Bite-sized fun around the island
By the end of January, the last thing I want to do is agree to a big commitment. Still, I’m starting to get restless after the post-holidays crash has worn off. So in the spirit of small adventures, I’m sharing five events that are low-commitment. Each of them are two hours or fewer on a single day this weekend, and—as always—they’re local.
On Saturday, January 25, history lovers may have a hard time choosing between two tours. The public is invited to the Meyers House and Garden for a delightful and educational guided tour of the house and grounds. Likewise, the USS Hornet is proud to present the next lecture in its Wardroom Speaker Series, The History of Flight and an Explanation to Demystify It. That evening, head to the Alameda Elks Lodge for the much-anticipated annual Crab Feed. On Sunday, January 26, the Alameda Free Library is hosting a special event for young ocean explorers, Exploring Jellyfish. Adults have something to look forward to as well at Frank Bette Center for the Arts—a class on classic cartooning at the Creative Cartooning Workshop. Have a little fun, and be home in time to cuddle your pets on the couch!
Meyers House and Garden Tours
Saturday, January 25
Dive into Alameda history at Meyers House and Garden, 2021 Alameda Avenue, on Saturday, January 25, between 1 and 4 p.m. This special property is open to the public for guided tours on the fourth Saturday of each month.
The Meyers House was built in 1897, and is a beautiful example of the Colonial Revival style of architecture that was popular at the time. The house and gardens spread over three city lots, and a carriage house stands there to this day. Knowledgeable docents will guide guests through the grounds and home, which is furnished with many items that belonged to the home’s original owners, the Meyers.
Read about the history of the home online, and arrive ready to learn even more during the tour. Admission is $5 (cash only), and no RSVP is necessary. Guests may attend one of three 60-minute tours beginning at the top of each hour. The first tour starts at 1 p.m.; the last tour begins at 3 p.m. Street parking is available. Please note that guests will need to navigate stairs in order to participate in the tour.
USS Hornet Wardroom Speaker Series: The History of Flight and an Explanation to Demystify It
Saturday, January 25
The USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum’s Wardroom Speaker Series continues with The History of Flight and an Explanation to Demystify It on Saturday, January 25, from 1 to 2 p.m. As the name suggests, the lecture takes place in the USS Hornet wardroom at 707 West Hornet Avenue.
The Hornet’s website offers a tantalizing challenge: “Do you think you know the first brothers to fly a powered heavier-than-air aircraft? If you THINK you do then you probably need to come see this presentation!” The presenter for the day is Steve Leavell, a retired United Airlines captain with over 21,000 hours logged on nine Boeing and Douglas aircrafts. Read more about Leavell on the event webpage.
Admission to the Wardroom Speaker Series is free with the purchase of a regular ticket to the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum. Tickets are $10 for Youth (ages 7-17), $15 for Students, Seniors, and Military, and $25 for Adults. Thanks to Museums for All, 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.
Alameda Elks Lodge Annual Crab Feed
Saturday, January 25
It’s time! Join the Alameda Elks Lodge for their annual Crab Feed on Saturday, January 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. This yearly event is held at the Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Avenue.
The star of the show is Dungeness crab, a West Coast seafood favorite. It’s often described as buttery and sweet, with a tender but meaty texture. In addition to the main event, guests can enjoy salad, pasta, garlic bread, and dessert.
Tickets to this popular event historically sell out, so snag your spot ASAP. Guests are kindly asked to bring their own preferred seafood crackers and picks. Tickets for the Crab Dinner are $75 per person. Seafood isn’t your favorite? Guests have the option to purchase a 1/2 Chicken Dinner for $50 instead.
M.E.S.A. @ the Library: Exploring Jellyfish
Saturday, January 25
Calling all young ocean explorers! The Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak Street, is hosting a very special new event. Children ages 6-10 are invited to Exploring Jellyfish, which will include an interactive activity and a craft. The event will take place on Sunday, January 26, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Exploring Jellyfish is the first event in an educational series in partnership with Marine Education, Science, and Art (M.E.S.A.), a new nonprofit organization based as a club at Alameda High School. The nonprofit was started by Dallas Thacker, a “local highschooler who wants to share her passion for the ocean in a fun and accessible way.”
Advance registration for Exploring Jellyfish is required. To register, please email the library’s Children’s Department at [email protected] or call 510-747-7705. If this event is full, keep an eye out for future collaborations between M.E.S.A. and the Alameda Free Library at the library’s website.
M.E.S.A. has big plans for their future, including collaborations with other nonprofits and even a summer camp as they “create a bridge between art, science, and community to advocate for our oceans.” If you’d like to assist M.E.S.A. in their mission, email [email protected] for ways to donate or get involved.
Creative Cartooning Workshop
Sunday, January 26
Grab your pencils and your sketchbook! Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru Street, is hosting a special one-day workshop on cartooning inspired by the style of classic Looney Tunes and Disney. The Creative Cartooning Workshop will take place on Sunday, January 26, from 1 to 3 p.m.
The class promises to cover the basics of successful cartooning and caters to beginners and intermediate artists—although continuing students are encouraged to attend as well. The fun and entertaining class will be taught by Gary Francis, an East Bay native and lifelong artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in animation.
Fees for the workshop are $55 for members and $65 for nonmembers. Reserve your spot online.
Frank Bette Center for the Arts is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday to Sunday, and hosts a variety of exhibits and classes. Check out their newest exhibit, Here and Now, which runs until Saturday, March 29.
What else is going on in Alameda?
All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post. Reach her at [email protected].
