On Saturday, March 7, Park Street filled with grannies in housecoats, gray wigs, and pearls visiting participating shops. Costumed residents ranging in age from babies to elders came out to support a crucial cause—raising funds for organizations working on breast cancer prevention, education, and patient support.
The occasion was GrannyCon, a community fundraiser that is quickly becoming an Alameda tradition celebrating International Women’s Day. The event’s bingo-style format encourages visiting participating businesses along Park Street, including cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and boutiques. Sponsors this year included Books Inc., Cinema Grill, Almanac, Alley & Vine, Mosley’s Cafe, Saltbreaker, and Pizzaria Pappo, among many others. Tickets for GrannyCon ranged in price from $24.99 (available exclusively to the most revered participants, age 65 and over); regular tickets at $54.99; and tickets for Very Important Grannies at $79.99.
The sold-out event was a huge success, raising a whopping $30,000 for breast cancer prevention efforts.
GrannyCon began as a neighborhood idea among Alameda moms who worked tirelessly to organize it. Founder Laura Gillan met with a group of friends for drinks at Forbidden Island to discuss ideas for a joyful, communal fundraiser to support breast cancer research. After the first GrannyCon premiered in 2025, the organizers took first place in the community division of the 2025 Alameda Fourth of July Parade, appearing in costume in a bright red Corvette. In a very short span of time, GrannyCon has grown into a large event involving hundreds of participants and dozens of local Alameda businesses supporting a crucial cause.
The Granny bingo adventure
On Saturday, participants who purchased VIG (Very Important Granny) tickets gained access to an exclusive early check-in cocktail party in a hidden room behind Daisy’s Mercantile, featuring snacks such as cocktail shrimp and gumdrops, and drinks including lemonade and margaritas. VIGs also received a bag of goodies including a classic sun visor and candies.
Ava LaShay, a Bay Area drag queen and event emcee renowned locally for hosting drag brunches, offered a toast to kick off the festivities. Ava talked with the Alameda Post about her family’s connections to cancer—her mother, a cancer survivor, also came to the event—and spoke to the importance of supporting prevention efforts with joyful community events.
Decorations added to the playful atmosphere. Organizer Erika helped to create some of the décor, such as big butterscotch “candies,” using materials from Creative Reuse Oakland, including foam and recycled crafting supplies, a nod to sustainable creativity.
The event’s signature activity is Granny Bingo. Participants wander down Park Street with bingo cards providing hints that lead grannies to particular businesses. Each stop offers a quick activity or a chance to connect with shop owners and neighbors.
At the Alameda Fire Station, firefighters took pictures with grandmas. That Dad Band took over the stage on Alameda Avenue, dressed as rocking grandmas. Inside Yoga Amansala, participants were invited to try a quick mobility exercise before earning their sticker. Grannies rocked out on the drums after touring School of Rock.
At 6 p.m., participants headed to Park Station to exchange their completed bingo cards for raffle tickets and enjoy a costume contest, transforming the event from afternoon scavenger hunt into a joyful after-party.
Supporting breast cancer research
For GrannyCon’s organizers, the “granny” theme is significant. Grandmothers symbolize resilience, wisdom, and humor, qualities that reflect the spirit needed in the fight against breast cancer. While breast cancer is extremely serious, fundraising does not have to be, as grannies of all ages and genders demonstrated on Saturday.
Learn more about GrannyCon nonprofit partners:
- Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP) works to reduce breast cancer risk by advocating for policies that limit exposure to toxic chemicals and environmental hazards linked to the disease.
- Bay Area Young Survivors (BAYS) provides support and community for young people navigating breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
- Mastick Senior Center, located at 1155 Santa Clara Avenue, offers programs focused on health, education, and recreation for adults over 50.
Visit GrannyCon on Instagram.
Vivian Delchamps Wolf (English PhD, UCLA, 2022) is a professor of English at Dominican University of California and a contributing writer for the Alameda Post. She is also a disability justice advocate, ballroom dancer, cat lover, and board game enthusiast. Contact her via [email protected] Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Vivan-Delchamps-Wolf.
