upcoming Oakland events

As usual, an eclectic assortment of upcoming events, from meeting a NASA astronaut to a more down to earth walk around the Oakmore neighborhood.

Celebrate International Women's Day - Thursday, March 8, 12-1pm. This year's theme is Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures. Speakers, entertainment, and a short women's history walking tour. (register; free)

Bicycle Bingo for Rebuilding Together Oakland - Thursday, March 8, 7-9pm. Have fun, play bingo, drink beer, and support Rebuilding Together Oakland. Bicycle Bingo is a weekly event at Actual Cafe, benefiting different local non-profits.

The Town Spectacle: Interactive Art - Friday, March 9, 6-9pm. The Oakland Asian Cultural Center in partnership with The New Hall and RAMA is making moves to revolutionize the way you interact with art. (website)

Explore Oakmore with Oakland Urban Paths - Saturday, March 10, 10am-12:30pm. Join Oakland Urban Paths to check out how local pathways connect to watershed and regional trail systems. (free)

Volunteer for Oakland! - Saturday, March 10, 1-4pm. Like Oakland? Help make it better. Learn about volunteering at organizations already making a different in Oakland: Oakland Literacy Coalition • Oakland Mentoring Forum • Oakland Community Gardens • Oakland Parks Coalition • Oakland Public Library • Friends of Sausal Creek • Friends of Oakland Public School Libraries • Garber Park Stewards • Oakland Dogowners Group • Oakland Ballet • Oakland Zoo • CORE • Oakland Public Library • Chabot Space & Science Center • Children’s Fairyland • Oakland Museum of California • Peralta Hacienda Historical Park • Reading Partners • Writer Coach Connection (free)

NASA at 81st Ave. Library - Saturday, March 10, 1pm. The space shuttle may no longer fly, but NASA is thriving. Listen to an astronaut talk about the space station. Ask questions and take pictures at the East Oakland Public Library. (free)

Ethiopian Cooking Class - Saturday, March 10, 1-5pm. Brundo is celebrating the Grand Opening of their Ethiopian Culinary Studio with a cooking class. Selome Haileleoul will demonstrate spice blending and a traditional coffee ceremony. RSVP at info@brundo.com.

Oakland Running Festival - Sunday, March 25. It's not too late to register to run in the Oakland Running Festival, or to volunteer. Kid's Fun Run, 5K, Half Marathon, Team Relay, and Full Marathon. (website)


looking further ahead:
Creative Growth Fundraiser - Friday, March 16, 6-9pm. "Beyond Trend". A gala fundraiser for the Center for Creative Growth, with DJ music, a silent auction, and great-sounding food. (more info)

Sundays by the Lake - Sunday, March 18. The historic Camron-Stanford House kicks off its new Sundays by the Lake program with a visit from Heidi Wyckoff and Annalee Allen who will be signing their beautiful book, Oakland Landmarks.

Oakland Running Festival - Sunday, March 25. Whether you're running the 5K or the full marathon, or (like me) just volunteering, the Oakland Running Festival is a fun blast of Oakland love. The marathon and relay go all over Oakland, so check it out. (website)

Beyond Emancipation fundraiser Wednesday, March 28, 5-9pm Dine out and help foster youth succeed and thrive. Italian Colors will generously donate a percentage of your dinner bill to support Beyond Emancipation's programs for current and former foster youth in Alameda County.

Oakland Veg Week - April 15-21. Thought about eating vegetarian? Oakland Veg Week will have a variety of events to introduce people to the idea. (website)

plus the usual events:
Piedmont Avenue Art Walk (3rd Thursday)
Art Murmur (1st Friday)
Saturday Art Stroll (Saturdays)
Mt. View Cemetery Tours (2nd and 4th Saturdays)