upcoming Oakland events

You might be thinking there's not much to do in Oakland, since we're past all the big street festivals, but you'd be wrong. There's lots going on, from classic cars to native plants to A Taste of Oakland block party, plus the Autumn Lights Festival at Lake Merritt.

Thursday

Barbary Coast Comedy - Thursdays, 7-8:30pm, at Legionnaire Saloon on Telegraph. A weekly comedy showcase, featuring cutting-edge comedy from names you know and up-and-coming comedians from around the Bay and beyond! (a Belgian comedian? they ca n probably make you laugh in 3 languages) ($5 cover)

Friday

Autumn Lights Festival at Lake Merritt - Friday, October 18, 6-10pm. Acres of gardens illuminated with weird and enchanting art installations created by local Bay Area artists. Read about last year's Autumn Lights. ($12.50/$25/$50)

Blacula's Ball - Friday, October 18, 7pm-midnight. Blackball Universe will transform itself into a haunted house, with dark art by various local artists. Friday they're having a party!

Saturday

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

Classic Cars at JLS - Saturday, October 19, 11am-4pm. Jack London Square will showcase more than 60 vintage vehicles from the 1920s to the 1960s. Live music, too. (free)

A Taste of Oakland: Uptown Block Party - Saturday, October 19, 5-8pm. Sample dishes and cocktails from restaurants and bars in Uptown. Tickets include a taste/sample of cuisine or a signature cocktail at over 20 participating venues. Partial proceeds will benefit Youth Radio and the visual arts program at Oakland School for the Arts. (21+ to drink; $20/$30)

Autumn Lights Festival at Lake Merritt - Saturday, October 19, 6-10pm. Acres of gardens illuminated with weird and enchanting art installations created by local Bay Area artists. Read about last year's Autumn Lights. ($12.50/$25/$50)

Sunday

Native Plant Sale and Open House with Friends of Sausal Creek - Sunday, October 20, 10am-3pm. Experts will be on hand to help you pick appropriate plants for your area of Oakland. Plus live music, face painting and crafts for kids, and more. (free)

Dimond Walking Tour - Sunday, October 20, 10am-12:30pm. Join historian Dennis Evanosky for a walk through the historic Dimond district. Meet at the Boy Scout Hut in Dimond Park. (free)

Wednesday

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

Jack Glow and Fire Show - Wednesday, October 9, 6:30-7:30pm. A fusion of fire dance and flow art with fire hoopers, fire spinners and fire jugglers at Jack London Square. (free)

ongoing events:

• Oakland Walking Tours (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
• Piedmont Avenue Stroll (3rd Thursdays)
• 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)
• West Oakland Community Fair and Farmer's Market (1st Saturdays)
• Oakland Urban Paths walk (2nd Saturdays)
  
• Mt. View Cemetery Tours (2nd and 4th Saturdays)

looking further ahead:

Return of the Living Fed - Tuesday, October 24, 5:30pm. An after-hours opportunity to volunteer with the Alameda County Community Food Bank and have lots of fun at the same time! Come in costume, get free dinner from the Grilled Cheez Guy, and help out the hungry in Alameda County. (free)

Hellaween Fun Run - Saturday, October 26, 4:30pm. Come out and show off your creative side in the 2nd annual Hellaween 5K Fun Run. Prizes for best costume. Post-race beers and restaurant specials in Old Oakland follow. Read about last year's Hellaween Fun Run. ($35-$45)

Jack of All Trades Market - 2nd Saturdays starting October 12, 11am-5pm. A mix of local makers, indie designers, antiquers, collectors, artists, start-ups and more. Plus DIY workshops, live music, and local food. (free)

CityCamp Oakland - Saturday, November 9. The 2nd annual "unconference" brings together citizens, city government, and businesses to innovate, enhance transparency and increase civic engagement. (free)

Fences - from the Lower Bottom Playaz - opening in November. The Lower Bottom Playaz continue working their way through August Wilson's remarkable Century Cycle.