It’s another spring weekend with so many events to choose from along the Capitol Corridor! Sip wine while browsing art in Jack London Square, learn traditional Indian Garba dance in San Francisco, support the LGBTQ community in Davis, and enjoy a car show along the Suisun waterfront.
Jack London Square Art and Wine Festival: 5/19, Oakland
Happening: 12pm – 5pm
Head over to Oakland’s waterfront for a fun-filled celebration at the Jack London Square’s Art & Wine Festival. Located in the heart of the Urban Wine Trail, Jack London Square will be filled with more than 40 Northern California wineries offering tastings, as well as small eats, craft beer, ciders, and live music. Engage in interactive art, observe live painting demonstrations, and shop local art from independent sellers and artists. This event overlaps with the Oakland Mural Festival closing party, so you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the work of mural artists as well! If one full day isn’t enough, go for the VIP ticket experience, which gives you access to the Friday evening party on May 18, as well as the main festival on Saturday. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit The Stride Center, jump starting careers in technology, empowering economic and social mobility for individuals and communities. All guests must be 21 and over with a valid ID to attend.
Getting there: Take the train to the Oakland Jack London Square Station, which is just steps from the waterfront.
Garba in the Gardens: 5/19, San Francisco
Happening: 1pm – 3pm
Looking to learn some new moves this weekend? Come to San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens where a free workshop on traditional Hindu dance will be held for Garba in the Gardens. Produced by MELA Arts Connect, Garba in the Gardens opens with a dance workshop by Pooja Mehta, teaching garba, sanedo, and other Gujarati folk dances. Danced in a circle (reflecting the cyclical Hindu conception of time), the ecstatic dance tradition known as Garba can be simple or intricate with an intoxicating, high-energy style marked by hand claps and twirls. It is often performed at weddings and the nine-day Hindu festival Navratri. Feel free to wear a long, flared skirt, kurta top, or other Indian clothing to the festival.
Getting there? Take the train to the Richmond or Oakland Coliseum Station and transfer to BART. Exit the Powell Street station and walk five minutes to Yerba Buena Gardens.
Pride Festival: 5/20, Davis
Happening: 10am – 4pm
This weekend, enjoy the multi-faceted Davis Pride Festival, which will begin with a Sunday fun-run leading into a day of music, food, and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The community festival is a safe space for all that attend, including children, pets, and everyone in between! Throughout the festival attendees will find local vendors, community resources, and plenty of food trucks. The free event will be held at Central Park, featuring live entertainment throughout the day.
Getting there: Take the train to the Davis Station. The park is just a half mile walk from the station or you can hope on the Unitrans O Line.
Biggest Little Car Show: 5/19, Suisun
Happening: 10am – 3pm
Bring the whole family and head over to Suisun City’s Waterfront Plaza for the Biggest Little Car Show this Saturday. This weekend will showcase Mustangs, Fords, and Ford-powered vehicles. These fabulous cars will be shown off along on the scenic Waterfront Plaza, surrounded by great restaurants, offering a relaxing place to enjoy an afternoon with a view of the marina. But don’t wander too far, as the show is hosting live music, vendors, and prizes! Proceeds from the event will be donated by the Golden Hills Mustang Club to local charities. Those looking to include their vehicle in the show will have to pay a $40 registration fee; however, viewing is free to the public.
Getting there: Take the train to the Suisun-Fairfield Station and enjoy a short stroll to the Waterfront District where the event is being held.
Written by Sylvia Sheehan
Photo courtesy BAMFest