Photography, Prom, Scavenger Hunt, and Mother’s Day Run!
Do you have plans yet for the weekend? Look no further than the Alameda Post Community Events Calendar for some fun ideas. If you’re searching for an activity to squeeze into your busy schedule, check out the Spring Scavenger Hunt in Downtown Alameda, now through May 11. On Friday, May 9, students grade 6-12 are invited to the QTAC Queer Prom at the Veterans Memorial Building. On Saturday, May 10, head over to RADIUM Runway for FOCUS Fest, a free, family-friendly photography festival (with lots of good food). On Sunday, May 11, lace up your shoes or get ready to cheer at the Mother’s Day Run and Family Fun Day at Corica Park. And if you feel like stretching your plans plast the weekend, check out the West End Arts District’s special Night Time Photography Workshop at Alameda Point on Tuesday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 21. If none of those tickle your fancy, embark on your own scavenger hunt to see what you can find on our events calendar!
Spring Scavenger Hunt
Thursday, May 1 through Sunday, May 11
I spy with my little eye… the Downtown Alameda Spring Scavenger Hunt! Join the family-friendly hunt on your own schedule, anytime from Thursday, May 1 through Sunday, May 11. The hunt will be set across the Park Street business district, so you can get your steps in and shop local while you hunt! If you go on Sunday, May 11, you may even get a special treat from select businesses and restaurants.
While you meander around Downtown Alameda, check shop windows for eight special decals: a teal watering can, yellow daffodils, pink tulips, white daisies, blue forget-me-nots, orange roses, purple hyacinth, and a butterfly. All you have to do is record the name of the business corresponding to the window decal.
Before hunting, check out the printable, online kids’ coloring page depicting all eight decals. Be sure to submit the online entry form by midnight on Sunday, May 11 (if that form is difficult to read on your device, use this one). All entries will be placed in a drawing to win a $50 gift certificate for their favorite downtown business. Winners will receive an email on Monday, May 12. Entries are limited to one per household.
QTAC Queer Prom
Friday, May 9
Local middle and high school students, sixth through 12th grade, are invited to the inaugural Queer Prom hosted by Alameda Pride’s Queer Teen Alameda Center (QTAC) on Friday, May 9. Dance the night away at the Veterans Memorial Building, 2203 Central Avenue, from 6 to 9 p.m.
The theme for the night is “A Masquerade Ball,” and participants are encouraged to get creative with thematic outfits. There will be a make-your-own-mask station available at the venue, as well as food and a DJ.
Queer Prom is a special themed night for QTAC, a drop-in center for teens, currently open the second Friday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m. for sixth through twelfth graders. Read more about the center and the awesome organizations that make it possible here.
FOCUS Fest
Saturday, May 10
You’re officially invited to FOCUS Fest—Alameda’s first climate photography festival at Alameda Point. Get in on the action on Saturday, May 10, from noon until 5 p.m. at RADIUM Runway, 2151 Ferry Point.
RADIUM Presents, the West End Arts District, and Photoville have teamed up to turn RADIUM Runway into an outdoor photography gallery. FOCUS Fest will kick off the In Plain Site gallery, which will be on display until June 1.
FOCUS Fest promises a packed schedule with artist talks, a lecture by climate scientist Rob Jackson, workshops, tours, and more. Attendees will be able to make their own artistic creations with ‘Climate Collages’ and ‘Foam Relief Printing’ booths. Food will be provided by Erika Hazel, known as the Bizerkeley Vegan on Instagram.
FOCUS Fest is family-friendly, and entry is free. Advance registration is encouraged so that attendees can stay in the loop about the schedule. The venue is accessible, and an ADA bathroom will be available. If you have any concerns about access, please contact [email protected].
Mother’s Day Run and Family Fun Day
Sunday, May 11
It’s your day! Bring the whole family—or enjoy a solo outing—at the Mother’s Day Run and Family Fun Day on Sunday, May 11 at Corica Park Golf Course, 1 Clubhouse Memorial Road. The event is made possible by Big Huge Day Events.
The schedule for the morning is as follows:
- 7-8:50 a.m.: Participants may check in and enjoy coffee, tea, and juice.
- 8-8:45 a.m.: Runners are welcome to stretch and warm up with a local yoga teacher.
- 9 a.m.: The 5K Run/Walk begins.
- 10 a.m.: The Kids 1-Mile Run/Walk begins.
- 9 a.m.-noon: Participants are invited to enjoy free breakfast, mimosas, and flowers.
Enthusiastic support from the sidelines is encouraged! Family members and friends are invited to enjoy face painting and to shop local vendors. Food is available for purchase as well. If you’d like to enjoy brunch at Jim’s On the Course after the race, a reservation is recommended.
Please note that there will be no timing chips at this race. The course will involve laps on mixed surfaces, and organizers describe it as “like a cross country race.” Participants will receive a unique number bib and local swag by All Good Living. Registration for the 5K Run/Walk is $69.90, and registration for the Kids 1-Mile Run/Walk is $27.50. Children 12 and under are welcome to join their adult in the 5K Run/Walk free of charge.
Night Time Photography Workshop
Tuesday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 21
Charge up those batteries and grab an extra memory card! The West End Arts District invites you to a Night Time Photography Workshop with instructor Leah Frink on Tuesday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 21. Meet at RADIUM Runway, 2151 Ferry Point, to capture amazing images of the historic USS Hornet and scenic San Francisco skyline while you learn to use your camera in low light.
The event description states that you’ll learn how to:
- Create light trails and motion effects by using long exposures.
- Use artificial lights to highlight your subject during long exposures.
- Use the bulb mode setting and timed exposure settings.
- Determine what equipment you need.
Be sure to bring your camera, a fully charged battery, memory cards, a tripod, and warm clothes. Tickets are $100 per person. Nighttime photography classes in Alameda tend to be popular and sell out quickly. If you can’t make it on May 13, check out the class on May 21. Be sure to read all the instructions and reserve your spot ASAP on the Eventbrite page.
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. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird. Reach her at [email protected].
