See Joan Baez perform with a circus at Alameda Point, make your own Halloween decor, enjoy some Shakespeare, take a history walk, and celebrate the library
Alameda is always hosting unique and interesting local events, and this week is no exception. Legendary singer and activist Joan Baez is performing as a special guest with The Soiled Dove, an adults-only dinner-theater circus experience, on Friday and Saturday nights through November 1. On Friday, September 12, students ages 18 and up are invited to create their own jack-o-lantern decorations with Color Me Mine—no experience required! The same evening, the Foodbank Players kick off another weekend of Hamlet. On Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14, take an educational morning stroll with the latest Alameda Post history walking tour, Waterside Terrace. And on Wednesday, September 17, head over to the Main Library for a screening of Free for All: The Public Library to shine a spotlight on unsung heroes—librarians!
The Soiled Dove
Fridays and Saturdays through November 1
The circus is in town—and it has a sultry twist. Vau de Vire Society presents The Soiled Dove under the big tent at RADIUM Runway, 2151 Ferry Point.
Catch the intoxicating show, featuring legendary singer, activist, and cultural icon Joan Baez in special guest performances as Paloma Blanca, on most Fridays and Saturdays through November 1. An optional dinner begins at 7:30 p.m., and the Main Show starts at 9 p.m.
The Soiled Dove is an “immersive, circus-infused, scandalous and historic dinner-theater experience that will titillate your every sense.” Get ready for a night of tantalizing sights, sounds, and tastes, with a 3-course dinner and adult beverages in an immersive Barbary Coast-themed setting.
Tickets are already selling fast, so grab your preferred seats ASAP. Tickets range from $84.92 for general admission to the Main Show (standing room only) to $241.32 for VIP runway seats and dinner.
Jack-O-Lantern Clay Workshop
Friday, September 12
Let’s get crafty! You don’t need to wander the aisles of a big box store to find special spooky decor this year. Make your very own jack-o-lantern on Friday, September 12, with Color Me Mine, 2205 South Shore Center. This in-depth class runs from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
No experience is necessary to bring your creation to life. Skilled instructors will help students transform their lump of clay into a finished Halloween decoration. Feel free to add your own personal touches!
All supplies will be provided. Color Me Mine will fire the jack-o-lanterns in their kiln, and the projects will be ready to go home two weeks after the class. Please note that this class is for ages 18+. Tickets are $45. Grab your tickets ASAP for this intimate class, and check out Color Me Mine’s calendar for upcoming events.
The Foodbank Players present Hamlet
Friday, September 12 through Sunday, September 21
The Foodbank Players’ latest production is coming to an outdoor venue near you—the Healing Garden at 1435 Webster Street, to be exact. Catch William Shakespeare’s Hamlet on Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14 at 5 p.m. Additionally this weekend, a special performance of the first half of the play ONLY will be presented at Encinal Junior and Senior High School, 210 Central Avenue, beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 12.
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, and donations to the Alameda Food Bank are gratefully accepted.
If you can’t make it this weekend, you’ll have two more chances. Hamlet’s closing weekend performances are scheduled for Saturday, September 20 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, September 21 at 3 p.m.—both at the Healing Garden.
History Walking Tour: Waterside Terrace
Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14
Queen Anne-style homes tend to get all the press, but Alameda boasts a wide variety of impressive architectural styles. Join award-winning Historian Dennis Evanosky to explore the history and houses of Waterside Terrace on Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14. The tours will meet at 10 a.m. at the corner of Fernside Boulevard and Fairview Avenue.
Starting in 1912, developers rolled out plans to build 160 homes on a tract of new “made land” defined roughly by today’s High Street, Fairview Avenue, and Fernside Boulevard. The area, which became known as Waterside Terrace, featured new and radical designs including curving streets and Prairie-style homes inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s studio in Oak Park, Illinois.
Prior to the tour, a supplementary online lecture will be made available so attendees can hit the ground running. The lecture is optional, and attendees are sure to enjoy the walking tour even if they choose to skip the introductory presentation.
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. Tickets are $20 each, and kids under 6 are free. Get your ticket for Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14.
Screening of Free for All: The Public Library
Wednesday, September 17
The Friends of the Alameda Library and the Rotary Club of Alameda invite the whole community to a screening of Free for All: The Public Library in the Stafford Room of the Main Library, 1550 Oak Street, on Wednesday, September 17. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the film starts at 6 p.m.
Free for All: The Public Library is a 2025 documentary film which examines the remarkable journey of public libraries, from a simple idea to a fully-fledged, critical public resource. Get to know the revolutionaries—often called librarians—who have fought for our public library system from its inception through present day book bans and closures. The film’s run time is 1 hour, 24 minutes.
The Rotary Club of Alameda has generously funded this free event. Register in advance to receive a complimentary popcorn and a beverage of your choice (beer, wine, or a soft drink). Additional concession items will be sold at the Friends Cafe and benefit the library. Supervised activities and crafts will be available for children.
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].
