upcoming Oakland events

As usual, there's way more fun and interesting stuff going on in Oakland than there's time for!

affordable music - various days and times. Check out Dave Newhouse's column for various free and cheap music venues around Oakland (and one in Berkeley). I heard one of them today, the free noontime Wednesday concert in City Center. (free or cheap)

art opening: "Beautiful Machines" - Friday, August 12, 5pm-10pm. An art expo of bicycle art, at the bike-friendly Actual Cafe.

Throw Down for the Town - Saturday, August 13, 10am-6pm. The Ella Baker Center is organizing service projects all over Oakland, followed by a party at Mosswood Park. Come out and help make Oakland a better place!

Laurel Street Fair - Saturday, August 13, 11AM-6PM. The 12th annual Laurel Street Fair, featuring music, food, crafts, and a whole lot of community!

volunteer with Oakland Animal Services - Thursday, August 18. Well, actually receive training on how to volunteer with OAS. But the training is with Christina Loren, of NBC Bay Area. (free, 18 and over)

Waterfront Flicks - Thursday, August 18, sundown at Jack London Square. This week's movie is Dinner for Schmucks. There will be food from Miss Pearl's Jam House, beer from New Belgium via East Bay Bike Coalition, and cooking demos. (free)

Faith Fancher breast cancer walk - Saturday, August 20. Those of you have been in Oakland for a while may remember Faith Fancher, a KTVU reporter. She fought breast cancer for 6 1/2 years, but succumbed in 2003. A fund-raising walk for local, under-served and under-insured breast cancer victims is held each year in her memory. See the Friends of Faith website for more info.

Plus the usual events that I haven't listed this time.

Bites off Broadway (Fridays)
Dancing under the Stars (Fridays)
Downtown walking tours (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
OHA walking tours (Saturdays and Sundays)
Saturday Art Stroll (Saturdays)

For even more, check the Visit Oakland event calendar.