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All Around Alameda — A Little of This, A Little of That

Get involved however you want, all close to home

As those who love Alameda know, our little island is a diverse and dynamic place, full of interesting people, experiences, and events. This week, we take a look at five local happenings where you can make your voice heard, share music, and get your hands dirty. On Saturday, January 18, the whole community is invited to participate in the People’s March, starting at City Hall. That same morning, the East Bay Rose Society and ARPD will present the Annual Rose Pruning demonstration for budding rose enthusiasts. On Saturday and Sunday, January 18 and 19, experienced singers and newbies alike are invited to experience the 35th Annual All-California Sacred Harp Convention. On Sunday, January 19, head over to Alameda Point for the inaugural Alameda Record Swap at Faction Brewing. The REAP Climate Center invites volunteers to drop by on Sunday, January 19, or Wednesday, January 22, to participate in some volunteer-friendly activities and learn more about their mission.

Alameda Post - the poster for the Alameda People's March on January 18, 2025

People’s March

Saturday, January 18

Make your voice heard at the People’s March on Saturday, January 18, beginning at Alameda City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara. Marchers will meet at 9:15 a.m. to make posters, and the march will set off at 10 a.m.

“We all march for different reasons, but we march for the same cause—to defend our rights and our future,” states the People’s March website. “If you believe that decisions about your body should remain yours, that books belong in libraries, not on bonfires, that healthcare is a right, not a privilege for the wealthy; if you believe in the power of free speech and protest to sustain democracy; or if you want an economy that works for the people who power it—then this march is for you.”



The People’s march will start at City Hall and conclude at South Shore. RSVP on the People’s March website or just show up to participate.

Alameda Post - a rose bush full of roses

Annual Rose Pruning

Saturday, January 18

The East Bay Rose Society and ARPD invite the community to join the Annual Rose Pruning on Saturday, January 18 at 10 a.m. The event will take place at the beautiful Rose Garden at Lincoln Park, 1450 High Street.

The Annual Rose Pruning will include a demonstration by members of the East Bay Rose Society, and guests can ask questions about pruning—and general rose care—at the accompanying Q&A. Participants are invited to practice their new rose-pruning skills at the Lincoln Park Rose Garden with the guidance of the East Bay Rose Society members.

This event is free, and pre-registration is not necessary. Participants are asked to bring their own clippers and gloves. Please wear closed-toed shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Read more about the East Bay Rose Society and get information about becoming a member on their website.

189 Montgomery - The Tenth Ireland Sacred Harp Convention (HD/4K)

An example of Sacred Harp singing from Cork Sacred Harp / Youtube.

35th Annual All-California Sacred Harp Convention

Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19

Bay Area Sacred Harp invites everyone to a unique musical experience—Sacred Harp singing—on Saturday and Sunday, January 18 and 19. The 35th Annual All-California Sacred Harp Convention will be held at Lincoln Park from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. both days, with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m.

According to a website sponsored by the Sacred Harp Musical Heritage Association, “Sacred Harp is a uniquely American tradition that brings communities together to sing four-part hymns and anthems… Though Sacred Harp is not affiliated with any denomination, it is a deeply spiritual experience for all involved, and functions as a religious observance for many singers.”

No experience is needed, newcomers are welcome, and no religious affiliation is required to participate in the event, which is referred to as a “singing.” The event is free, and the venue is wheelchair accessible. To learn more about this remarkable cultural tradition, check out the Bay Area Sacred Harp website for a list of links and resources.

The weekend of events includes several meals and gatherings, which are explained in more detail on the 35th Annual All-California Sacred Harp Convention event page on Facebook.

Alameda Post - a poster for the Alameda Record Swap, and a vendor displaying their wares
Tim Caldwell, a jazz drummer and collector, will have a booth at the Alameda Record Swap. Photo Alameda Record Swap / Instagram.

Alameda Record Swap

Sunday, January 19

A monthly record swap is coming to Alameda! Join Faction Brewing at their Alameda Point property, 2501 Monarch Street, from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 19 to kick things off. The brand new Alameda Record Swap is set to take place on the third Sunday of most months in 2025.

“This one’s for the music collectors,”says the Instagram post advertising the new event. “There’ll be thousands of vinyl records for your shopping pleasure. You’ll also find CD’s, tapes, music memorabilia, audio gear, and more.” Throughout the afternoon, enjoy craft beer by Faction Brewing, authentic Singaporean food on the patio from Satay by the Bay, and tunes from DJs.

Admission is free to this all ages event. Limited vendor space is available, and interested parties may contact [email protected] for more information.

Alameda Post - a poster for REAP Climate Center volunteer hours and a photo of volunteers
Volunteers pitch in at the REAP Climate Center. Photo REAP Climate Center / Instagram.

REAP Climate Center Open House and Volunteer Hours

Sunday, January 19 and Wednesday, January 22

Looking to lend a hand in 2025? REAP Climate Center invites the community to their Weekly Open House and Volunteer Hours at 2133 Tynan Avenue. Join them on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to sunset and Sundays from 10 a.m. to sunset all throughout the year.

Volunteers are welcome to drop by during volunteer hours and stay for as long or short a time as they’d like. Staff will be available to help guide guests through volunteer-friendly tasks around the center. Every day is different, but possible activities include planting, watering, compost building, animal maintenance, fabrication, and construction.

Volunteers are asked to sign the online waiver before arrival. For more information about the REAP Climate Center, see the  REAP website and check out this editorial from the founder and executive director, Jonathan DeLong.

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].

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