October has five weekends this year, so get ready for a lot more great events to check out between now and Halloween. And don’t forget that I’m still looking for Halloween events to highlight—so if you know of one or have something else that you’d like me to consider for this roundup, email me at azucena@oaklandside.org. If there’s an event that you’d like to promote on our calendar, you can use the self-submission form anytime by clicking on our homepage’s “Events” tab.
Teatro Jornalero (2 nights only)
Peralta Hacienda Historical Park and the Oakland Theater Project are teaming up to present Teatro Jornalero, a live production featuring day laborers from Street Level Health Project, telling and acting out their stories of migration, hard work, and resilience. Both organizations have previously produced narrative works that convey the complexity of the immigrant experience. Peralta Hacienda has a permanent outdoor exhibition called Undocumented Heart: Oakland Day Laborers Tell Their Stories, which features the stories of 13 day labor workers, and the Oakland Theater Project’s production of American Jornalero was featured as part of its 2018 season. Some of the same-day laborers who participated in the Undocumented Hearts exhibit were enlisted by both organizations for this two-day-only production to bring their migration stories to a larger audience.
Saturday, Oc. 15, and Sunday, Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m., $15-$35, FLAX art and design, 1501 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
‘Press Play’ at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center
How has the pandemic affected people already struggling with mental health challenges, and what does it mean to cope? Writer and filmmaker Edward Gunawan’s new exhibit at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Press Play, examines these questions in the form of a comic illustrated by Elbert Lim. The story by award-winning comic Gunawan follows one individual’s journey and mental health struggles. The exhibit is being co-presented by ARTogether and Asian Health Services.
On display through Oct. 31, Wed. to Sat. from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., free to attend, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th St. Suite 290
Make your own Halloween piñata
Have a teen at home who is keen on doing arts and crafts? The Oakland Public Library (Asian Branch) is hosting a workshop to teach youth ages 13-18 how to create and decorate a Frankenstein, jack-o’-lantern, or ghost piñata. No need to bring any supplies, the folks at the library will provide everything needed for these spooky creations. There will also be snacks on site.
Friday, Oct. 14, 1:30 p.m to 2:30 p.m., free to attend, OPL Asian Branch, 388 9th St.
Community document ‘shred day’
Local insurance agent Ruth Stroup is hosting a “community shred day” at her office located on Grand Avenue. Oakland residents can stop by with their stack of paperwork that may contain personal information that, if lost or mishandled, can result in identity theft. There’s no limit to how much paperwork you can bring. All of it will be destroyed and disposed of by the company, Shred-It.
Saturday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., free to attend, register online, Farmers Insurance, 3560 Grand Ave.
Town Up Sunday Funday: Silent Party at the Lake
With no rain on the horizon, enjoying the outdoors is something we can still do for the foreseeable future. This weekend, Urban Peace Movement is hosting a civic-minded party at Lake Merritt’s Eastshore Park (adjacent to the Astro Park playground). Attendees will be able to check out headphones to participate in a silent disco, with sounds by DJs Slowpoke and Clo Money, as well as have an opportunity to learn about what’s on the November election ballot——from who’s running for Mayor to the Alameda County District Attorney’s race. There won’t be food onsite, so be sure to bring your own snacks. Bring a blanket, too, as sitting will be limited.
Sunday, Oct. 16, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., free to attend, register online, Eastshore Park, 550 El Embarcadero
