upcoming Oakland events

Lots to do in Oakland. Some of the big things this weekend are volunteer opportunities, Creek to Bay Day and the 4th Annual Volunteer Fair. But there's a new art show, an art party, Bites off Broadway plus the usual host of regular events, and more.

City Center concerts - Wednesdays at noon. Free concerts in City Center each Wednesday through October. (free)

The Art of Recycle at Gray Loft Gallery - Friday, September 14, 6-9pm. A new art show opening at the Gray Loft Gallery in Jingletown. (free)

Art Party - Friday, September 14, 6:30-9:30pm. To help bring some Art Murmur-type energy to Eastlake, Halmoni Vintage Boutique is holding art parties every second Friday. This month features the work of Hope Haetae Nam and DJ music. Read more about Halmoni at Oakland Local. (free)

Downtown walking tours - Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10am. The walking tours program goes through the summer, rotating through the 8 different tours. They're a great way to get out and see Oakland and learn about its people and history. Coming up: Saturday, September 15 - Churches and Temples. (free)

Creek to Bay Day - Saturday, September 15, 9am-12pm. Come help up Oakland creeks and waterways, at over 27 locations throughout the city of Oakland. Read about last year's Creek to Bay Day. It's a fun, easy chance to help make Oakland better. (free)

4th Annual Volunteer Fair - Saturday, September 15, 1-3pm. Learn about different volunteer opportunities to help make Oakland better. (free)

Delilah Beasley Tea - Saturday, September 15, 2-4pm. A tea named in honor of pioneering African American columnist, Delilah Beasley. It's being held at the Pardee Home Museum, is put on by P.O.W.E.R. - Progressive Oakland Women for Empowerment & Reform, and proceeds benefit Girls, Inc. Read more in Annalee Allen's column. ($12; under 18 free)

National Hispanic Heritage Month - Saturday, September 15, 2:30-5:30pm.
Peralta Hacienda is kicking off its Celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month this weekend! Refreshments, tours in English or en Español, and more. (free to $5)

Every Breath Counts - Wednesday. September 19, 8:30am. A benefit for the Northern California Breathmobile, which is designed to help kids with asthma: Asthma: Keeping Kids out of Hospital Emergency Departments and in School. ($150)

ongoing events:

Bites off Broadway (Fridays)
Piedmont Avenue Art Walk (3rd Thursday)
Art Murmur (1st Friday)
Saturday Art Stroll (Saturdays)
Mt. View Cemetery Tours (2nd and 4th Saturdays)
OMCA Summer Nights (last Friday of the month)

looking further ahead:

Oak Barrel Bash - Thursday, September 20, 6-8:30pm. Fundraiser for Rebuilding Together Oakland, with a raffle for great wine and other prizes. ($50-$70).

Park(ing) Day with WOBO - Friday, September 21. Park(ing) Day is a great celebration where unused street spaces and some parking spaces are converted into parklets for the day! Last year's Park(ing) Day was hella fun. A number of locations around Oakland are working towards permanent parklets. (free)

Eat Real Fest - Friday, September 21–Sunday, September 23. Fun-filled food fest in Jack London Square. Check out coverage of last year's Eat Real Fest.(free)

Oakland: The Story of a City at Linden Street Brewery - Saturday, Steptember 22, 5-7pm. The Oakland Heritage Alliance is hosting a reading to celebrate the publication of the 2nd edition. Books and beer will be available for purchase. (free)

Starlight Gala - Saturday, September 22 - Gala black tie fundraiser for the Chabot Space and Science Center ($500)

Dixieland Jazz at Pardee Home - Sunday, September 23 from 1-4pm. The historic Pardee Home hosts the "Spirit of '29 Dixieland Jazz Band". ($20).

Sundays in the Redwoods! - starting Sunday, September 23, 2pm. A concert series featuring a variety of musical groups at the Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park. ($10)

Farmigo Oakland Launch Party! - Tuesday, September 25m 6-9pm. La Borinqueña Mex-icatessen is going to be a pickup location for Farmigo, which connects people to local farms. Tina Tamale plans to celebrate in style! (free)

Five Historic Houses Bike Tour - Saturday, September 29. East Bay Bike Coalition tour of 5 historic Oakland houses by bicycle, plus an optional extension to Linden Street Brewery. Learn some Oakland history and have fun! (free)

Red Cross Out for Blood Fun Run - Sunday, September 30, 9am. A fun fundraiser for Northern California Red Cross blood services. Read about last year's fun run. ($25-$30)

Taste of Temescal - Tuesday, October 2, 6-8:30 pm. A culinary crawl to scintillate your palates: the Taste of Temescal on Telegraph Avenue between 43th and 51st. Benefits area schools and non-profits. ($30)

Oaktoberfest - Saturday, October 6, 11am-6pm. The annual festival in the Dimond. Although it's centered on the beer tent, there's lots of music, food and family-friendly events, too. Check out coverage of last year's Oaktoberfest.(free admission; beer tickets available for purchase)

HellaWeen Run - October 27, 5:30pm - 5 mile evening fun run in Old Oakland and West Oakland. Come out and show your creative side with a costume! Put on by the Oakland Running Festival. ($31+)