Spend a sunset on the waterfront, take a shoreline tour, check out the Alameda Book Con, help oysters return to the Bay, and paddle the evening away
After a fabulous 4th of July parade, summer in Alameda is in full swing. Take some extra time to enjoy the outdoors and immerse yourself in local events this week. On Friday, July 10, Two Marys’ Mercantile invites the community to a Friday Night Social on the waterfront with shopping, sips, and more. Get out to seize the day on Saturday, July 11, with the latest Alameda Walks. Also on Saturday, readers of all ages are invited to a literary festival at the inaugural Alameda Book Con. If you’re looking to make friends while giving back to the Bay, check out Wild Oyster Project’s Volunteer Day on Sunday, July 12. And a family adventure awaits on Ballena Bay Tuesday, July 14, at Gaia Guides’ Family Paddle Night.
Friday Night Socials
Friday, July 10
Two Marys’ Mercantile is community-building again! The adorable waterfront shop is staying open late each Friday for Friday Night Socials. Head down to 2021 Alaska Packer Place from 5 until 8 p.m. for “Sips, Shops & Sunsets on the water.”
Two Marys’ promises a rotation of pop-up vendors each week. Previous vendor spotlights include Alameda favorite Little Arts by Olive, organic cotton apparel and accessories by Mystic Marigold Co, and more. While you’re shopping, grab some wine and charcuterie sourced from Mosley’s Cafe, and spend some time strolling the shoreline.
You don’t need to RSVP to join the fun. Check out Two Marys’ Mercantile’s Instagram for upcoming vendors and cool events.
Alameda Walks
Saturday, July 11
On Saturday, July 11, take an educational stroll with Alameda Walks, beginning in the picnic area of Towata Park, 3315 Bridgeview Isle. This week’s walk will begin at 9 a.m. and last approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
Lauren Eisele of Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA) will lead this walk from Towata Park along the unpaved beach trail. Participants will learn about the history of Towata Park, the City’s plans for the habitat and shoreline, and how local coalitions like CASA plan to help address rising seas.
This weekend’s tour marks the fourth of 12 guided Alameda Walks tours around Alameda and Bay Farm scheduled through October, sponsored by ARPD. Registration is not required for these free events. Kindly leave pets at home. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, use sun protection, and bring water to stay hydrated.
Alameda Book Con 2026
Saturday, July 11
The Alameda Free Library is launching a brand new convention, Alameda Book Con, on Saturday, July 11. Join the inaugural festivities at the Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak Street, from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
“Inspired by the popular pre-pandemic ‘Made in Alameda’ event, the library’s first Alameda Book Con was developed by a seven-member staff committee that wanted to revive the spirit of a community maker festival while narrowing its focus to literature and reading,” author and Alameda Post contributor Karin K. Jensen noted. The convention will feature over 50 local authors, creators, and illustrators covering a wide range of audiences and genres.
Author talks are scheduled throughout the afternoon, and several special workshops and events are planned. Little ones are sure to love Adventure Theater, a “zany, interactive theatrical adventure” in the Children’s Programs Room. Teens are invited to workshops on friendship poetry and zine-making in the Teen Room, and everyone is invited to walk around at their leisure and meet creators. A full schedule is available online.
You don’t need to RSVP for this free event. Attendees are encouraged to park at the Civic Center Parking Structure at 1416 Oak Street. If you have any questions, email [email protected] with “ABC 2026” in the subject line.
Wild Oyster Project’s Volunteer Day
Sunday, July 12
Colorful coral reefs usually get all the press as foundational building blocks of the ocean, but the humble oyster matters just as much. Join the Wild Oyster Project on Sunday, July 12, at REAP Climate Center, 2133 Tynan Avenue, to help make the San Francisco Bay a little better. The volunteering event is scheduled from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Oysters act as “ecosystem engineers,” creating habitats and food for other ocean life. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, and their large networks can even protect shorelines from erosion.
The Wild Oyster Project is working to bring native oysters back to the San Francisco Bay by turning leftover shells from restaurants into habitat. “Although baby oysters are already free-swimming in the Bay, they need oyster shells to settle on and grow in order to thrive,” explains the Wild Oyster Project. “That’s why they instinctually seek them out in the water. That’s how oyster reefs grow over time.”
Volunteers will help with various projects like moving shells and painting buckets to go to restaurants. Learn more at the virtual orientation on Saturday, July 11, at 10 a.m. Let them know you’re coming to the volunteer day with an online RSVP, and complete a REAP Climate Center waiver.
Family Paddle Night
Tuesday, July 14
Get outside for long summer evenings with the family at Gaia Guides’ Family Paddle Night on Tuesday, July 14, from 5:30 until 8 p.m. Start the evening at 1138 Ballena Boulevard before your adventure begins.
Family Paddle Nights are described as a “relaxed, beginner-friendly evening paddling experience” designed for kids ages 5 to 14 and their adults or guardians. The event takes place in a protected lagoon, which makes for beginner-friendly paddling. Guests are welcome to kayak or paddleboard, and young children are welcome to share their adult’s vessel.
Family Paddle Nights are very popular, and they tend to book up in advance. If you can’t snag a spot this week, be sure to enroll ahead of time for upcoming classes. Tickets are $40 for adults and free for kids the first time with code “kidspaddlefree.” Tickets for returning kids are $10. Be sure to read the FAQ before you go, and come prepared for a good time.
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].
