest Alameda Post history walking tour.
Dive In Movie: The Little Mermaid
Friday, July 17
Alameda Recreation and Park Department (ARPD) is an authority on family-friendly summertime fun, and they have a fin-tastic treat in store this weekend. Paddle away at the Encinal Swim Center, 230 Central Avenue, for an immersive showing of The Little Mermaid.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and family swim time begins right away. Dive right in, or take time for crafts and dry land activities. The movie will begin around 8:15 to 8:45 p.m., depending on darkness. ARPD promises “shimmering lights, ocean vibes, and mermaid magic.”
Please bring your own floats and rafts. Snacks, drinks, and treats will be available for purchase at the Vendor Village. Advance registration is required, and tickets are $15 per person.
Radio Day by the Bay
Saturday, July 18
In an ever-changing landscape of smart devices, data tracking, and artificial intelligence, take a moment to appreciate some good ol’ analog technology. Join the California Historical Radio Society (CHRS), 2152 Central Avenue, for their annual Radio Day by the Bay celebration on Saturday, July 18. Festivities are scheduled from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Radio Day by the Bay promises a variety of events throughout the day:
- Museum tours.
- Live jazz by Don Neely’s Rhythm Aces, Motown and classic hits by Top Shelf Classics, and music by the School of Rock Show Band.
- A live radio show of The Thin Man, “The Case of the Goofy Groom.” (with Alameda PostCast host Scott Piehler as The Groom!)
- DJs from Bay Area radio stations.
- Vintage radio auction (see the inventory online).
- Curated exhibits from radio and broadcasting experts, as well as community partners.
- W6CF live ham radio operation.
- Surplus equipment sale.
- Museum store featuring refurbished vintage radios.
- Food trucks and a cash bar.
Radio Day by the Bay is a free, family-friendly event. Please RSVP online prior to attending. Check out ways to support the California Historical Radio Society online, mark your calendars for special events, and consider taking a workshop on topics from radio repair to 3D printing.
Andre Thierry Accordion Soul Music at Franklin Park
Saturday, July 18
Rhythmix Cultural Works is continuing their free, family-friendly concert and festival series this Saturday, July 18, at Franklin Park, 1432 San Antonio Avenue. Get ready for live music and festivities from noon until 2 p.m.
If you’ve never heard accordion soul music before, this is your chance. Join Grammy-nominated artist Andre Thierry for genre-defining beats that mix Créole and Zydeco music native to Louisiana with contemporary influences of blues, funk, R&B, jazz, and rock. While you’re there, get up and dance with Michele’s Soul Line Dance. It’s sure to be a memorable, groovy outing!
Rhythmix in the Parks is produced in partnership with the City of Alameda. RSVP to let Rhythmix know you’re coming, and mark your calendar for future events this summer.
Apollo 11 Splashdown Celebration on the USS Hornet
Saturday, July 18
If the recent Artemis II Mission reignited your excitement for space, check out the Apollo 11 Splashdown Celebration on the USS Hornet, 770 West Hornet Avenue, on Saturday, July 18. Climb aboard the historic aircraft carrier anytime during normal business hours from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to join the fun.
The USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum is celebrating the anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 mission and the successful splashdown and recovery of the astronauts by the Hornet. Throughout the day, guests are invited to view a rebuilt Apollo 11 exhibit, attend a special presentation about the interior of the command module, and enjoy extra activities and exhibits.
Admission is $25 for adults; $18 for seniors, military, and students; $12 for youth (7-17); and free for children 6 and under. Thanks to Museums for All, guests who receive SNAP benefits are eligible for a reduced admission cost of $2. Please bring your EBT card to present to the Admissions Desk if you would like to receive this reduced rate.
History Walking Tour
Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19
The latest Alameda Post history walking tour is set for Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, beginning at 10 a.m. Join Post historian Dennis Evanosky at the corner of San Antonio Avenue and Caroline Street to step back in time on this Alameda adventure.
The area of Alameda we affectionately call the Gold Coast was once broken into other smaller tracts. Dennis Evanosky will guide participants through a neighborhood that was once known as “Encinal Park.” Get to know early settlers Caroline Chipman Dwinelle and Emile Kower, learn the story of the street names, and see some fabulous homes by Marcuse & Remmel and Denis Straub & Son.
Comfortable walking shoes, sunblock, and water are recommended for this tour. Mobility devices, strollers, and well-behaved dogs are welcome. The tour will end where it began, and is expected to last 90 to 100 minutes, covering one to two miles. Tickets may be purchased online, and children under 6 may attend for no charge. Proceeds help support the Alameda Post’s mission to provide local news to our neighbors.
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].
