Take an improv class, run away to the circus, see fantastic local art, grab your running shoes, and see a classic car show
What are your plans for the week? Set aside some time for local fun, starting with a class at Improv Central [1]. There are plenty of classes to choose from, and the studio is beginner-friendly. Starting this weekend on Friday and Saturday, and stretching through October 10, The Soiled Dove [2] returns to Alameda Point under the big tent, featuring an immersive circus and dinner experience. This weekend also marks the start of a new gallery at the Franke Bette Center for the Arts, as the Plein Air Paintout [3] works will be on display on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through September 26. On Saturday, August 8, lace up your shoes for the Cooper Teare Classic Alameda 10-Miler and 8K [4], now including a Kids Run. The same day, car buffs are invited to the Classic Car Show [5] at the Alameda Elks Lodge—and it’s free!
[6]Take a Class at Improv Central
Throughout the week
Since opening in September 2025, Improv Central has been hosting all sorts of improv classes at the historic building that was formerly the South Pacific Coast Railroad’s 5th Street Station. These days, we just call it 500 Central Avenue.
“My vision is to curate a supportive, in-person space where folks can return to engagement and connection in a world where we feel increasingly isolated and deeply fear being unprepared, imperfect, and incorrect,” founder Claire Slattery told the Alameda Post [7]. Improv Central hosts a number of weekly classes, monthly events, and special pop-ups. Check out the classes they have scheduled this week alone:
- The Craft of Improv | Thursday, August 6 at 6:30 p.m. and Monday, August 10 at 7:30 p.m.: A class with instructors Elana Isaacs and Wylie Herman designed around the joy of improv. Drop in to remind yourself “that the goal was always the fun, not the funny.”
- Playful Public Speaking | Friday, August 7 at noon and Tuesday, August 11 at 3 p.m.: What if improving your public speaking didn’t need to feel so stiff and professional? Join founder Claire Slattery [8] for a fun and low-stakes class to grow your confidence.
- The World’s Least Scary Improv Class | Tuesday, August 11 at 6:30 p.m.: “There’s no stage, no pressure to be funny, no moment where you’re put on the spot.” Founder Claire Slattery will lead this beginner-friendly class focusing on partnered exercises and small group activities.
First-time guests are encouraged to try a drop-in class for $35. The World’s Least Scary Improv Class also offers a sliding scale that begins at $20. If you’re having trouble choosing between classes, check out Improv Central’s $49 two week unlimited pass. 5- class bundles are $165, memberships start at $39 a month, and details are available on the Improv Central website [9].
[10]
The Soiled Dove
Fridays and Saturdays through October 10
The circus is back in town—and it has a sultry twist. Vau de Vire Society [11] presents The Soiled Dove under a 12,000 square foot Italian circus tent at Radium Runway, 2151 Ferry Point.
Catch the intoxicating show, featuring legendary singer, activist, and cultural icon Joan Baez in special guest performances, on most Fridays and Saturdays through October 10. An optional dinner by Work of Art Catering [12] begins at 7:30 p.m., and the Main Show starts at 9 p.m.
The Soiled Dove is an immersive and historic dinner-theater experience full of exciting sights, sounds, and tastes. Enjoy an optional 3-course dinner and adult beverages in an immersive setting inspired by the Barbary Coast [13] of 1890s San Francisco.
Tickets [14] are sure to sell quickly, so grab your preferred seats ASAP. Tickets range from $74.13 for general admission to the Main Show (standing room only) to $266.15 for VIP runway seats and dinner.
[15]Plein Air Paintout Gallery
Friday, August 7 through Saturday, September 26
Last week, the Frank Bette Center for the Arts annual Plein Air Paintout [3] sent artists across the island to capture the magic of Alameda. If you weren’t able to attend the Exhibit and Sale last weekend [16], you’ll still have a lot of chances to see the beautiful art.
This author took a trip to the Exhibit and Sale, and I must say that the pieces were fantastic. A juried group of 40 local and out-of-state artists masterfully depicted our cozy town using a variety of painting mediums. The artists found inspiration everywhere, from the comforting glow of the Ole’s Waffle Shop neon sign, to the ornate architecture of historic homes. Our flora and fauna make plenty of appearances too, along with gorgeous views of the waterfront. The gallery is authentically Alameda, and entry is free.
From Friday, August 7, through Saturday, September 26, stop by the Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru Street, to see the gallery. The center is open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
[17]
Cooper Teare Classic Alameda 10-Miler and 8K
Saturday, August 8
Lace up your running shoes for this quintessentially Alameda footrace. On Saturday, August 8, runners will set off from Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach for the Cooper Teare Classic Alameda 10-Miler and 8K [4]. Races begin at 7 a.m.
Formerly known as the Alameda 10-Miler, the annual race was renamed last year in honor of Cooper Teare. Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School (SJND) wrote on their Facebook page [18], “A proud SJND graduate, Cooper went on to star at the University of Oregon, winning two NCAA national championships, setting school and 8K records, and earning the title of 2022 USA Outdoor 1500m Champion.” This year’s schedule includes a 10-miler, an 8K, and a new Kids Run for the youngest athletes in attendance. You never know who could be the next hometown hero!
Registration [19] is $13.91 for the Kids Run, $60.16 for the 8K, and $103.18 for the 10-Miler. After the races, enjoy an East Bay Regional Park District Kids zone, a small business vendor market, and good vibes. Get more details and see the course maps online [20].
[21]
Classic Car Show
Saturday, August 8
The Alameda Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Avenue, presents its fourth annual Classic Car Show [5] on Saturday, August 8. Check out all the snazzy rides and meet other car enthusiasts from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
“The big car showcase starts and ends with the best shining examples of vintage rides, hot rods, or other creative vehicular works of art,” the Elks Lodge states. Best of all, admission to the event is completely free and open to the public.
While you’re there, enjoy a hot dog, chips, and a soda for $20. Proceeds from the event benefit the Elks Charity Fund, which supports children’s programs, veterans, and more.
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].