Biking, running, performances, and more!
It’s inevitable. On Monday morning, April 28, your coworkers will ask, “So, did you do anything fun this weekend?” Alameda’s Community Events Calendar has you covered so you don’t get caught with nothing to say. Take a look at just a handful of the exciting, local happenings right here in Alameda and on Bay Farm Island.
On Saturday, April 26, the whole family is invited to the Alameda Bike Festival at Paden Elementary School. If you’d like to shop some unique wares, head over to Modern Mouse at South Shore Plaza for the Sakura Market, a celebration of cherry blossom season. The same afternoon, Rhythmix Cultural Works invites the community to the Asian & Pacific Islander Arts & Culture Festival at Bohol Circle Immigrant Park. As if that weren’t enough to choose from, the USS Hornet will be officially unveiling their new F/A-18C aircraft at 1 p.m. Then, on Sunday, April 27, Outfront Endurance invites you to the beautiful Bay Farm shoreline for the Alameda Hospital Foundation 5K and 10K, plus a half-mile Kids Fun Run.
Alameda Bike Festival
Saturday, April 26
Alameda’s free, family-friendly citywide bike festival is back! Grab your friends for the all-ages Alameda Bike Festival on Saturday, April 26, 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., at Paden Elementary School, 444 Central Avenue.
The Alameda Bike Festival will include:
- Free bike repairs.
- Helmet fitting and giveaway.
- Helmet decorating.
- Safety knowledge test.
- Bike rodeos.
- Cargo and electric bike expo.
- Free bike goodies.
- Food trucks and music.
Curious about the fest? Check out this video recap of the 2024 Alameda Bike Festival at Love Elementary School and browse the workshops that will be available with pre-registration. The festival is a team effort made possible by the City of Alameda, ARPD, AUSD, the Kiwanis Club of Alameda, the Alameda Elks, Alameda County Safe Routes to Schools, and the Alameda County Transportation Commission.
New Aircraft Unveiling
Saturday, April 26
The USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum is officially unveiling their newest aircraft on Saturday, April 26, at a special event from 1 to 2 p.m. Head over to the historic aircraft carrier at 707 West Hornet Avenue to see the latest addition to the museum.
“This F/A-18C was one of two VFA-81 Sunliners who shot down a pair of MIG-21 Fishbeds on the 1st day of Operation Desert Storm on January 17th, 1991,” the USS Hornet website explains. “The pilot that day was CAPT Nick ‘Mongo’ Mongillo, USN (ret.).”
Here’s the planned schedule for the USS Hornet event:
- 1 p.m.: Opening remarks by Anthony Wilson, Director of Exhibitions, Collections & Aircraft.
- 1:15 p.m.: Video viewing about F-18s.
- 1:30 p.m.: Special thanks to USS Hornet docents who raised most of the funding that made this acquisition possible.
The event concludes at 2 p.m.
Admission to the unveiling ceremony 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.
Asian & Pacific Islander Arts & Culture Festival
Saturday, April 26
Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander heritage with live music, dance, food, and family art activities at Rhythmix Cultural Works’ Asian & Pacific Islander Arts & Culture Festival on Saturday, April 26, noon to 5 p.m., at Bohol Circle Immigrant Park, 2901 Fifth Street.
Prepare to be delighted by a lively array of music and dance from local performing ensembles, including traditional Hawaiian hula from Alameda’s Hālau Makana, exciting Punjabi folk dance with Dholrhythms Dance Company of Non Stop Bhangra, and more. Hands-on activities will be available for kids, and mouthwatering eats and drinks will be available for purchase from Chef Hits the Streets, Blue Drip Co., Teaqueria, and Mr. Andrew.
The Asian & Pacific Islander Arts & Culture Festival is produced in partnership with ARPD and is supported in part by the William & Flora Hewlett Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. Admission is free. RSVP online to let Rhythmix know you’re coming.
Sakura Market
Saturday, April 26
Have you spotted any of those beautiful pink blooms this season? Join Modern Mouse for their second annual celebration of cherry blossom season, the Sakura Market, on Saturday, April 26, from noon until 5 p.m. at their South Shore Plaza location, 2223 South Shore Center.
In addition to regularly available pieces from over 300 artists offered at the store, Modern Mouse will be featuring several vendors with handmade and seasonal goods for the special occasion. Check out @ragavon, @wowoko_us, @lavendulangel, and @dripping_cute, for a sneak peek. There will be a Stamp Rally too!
Modern Mouse is teaming up with Eternal Sunshine Jewelry to make this event happen. Check out the Modern Mouse Instagram page for more information and featured artists.
Alameda Hospital Foundation Run
Sunday, April 27
The Island Running Series is back for a new season. Join Outfront Endurance as they kick things off with the Alameda Hospital Foundation 5K and 10K on Sunday morning, April 27, at the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal, 215 Adelphian Way. This year’s 5K and 10K events will be certified by the USATF Pacific Association Grand Prix. For kids 12 and under, there will be a half-mile fun run.
The race day schedule is as follows:
- 7:30 a.m.: Race morning registration opens.
- 8:30 a.m.: 10K run starts.
- 8:45 a.m.: 5K run starts.
- 9:45 a.m.: 12-and-under half-mile fun run starts.
After the races, stick around for beer from Faction Brewery, music by DJ Mike, food, awards, and a fun local race atmosphere. Registration for the Alameda Hospital Foundation 5K is $49.25, registration for the 10K is $75.47, and registration for the half-mile kids run is $23.20. Proceeds benefit the Alameda Hospital Foundation.
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].
