Sound bath, rose pruning, photography workshop, Ocean Hoptimism, and a new art gallery reception
The holidays are over, the decorations are put away—well, some of them—and 2026 has begun. Alameda is gearing up for another year full of festivals, food, and fun, and our local events calendar is already filling up with exciting things to do. Tonight, Thursday, January 15, wind down for the day with New Moon, New Year Manifestation Sound Bath at Alameda Theatre & Cineplex. On Saturday, January 17, grab your clippers for the Annual Rose Pruning at Lincoln Park. That evening, join Rhythmix Cultural Works for the opening reception of their latest gallery, Art Comes from Art, Comes from Art. After dark, budding photographers are invited to hone their skills at a night photography workshop at Alameda Point. And if you’re in need of some good news, join Faction Brewing for the latest Ocean Hoptimism lecture, Behind the Bark: Saving Seals and Sea Lions, on Thursday, January 22.
Sound Bath at Alameda Theatre
Thursday, January 15
Take a moment to relax and reset for 2026 with New Moon, New Year Manifestation Sound Bath at Alameda Theatre & Cineplex, 2317 Central Avenue, on Thursday, January 15. The event begins with check in at 5:15 p.m. and concludes at 7 p.m.
Jessica Catano of Jessica’s Peaceful Journeys will lead the evening with gong, crystal singing bowls, and Himalayan bowls. Tina “Bean” Blaine will perform guest percussion. The rejuvenating and immersive sound experience is designed “to create a safe space for self love, awareness and reflection.”
Participants are invited to enter through the “backstage pass” entrance in between the Cinema Grill and the theatre on Central Avenue, directly next to the barbershop. If you have trouble locating the entrance, theatre staff will be happy to help. Sound bath attendees may use recliners in the room, or lie down on the floor. Please bring a neck pillow, eye covering, and blanket if you wish. Reserve a spot online for $32.78.
Annual Rose Pruning Demo
Saturday, January 17
The East Bay Rose Society and Alameda Recreation and Park Department invite the community to join the Annual Rose Pruning on Saturday, January 17 at 10 a.m. The event will take place at the beautiful Rose Garden at Lincoln Park, 1450 High Street.
The Annual Rose Pruning will include a demonstration by members of the East Bay Rose Society. Guests can ask questions about pruning—and general rose care—at the accompanying Q&A. Participants are invited to practice their new rose-pruning skills at the Lincoln Park Rose Garden with the guidance of the East Bay Rose Society members.
This event is free, and pre-registration is not necessary. Participants are asked to bring their own clippers and gloves. Please wear closed-toed shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. To learn more about the East Bay Rose Society and get information about becoming a member, visit their website.
Art Comes from Art, Comes from Art: Opening Reception
Saturday, January 17
Visit Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Avenue, to celebrate the opening of their latest exhibit, Art Comes from Art, Comes from Art. The reception is scheduled from 5 until 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 17.
Art Comes from Art, Comes from Art features seven artists who are staff members at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco—the Legion of Honor and the deYoung. The exhibit features works directly inspired by the artists’ time in San Francisco’s museums, from the many visitors to the grand architecture.
Please RSVP in advance for this free reception. Check out the artists on the Rhythmix website. The exhibit will remain on display at Rhythmix Cultural Works from January 17, 2026 until February 22, 2026.
Night Time Photography Workshop
Saturday, January 17
Charge up those batteries and grab an extra memory card! Mike’s Camera invites you to a Night Photo Walk with instructor Leah Frink on Saturday, January 17, from 5 until 7 p.m. Meet at the parking lot at 2990 Main Street to capture amazing images of the historic USS Hornet and scenic San Francisco skyline while you learn to use your camera in low light.
You’ll learn how to:
- Create light trails and motion effects by using long exposures.
- Use artificial lights to highlight your subject during long exposures.
- Use the bulb mode setting and timed exposure settings.
- Determine what equipment you need.
Be sure to bring your camera with manual settings, a fully charged battery, memory cards, a tripod, and warm clothes. Tickets are $104.45 per person. Nighttime photography classes in Alameda tend to be popular and sell out quickly, so be sure to read all the instructions and reserve your spot ASAP on the Eventbrite page.
Behind the Bark: Saving Seals and Sea Lions
Thursday, January 22
Join fellow nature lovers and beer enthusiasts for a new presentation in the Ocean Hoptimism series at Faction Brewing, 2501 Monarch Street, on Thursday, January 22. Behind the Bark: Saving Seals and Sea Lions is scheduled from 7 until 8 p.m.
Adam Ratner, Director of Conservation Engagement at the Marine Mammal Center, will lead the evening with an insider view of the world’s largest marine mammal hospital. “Expect real cases, big questions, and a surprisingly hopeful look at what’s possible when science, volunteers, and local communities pull in the same direction,” states the event description.
Ocean Hoptimism meets every fourth Thursday of the month at Faction Brewing. Entry to the event is free, and attendees are invited to grab a drink at Faction and check out the rotation of local food trucks parked outside. On Thursday, January 22, Super Mario’s Food Truck will be serving up pizza, nachos, wings, tacos, and more.
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].
