Where did the month of July go? Before it ends, we have another roundup of events to check out. Whether you are looking for more community-oriented events, a night of singing, theatre, or looking to support local businesses, we have something for everyone.
Have an event that you’d like to promote on our calendar? You can use the self-submission form. Is there something you’d like me to consider highlighting in this weekly roundup? Email me at azucena@oaklandside.org.
Ceasefire night walks
Join members of Faith in Action and other community members and volunteers for one of their many upcoming Ceasefire night walks. Ceasefire is a violence-reduction program that launched in Boston in the 1990s. In Oakland, it contributed to a decline in gun violence until the pandemic hit, and the program suffered as a result. The Ceasefire walks take place in neighborhoods most affected by gun violence. The walks help spread a message of peace where participants from all walks of life and different beliefs get together with signs to walk the neighborhoods and engage in conversation with residents. Friday night walks are scheduled through December 17.
Next walk: Friday, July 29, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., St. Benedict’s, 2245 82nd Ave.
Summer Night Market: Restore Oakland x Reem’s x Sweetwater
Restore Oakland, a community resource hub located in Fruitvale, postponed its spring open house due to a COVID surge. This weekend, it’ll finally reopen its doors for an event in collaboration with two partners, local cocktail curator Sweetwater, and Arab bakery Reem’s California. They’ll provide delicious bites and drinks. In following COVID protocols, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test (taken within 24 hours of the event) is required for entry. So are the use of masks when not eating or drinking. The market will feature music by Chulita Vinyl Club, along with local vendors who will be selling items like spices, cosmetics, vegan body products, and lots more. Tour the hub and support local businesses while at the event.
Friday, July 29, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., free entry, register online, 1419 34th Ave.
The Peripatetic Players present: A Lord Of A Ring In A Suitcase: A Two-Part Trilogy
The Peripatetic Players are a project of Idiot String, which was founded by Joan Howard and Rebecca Longworth. Since 2013, the theatre company has been putting on productions at theatres, schools, parks, and public spaces around the Bay Area. The Peripatetic Players are “an eccentric troupe of itinerant thespians” who enjoy developing human connections through the art of performing. Their productions were shut down for the past two years due to the pandemic. This year, the ensemble is back with a parody of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings titled, A Lord Of A Ring In A Suitcase: A Two-Part Trilogy (The Extend-ish Edition). The production kicked off on July 16, and this weekend will be the sole show presented at Dimond Park by the Oakland Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Development, together with the Dimond Improvement Association. The performance is free to attend. No need to RSVP. Just show up and enjoy the two-part “trilogy,” which will be performed in the late morning and afternoon.
Saturday, July 30, part 1 at 11 a.m., part 2 at 2 p.m., Dimond Park, 3860 Hanly Rd.
National Night Out
Founded in Philadelphia in 1984, National Night Out block parties typically serve as an opportunity for local police to visit and speak with neighbors about community issues. In Oakland, this year’s event will also serve to promote the city’s 311 hotline, an alternative to 911 for some non-violent emergencies. City of Oakland staff, personnel from the Oakland fire and police departments, and elected officials will also visit the various gatherings being held in neighborhoods throughout the city. Besides getting an opportunity to chat with city officials, National Night Out is a chance to mingle with neighbors and talk about issues while sipping drinks and eating. Last year, neighborhoods in District 4 held over 50 different block parties. Over in District 6, there were 32 different gatherings. Find your local neighborhood party on this map.
Tuesday, August 2, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., neighborhoods throughout the city
Karaoke at Emporium Arcade Bar
Whether you want to belt out to Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond, Mr. Brightside by The Killers, or maybe Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Diana Ross, you can fulfill your American Idol dreams every Thursday in downtown Oakland at Emporium. If you’re not into singing in front of a crowd, you can still have a fun night out playing arcade games and trying out vegan Mexican food from La Venganza. This place is for those who are 21 and up.
Every Thursday, 8 p.m., free entry, 21 and up, Emporium, 1805 Telegraph Ave.
