Catch King Lear, Big Truck Bonanza, a sensory-friendly movie, the AUSD Board Candidate forum, and a literary festival
After a full week of battling the heat, this week’s outdoor events can finally expect cooler temperatures. Join the Foodbank Players for theater under the sun at their opening weekend of King Lear at the Healing Garden on Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13. Kids of all ages who love big trucks can head over to the City Hall parking lot on Saturday, October 12, for the annual touch-a-truck event, Big Truck Bonanza. The Alameda Free Library welcomes kids to an indoor “sensory-friendly” showing of Kung Fu Panda 4 on Saturday, October 13. Voters are invited to tune into the virtual AUSD Board of Governors Candidate Forum on Monday, October 14, on Zoom. Finally, on Thursday, October 17, check out San Francisco’s Literary Festival, Litquake, at RADIUM Runway on Alameda Point.
King Lear Opening Weekend
Saturday, October 12 – Sunday, October 13
The Foodbank Players’ latest production is coming to a stage near you—the Healing Garden at 1435 Webster Street, to be exact. Catch William Shakespeare’s King Lear on opening weekend, Saturday, October 12, and Sunday October 13 at 2 p.m.
The Healing Garden is an outdoor venue, and seating is first come, first serve. Please dress for the weather, hydrate, use sun protection, and get ready for a great show. This performance is recommended for “mature audiences.”
Admission to the event is free. Donations to the Alameda Food Bank are gratefully accepted. If you can’t make it this weekend, you’ll have four more chances. King Lear takes the stage again on October 19, 20, 26, and 27—all at 2 p.m. at the Healing Garden.
Big Truck Bonanza
Saturday, October 12
Do you have a kiddo who just loves trucks and big machinery? If so, Saturday, October 12 is your lucky day at the Big Truck Bonanza, 1 to 3 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot, 1555 Oak Street.
This annual favorite is a hit with little ones. See big trucks up close from various City departments, such as the Alameda Fire Department, the Alameda Police Department, and Alameda Municipal Power.
The City Hall parking lot is directly across the street from the Main Library, and the event is free to attend. If you have any questions, please call the Children’s Department at 510-747-7705 or email [email protected].
Sensory-Friendly Family Movie Matinee — Kung Fu Panda 4
Sunday, October 13
Join the fun at the Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak Street, for a sensory-friendly showing of Kung Fu Panda 4 on Sunday, October 13 at 2 p.m. The free event will take place in the library’s Stafford Room.
The library takes several measures to ensure kids’ comfort during sensory-friendly movie showings:
- The lights are half on and half off.
- The movie volume is lowered.
- Captions are turned on.
- Fidget toys are available.
- Open seating and “wobble cushions” let kids move around.
Attendees are welcome to bring snacks, blankets, and pillows for the movie. The library will offer light refreshments free of charge.
If you have any questions, please call the Children’s Department at 510-747-7705 or email [email protected]. The Alameda Free Library presents sensory-friendly movie matinees regularly. If you can’t make it this month, check out Despicable Me 4 on November 10.
AUSD Board of Governors Candidate Forum
Monday, October 14
Join the Alameda Post and the League of Women Voters of Alameda (LWVA) for a virtual AUSD Board candidate forum on Monday, October 14, from 7 to 8 p.m. The forum will be held on Zoom, and registration is required to attend.
Joyce Boyd, Meleah Hall, Heather Little, and Jennifer Williams are running for three seats on the AUSD Board of Governors. All four candidates have agreed to attend this forum moderated by Anne McKereghan of the LWVA.
The Alameda Post and LWVA have selected questions in advance of the forum, but the candidates have not been informed of any topics in advance. Voters can get to know the candidates by reading their previous responses to questions asked by the Post.
Runway Stories: Litquake Edition
Thursday, October 17
San Francisco’s Literary Festival, Litquake, is headed to Alameda Point’s RADIUM Runway, 2151 Ferry Point, on Thursday, October 17, 7 to 9 p.m.
Eight storytellers and authors are on the lineup for this all-ages festival, and the theme is “First Love.” Tickets are $20 in advance (purchase online) or $25 at the door; youth 13 and under are free. A premium ticket package, which includes two tickets, reserved seating in the premium section, and two drink tickets, may be purchased in advance for $49.
Litquake is produced by Litquake Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to “to inspire critical engagement with the key issues of the day, bring people together around the common humanity encapsulated in literature, and perpetuate a sense of literary community by providing a vibrant forum for Bay Area writing.” See a full list of Litquake 2024 events on the Litquake website.
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].
