Check out a car show, Altarena Playhouse’s latest production, a comedy show, and two food festivals
Delight your eyes, ears, and tastebuds this weekend without having to leave the island. Theater lovers will be pleased to learn that Good People is onstage at Altarena Playhouse every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through September 21. For a show that’s sure to make you laugh, check out a special Stand Up Comedy Night at Dragon Rouge Bistro on Saturday, August 30. The same day, two food festivals are setting up shop at Alameda Point. Check out Everybody Eats for amazing bites, music, and fashion, and live out your plant-based culinary dreams at Vegan Street Fair. For hot rods and cool people, don’t forget to check out the fourth annual Nick Bianchi Memorial Car Show, also on Saturday, August 30.
Altarena Playhouse Presents Good People
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through September 21
Looking for some live theater? Check out Good People onstage now at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High Street. See the show at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, or 2 p.m. on Sundays, through September 21.
“Good People is the kind of theater this reviewer craves every time he sees a play: a story of truth, written with craft, performed by amazing actors led by an insightful, sensitive director,” writes Gene Kahane after opening weekend. The 2011 play, written by David Lindsay-Abaire, follows a single mother after she loses her much-needed job at a dollar store. She reconnects with an old boyfriend—now wealthy and married—while searching for help.
Good People runs for two hours plus a single 15-minute intermission. Guests who require mobility accommodations are encouraged to reach out to the theater in advance. The Sunday, August 31, show at 2 p.m. will offer a live audio description and pre-show Haptic Access Tour provided by Gravity Access. See more on Altarena’s Accessibility web page. Tickets are available online.
Stand Up Comedy Night at Dragon Rouge Bistro
Saturday, August 30
Looking for good food, a fun show, and lots of laughs? Check out this special Stand Up Comedy Night at Dragon Rouge Bistro, 2337 Blanding Avenue, on Saturday, August 30. Seating begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Five comedians are set to take the stage, including fifth-generation Alamedan and Alameda High School alumna Nina G. The kitchen and bar will be open throughout the show for delicious eats and drinks. Best of all, there are no drink or food minimums.
Reserve your spot online in advance, as seating is limited. Tickets are $20. Please note that while the comedy show is open to all ages, some topics may not be appropriate for children. Free parking is conveniently located in a lot in front of the restaurant.
Bonus Tip for comedy lovers: After our beloved Alameda Comedy Club decided not to renew their lease last fall, the island has been missing some levity. Although the physical location has closed down, the Alameda Comedy Club lives on! Be sure to keep up-to-date with the Alameda Comedy Club calendar for monthly Saturday Night Comedy at Fireside Lounge and Sunset Comedy nights at Mersea on Treasure Island.
Vegan Street Fair
Saturday, August 30
Bring your appetite! The Vegan Street Fair is headed to Faction Brewing, 2501 Monarch Street, on Saturday, August 30. The fest is back for its third and final year, so be sure to swing by between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. for fabulous plant-based eats.
Vegan Street Fair is a nationwide celebration of vegan food that brings together local vegan and vegan-friendly vendors. The full running list is available online. Here’s just a taste of what to expect:
- Savory and BBQ-style hot dishes from The Fungi Foods.
- Kale chips from Crish Crunch.
- Instant oat milk chai from Hippie Chai.
- Aqua fresca, smoothie bowls, and fruit cups from Pitayas Locas.
- Plant-based cheeses from Vtopian Artisan Cheese.
- Sweet treats from Maya’s Cookies.
Entry to this all ages festival is free, however, paid tickets are available for guests who would like a VIP experience. Grab a Fast Pass for $66.29 to skip all the lines at vendors, or check out the All Inclusive OG Passport + Weekend Fast Pass for $117.69 to skip the lines and receive included food items from 14 vendors. All tickets are available on the Eventbrite page.
Everybody Eats Festival
Saturday, August 30
Two food festivals in one day at Alameda Point? Yes, please! Check out the 4th Annual Everybody Eats Festival from noon until 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 30 at RADIUM Runway, 2151 Ferry Point.
The Everybody Eats Festival is a multifaceted celebration of food, music, and fashion. Live performances are scheduled throughout the day including sets by Thuy, CRSB and Adrian Marcel, Louie Club, and more. While you’re dancing to the music, shop dozens of streetwear and clothing brands and check out a plethora of food trucks and vendors. A full list of artists and vendors is available online.
General Admission to the festival is $55.20. VIP Tickets are available for $135.23 and include line-skipping privileges, a welcome bag with goodies, two complimentary drink tickets, a premium view of the performances, and a private bar and bathroom.
Everybody Eats is open to the whole family, and children ages 9 and under are free. Leashed and well-behaved pets are welcome. Seating is limited, and guests are invited to bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair.
Nick Bianchi Memorial Car Show
Saturday, August 30
Start your engines or hitch a ride, and join a day in celebration of Nick Bianchi’s life at the fourth annual Nick Bianchi Memorial Car Show, Saturday, August 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Corica Park Golf Course, 1 Clubhouse Memorial Road.
The annual show honors the life and legacy of Nick Bianchi, a lifelong resident of Alameda and collector of motorcycles and classic cars. Nick was an employee of Corica Park in the Course Services Department, where he was “liked by all and always willing to lend a hand.” The annual show was created by Nick’s father, who wanted to combine Nick’s love of cars and golf.
Schedule of events:
- 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.: Show cars arrive and set up.
- 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Spectators are admitted, and the show commences.
- Noon: Nick’s parents, Evie and Les Bianchi, present “Best in Show” award.
Those who wish to show cars are encouraged to reserve a spot online ASAP, as space is limited. For the $35 registration fee, show car entries will receive a goodie bag and refreshments. Spectators may buy admission to the event for any donation amount. All proceeds from the family-friendly event will be donated to the College of Alameda’s Automotive Technology Program.
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].
