Best Things to Do in the East Bay This April

Looking for the best things to do in the East Bay this April as spring rolls in? From the best hiking trails to fairs and events celebrating this blooming time of year, we’ve got you covered. We’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in the East Bay including museums, cultural events food tours and more. Speaking of food, we also have an extensive list of our best restaurants in the East Bay, and if you’re planning a weekend, the best places to stay.

Featured photo by Andrew Jorgensen, courtesy of OMCA. 

A group of people enjoy an outdoor event held at a multi-layered urban venue with green spaces and modern architecture. The crowd is scattered on the grass, while performers and DJs are seen on a raised stage under a pavilion structure—one of the best things to do in East Bay this April.
Photo by Andrew Jorgensen.

Begins April 4

Welcome back this summertime tradition at the Oakland Museum of California. Attendees get late-night access to the museum’s garden, gallery and special exhibitions, while enjoying food and drink from Off the Grid’s fleet of food trucks. Steps away from Lake Merritt, this party promises family-friendly activities and fun in the warm spring air.  

April 4 at OMCA also sees the opening of the museum’s new exhibit Fairyland @ 75: A Legacy of Magic, in collaboration with Children’s Fairyland, their neighbor on the other side of Lake Merritt. The Friday Nights event will include a special puppet-making activity to coincide with the opening. 

A lively street scene on Telegraph Ave and 23rd St. captures a diverse crowd enjoying one of the best things to do in East Bay this November. Various stalls and tents line the sidewalk, with buildings and trees providing a charming backdrop.
Photo courtesy of Oakland First Fridays.

Dates TBD

Looking for a second location after hitting the OMCA’s food trucks? Oakland’s First Fridays are a monthly street party with great food and local vendors making Telegraph Avenue the place to be. April’s First Friday block party will be the first after a brief hiatus, so show up to support this community gathering that represents the heart and culture of Oakland — and is totally free! 

An outdoor market with tables displaying an assortment of silver items, including trays, tea sets, and utensils. Two women are browsing the goods. A black pickup truck is parked behind one of the tables, and cranes are visible in the background under a clear blue sky. One of the best things to do East Bay this April!
Photo courtesy of Laurie Jo Miller Farr.

Dates TBD

Over 800 dealer booths stock the best products from years past at this antiques sale. Claiming the title of largest antique show in Northern California, this fair lights up the waterfront of Alameda Island every first Sunday of the month. Bring cash for the admission price ($20 for first pick at 6 a.m., or $15 after 7:30 a.m.), and enjoy what’s sure to be a beautiful day on the bay. 

Four DJs in front of a green and black art display that looks like computer processing
Photo by weeklydig via Wikimedia.

Dates TBD

Electronic europop at its synthiest, the multi-decade German phenomenon Kraftwerk appears at Berkeley’s Greek Theatre for an outdoor dance extravaganza. Also coming to the Greek this month are singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson and electronic musician Elderbrook.

Poster that says "Thrift Fest" in a warehouse full of secondhand vendors
Photo courtesy of @thriftfestca

Dates TBD

A massive sale of the best in second-hand goods, Thrift Fest is a gathering of small-scale vendors at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. The last Thrift Fest happened in fall 2024, and it was a rousing success with thousands of visitors and nearly 200 vendors. Attendees can also enjoy music, food and drinks while browsing.

A person shears a sheep with an electric razor, removing its thick wool. The sheep stands calmly on the grass while the person, dressed in shorts and work boots, holds the razor with both hands to ensure a precise and careful shearing—one of the best things to do in East Bay this April.
Photo courtesy of San Ramon Historic Foundation.

Dates TBD

Walk through history with the San Ramon Historical Foundation’s annual sheep shearing day. This event is the foundation’s largest annual shindig, and East Bay residents get the opportunity to see sheep sporting chic summer hairdos. You can also enjoy the onsite tractor museum, sheepdog demonstrations and wool spinning. Order before April 20 to get the Early Bird ticket price. 

Sunset over a serene marina with numerous sailboats docked at the piers. The water reflects the vibrant colors of the sky, while rocky shores and greenery outline the harbor. Trees are silhouetted against the colorful sky, creating one of the best things to do in East Bay April evenings.
Photo by Heidi Kaden via Unsplash.

Dates TBD

The Shorebird Nature Center along Berkeley’s waterfront hosts its yearly celebration of the bay and Earth Day with family-focused fun and music. Take a free boat ride, or enjoy an ice cream cone from Brown Cap Organic Soft Serve. Stay through the afternoon to see circus performers twirl and hear music from steel drums!

Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!

More Activities in Northern California

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