Celebrate classic films, see live theater, enjoy the annual Fish Festival, sip wine on the USS Hornet, and grab your cape and tights for Cape & Cowl Con
Making memories this weekend doesn’t have to involve a lot of planning. Check out fun, local events for all ages and price points. The weekend kicks off with another Starlight Movie in the park, featuring The Goonies at Leydecker Field on Friday, August 28. The same evening, enjoy Feathered Outlaw’s final Summer Moon Magickal Market of the season and get excited for Practical Magic 2. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through September 20, catch Altarena Playhouse’s latest production, Fallen Angels. This Saturday, August 29, aquatic enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy Crab Cove’s annual Fish Festival, including crafts and a mobile aquarium. That evening, head over to the USS Hornet for a unique pairing at Sips on the Ship. Comic book lovers will have a blast on Sunday, August 30, as the massive Cape & Cowl Con takes over Faction Brewing. It’s free to enter, and there’s a Kid Zone, too.
Summer Moon Magickal Market: Practical Magic 2 Edition
Friday, August 28
Fall is just around the corner, and Feathered Outlaw is getting ready. This year marks the release of Practical Magic 2, the sequel to the much-beloved film that brought magic to the big screen. Get excited at the final Summer Moon Magickal Market of the season, featuring special guests. The market will take place at Feathered Outlaw, 1506 Webster Street, on Friday, August 28 from 5 until 9 p.m.
As always, the Market will feature a great lineup of artists, practitioners, and vendors. Dress in your finest witchy attire to compete in the Costume Contest—the winner gets a $100 gift card to Feathered Outlaw. As an extra-special treat, the Warner Bros.’s team will be on-site handing out official Practical Magic 2 swag.
Mark your calendars for Feathered Outlaw’s pop-up event at the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex, 2317 Central Avenue, on Saturday, September 12. Feathered Outlaw will help kick off the opening weekend of Practical Magic 2. “Guests are encouraged to gather their covens, dress in their witchy best, shop small, and share the excitement of the Owens family’s return on the big screen,” shares the event description.
Feathered Outlaw, which just celebrated its 10 year anniversary earlier this year, is dedicated to “cultivating a safe and empowering space where people of all backgrounds can gather, learn, and thrive through holistic and magickal practice.” No cover charge or RSVP is necessary for these special events.
Starlight Movies in the Parks: The Goonies
Friday, August 28
Take the kids (and yourself) on a trip down memory lane with a classic movie on Friday, August 28, at the Starlight Movies in the Park summer series. Catch a free showing of The Goonies at Leydecker Field, 3221 Mecartney Road, courtesy of Alameda Recreation and Park Department (ARPD).
Pre-show festivities start at 6:30 p.m. with games and crafts for kids. The movie will start at about 8:15 p.m., depending on darkness. Snacks and food will be available for purchase—proceeds support the Teen Program.
Preregistration is not necessary. Please bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Kindly leave all barbecue grills, alcoholic beverages, and pets at home. The 1985 film retains its rating of PG, although modern parents may wish to review the content prior to showing little ones.
Altarena Playhouse Presents Fallen Angels
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through September 20
Support local theater and spend a night on the town with Altarena Playhouse’s latest production, Fallen Angels. See the show at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, or 2 p.m. on Sundays, through September 20.
Julia and Jane have been married to their boring husbands for five years. When they each receive word that a former lover will be in town, the excitement begins. “The acting and directing are terrific, the set is stunning, and the costumes thrill,” raves Gene Kahane. The show is full of gossip, giggles, and glitter, as the two women smoke, drink, dine, and anticipate the arrival of their Frenchman.
The show runs about two hours, with a 15-minute intermission. Guests who require mobility accommodations are encouraged to reach out to the theater in advance. The Sunday, September 6 show at 2 p.m. will offer a live audio description and pre-show Haptic Access Tour provided by Gravity Access. See more on Altarena’s Accessibility webpage. Tickets range from $32 to $45 and are available online.
Crab Cove Fish Festival
Saturday, August 29
Crab Cove’s fin-tastic annual Fish Festival is back! Head over to the Doug Siden Visitor Center, 1252 McKay Avenue, on Saturday, August 29 to join in. The free, family-friendly event runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Visitors will be greeted by the famous Mobile Fish Exhibit, East Bay Regional Park District’s 1500-gallon aquarium on wheels. Get creative with gyotaku—traditional Japanese fish printing. Attendees are welcome to participate in games and crafts throughout the day. While you’re there, learn how to cast and tie knots using Backyard Bass equipment. From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., attendees can also enjoy live music and free face painting by Bay Area Face Painters.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, catch a bite from the Food Truck Mafia. Please note that parking at Crab Cove will be very limited. Those traveling by car are advised to park in the large Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach parking lot at Otis Drive and Eighth Street. An event shuttle service will be available.
Sips on the Ship
Saturday, August 29
We have some pretty fabulous views of the Bay all around the island, but it’s hard to beat sunset views from a historic aircraft carrier. Soak in the gorgeous scenery with a drink in your hand aboard the USS Hornet, 707 West Hornet Avenue, at Sips on the Ship. This special event is set for Saturday, August 29, from 5 until 8 p.m.
You don’t need to drive to wine country to enjoy a fabulous lineup of tastings. Eleven Livermore wineries are ready to present their creations right here in Alameda:
- Retzlaff Vineyards and Estate Winery
- Cuda Ridge Wines
- Arroyo Cellars
- Concannon Vineyard
- Sakura Winery
- Wente Family Vineyards
- McGrail Vineyards and Winery
- The Steven Kent Winery
- Page Mill Winery
- JMC Cellars
- Murrietta’s Well
Along with the wonderful wine tastings, all guests are invited to enjoy food pairings and a commemorative wine glass. General Admission is $70 plus a small processing fee. Please RSVP in advance online.
Cape & Cowl Con
Sunday, August 30
If you see the Bat-Signal shining over Alameda Point this weekend, there’s no need to call APD. Cape & Cowl Con is taking over Faction Brewing, 2501 Monarch Street, on Sunday, August 30. The all-ages comics and pop arts event is scheduled from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
The annual event—now in its fourth year—is hosted by the beloved Cape & Cowl Comics of Oakland, winner of the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award for outstanding support of the comic art medium in their community and industry. Cape & Cowl is inviting everyone to attend, and admission is free.
Over 5,000 attendees flooded Cape & Cowl Con last year, and organizers expect the event to be even bigger this year. 150 artists, writers, comics publishers, retailers, and makers are scheduled to attend, and special guests include award-winning and bestselling creators from around the country including Gene Luen Yang, Patrick Horvath, Pornsak Pichetshote, Mariko Tamaki, Tini Howard, Babs Tarr, and more.
Chat with artists, shop awesome merch, explore local art, and celebrate the creative community as you wander through the spacious convention. Families are invited to stop by the dedicated Kids Area, which will feature games, art activities, and appearances by creators of popular children’s and young adult graphic novels. Grab a drink at the bar, get a bite at the food trucks, and enjoy!
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].
