See a car show, learn to dance, take a walk, catch a play, and shop antiques
Have you decided what you’re doing this Labor Day weekend? Local women are invited to stretch their legs and meet new friends on Saturday morning, September 5, with the Island Gals Saturday Morning Walk & Coffee [1]. The same morning, the whole family is welcome at the Nick Bianchi Memorial Car Show [2] at Corica Park Golf Course — spectators get in for any donation amount. That evening, grab your best 1920s or ’30s costumes for the Great Gatsby Ball [3] at the Alameda Elks Lodge. On Saturdays and Sundays through September 27, enjoy outdoor theater with the Foodbank Players’ latest production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream [4] at Chochenyo Park. And this Sunday, September 6, don’t forget to check out the Alameda Point Antiques Faire [5] to find your latest treasure.
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Island Gals Saturday Morning Walk & Coffee
Saturday, September 5
If you’ve been looking for a low-pressure way to get some exercise and meet new friends, we have the club for you. Join the Island Gals for their Saturday Morning Walk & Coffee [1] on Saturday, September 5. Each week’s walk sets out from a different location, and this week’s adventure starts in front of Firebrand, 707 West Tower Avenue. Join the group at 9:30 a.m., and be ready to start the walk promptly at 9:40 a.m.
Island Gals is “an inclusive walking community for anyone who identifies as a woman.” Participants of all paces are invited to join the walks, which cover about 3 to 4 miles. Once you’ve crossed the finish line, stick around to grab a cup of coffee and keep up the conversation with your fellow walkers.
Be sure to register in advance [1] to be added to the email list for these recurring walks. Participants will receive an email with important location details at least one week in advance.
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Nick Bianchi Memorial Car Show
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Start your engines or hitch a ride, and join a day in celebration of Nick Bianchi’s life at the fifth annual Nick Bianchi Memorial Car Show [2], Saturday, August 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Corica Park Golf Course, 1 Clubhouse Memorial Road.
The annual show honors the life and legacy of Nick Bianchi, a lifelong resident of Alameda and collector of motorcycles and classic cars. Nick was an employee of Corica Park in the Course Services Department, where he was “liked by all and always willing to lend a hand [8].” The annual show was created by Nick’s father, who wanted to combine Nick’s love of cars and golf.
Schedule of events:
- 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.: Show cars arrive and set up.
- 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Spectators are admitted, and the show commences.
- Noon: Nick’s parents, Evie and Les Bianchi, present “Best in Show” award.
Those who wish to show cars are encouraged to reserve a spot online [9] ASAP, as space is limited. For the $35 registration fee, show car entries will receive a goodie bag and refreshments. Spectators can get admission to the event for any donation amount. All proceeds from the family-friendly event will be donated to the College of Alameda’s Automotive Technology Program [10].
[11]The Great Gatsby Ball
Saturday, September 5
The Alameda Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Avenue, is hosting the Great Gatsby Ball [3] on Saturday, September 5, starting at 6:30 p.m. Join the Period Events & Entertainments Re-creation Society [12] (PEERS) as they bring back the Roaring 20s in the Lodge’s elegant Edwardian ballroom. Doors open at 6:30, and a dance lesson begins at 7 p.m. Open dancing and live music are scheduled from 8 p.m. until midnight.
Newbies are encouraged to learn vintage Foxtrot, Survival Swing, and the Charleston at the 7 p.m. dance lesson. “PEERS has a core group of friendly experienced dancers who will help guide you through dances,” promises Artistic Director Cathleen Myers. “Our motto is ‘If you’re having fun, you’re doing it right.’”
“1920s or ’30s costume or vintage or modern evening dress is admired but not required,” notes the event description. A light snack buffet will be served in the parlor, and a no-host cash bar will be available outside the ballroom. The hosts note that guests need not worry about pesky prohibition restrictions on alcohol— event organizers promise that both the Governor and the Chief of Police are good friends of Jay Gatsby. Grab your ticket [3] for $35 online. Please note that tickets will not be available at the door, and ticket sales end on September 4.
PEERS began in 1988 and incorporated as an education non-profit organization in 1994. The organization hosts a full-scale historical or fantasy ball on the first Saturday of almost every month at the beautiful ballroom in the Alameda Elks Lodge. Get involved with weekly dance classes on Tuesdays [13], and keep an eye out for PEERS at the annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair [14], and the new annual San Francisco Historium [15], set in Gold Rush era.
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The Foodbank Players Present A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Saturdays and Sundays through September 27
The Foodbank Players’ latest production is coming to an outdoor venue near you—Chochenyo Park at 2430 Encinal Avenue, to be exact. Catch William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream [4] on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, at 4 p.m.
Seating is first come, first served. Please bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets and dress for the weather. Hydrate, use sun protection, and get ready for a great show. Admission to the event is free, and donations to the Alameda Food Bank are gratefully accepted.
If you can’t make it this weekend, you’ll have six more chances. A Midsummer Night’s Dream continues at Chochenyo Park on Saturdays and Sundays through September 27; each showing starts at 4 p.m.
[17]Alameda Point Antiques Faire
Sunday, September 6
It’s the first Sunday of the month, and you know what that means—the famous Alameda Point Antiques Faire [5]! The largest antiques show in Northern California is right in our backyard, and it happens every first Sunday of the month at 3900 Main Street. Shop 800+ booths and enjoy culinary offerings from a wide selection of food trucks.
The Faire uses a tiered ticketing system for entry into the venue:
- VIP Shopping: 6 – 7:30 a.m. | $20.
- Early Buy: 7:30 – 9 a.m. | $15.
- Morning: 9 a.m. – noon | $10.
- Afternoon: Noon – 3 p.m. | $5.
All tickets are available on the day of the Faire at the Box Office, and must be purchased with cash only. Children under 12 may attend for free with a parent. Please leave pets at home.
Parking is free, and a shuttle is available to transport attendees from the parking lot to the Faire entrance. More information is available online [5].
What else is going on in Alameda?
All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar [18]. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post [19]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird [20]. Reach her at [email protected] [21].