Take a walk, attend a concert, honor Memorial Day, join a pinball league, and discuss literature
It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day routines that keep our lives running smoothly. Somewhere along the way, however, the days and months start to fly by. Make a new memory this weekend with easy-to-access local events, starting with a free educational walk around the famous Gold Coast with Alameda Walks [1] on Saturday, May 23. That evening, check out the Retro Revival benefit concert [2] at Webster Park and help raise money for the LGBT National Help Center. Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day, and the community is invited aboard the USS Hornet for their annual commemoration ceremony [3]. On Wednesday, May 27, try your hand at some friendly competition at the Pacific Pinball League’s first meeting of the season [4] at Pacific Pinball Museum. The same evening, literature lovers are invited to join Books Inc. for a new type of book club at Passages: The Words that Move Us [5].
[6]
Alameda Walks
Saturday, May 23
On Saturday, May 23, take an educational stroll with Alameda Walks, beginning at Franklin Park, 1432 San Antonio Avenue. This week’s walk will start at 9 a.m. and last approximately an hour and 15 minutes.
Take in the gorgeous Gold Coast while you learn how Franklin Park evolved from a private retreat to today’s community hub. Historian Dennis Evanosky will lead the walk among Alameda’s famous Italianate, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival-style homes. The walk will also feature the Tilden Mansion [7], affectionately known as the “Wedding Cake House.”
This weekend’s tour marks the second of 12 guided Alameda Walks tours [1] around Alameda and Bay Farm scheduled through October. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, use sun protection, and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is not required for these free events. Kindly leave pets at home.
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Retro Revival Benefit Concert
Saturday, May 23
Enjoy local music for a great cause at the Retro Revival benefit concert [2] on Saturday, May 23, from 5 until 9 p.m. The LGBT National Help Center is proud to present the next concert in their Hear Me Out series at Webster Park, 1435 Webster Street.
The concert features several local bands:
- Knotsur.
- Mabuhay Gardens [9].
- The Permanent Records [10].
- James Larson Project.
- Polygon_Count.
Attendees are also invited to enjoy vendors and games. Tickets [2] are $10 per person, and children ages 10 and under get free admission. Please note that the venue is outdoors, and the event may be canceled under inclement weather. Keep an eye out [11] for upcoming concerts in July and August.
Proceeds benefit The LGBT National Help Center [12], which provides a hotline, online chat, and extensive resources to LGBTQIA+ individuals. The organization began in 1996 and is celebrating 30 years of providing critically needed services.
[13]
Memorial Day Commemoration on the USS Hornet
Monday, May 25
Although many of us are enjoying an extra day off and some beautiful weather this weekend, we hope you’ll join us in a moment of reflection and gratitude to honor our service members who have given the ultimate sacrifice. The USS Hornet, 707 West Hornet Avenue, invites the community to their Memorial Day Commemoration [3] on Monday, May 25.
The main event begins at 11 a.m. aboard the historic aircraft carrier. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Regent Christina Ramos will be the Master of Ceremonies, with veteran U.S. Navy aviator Chris Flaherty as the keynote speaker and U.S. Air Force Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 10 providing Color Guard. The ceremony will conclude with a wreath laying.
Up on the flight deck, the C4 Foundation [14] will hold “Operation Charlie [15],” a workout challenge commemorating U.S. Navy SEAL Charlie “Chuck” Keating IV, who was killed in Northern Iraq on May 3, 2016.
All active duty and retired military personnel will receive free admission all day at the museum. Admission is $25 for adults, $15 for students, $12 for youth (7-17), and free for children 6 and under. Thanks to Museums for All [16], 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.
[17]Pacific Pinball League
Wednesday, May 27
Whether you’re a pinball pro or an arcade apprentice, you’re invited to the Pacific Pinball League’s first meeting of the season [4] on Wednesday, May 27. Head down to the Pacific Pinball Museum, 1510 Webster Street, for games and community from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
“All skill levels are welcome, especially first-timers,” the event description [4] states. The League will meet on 14 Wednesdays, culminating in an end-of-season party on September 16, 2026. Each night will feature a different style of friendly competition. Organizers will explain all the rules, so you just need to bring a sense of fun and $10 for a discounted Pacific Pinball Museum admission.
If you can’t make it this week, don’t fret! Players are invited to join throughout the season, and it’s OK if you need to skip a week. Please note that all players must attend three regular season meetings in order to compete in Finals, and advanced players must attend five regular season meetings to compete in A Division Finals. See the League’s rules [18] for full details.
[19]Passages: The Words That Move Us
Wednesday, May 27
If you’ve been looking for a book club without a huge commitment, check out Passages: The Words that Move Us [5] on Wednesday, May 27, at Books Inc., 1344 Park Street. The meeting is scheduled from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m.
Instead of reading the same book, attendees will each bring selections from different works. You can bring “any genre of book, from any time period.” Participants will take turns reading passages of literature that are particularly striking or moving, and a discussion will unfold about each selection.
Passages: The Words that Move Us meets every fourth Wednesday of the month. The event is free, and you don’t need to RSVP. Check out the Books Inc. [21] website for more cool events in Alameda and beyond.
What else is going on in Alameda?
All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar [22]. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post [23]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird [24]. Reach her at [email protected] [25].