All Around Alameda — Homegrown Fun

This week’s events are authentically Alameda

Through a fortunate combination of hard work and intrinsic charm, Alameda manages to balance urban living with a small-town feel. It’s why so many people are proud to call this town “home.” Here on the Island City, we are in for a treat this week—several, actually.

History lovers will be pleased to see the return of a local favorite, the Legacy Home Tour , as well as a walk-through tour of our very own Alameda Museum . The artistically inclined are invited to join the Frank Bette Center for the Arts for a drawing session , and the whole family is welcome at the Family Fun Ride Around Alameda . Leave a weeknight dinner up to the Back 2 School BBQ , and you’ve got a recipe for an authentically Alameda week.

Family Fun Ride Around Alameda

Saturday, September 14

Grab your helmets and bring the whole family to Alameda Friends of the Parks’ (AFOTP) annual Family Fun Ride on Saturday, September 14, at 10 a.m. The 7-mile ride begins at Washington Park and goes along Shoreline Drive, over the Bay Farm Island Bridge to the Bill Osborn Model Airplane Field, and then returns on the same route to Washington Park. (See the downloadable 2024 Route Map online.)

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to gather with family, friends and the community, get some exercise and help support Alameda parks!” writes AFOTP President Joe Restagno . “After the ride, join us for music, crafts, games, and snacks.”

Registration on the day of the ride opens at 9 a.m., and the ride starts at 10 a.m. Participants may register online in advance. The fee for adult riders (age 18+) is $10, teens and children (17 and under) $5; 100% of funds support Alameda Parks. The 2024 Family Fun Ride is sponsored by Alameda Recreation and Park Department , Rhythm & Moves , and Alameda Bicycle .

Alameda Museum Tour

Saturday, September 14

Join historian Dennis Evanosky for a 30-minute tour of the Alameda Museum , 2324 Alameda Avenue, on Saturday, September 14, at 2:30 p.m. Learn how Alameda’s history unfolded, and get a firsthand look at exhibits revealing the Native American presence here, the arrival of the Europeans, and the development of Alameda as a maritime town.

As frequent readers of the Alameda Post History section know, Dennis is our historian and provides a wealth of information for all things Alameda . His tour of the Alameda Museum will provide an up-close-and-personal experience with artifacts from Alameda’s past, including a dive into the history of Neptune Beach, the Alaska Packers’ Association, and more.

If you can’t make the tour this weekend, don’t fret. These tours are held at 2:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. The Alameda Museum is open to visitors on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The tours and admission to the museum are free. Donations are appreciated.

Alameda Legacy Home Tour: West End Stories

Sunday, September 15

Alameda waits all year for this one, and it’s finally here! The Alameda Architectural Preservation Society’s annual Alameda Legacy Home Tour is set for Sunday, September 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The theme of this year’s tour is “West End Stories. The adventure begins at Longfellow Park , 520 Lincoln Avenue.

At the park, guests may pick up their tickets, wristband, map, and shoe covers. Participants will receive a “Legacy Guidebook” with detailed architectural and historic information on each of the properties included on the tour. Water, coffee, croissants, and fruit are also included with the purchase of a ticket.

Kids can participate too. Stop by the art table with Ms. Y between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a fun interactive activity. They’ll learn about architecture and the homes on the tour.

Purchase tickets online for this popular yearly tour: $44.52 for adults, $12.51 for ages 11-17; additional guidebooks are $10. The parking lot at Woodstock Child Development Center, 500 Pacific Avenue, will be reserved for tour attendees on a first come, first served basis. To enter the homes on the tour, guests will need to walk up and down a few steps. Kindly leave pets at home.

Monday Night Life Drawing

Monday, September 16

Artists of all skill levels are invited to join a Monday Night Night Life Drawing practice session on Monday, September 16, 7 to 10 p.m., at Frank Bette Center for the Arts , 1601 Paru Street. Sven Jensen, formerly a Senior Character Modeler at Industrial Light and Magic, will host the session.

Easels, tables, chairs, and drawing horses are provided. Please bring your own drawing materials. Attendees must be on time to participate in this drawing practice session. Once the session starts, the studio doors will be locked to protect the model’s privacy. No photography is permitted, and no cell phones or mobile devices may be used in the studio.

Life Drawing sessions are held regularly on Monday evenings. Drop-ins are welcome as space allows. Drop-in fee is $20 per session; participants may sign up for a month of sessions to save 5%. For more information, visit the Frank Bette Center for the Arts website , email svenjarts@gmail.com , and check out the listing on the Alameda Post events calendar .

Back 2 School BBQ Fundraiser

Thursday, September 19

It’s a delicious way to support the community! The Alameda Education Foundation (AEF) is hosting its second annual Back 2 School BBQ on Thursday, September 19, to benefit programs for Alameda students and teachers. The barbecue, which will feature “Island style” music from Ukulenny, will be held at The Rake at Admiral Maltings , 651A West Tower Ave., Alameda Point , 5 to 8 p.m. The “sit-down style” dinner will be served promptly at 6 p.m.; guests are asked to arrive by 5:45 p.m.

Tickets to the event include a plate of delicious BBQ—or vegan options—plus a drink. The evening also includes a silent auction including golf at the Olympic Club and unique Alameda items and experiences, such as pizza with AUSD Superintendent Pasquale Scuderi. Plus, there’s a raffle for $500 in Southwest Airlines tickets.

Tickets for the Back 2 School BBQ are $75 and are available to purchase online . There’s also an option to sponsor a ticker for an educator. All proceeds from the fundraiser will support AEF programs including Teacher Mini Grants , backpacks and supplies for low-income students , sports, after school classes, and more.

What else is going on in Alameda?

All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar . Post yours, too, for free!

Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post . Reach her at amanda@alamedapost.com .

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