Broaden your mind with fun, hands-on learning opportunities this weekend
You don’t have to take notes, give a presentation, or sit for an exam. This Saturday, April 4, Alameda’s social calendar [1] offers a fun and educational range of activities. The day begins with a discussion of New Yorker short fiction stories [2] at the Alameda Free Library. Over on Webster Street, kids ages 5-12 are invited to the Little Flippers Pinball Class [3] at Pacific Pinball Museum. The whole family can have fun together during Playing with the Future [4] at the California Historical Radio Society. Starting mid-afternoon, learn a new embroidery craft on Bay Farm Island at a presentation by Palestinian tatreez artist Amanne Sharif [5]. As the sun sets over our Island City, grab your dancing shoes for the Jane Austen Regency Ball [6] and dance lesson at the Alameda Elks Lodge.
[7]New Yorker Short Stories Discussion
Saturday, April 4
Do you miss sitting in your high school English literature class and discussing a good book? You don’t have to commit to a months-long bookclub to get the same experience. Check out this weekend’s discussion of New Yorker short fiction stories [2] at the Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak Street, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 4. The group will meet in the library cafe or outdoor back garden.
This week’s short stories include “The Quiet House” by Tessa Hadley [9], “This is How it Happens” by Molly Aitken [10], and “Predictions and Presentiments” by Valeria Luiselli [11]. If you don’t subscribe to The New Yorker, you can use the Libby library app [12] for an electronic copy, listen to the audio versions [13] on “The Writers Voice” podcast, or come to the library early at 10 a.m. to read hard copies.
This all-ages event is free to attend. Please register in advance online [2]. If you can’t make it this Saturday, keep an eye out for upcoming events [14]. Alameda Readers Group [15] meets every first Saturday of the month.
[16]Little Flippers Pinball Class
Saturday, April 4
The Pacific Pinball Museum (PPM) invites the next generation of pinball lovers to their Little Flippers Pinball Class [3] on Saturday, April 4, from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. All kids ages 5 to 12 are welcome to attend this event at the PPM West Side location, 1510 Webster Street.
The Little Flippers [17] is a national organization designed to “introduce kids to social interaction and engagement through fun, hands-on, cross-generational games, which helps to foster important social skills and group participation,” as well as keep the sport of pinball alive for future generations. The chapter at PPM [18] here in Alameda is led by Instructor and facilitator Scott Weigum, a credentialed special education teacher and pinball lover.
Participation in the Little Flippers Pinball Class is covered by a regular ticket to PPM, which is $12 for ages 5-12. No registration is required, and no experience is necessary. Please note that parents are required to stay on site during the event. You may observe the class for free, or you may purchase an adult ticket for $22 to enjoy the rest of the museum.
[19]
CHRS and Retro Roadshow: Playing with the Future
Saturday, April 4
The California Historical Radio Society (CHRS) and Retro Roadshow [20] are exploring sci-fi and video game history at Playing with the Future [4] on Saturday, April 4, from 1 until 4 p.m. The event will be hosted at CHRS Radio Central, 2152 Central Avenue.
Playing with the Future will begin with a 45-minute presentation on the interconnected history of science fiction and video games. Afterward, attendees will be invited to explore the exhibits, including 12 classic video game consoles and computers.
Retro Roadshow is a hands-on pop-up museum of vintage technology. “Nothing is behind glass and everything is fully operational!” share cofounders Sarai and Huxley Dunsany [20].
RSVP online [21] for this free event. If you have any questions, please contact organizer Rachel Lee at 210-860-1670 or [email protected] [22].
[23]
Tatreez: Learn the Art of Palestinian Embroidery
Saturday, April 4
Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month at the Alameda Free library with a special presentation by Palestinian tatreez artist Amanne Sharif [5] on Saturday, April 4. This event is scheduled to take place from 2:30 until 4:30 p.m. in the Leydecker Event Room next door to the Bay Farm Island Library at 3225 Mecartney Road.
This hands-on workshop will teach the beautiful art of tatreez while exploring the historical and political significance of the craft. “Through the cultural practice of embroidery known as tatreez, Palestinian women and girls decorated their thobe (or dress) with symbols of history, memory, and place, telling the tale of the maker’s life and her connection to the land through an illustrative medium of colorfully stitched motifs,” writes Wafa Ghnaim for The Met museum [24].
Participants ages 15 and up are welcome. Please call the Bay Farm Island Library at 510-747-7787 to register for this limited class. If you have any questions, please email [email protected] [25] for more information
[26]
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Jane Austen Regency Ball
Saturday, April 4
Even in 2026, audiences are still swooning over Jane Austen books, movie adaptations, and other inspired works like the wildly popular Netflix show “Bridgerton.” Get swept away into the regency era at the Jane Austen Regency Ball [6] on Saturday, April 4, at the Alameda Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Avenue. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Newbies are invited to join the pre-ball workshop from 7 until 8 p.m. to learn the basics of country dances [29]. Practice your new skills when the live music starts at 8. Greenwich Mean Time will play English country dances from the regency era, some earlier country dance favorites, and 19th century waltzes.
“Late 18th century, early 19th century Regency (1811-1820) or Romantic era costume is admired, but not required,” states the event description. Feel free to dress in modern evening dress if you don’t have any period attire. Purchase your ticket online in advance [6]. No tickets will be sold at the door. Children under 12, accompanied by an adult, may attend for free [30].
What else is going on in Alameda?
All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar [31]. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post [32]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird [33]. Reach her at [email protected] [34].