Get ready for the 250th Birthday of the US Navy aboard the USS Hornet, Alameda Pride, PaddleFest, pretzel making, and a history walking tour celebrating Webster St.
Get out into the beautiful fall weather for some exciting local Alameda events this week. From Friday, October 10 through Monday, October 13, join the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum for special events and attractions [1] to celebrate the US Navy’s 250th birthday. On Saturday, October 11, get ready for a full day of fun with the fourth annual Alameda Pride [2]. The same day, novice and experienced paddlers alike are invited to PaddleFest [3] for a day of workshops and fun. The last Alameda Post History Walking Tours of the year kick off on Sunday, October 12 [4] with a casual and informative stroll through Webster Street’s commercial buildings. And for some midweek fun, check out a Grainbakers Pretzel Making Class [5] on Wednesday, October 15.
[6]250th Birthday of the US Navy
Friday, October 10 through Monday, October 13
The US Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday, and the USS Hornet is ready to party [1]! Join the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum at 707 West Hornet Avenue for festivities on Friday, October 10 through Monday, October 13. The museum is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day.
The museum is opening a wide variety of exhibits and attractions for the special occasion. Get into the cockpit of the SeaKing [7] helicopter, take a rare peak into the rear door of the Avenger [8] bomber, stop by the reopening of the Hornet Legacy exhibit, and more. Each day at 1 p.m., take a seat in the Wardroom for a special presentation by a speaker from the Navy. While you’re checking out the Hornet’s deck, be sure to keep an eye out for Fleet Week Festivities [9]nearby. You might be able to catch a glimpse of some really cool planes [10] as the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds zoom overhead!
Museum tickets are $10 for Youth (ages 7-17), $15 for Students, and Seniors, and $25 for Adults. Tickets for active duty and veteran military personnel are free for the whole weekend. Thanks to Museums for All [11], 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.
[12]Alameda Pride
Saturday, October 11
Alameda Pride [2] is back for another year, and it looks like we get to skip the blistering heat wave this time! The fourth annual celebration of Alameda’s LGBTQIA+ community and supporters is set for Saturday, October 11. Festivities this year will include a 5K Fun Run/Walk, Pride in the Park, and a block party to cap off the celebrations.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Pride Fun Run/Walk: The Pride Fun Run/Walk will kick off the day’s festivities at 9 a.m., starting from the Elks Lodge at 2255 Santa Clara Avenue. Wear your most colorful and celebratory outfit and have a blast supporting a great organization! Register online [13] by 5 p.m. on October 9 or sign up in person beginning at 8 a.m. on October 11 at the Elks Lodge. Please note that this race will not be timed.
- Pride in the Park: Alameda Pride’s main event, Pride in the Park, is set for noon to 5 p.m. at Chochenyo Park. Enjoy music and entertainment from local performers, a Kidz Zone, a plethora of vendors, good eats from food trucks, beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and more. This free, family-and-pet-friendly event is for all ages.
- Block Party: Finish out the celebration with a block party on Alameda Avenue between Park and Oak streets from 6 until 9 p.m. DJ Dave Stebbins will provide the tunes for this free, all-ages event.
Read more about Alameda Pride 2025 [14].
[15]PaddleFest
Saturday, October 11
Let’s get out on the water! The Ohana Paddle Club [16] invites all paddling enthusiasts to PaddleFest [3] on Saturday, October 11 at Sea Trek, 1120 Ballena Boulevard, Suite 200. Classes and festivities are scheduled from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Paddlers of all skill levels are warmly welcomed to attend. Participants will choose their own workshops based on their interests and skill levels. From the “Beginning Strokes Clinic” to the “Ballena Bay Tour for Intermediate and Advanced Paddlers,” there is something for everyone.
Three workshop time slots will begin at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and noon. Please arrive early to get your board, paddle, and personal flotation device. After the workshops, everyone is invited to the afterparty from 1:30 until 3 p.m. with live music, food, and fun. Be sure to check out the supply list online [3] and come prepared for a fantastic day on the water.
Reserve your spot online [3] in advance for $55.20 per person, and don’t forget to sign a waiver [17] before you hit the water. Be sure to check out the lunch add-on if you’d like Calafia Taqueria to fuel the second half of your day at PaddleFest. If you have any questions about the event, please email [email protected] [18].
[19]History Walking Tour: Webster Street Commercial Buildings
Sunday, October 12 and Sunday, October 19
Join award-winning Historian Dennis Evanosky for a stroll along Webster Street at the Post’s latest History Walking Tour on Sunday, October 12 [4] or Sunday, October 19 [20]. The informative walk will meet at the corner of Webster Street and Buena Vista Avenue for a 10 a.m. start time on both days. The tours are being held in cooperation with West Alameda Business Association to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Webster Street.
Alameda’s present day Webster Street was initially called Euclid Street. Starting in 1872, the Oakland & Alameda Railroad installed a horsecar line that carried passengers across the Webster Street Bridge from Oakland. Over time, the name rubbed off on the Alameda side of the estuary. During the tour, you’ll also learn about influential families, Alameda’s prominent bath industry, the railroad, and much more.
Prior to the tour, attendees are invited to watch a supplementary online lecture, “History of Webster Street with Dennis Evanosky [21],” so they can hit the ground running. Those who prefer to read can get a sneak peek of the tour in Dennis’s article Webster Street in the Nineteenth Century [22].
Alameda Post History Walking Tours generally last about 90 to 100 minutes and cover one to two miles. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and sunscreen. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to attend. Tickets are $20 each, and kids under 6 are free. Get your ticket for Sunday, October 12 [4] or Sunday, October 19 [20] online.
[23]Grainbakers Pretzel Making Class
Wednesday, October 15
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh baked goods wafting through your house on a crisp fall day. Roll up your sleeves for a Soft Pretzel Class [24] with Grainbakers on Wednesday, October 15 at Faction Brewing, 2501 Monarch Street. The popular class has two time slots at 5 [25] and 6:45 p.m. [26]
After the Faction brewers are done for the day, students will learn how to transform the spent grains from the brewing process into delicious fresh pretzels using the Grainbakers method [27]. The class will also cover how to make a delicious hot cheddar cheese pub dip. Students will go home with four ready-to-eat pretzels, as well as a tray of ready-to-boil-and-bake pretzels. If you don’t have time to finish the tray that evening, just stick the tray into your freezer and continue the project over the weekend.
Please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes to the class. Participants must be 18 or older. Tickets are $75. If you can’t make it to this class, keep an eye on upcoming Grainbakers events [5] at Alameda breweries 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 [28]. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post [29]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird [30]. Reach her at [email protected] [31].