Looking for the coolest things to do in the East Bay 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.
Flower and Garden Show
April 4–7
Gardeners, grab your trowels. The Alameda County Fairgrounds is blooming with floral arrangements and the knowledge of countless skilled planters. Not just a pleasing event on the eyes, the San Francisco Bay Flower and Garden Show is informative, with dozens of free seminars teaching topics from a range of disciplines.
More info: sfgardenshow.com
Friday Nights at OMCA
April 5
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.
More info: museumca.org
Oakland First Fridays
April 5
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 Ave. 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!
More info: oaklandfirstfridays.org
Alameda Point Antiques Faire
April 7
Over 800 dealer booths stock the best products from years past at this faire. Claiming the title of largest antique show in Northern California, this faire lights up the waterfront of Alameda Island every first Sunday of the month. April’s fair should fall on a beautiful day, so celebrate spring with new/old clothing, jewelry, books, home goods or whatever you like. Be sure to bring cash to cover admission, and get in before they shut the entry at 3 p.m.
More info: alamedapointantiquesfaire.com
Sheep Shearing Day
April 13
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. The day promises more than shearing too, with an onsite tractor museum, sheepdog demonstrations and wool spinning. Order before April 1 to get the Early Bird ticket price.
More info: srhf.org
Berkeley Bay Festival
April 27
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!
More info: berkeleyca.gov
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now in the East Bay? Our comprehensive list of venues below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
