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.Â
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. Â
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.Â
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!Â
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.Â
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.
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.
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.Â
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!
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!
