White Elephant

Weekend Picks: Oakland White Elephant Sale, San Francisco History Expo and San Jose South First Fridays

February 28, 2018

The Oscars aren’t the only thing happening this weekend, and there’s plenty to do along the Capitol Corridor before the Red Carpet gets underway! Find treasures at the biggest rummage sale in Oakland, learn all about San Francisco’s history, and get you fill of art and culture hopping in San Jose.

White Elephant Sale: 3/3 – 3/4, Oakland

Happening: 10am – 4pm
Calling all collectors and bargain hunters! You don’t want to miss out on Northern California’s biggest and best rummage sale happening this weekend at the 59th Annual White Elephant Sale in Oakland. Named one of San Francisco’s Top 100 Events by BizBash, the celebrated sale will take place in a 96,000-square-foot warehouse near the Oakland Estuary. Shoppers hunt through 19 departments offering a range of furniture, artwork, household items, sporting goods, jewelry, tools, books, and more! Arrive early and wear comfortable shoes because you will literally shop till you drop! All proceeds from the sale benefit the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) educational programs, galleries, collections, and exhibits. For the past two years, the sale has raised over $2 million to support the museum.

Getting there: Take the train to the Richmond Station or Oakland Coliseum Station, transfer to BART, and get off at the Fruitvale stop. A complimentary shuttle service from Fruitvale BART to the warehouse is available.


History Expo: 3/3 – 3/4, San Francisco

Happening: 11am – 5pm
Explore San Francisco’s amazing history at the annual San Francisco History Expo as the Old Mint becomes a series of pop-up museums. More than 75 exhibitors, including community historians, archivists, genealogists, archaeologists, researchers, educators, and re-enactors will showcase the city’s fascinating history. Highlights will include presentations on local architectural, transit, and maritime history, as well as displays of neighborhood and community archives. Mini-theaters and galleries will be set up in the ground floor vaults featuring film and rare and newly digitized photos. Dozens of authors will also be on hand to discuss and sell their books on local historical themes.

Getting there: Depending on your station of origin, take the Capitol Corridor’s dedicated connecting bus from Emeryville Station to the Transbay Temporary Terminal. You can also take the Capitol Corridor to the Richmond Station or Oakland Coliseum Station. From there you can transfer to BART and ride to Powell Station, which is just a short walk to the San Francisco Old Mint Building.


South First Fridays art walk: 3/2, San Jose

Happening: 7pm – 11pm
Join the lively crowd to enjoy an eclectic evening of arts at South First Fridays in Downtown San Jose’s SoFA district. Take the self-guided art walk around First Street that brings visitors through galleries, museums, and creative independent businesses. Explore nearly 20 galleries ranging from contemporary to provocative, visit shops with live music and special performances, and get involved at DIY stations and non-traditional venues! Join the youth of DMC Studio for their monthly slam poetry, live music, and photography showcase at the Latin Art Museum, MACLA.  There will be something to inspire everyone among these diverse venues.

Getting there: Take the train to the San Jose/Diridon Station. The MACLA museum just over a mile walk from the station and also accessible by the VTA with a free Transit Transfer. The Paseo de San Antonio VTA light-rail stop is just a block away from the festivities

Written by Sylvia Sheehan
Photo courtesy Ricardo Orellana