An art exhibit, a carnivorous plant show, a play, Open Cockpit Day, and Pride events at the library
You don’t have to break the bank to have fun in Alameda. In fact, your bank account doesn’t even need to know you went out. This week, we’ve rounded up four free-to-attend events in Alameda, plus a bonus family-friendly Father’s Day extravaganza in Oakland.
On Saturday, June 14, check out a unique and exciting botanical experience at the Bay Area Carnivorous Plant Society 2025 Annual Show & Sale at St. Joseph Notre Dame High School. That afternoon, head over to the Opening Reception of the Rising Seas Exhibit at Rhythmix Cultural Works, and stay to make your very own artwork. On both Saturday and Sunday, the Foodbank Players invite the community to the opening weekend of The Taming of the Shrew at the Healing Garden. If that isn’t enough to choose from already, check out the Alameda Free Library Pride Month events on Saturday June 14 and beyond.
On Sunday, June 15, the Oakland Aviation Museum is hosting a rare Open Cockpit Day in honor of Father’s Day. Although it involves a zip code other than 94501 or 94502, we wager it’ll be worth the price of admission.
Rising Seas Exhibit: Opening Reception
Saturday, June 14
Join Rhythmix Cultural Works for the Opening Reception of the Rising Seas Exhibit, featuring thought-provoking works that highlight both the beauty of island life and the realities of a changing environment. The reception is scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, at Rhythmix, 2513 Blanding Avenue.
The exhibit will feature work from nine artists utilizing media from repurposed spray paint cans to collages. Get a sneak peek at the artists and their stories on the event web page. While you’re at the reception, join artist Eve Moran at a drop-in workshop to make your own aluminum-can butterfly. All materials will be provided.
The Rising Seas Exhibit Opening Reception is free to attend. The exhibit will be on display until August 16, 2025. Check out the Collaborative Movement Workshop on Saturday, July 26 and the Closing Reception on Saturday, August 16.
Pride Month at the Alameda Free Library
Saturday, June 14 and Tuesday, June 24
The Alameda Free Library calendar promises a variety of fun activities for Pride month across multiple dates and library locations. Check out the festivities:
- Storyteller Regina Stoops – June 14, beginning at 2 p.m., Main Library, 1550 Oak Street.| “Join a multi-time winner of The Moth StorySlam on a journey of personal stories infused with humor, bringing light to the struggles and strengths of the human condition.”
- Pride Crafternoon – June 14, 2-3 p.m, West End Library, 788 Santa Clara Avenue. Join the West End Library for a drop-in afternoon of kid-friendly crafts to express who you are.
- Pride Friendship Bracelets – June 24, 2:30-4 p.m., Main Library, 1550 Oak Street. Show your pride by making and trading friendship bracelets. For ages 8 and up.
- Upcycle Faerie Wings Workshop – June 24, beginning at 5:30 p.m., Main Library, 1550 Oak Street. Join Upcycle Alameda to turn trash into an outfit for Pride. They’ll provide materials, inspiration, and encouragement.
Bay Area Carnivorous Plant Society 2025 Annual Show & Sale
Saturday, June 14
The largest carnivorous plant show in the country is happening right here in Alameda on Saturday, June 14! Head over to St. Joseph Notre Dame High School, 1101 Chestnut Street, for the Bay Area Carnivorous Plant Society (BACPS) 2025 Annual Show & Sale to see some truly remarkable plants. Festivities are scheduled from noon until 5 p.m.
Event organizers have arranged an exciting experience for both BACPS members and curious plant lovers. If you’d like to enter plants into the show, please become a member or renew your membership and review the event rules prior to entry.
Event attendees are invited to shop the carnivorous plant sale from noon until 5 p.m. and enjoy the competition showroom from noon until 4 p.m. Announcements will be made at 1 p.m., an auction will be held at 1:30 p.m., and raffle drawings will take place for the first 15 minutes of each hour at 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m. And free, short workshops will take place throughout the afternoon to help newbies learn how to care for their plants.
While you’re diving into the world of carnivorous plants, groove to live music and shop food and beverage selections. This family-friendly event is free to attend.
The Taming of the Shrew Opening Weekend
Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15
The Foodbank Players are returning to their Shakespearean roots! Catch the opening weekend of The Taming of the Shrew at the Healing Garden, 1435 Webster Street, on Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15, 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.
Admission to the event is free. If you can’t make it this weekend, you’ll have four more chances. The Taming of the Shrew takes the stage again on June 21, 22, 28, and 29—all at 2 p.m. at the Healing Garden.
The Foodbank Players are an all-volunteer company with a passion for theater and community service. Donations to the Alameda Food Bank are encouraged but not required.
Father’s Day – Open Cockpit Day
Sunday, June 15
An event from Oakland has snuck onto our list this week, but we think you’ll see why we made a special exception. The Oakland Aviation Museum is hosting just three Open Cockpit Days in 2025, and Father’s Day (Sunday, June 15) is one of them! Head over to the museum at 8252 Earhart Road for family-friendly activities starting at 11 a.m.
See the museum’s famous aircraft from the cockpit:
- A-3 Skywarrior.
- A-4 Skyhawk.
- A-6 Intruder.
- A-7 Corsair.
- Harrier Jump-Jet.
- T-39 Sabreliner.
- Mustang P-51 3/4 scale.
- Cessna 0-2.
- Mig-15.
Throughout the afternoon, groove to classic rock, blues, and R&B by The Friends of Ken band. The Oakland Airport Fire Department and the Mercedes-Benz Car Club are scheduled to present displays. Stop by other fascinating stations like the Southern Alameda County Radio Controllers (SACRC) model aircraft exhibit, the European Train Enthusiasts exhibit, and a ham radio demonstration. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite to eat from Alfredo’s Mexican Food.
Please note that Groupon discounts cannot be used on Open Cockpit Days. Admission is $18 for Adults, $15 for Seniors (60+), $13 for Military and Students, $10 for children ages 5-12, and free for children 4 and under. Tickets can be purchased on-site on the day of the festivities.
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].
