upcoming Oakland events

Lots going on this weekend, with a pet adopt-a-thon, a sketchcrawl, learn to curl, and other unusual events. And of course the monthly Oakland Urban Paths walk.

Wednesday

Oakland Walking Tours - Wednesday, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (free)

Friday

Bites off Broadway - Fridays, 5:30-8:30pm. My favorite food truck event, held Fridays outside Studio One Art Center just off Broadway. Read more about Bites off Broadway. (free)

Dancing Under the Stars - Fridays, 8:30-10pm. The popular free dance classes at Jack London Square are back for another season. (free)

Saturday

Oakland Urban Paths - Jingletown and the Estuary - Saturday, July 13, 10am. Join Oakland Urban Paths for a walk along the Bay Trail and into the art-filled neighborhood of Jingletown. (free)

Oakland Walking Tours - Saturdays, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (free)

Pet Adopt-a-thon - Saturday, July 13. Join the East Bay SPCA for its annual adopt-a-thon at Jack London Square. It will feature more than 350 adoptable animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, and reptiles, all looking for good homes. (free)

WW Sketchcrawl - Saturday, July 13. Join other artists of all ages and abilities to walk Oakland and sketch what you see, then get together and compare experiences. (free)

Learn to Curl! - Saturday, July 13 and July 20, 2:15 to 4:30pm. Come learn to curl with the SF Bay Area Curling Club. You get an overview of the game and learn the basics, then play a mini-game. Read more about the experience here. Optional drinks and socializing afterwards. ($15)

East Bay Bonsai Society's Annual Auction - Saturday, July 13, 7:30pm. Preview begins at 7pm. Buy a beautiful bonsai tree and support the East Bay Bonsai Society. At the Lakeside Garden Center. (free)

ongoing events:

• Oakland Walking Tours (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
• Bites off Broadway (Fridays)
• Off the Grid at OMCA (Fridays)
• Dancing Under the Stars at JLS (Fridays)
• Art Murmur (1st Fridays)
• Jack's Night Market (1st Fridays)
• Saturday Art Stroll (Saturdays)
• Oakland Urban Paths walk (2nd Saturdays)
  
• Mt. View Cemetery Tours (2nd and 4th Saturdays)
• Piedmont Avenue Stroll (3rd Thursdays)

looking further ahead:

Pedalfest - Satuday, July 20, 11am-7pm. The annual EBBC celebration of bicycles at Jack London Square. There will be all sorts of bike-related things, including a tricycle parade for kids, bike decorating, the Whiskeydrome, bike stunts, and more. Read about Pedalfest 2011. (free)

Urban Wine eXperience - Saturday, July 27, 1-5pm. 18 local wineries team up with local food purveyors to create a unique wine tasting experience. ($15-$45)

Dishcrawl Piedmont Avenue - Wednesday, July 31, 7pm. Explore four restaurants along Piedmont Avenue with other food-minded folks. It's a great way to sample a variety of restaurants and meet the owners/managers to learn more. Read about the Old Oakland Dishcrawl. Vegetarian options available. ($45)

National Night Out - Tuesday, August 6. Join your neighbors for a BBQ. Get to know your neighbors, and raise crime prevention awareness. Last year Oakland hosted 600 parties, and they hope to have even more this year. (free)

Fairyland for Grownups - August 16. Your chance to visit Fairyland without a child on an adults only night. Ever wanted to drink a beer inside a whale? This is your chance. A fundraiser for Children's Fairyland.