upcoming Oakland events

The big events this weekend are remembrances, the 20th anniversary of the Oakland Firestorm and the Day of the Dead at OMCA. But for lots of fun, pedal over to PedalFest at Jack London Square or the final Bites off Broadway for 2011.

Bites off Broadway - Friday, October 21. This is the last Bites off Broadway for 2011, so if you've been meaning to go but haven't yet, this is your last chance for a while.

Red Cross 5k Fun Run - Saturday, October 22, 9am. A fundraising race around Lake Merritt to purchase a new mobile blood drive truck which will be used here in the East Bay.

Firestorm 20th anniversary - Saturday, October 22, 9am. A variety of activities to reflect on and remember the Oakland-Berkeley Firestorm of 1991. (free)

PedalFest - Saturday, October 22, 10am-5pm. Bikes, beer, food, and fun at Jack London Square, PedalFest will have a variety of bike-themed activities including stuff for kids. I'll be parking bikes with EBBC/WOBO or working in the beer garden, and hope to see you there. (free)

Days of the Dead - Sunday, October 23. The Oakland Museum comes alive with the tradition of Days of the Dead! Craft activities, food, music, dance, and ceremonies bring the community together for reflection and honoring the dead. There will also be free bike parking from EBBC. (with admission) [Insider's tip: OMCA opens at 11 am; arrive early to participate in the Opening Ceremony at Noon.]

National Food Day - Monday, October 24. The Bay Area will feature numerous events held by local foodies and activists, including free veggie food give-aways in Oakland and a "Fair Food: From Seed to Table" series of events with Berkeley Ecology Center. See the Food Day website and the Berkeley Ecology Center calendar for more info.

Plus the usual events:
Piedmont Avenue Art Walk (3rd Thursday)
Art Murmur (1st Friday)
Downtown walking tours (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
Saturday Art Stroll (Saturdays)

Looking further ahead:
Dia de los Muertos - October 30, 10am-5pm. A community celebration of the Day of the Dead in the Fruitvale.
Urban Paths - November 12. Secret Stairs, Fire and BART - Check out stairs, Vicente Creek and a special BART stairway along the Oakland/Berkeley borderlands.