Enjoy the vibrant music scene in Oakland, look for yesterday’s treasures at the vintage market faire in Martinez, experience maritime heritage in San Francisco, and learn about the origins of Vikings in Sacramento. Capitol Corridor is the best way to get you there, and with our Take 5 for $5 Weekend deal, you can save big on travel!
Art and Soul Festival: 8/19 – 8/20, Oakland
Celebrate Oakland’s vibrant art and music scene at the biggest street party of the year, the Art and Soul Festival. From Noon until 6pm on Saturday, August 19, and Sunday, August 20, enjoy two full days of live performances by national recording artists, local bands, blues, gospel, and street performers on four different stages. Watch turf dance battles on an urban dance plaza stage, or be mesmerized by aerialists, contortionists, and acrobats at the standing-room-only kinetic arts circus stage. There will be a family fun zone, carnival games, kiddie rides, and an Artisan Marketplace selling hand-made goods with a wide variety of eclectic food. Locally-brewed beer and wine will be sold from the global food booths. Tickets are $12 for adults; $7 seniors and youths (13-17); and kids 12 and under are free. To get to the festivities, take the Capitol Corridor to the Richmond Station, connect to BART, and get off at 12th St./Oakland City Center. Discounted BART tickets are available for purchase in the Café Car.
Vintage Market Faire: 8/19, Martinez
Are you a collector of all things vintage? Then you don’t want to miss out on one of the largest outdoor antique and collectible shows in Northern California at the Martinez Vintage Faire. Held on the streets of historic downtown Martinez on Saturday, August 19, from 9am to 5pm, more than 150 vendors will sell antiques, vintage collectibles, and more. The 50-plus local dealers in the area will be bringing in new inventory for the faire in preparation for the thousands of visitors. In addition to perusing the antiques and collectibles, visit the 12 downtown stores offering something unique for everyone, and arrive early to find the best deals! John Humphries — radio and TV collectibles talk show host, and the author of several books on collectibles — will be on hand at the information booth on Ferry near Main from 8am to 4pm, giving evaluations of carry-in items for a $5 per item donation to the Martinez Historic Society. To get there, take the Capitol Corridor to the Martinez Station, which is just a short walk from downtown.
Festival of the Sea: 8/19, San Francisco
Experience the maritime heritage and enjoy a family day along San Francisco Bay at the Festival of the Sea on Saturday, August 19. This year’s theme is “High-Tech on the High Seas: The Evolution of Maritime Culture and Technology.” Visitors will be able to explore the past century of shifting maritime technologies as well as the cultural and sociological implications. Come learn about the evolution of capstans, the 1907 Hercules’ powerplant, and other “engines that made a difference.” From 9:30am to 5pm, enjoy musical performances on three stages by internationally renowned music acts singing songs of the sea and sea chanteys at Hyde Street Pier. There will be family-friendly activities for everyone including living history performances, and kids craft stations. You can learn to weave a rope, caulk a deck, lower a dory from the pier, tie a knot, and raise a sail. To get to this FREE event, take the Capitol Corridor’s dedicated connecting bus from the Emeryville Station to one of our San Francisco stops, or connect to BART by taking the Capitol Corridor to the Richmond Station or Oakland Coliseum Station and get off at the Embarcadero BART Station. From there, you can take the F-Market Muni street car towards Hyde Street Pier. Discounted Muni tokens and BART tickets are available for purchase in the Café Car.
Scandinavian Festival: 8/19, Sacramento
Come enjoy the celebration of Nordic culture at the 34th Annual Scandinavian Festival in Sacramento. On Saturday, August 19, from 10am to 4pm at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, partake and learn all about the traditions and festivities of Nordic countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Learn about the Scandinavian culture and the influence of the Vikings. There will be a Viking ship on display and Viking reenactments. There will also be Scandinavian food, baked goods, and merchandise for sale. Tickets are $5 for adults, and children under 12 are free. To get there, take the Capitol Corridor to the Sacramento Station. From there, you can either call a cab, Lyft or Uber, or hop on the SacRT Gold Line with a free Transit Transfer from the Capitol Corridor conductor.
Written by Sylvia Sheehan
Photo credit to Art + Soul Oakland