See a movie, paint a masterpiece, shop for treasures, enjoy free wellness classes, and design your own floral arrangements
You don’t need to stand in line waiting for brunch in order to have a fun family outing this Mother’s Day. Think outside the box with fun local events throughout the weekend, starting with a free showing of Honey I Shrunk the Kids at the first Alameda Recreation and Park Department (ARPD) outdoor movie screening of the season on Friday, May 8. The same night, you can stop by Almanac Adventureland & Brewery for a Mother’s Day-themed paint and sip night. On Saturday, May 9, head over to Lilac Alameda for a relaxing shopping experience at their curated Mother’s Day Vendor Fair. For a pampering double-header that day, take a free wellness or fitness class with Self Care Saturday at The Avenue in Downtown Alameda. For a relaxed outing on Mother’s Day—Sunday, May 10—swing by Dashe Cellars for the Mother’s Day Sip and Snip floral arrangements class. Have fun celebrating the amazing moms and women in your life!
Starlight Movies in the Parks: Honey I Shrunk the Kids
Friday, May 8
Kick off Mother’s Day weekend with ARPD’s first family-friendly Starlight Movie in the Parks event of the summer on Friday, May 8. Catch a free showing of Honey I Shrunk the Kids in the grassy area of Robert Crown Memorial State Beach, on Eighth Street and Otis Drive.
Pre-show festivities start at 6:30 p.m. with games and crafts for kids. As always, the movie will start between 8:15 and 8:45 p.m., depending on darkness as the season progresses. Snacks and food will be available for purchase—proceeds support the Teen Program.
Pre-registration is not necessary. Please bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Kindly leave all barbecue grills, alcoholic beverages, and pets at home. Honey I Shrunk the Kids is rated PG.
Mother Nature: Mother’s Day Paint and Sip
Friday, May 8
Finally, an arts and crafts project that Mom doesn’t have to clean up afterward! Join Dream Maker Art Party for their Mother Nature: Mother’s Day Paint and Sip party on Friday, May 8, at Almanac Adventureland & Brewery, 651B West Tower Avenue. The class runs from 6:30 until 9 p.m.
While you’re painting, sip on an Almanac signature brew, non-alcoholic beverage, wine, cider, or rotating specialty drink like a Mango Mai Tai hard seltzer. Instructors will guide participants to create a serene nature scene. All materials are provided, and beginners are welcome.
Reserve your spot in advance online. Tickets are $47 and include one drink. The event will be indoors, and all ages are welcome.
Mother’s Day Vendor Fair
Saturday, May 9
If your schedule requires more flexibility this weekend, consider the Mother’s Day Vendor Fair at Lilac Alameda, 1918 Encinal Avenue. The independent, female-owned boutique has been outfitting Alameda since 2009. They’ve curated a special shopping experience for Mother’s Day on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
In addition to their usual stylish collections, Lilac has arranged for 10 small businesses to participate in the Mother’s Day pop-up. Enjoy light refreshments and shop for candles, jewelry, toffee, and more.
Make it a quintessential Alameda morning: If you’re looking to make the day even better, combine the shopping spree with a trip to the Blue Dot Cafe & Coffee Bar for brunch. The adorable coffee shop is just a few doors down at 1910 Encinal Avenue. Top everything off with a beautiful new plant from local favorite Encinal Nursery at 2057 Encinal, and you’ve crafted the perfect Mother’s Day outing within a couple of blocks.
Self Care Saturday at The Avenue
Saturday, May 9
Take Mom and the whole family to The Avenue, 2324 Alameda Avenue, for a community wellness gathering on Saturday, May 9. Self Care Saturday is scheduled from noon until 4 p.m., and you can drop in throughout the afternoon for shopping and free movement classes.
Yoga Amansala and the Alameda Wellness Event Steering Committee are excited to welcome the community to this free event featuring local wellness professionals. Three movement classes will be offered throughout the afternoon:
- Noon – 12:55 p.m.: Yoga with Shawnte Forrer.
- 1:15 – 2 p.m.: Yoga Sculpt / Mat Pilates with Ana Quiroga.
- 2:30 – 3:15 p.m.: Sound Bath with Lori Costible.
Renew Collective will provide complimentary wellness shots, and Eating Magic will serve free food samples from their hyperlocal food delivery service. While you peruse, stop by to chat with Reiki Practitioner Karen Beckles of The Funky Truth Healing, Dr. Riley E. Miller of Harbor Bay Chiropractic, and more.
“Self Care Saturday is a reflection of everything we stand for at Yoga Amansala—the belief that taking care of our well-being isn’t something we fit in when life allows, it’s the foundation everything else is built on,” Gerri Asuncion, Owner of Yoga Amansal, told the Alameda Post. “Our vision has always been to help people move well and live well for life, and events like this are how we bring that vision to our community. When we take care of ourselves, we show up better for each other — and that’s the kind of city I want us to be.”
This all-ages event is open to all experience levels. Attendees who wish to participate in a class should bring their own yoga mat and a water bottle. A limited number of yoga mats will be available for guests who do not have their own. No RSVP is required, but participants are advised to arrive a few minutes before their scheduled class to secure a spot.
Mother’s Day Sip and Snip
Sunday, May 10
Nope—that’s not a typo! Think outside of the box this weekend with the Mother’s Day Sip and Snip at Dashe Cellars, 1951 Monarch Street, Hangar 25. The hands-on floral arrangement workshop is scheduled from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Local botanical artist Chloë Vanessa Noggle will lead participants through the creative process to design their own beautiful floral arrangements. Bring Mom to make memories, or use the workshop as an opportunity to make a thoughtful gift—we won’t spill the beans that you had some expert help!
Be sure to reserve your spot in advance. Tickets are $60 per person, plus a small processing fee. All materials are included in the price of your ticket. Students are permitted to bring their own preferred floral snips, if they wish. Otherwise, Chloë will have one for you to borrow.
Dashe Cellars will provide an array of wine available for purchase, and the Sazon Latin Kitchen food truck will be there offering delicious bites. Stick around to enjoy gorgeous patio views of the San Francisco skyline, and consider attending the 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. wine tasting to taste five current-release wines in the Dashe Cellars tasting room.
What else is going on in Alameda?
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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].
