Island Running Festival, Alameda Legacy Home Tour, a new talk on the USS Hornet, a “Trashure Hunt,” and Blues, Brews & BBQ
This week on the island, Alamedans can look forward to several fan-favorite events, as well as a few exciting new additions. Saturday, September 20, marks the California Coastal Cleanup Day ‘Trashure Hunt,’ where participants can earn fantastic prizes. The same day, the USS Hornet welcomes the community aboard for a special presentation, 13 Months to Mighty: How America Built the USS Hornet (CV-12) and Awakened the Sleeping Giant. On Sunday, September 21, the popular Island Running Festival returns to Alameda Point with new courses. Also on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., architecture enthusiasts—and those of us who are just a little nosy—are invited to the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society’s annual Alameda Legacy Home Tour. After you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure to stop by the Blues, Brews & BBQ festival at Washington Park.
‘13 Months to Mighty’ Presentation on the USS Hornet
Saturday, September 20
Did you know that the majestic USS Hornet was built in just 13 months? Come aboard the Hornet, 707 West Hornet Avenue, on Saturday, September 20, for a special presentation, 13 Months to Mighty: How America Built the USS Hornet (CV-12) and Awakened the Sleeping Giant to hear how it was done. The talk is scheduled from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m.
Navy Veteran and aircraft mechanic David F. Nagel will bring his unique perspective—including a career in the aerospace industry—to the presentation. This talk will discuss how America’s wartime shipyards worked to eliminate waste, streamline workflows, and standardized designs to cut down on manufacturing time. The workforce, including thousands of women and minority workers, managed incredible deadlines with the new strategies and lots of hard work.
Admission to the presentation is free with the purchase of a regular ticket to the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum. Tickets are $10 for Youth (ages 7-17), $15 for Students, Seniors, and Military, and $25 for Adults. 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.
California Coastal Cleanup Day ‘Trashure Hunt’
Saturday, September 20
If you’ve ever played “Magic Trash” in your middle school classroom, you already know how to participate in the California Coastal Cleanup Day ‘Trashure Hunt.’ On Saturday, September 20, head over to an official Cleanup Station at Robert Crown Regional Shoreline, Eighth Street and Otis Drive, or the Alameda Community Sailing Center, 190 Central Avenue, from 9 a.m. until noon.
Participants can expect the usual camaraderie and fresh air of a beach cleanup, with a special twist. Certain “trash” items will be hidden at cleanup sites all across California, and they are redeemable for prizes! You could win $100 gift cards for Habit Burger or DoorDash, tickets to Giants games, and much more. All trash will be collected at the end of the event by Park District staff.
Please wear comfortable clothes, bring sun protection, and remember your water bottle. All other supplies will be provided. Visit the East Bay Regional Park District website for registration and information about the Robert Crown Regional Shoreline cleanup site and the Alameda Community Sailing Center website for information about their cleanup.
Alameda Island Running Festival
Sunday, September 21
Outfront Endurance and the Bank of Marin are back for the 2025 Island Running Festival at Alameda Point. The schedule is a little different this year—all races will take place on the same day, Sunday September 21. Each course will start and end at Faction Brewing, 2501 Monarch Street.
The various distances will highlight several beautiful areas around the island, including its new running trails, the estuary shoreline, and the USS Hornet. The race schedule is as follows:
- 7:30 a.m.: Half Marathon begins.
- 8 a.m.: 10K begins.
- 8:15 a.m.: 5K begins.
From 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., participants are invited to check out the Health and Wellness Expo presented by Alameda Health Systems in Faction Brewing’s hangar. All runners and walkers will receive a custom T-shirt, finisher medal, race bib, and food and drink at the finish line.
Please note that dogs are not permitted on the course or near the finish line. Tickets range from $55.06 for the 5K to $108.06 for the Half Marathon. More information and registration links are available on the Island Running Festival website.
Alameda Legacy Home Tour: Alameda’s Bronze Coast Beauties
Sunday, September 21
Alameda waits all year for this one, and it’s finally here! The Alameda Architectural Preservation Society annual Alameda Legacy Home Tour is set for Sunday, September 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The theme of this year’s tour is “Alameda’s Bronze Coast Beauties.” The adventure begins at Franklin Park, 1432 San Antonio Avenue.
At the park, participants may pick up their wristband and shoe covers, along with a “Legacy Guidebook” that features detailed architectural and historic information on each of the seven properties included on the tour. Stop by the café to rest and buy a T-shirt.
Grab your tickets online for $44.52 (adults) and $12.51 (children). To enter the homes on the tour, guests will need to walk up and down a few steps. Kindly leave pets at home.
Blues, Brews & BBQ
Sunday, September 21
Alameda’s mouth-watering, toe-tapping, thirst-quenching festival is back! Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 21, for the eighth annual Blues, Brews & BBQ. The festivities are scheduled from noon until 6 p.m. at Washington Park, 740 Central Avenue.
A fantastic selection of food vendors and pit masters are lined up for this celebration of smoke. Get ready for delicious meats and sides from Smokin Woods BBQ, Stackhouse BBQ, and more. Beverages will be available in abundance from a wide variety of local establishments, and live music is scheduled throughout the afternoon.
Admission to this family-friendly event is free. Kids are invited to get crafty in the Family Zone and hang out with Ozzy’s Music Academy. RSVP in advance at the Blues, Brews & BBQ Eventbrite page for a chance to win a drink package or a festival T-shirt.
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].
