Events Listings

General-East Bay Through September 19

Tuesday September 07, 2010 - 09:06:00 PM

"BUNNY ADOPTION DAY," -- Sept. 11. Meet a variety of lovable bunnies and help try to find them all a good home. Event takes place at RabbitEARS, 7523 Fairmount Ave., El Cerrito. 

1-4 p.m.(510) 356-4233, www.rabbitears.org.

"THE CINE+MAS SAN FRANCISCO LATINO FILM FESTIVAL," -- Sept. 15 through Sept. 28. The festival, which takes place in San Francisco, Berkeley, San Jose and Marin, showcases the work of emerging and established filmmakers from the U.S., Latin America, Spain, Portugal and more. See website for venues, times and tickets. 

www.sflatinofilmfestival.com.

"THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA KIT CAR CLUB CAR SHOW," -- Sept. 11 and Sept. 12. A car show featuring a variety of collector or special interest cars, many of which will be handcrafted, custom built machines. Event takes place at the Hilton Hotel, 1970 Diamond Blvd., Concord. 

$2.10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun.www.nckcc.com.< 

"THE WALNUT FESTIVAL RUN," -- Sept. 12. Participants can choose from a 5k run/walk or a 10k race, both benefiting the public and private schools of Walnut Creek. Registration and check in booths will be located near the start line, on the corner of Main Street and Olympic Boulevard, Walnut Creek. 

$20-$35.8 a.m.www.onyourmarkevents.com.< 

"VOICES FROM THE PAST," -- Sept. 18. The Hayward Area Historical Society presents a paranormal investigation at the Meek Mansion, 17365 Boston Rd., Hayward. Refreshments and snacks provided. 

$75.6 p.m.-3:30 a.m.www.haywardareahistory.org.< 

"WEBSTER STREET JAM," -- Sept. 11 and Sept. 12. An international food festival featuring 25 booths with Asian, Latin American, European and Middle Eastern specialties, along with music, crafts, wine and beer. Event takes place on Webster Street between Central and Lincoln in West Alameda. 

10 a.m.-6 p.m.www.westalamedabusiness.com.< 

"WILD SALMON BBQ," -- Sept. 12. Pacific Environment presents the sixth annual Wild Salmon BBQ, celebrating sustainable marine life, along with fine food, wine, fun and music. Event takes place at the Olympic Circle Sailing Club, 1 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley Marina. 

$25-$200.3 p.m.(415) 399-8850 X309, www.pacificenvironment.org/salmon.< 

 

ALAMEDA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS  

"Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show," Sept. 17 through Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Hundreds of vendors featuring specialty items, jewelry, glassware, clothing, food and much more. Entertainment includes music and a "KidZone'' for families to participate in arts-focused activities. $4-$9; children 12 and under free. www.harvestfestival.com. 

4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. (925) 426-7600, www.alamedacountyfair.com.

 

ARDENWOOD HISTORIC FARM Ardenwood farm is a working farm that dates back to the time of the Patterson Ranch, a 19th-century estate with a mansion and Victorian Gardens. Today, the farm still practices farming techniques from the 1870s. Unless otherwise noted, programs are free with regular admission.  

ONGOING PROGRAMS --  

"Blacksmithing," Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Watch a blacksmith turn iron into useful tools.  

"Horse-Drawn Train," Thursday, Friday and Sunday. A 20-minute ride departs from Ardenwood Station and Deer Park.  

"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3-4 p.m. Help slop the hogs, check the henhouse for eggs and bring hay to the livestock.  

"Victorian Flower Arranging," Thursday, 10:15-11:30 a.m. Watch as Ardenwood docents create floral works of art for display in the Patterson House.  

"Shakespeare Festival and Renaissance Faire," Sept. 11 and Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. More than 800 costumed entertainers and 100 shopkeepers and artisans will be bringing the Elizabethan era to life with singers, dancers, magic, archery and a grand joust. $8-$18. www.ardenwoodfaire.com. 

$1-$5; free children under age 4. Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. (510) 796-0199, (510) 796-0663, www.ebparks.org.

 

ASHKENAZ  

"I Like My Bike Night," 9 p.m. First Fridays of the month. This monthly series brings bicycle innovators, enthusiasts, artists and organizations together under one roof, as well as encourages regular Ashkenaz show-goers to leave their cars in the driveway and arrive at the venue by bicycle instead. $8-$25.  

1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. (510) 525-5054, www.ashkenaz.com.

 

AUCTIONS BY THE BAY  

"ArtiFacts: A Lecture Series for Collectors," 3 p.m. First Sundays of the month Guest curators, scholars and conservation experts from throughout the Bay Area discuss the art of collecting. First Sunday of every month, 3 p.m. $7; includes a preview of the monthly estate auction which takes place the following day at 10am.  

Auctions by the Bay Theater-Auction House, 2700 Saratoga St., Alameda. (510) 835-6187, www.auctionsbythebay.com.

 

BARROWS HALL, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT BERKELEY  

"Egyptology Lectures," Sept. 12, 1:30 p.m. The Northern California Chapter of the American Research Center in Egypt presents two lectures, "The Tale of Two Tombs: Fieldwork in the Theban Necropolis,'' and "New Discoveries in the Nile Delta, Site of Ancient Mendes.'' (415) 664-4767. 

BARROW LANE AND BANCROFT WAY, ROOM 20, BERKELEY. < 

 

BAY AREA FREE BOOK EXCHANGE  

"Free Books," 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. - Sun. Donate your unwanted books and receive new titles for free.  

10520 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. (510) 526-1941, www.bayareafreebookexchange.com.

 

CALIFORNIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY AND LIBRARY  

"California Genealogical Society and Library Free First Saturday," 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Event takes place on the first Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Trace and compile your family history at this month's open house event. Free. www.calgensoc.org. 

2201 Broadway, Suite LL2, Oakland. (510) 663-1358.< 

 

CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY  

HISTORY WALKABOUTS -- A series of walking tours that explore the history, lore and architecture of California with veteran tour guide Gary Holloway. Walks are given on specific weekends. There is a different meeting place for each weekend and walks take place rain or shine so dress for the weather. Reservations and prepayment required. Meeting place will be given with confirmation of tour reservation. Call for details.  

678 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 357-1848, www.californiahistoricalsociety.org.

 

CALIFORNIA MAGIC THEATER  

"Dinner Theater Magic Show," 7:30 p.m. Fri - Sat. Enter the joyous and bewildering world of illusion while chowing down on a home cooked meal. Each weekend features different professional magicians. Recommended for ages 13 and older. $54-$64 includes meal.  

729 Castro St., Martinez. (925) 374-0056, www.calmagic.com.

 

CHABOT SPACE AND SCIENCE CENTER State-of-the-art facility unifying science education activities around astronomy. Enjoy interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, indoor stargazing, outdoor telescope viewing and films. 

Center Admission: $14.95; $10.95 children 3-12; free children under 3; $3 discount for seniors and students. Telescope viewing only: free. Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Also open on Tuesdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. after June 29. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org.

 

DUNSMUIR HOUSE AND GARDENS HISTORIC ESTATE Nestled in the Oakland hills, the 50-acre Dunsmuir House and Gardens estate includes the 37-room Neoclassical Revival Dunsmuir Mansion, built by coal and lumber baron Alexander Dunsmuir for his bride. Restored outbuildings set amid landscaped gardens surround the mansion.  

ESTATE GROUNDS -- Self-Guided Grounds Tours are available yearround. The 50 acres of gardens and grounds at the mansion are open to the public for walking Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Booklets and maps of the grounds are available at the Dinkelspiel House. Free.  

GUIDED TOURS -- Docent-led tours are available on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. (except for July) and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. $5 adults, $4 seniors and juniors (11-16), children 11 and under free. 

Dunsmuir House and Gardens, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. (510) 615-5555, www.dunsmuir.org.

 

FRANK OGAWA PLAZA  

"Oakland Artisan Marketplace," 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays. The City of Oakland and Cultural Arts & Marketing Department presents a weekly market featuring fine arts and crafts of local artists. Free. (510) 238-4948, www.oaklandartisanmarketplace.org. 

14th Street and Broadway, Oakland. < 

 

JACK LONDON AQUATIC CENTER  

"Oakland Artisan Marketplace,"' 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays The City of Oakland and Cultural Arts & Marketing Department presents a weekly market featuring fine arts and crafts of local artists. Free. (510) 238-4948, www.oaklandartisanmarketplace.org. 

115 Embarcadero, Oakland. < 

 

JULIA MORGAN CENTER FOR THE ARTS  

"Spirit of Mexico," Sept. 18 and Sept. 19, 8 p.m. Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. Ballet Folklorico Costa de Oro presents a journey through music, song and dance showcasing Mexico's vibrant culture. $23-$30; children under 3 free. (510) 316-3237, www.bfcostadeoro.com. 

2640 College Ave., Berkeley. (510) 845-8542, www.juliamorgan.org.

 

LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"NanoZone," Discover the science of the super-small: nanotechnology. Through hands-on activities and games, explore this microworld and the scientific discoveries made in this area.  

"Forces That Shape the Bay," A science park that shows and explains why the San Francisco Bay is the way it is, with information on water, erosion, plate tectonics and mountain building. You can ride earthquake simulators, set erosion in motion and look far out into the bay with a powerful telescope from 1,100 feet above sea level. The center of the exhibit is a waterfall that demonstrates how water flows from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Bay. Visitors can control where the water goes. There are also hands-on erosion tables, and a 40-foot-long, 6-foothigh, rock compression wall.  

"Real Astronomy Experience," A new exhibit-in-development allowing visitors to use the tools that real astronomers use. Aim a telescope at a virtual sky and operate a remote-controlled telescope to measure a planet.  

"Biology Lab," In the renovated Biology Lab visitors may hold and observe gentle animals. Saturday, Sunday and holidays, 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

"The Idea Lab," Experiment with some of the basics of math, science and technology through hands-on activities and demonstrations of magnets, spinning and flying, puzzles and nanotechnology.  

"Math Around the World," Play some of the world's most popular math games, such as Hex, Kalah, Game Sticks and Shongo Networks.  

"Math Rules," Use simple and colorful objects to complete interesting challenges in math through predicting, sorting, comparing, weighing and counting.  

 

HOLT PLANETARIUM Shows on Saturdays and Sundays. Programs recommended for ages 6 and up unless otherwise noted. $2.50-$3 in addition to general admission.  

$6-$12; free children ages 2 and under. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. University of California, Centennial Drive, Berkeley. (510) 642-5132, www.lawrencehallofscience.org.

 

THE NEW PARISH  

"True Blood Party," Sept. 12, 6 p.m. A party to celebrate the season finale of the hit show "True Blood,'' with a costume contest, live music, firedancers, Creole food and more. $15-$50. www.truebloodparty.blogspot.com. 

579 18th St., Oakland. (510) 444-7474, www.thenewparish.com.

 

ROBERT LIVERMORE COMMUNITY CENTER  

"Children's Faire 2010," Sept. 11 and Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Carnival games, an inflatable activity center, local performers, bicycle rodeo, crafts, food, police cars and fire trucks and more await families at this annual event. Free; fee for games and activity center. (925) 373-5700, www.larpd.dst.ca.us. 

4444 East Ave., Livermore. < 

 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE Exploring cinema from the Bay Area and cultures around the world, the Pacific Film Archive offers daily film screenings, including rare and rediscovered prints of movie classics; new and historic works by world famous directors; restored silent films with live musical accompaniment; retrospectives; and new and experimental works. Check Web site for a full schedule of films.  

"First Impressions: Free First Thursdays," first Thursday of every month. Special tours and movie presentations. Admission is free. 

Single feature: $5-$8; Double feature: $9-$12 general. PFA Theater, 2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. (510) 642-5249, www.bampfa.berkeley.edu.

 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY, MORRISON LIBRARY  

"Lunch Poems," 12:10-12:50 p.m. First Thursdays of each month  

 

2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. (510) 642-3671.< 

 

USS HORNET MUSEUM Come aboard this World War II aircraft carrier that has been converted into a floating museum. The Hornet, launched in 1943, is 899 feet long and 27 stories high. During World War II she was never hit by an enemy strike or plane and holds the Navy record for number of enemy planes shot down in a week. In 1969 the Hornet recovered the Apollo 11 space capsule containing the first men to walk on the moon, and later recovered Apollo 12. In 1991 the Hornet was designated a National Historic Landmark and is now docked at the same pier she sailed from in 1944. Today, visitors can tour the massive ship, view World War II-era warplanes and experience a simulated aircraft launch from the carrier's deck. Exhibits are being added on an ongoing basis. Allow two to three hours for a visit. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb steep stairs or ladders. Dress in layers as the ship can be cold. Arrive no later than 2 p.m. to sign up for the engine room and other docent-led tours. Children under age 12 are not allowed in the Engine Room or the Combat Information Center.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Limited Access Day," Due to ship maintenance, tours of the navigation bridge and the engine room are not available. Tuesdays.  

"Flight Deck Fun," A former Landing Signal Officer will show children how to bring in a fighter plane for a landing on the deck then let them try the signals themselves. Times vary. Free with regular Museum admission.  

"Protestant Divine Services," Hornet chaplain John Berger conducts church services aboard The Hornet in the Wardroom Lounge. Everyone is welcome and refreshments are served immediately following the service. Sundays, 11 a.m. 

"Family Day," Discounted admission for families of four with a further discount for additional family members. Access to some of the areas may be limited due to ship maintenance. Every Tuesday. $20 for family of four; $5 for each additional family member. 

"Family Overnight Experience," Sept. 17 through. Enjoy the ultimate family experience by spending the night onboard the aircraft carrier USS Hornet. Tour the ship at night, hear fascinating ghost stories, sleep in bunks and have fun learning about history! Call for reservations. (510) 521-8448 X280. 

"Mars Rover Exhibit Opening," Sept. 18 through. Opening of an exhibt featuring Northern California's first chance to see an official Mars Rover exhibtion craft from NASA and JPL. (510) 521-8448. 

"Flashlight Tour," 8:30 a.m. Receive a special tour of areas aboard the ship that have not yet been opened to the public or that have limited access during the day. $30-$35 per person. 

"Living Ship Day," Experience an aircraft carrier in action, with simulated flight operations as aircraft is lifted to the flight deck and placed in launch position. Some former crewmembers will be on hand. 

$6-$14; free children age 4 and under with a paying adult. Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pier 3 (enter on Atlantic Avenue), Alameda Point, Alameda. (510) 521-8448, www.uss-hornet.org.<