Join a potluck, build a sand castle, take a history walk, climb into the cockpit, and enjoy some beer and BBQ
Sunday, June 21 is doubly special! Celebrate the longest day of the year on the summer solstice, and raise a glass to a dad or parental figure in your life for Father’s Day. But first, kick off the weekend festivities with the Bay Area Makerfarm’s Monthly Community Potluck [1]on Friday, June 19. On Saturday, June 20, team up with your family and friends for the 58th Annual Sand Castle & Sand Sculpture Contest [2] at Robert Crown Memorial State Beach. Both Saturday, June 20 [3] and Sunday, June 21 [4] offer casual outdoor educational opportunities with the latest Alameda Post History Walking Tour, The Town of Encinal. If you’re looking for a little off-island experience, check out the Oakland Aviation Museum’s special Father’s Day Open Cockpit Day [5] on Sunday, June 21. And on the same day, Dahoam 1516 invites you to enjoy their signature Father’s Day Brew & BBQ [6].
[7]Monthly Community Potluck at Bay Area Makerfarm
Friday, June 19
If you’ve been looking for more community, check out the Monthly Community Potluck [1] at Bay Area Makerfarm, 2700 Barbers Point Road. Makers, fixers, and creatives all gather at the local hub once a month to share a meal and swap stories. This month’s potluck is set for Friday, June 19, from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Bring a dish to share, and get ready for an evening spent around the fire with new friends. At the Bay Area Makerfarm’s urban garden and outdoor workspace, community members are dedicated to teaching, learning, and bringing people together.
You don’t need to buy a ticket or reserve a spot for this free, family-friendly gathering. If you can’t make it on Friday, June 19, check out the Makerfarm’s Summer Solstice Celebration [8] on Sunday, June 21, for painting, decorating, mulching, weeding, and more. Be sure to keep an eye on the Makerfarm calendar for future events [9], including monthly potlucks, parties, and workshops.
[10]58th Annual Sand Castle & Sand Sculpture Contest
Saturday, June 20
It’s that time of year! Grab a shovel and head over to Robert Crown Memorial State Beach, for the 58th Annual Sand Castle & Sand Sculpture Contest [2]. The popular contest brings participants from across the Bay Area for free, family-friendly fun.
Castles and sculptures will be judged in three categories:
- Ages 12 and under.
- Ages 13 and older.
- Family.
Registration begins at 9 a.m., and your masterpiece must be completed by noon or the arrival of the first judge. The awards ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. Please familiarize yourself with the rules of the contest [11] before arriving.
[12]Alameda Post History Walking Tour – The Town of Encinal
Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21
Take a stroll through time with the latest Alameda Post History Walking Tour, The Town of Encinal, on Saturday, June 20 [3] and Sunday, June 21 [4]. The tours begin at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Grand Street and Clement Avenue by the Alameda Municipal Power building.
Early settler James Hibberd helped himself to a large chunk of land, creating a wharf and a small town. He then allegedly abandoned his project in 1855 without paying the tab. Learn more about his history, see beautiful architecture, and enjoy the morning with fellow history buffs with our weekend tours.
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. Reserve your spot for Saturday, June 20 [3] and Sunday, June 21 [4] online. Tours are limited to 35 attendees. Proceeds support the Alameda Post’s mission to provide local news to our community [13].
[14]Father’s Day – Open Cockpit Day
Sunday, June 21
An event from Oakland has snuck onto our list this week, but we think it’s worth a special exception. The Oakland Aviation Museum hosts just three Open Cockpit Days per year, and Father’s Day [5] (Sunday, June 21) is one of them! Head over to the museum at 8252 Earhart Road for family-friendly activities starting at 11 a.m.
See the museum’s famous aircraft from the cockpit:
- A-3 Skywarrior.
- A-4 Skyhawk.
- A-6 Intruder.
- A-7 Corsair.
- Harrier Jump Jet.
- T-39 Sabreliner.
- P-51 Mustang (¾ scale).
- Cessna O-2.
- MiG-15.
Throughout the afternoon, groove to classic rock, blues, and R&B by The Friends of Ken [15] band. The Southern Alameda County Radio Controllers and the Mercedes-Benz Car Club are scheduled to present displays. Stop by other fascinating stations like the European Train Enthusiasts exhibit and a ham radio demonstration by the Oakland Radio Communication Association. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite to eat from Alfredo’s Catering.
Please note that Groupon discounts cannot be used on Open Cockpit Days. Admission is $18 for Adults, $15 for Seniors (60+), $13 for Military and Students, $10 for children ages 5-12, and free for children 4 and under. Tickets can be purchased onsite on the day of the festivities.
Father’s Day Brew & BBQ
Sunday, June 21
Celebrate Father’s Day this year with barbeque, beer, and a good time at the Dahoam 1516 school’s signature event, the Father’s Day Brew & BBQ [6]. The event begins at 2 p.m. at the club’s beautiful home and garden at 1516 Lincoln Avenue.
At the experience, guests will learn the basics of brewing using an IPA recipe and participate in a hands-on brewing session. Throughout the afternoon, try Dahoam 1516’s brewed beers and enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat barbecue meal of house-smoked pork and chicken.
Reserve your spot in advance online [17]. Tickets are $65 for adults and $25 for kids under 12. A BBQ meal is included in the price of the ticket, and attendees are welcome to add on a pretzel plate or charcuterie board for an additional fee. Please note that proof of age is required to sample beer.
Dahoam 1516 is a nonprofit school and club supported by donations and proceeds from class admissions. Keep an eye out for the club’s regular events throughout the year [18].
What else is going on in Alameda?
All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar [19]. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post [20]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird [21]. Reach her at [email protected] [22].




