The weather forecast this weekend couldn’t be better! Head over to San Francisco for an Easter Parade and Spring Festival, enjoy global folk dancing in San Jose, learn about the fusion of science and art in Oakland, and learn the rumba in Berkeley. There’s so much to do—weekend activities are always abundant along the Capitol Corridor!
Union Street Easter Parade and Spring Celebration: 4/1, San Francisco
Happening: 10am – 5pm
Welcome the season at the 27th Annual Union Street Easter Parade and Spring Celebration in San Francisco’s charming Cow Hollow neighborhood this Easter Sunday. The event is one-of-a-kind, packed with free events, live performances, delicious food, an Easter Bonnet Contest, and the always-exciting Easter Parade. Activities and festivities include large inflatable bounces, kids rides and games, a climbing wall, costumed characters, face painting, a petting zoo, and even visits with the Easter Bunny. At 2pm, at the corner of Gough Street and Union Street, the parade will begin under the lead of this year’s Grand Marshal, San Francisco Mayor, Mark Farrell. Many of Union Street’s best restaurants will be serving special Easter menus in an outdoor bistro setting, and festival foodie favorites will be available throughout the event.
Getting there: Depending on your station of origin, take the Capitol Corridor’s dedicated connecting bus from Emeryville to one of our San Francisco stops, or connect to BART at the Richmond Station or Oakland Coliseum Station. Once in San Francisco, you can take public transit using Google Maps, catch a cab, or take Lyft or Uber.
Folksi – Silicon Valley Folk Festival: 3/31, San Jose
Happening: 2pm & 6pm
Enjoy some of the most expressive folk music and dancing this Sunday at Folksi – Silicon Valley Folk Festival in San Jose. You’ll experience the breathtaking beauty of folk dancing from around the globe, featuring collaborations between traditions of Brazil, China, Guinea, Hawaii, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, and Scotland. Held at Mexican Heritage Plaza, the festival is the first of its kind put on by Mosaic Silicon Valley, which works to harmonize the multicultural traditions of the communities it serves.
Getting there: Take the train to the San Jose-Diridon Station. The event is accessible by the VTA, with a free Transit Transfer, or you can catch a cab, Lyft, or Uber.
Science of Art: 3/31, Oakland
Happening: 12pm – 5pm
Come check out the innovative and intriguing science-art fusion demonstrations at the annual Science of Art Spring Open House in Oakland. The event will highlight the scientific principles and exploration behind the arts taught and practiced at the industrial arts school, The Crucible. Visitors will learn about glass blowing, how fire eating works, the role of physics and chemistry in varying techniques, and how pigments interact with various substances. Other hands-on informational activities include the Venturi Effect, Raku firing, bicycle physics, and other fascinating experiments led by prominent science organizations. Fiery stage performances will entertain guests while they stroll through a curated gallery and market of unique, handmade wares. Enjoy delicious beer from Old Kan Beer & Co, and grab a taco from Villa Rocio’s food truck!
Getting there: From Oakland Jack London Station, walk to catch AC Transit Bus 62, with a free Ticket Transfer, which will drop you steps from the event. Or take the train to the Richmond Station, where you can transfer to BART and ride to the West Oakland stop. The Crucible is just a few blocks from the station.
Cuban Rumba Jam: 4/1, Berkeley
Happening: 3pm – 5pm
Are you ready to get your rumba on? Come enjoy the Afro-Cuban drums, dances, and songs of rumba at The Sunday Lounge Rumba in Berkeley’s La Peña Cultural Center. Enjoy lively music by Cuban drummers, singers, and of course dancers moving to the music. Rumba was developed in rural Cuba, with strong influences from African drumming, Spanish poetry, and singing. This free event has been a community staple for 12 years at the center and recurs the first and third Sunday of each month.
Getting there: Take the train to the Berkeley Station, and connect to downtown Berkeley on AC Transit with a free Transit Transfer. Or, take the train to the Richmond Station or Oakland Coliseum Station, connect to BART, and get off at the Ashby stop, which is just a short walk to La Peña Cultural Center.
Written by Sylvia Sheehan
Photo courtesy SRES productions