A fashion and arts festival, the final installment of Rising Seas, two history walking tours, and Crab Cove’s annual fish fest
Let’s move, dance, ride, walk, roll, or swim—all the way to some fun and unique local events this weekend. It’ll be hard to choose where to spend your day on Saturday, August 23, because we have four free and family-friendly favorites lined up for the day. Alameda Walks is kicking off the day with a new walking tour starting at Marina Cove Waterfront Park. The 7th Annual Crab Cove Fish Festival is bringing education, games, crafts, and a giant mobile aquarium to the Doug Siden Visitor Center. At South Shore Center, catch stunning fashion and infectious beats with the Bay Area Fashion, Music & Arts Festival. You’ll also have one last chance to catch a Rising Seas performance and activities at Bohol Circle Immigrant Park. The following morning, Sunday, August 24, be sure to check out the latest Alameda Post history walking tour. Proceeds from the tours help us keep the lights on and the news flowing!
Alameda Walks
Saturday, August 23
On Saturday, August 23, journey back in time with Alameda Walks to visit the Alaska Packers Association, a fleet of ships that brought salmon from Alaskan waters all the way to San Francisco’s Fremont Wharf. Meet at Marina Cove Waterfront Park, 1575 Clement Avenue, for the 9 a.m. start. This week’s walk will last approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
From the converted Del Monte warehouse to the out-of-service railroad tracks at Jean Sweeney Open Space Park, Alameda’s history as a shipping hub has left marks across the island. Join award-winning historian Dennis Evanosky to uncover Alameda’s forgotten commercial industries from the not-so-distant past.
Alameda Walks are sponsored by Alameda Recreation and Park Department (ARPD). All events begin at 9 a.m. and last approximately an hour unless otherwise noted. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, use sun protection, and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is not required for this free event. Kindly leave pets at home.
7th Annual Crab Cove Fish Festival
Saturday, August 23
Crab Cove’s fin-tastic annual Fish Festival is back! Head over to the Doug Siden Visitor Center, 1252 McKay Avenue, on Saturday, August 23 to dive in. The free, family-friendly event runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Visitors will be greeted by the famous Mobile Fish Exhibit, East Bay Regional Park District’s 1500-gallon aquarium on wheels. Get creative with gyotaku—traditional Japanese fish printing. Attendees are welcome to participate in games, crafts, and face painting throughout the day. While you’re there, learn how to cast and tie knots using Backyard Bass equipment.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, catch a bite from the Food Truck Mafia. They’ll be serving up a variety of “seafood-inspired eats.” Please note that parking will be very limited. Those traveling by car are advised to park in the large Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach parking lot at Otis Drive and Eighth Street.
Bay Area Fashion, Music & Arts Festival
Saturday, August 23
Mark your calendars for an afternoon of arts and entertainment on Saturday, August 23 from noon until 6 p.m. The Bay Area Fashion, Music & Arts Festival is taking over South Shore Center for a fabulous afternoon filled with talented people and performers.
If you’ve never watched a runway show, now is the time! Established designers Phyllis Emelda and James Head of Headworks Designs will be featuring some of their remarkable pieces, and they’ll be joined by a selection of emerging and established artists. Additionally, live musicians and performers will take the stage throughout the afternoon for music, dance, comedy, and more. Audience members are encouraged to get up and dance to the beat! A full schedule and list of performers is available on the Eventbrite page.
After you’ve danced up an appetite, check out the food stations for Southern food and authentic Spanish cuisine. The whole family is welcome to this free event. If you’d like to reserve a seat for the shows—and support the festival—you can grab a Reserved Seating ticket online for $20. Please note that guests are not permitted to bring their own chairs.
Rising Seas 4
Saturday, August 23
The final installment of Rhythmix Cultural Works’ Rising Seas performances is scheduled for Saturday, August 23. Don’t miss the finale of this free, family-friendly, outdoor concert and climate activism series. Festivities are scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. at Bohol Circle Immigrant Park, 2901 Fifth Street.
Rising Seas 4 will feature performances from the Manilatown Ancestral Ensemble of the Manilatown Heritage Foundation. Experience the pre-colonial music and dance of Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines. The ensemble will use polyrhythmic percussion, song, and dance to weave stories “from indigenous perspectives on the effects of and solutions for climate change.”
The “Climate Detective from the Future” will make a final appearance at the event, featuring the skillful theatrics of former Cirque du Soleil performer Jeff Raz. Attendees are invited to explore information booths and hands-on activities from local artists and climate organizations. Admission is free.
History Walking Tour
Sunday, August 24 and Saturday, August 30
Have you ever wondered where the Mastick Senior Center got its title? Meet the Alameda settler behind its name at the latest Alameda Post history walking tour on Sunday, August 24 beginning at 10 a.m. or Saturday, August 30 beginning at noon. Both tours begin at the corner of Pacific Avenue and Eighth Street.
Our story dates back to 1864 when attorney Edwin Mastick moved his family to the little town of Alameda. They settled in a lovely home on a road that later became known as Lincoln Avenue. After Edwin’s passing, his son George subdivided the 22-acre family property into 186 lots, and a bungalow haven was born. Along the tour, historian Dennis Evanosky will dive into the history of the distinctive, quaint homes and introduce “Mastick Park.”
Alameda Post History Walking Tours generally last about 90 to 100 minutes and cover one to two miles. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and sunscreen. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to attend.
Prior to the tour, a supplementary online lecture will be made available so attendees can hit the ground running. Tickets are $20 each, and kids under 6 are free. Get your ticket for Sunday, August 24 or Saturday, August 30 online.
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].
