The best things to do in the East Bay this August reflect the region’s best characteristics: rich culture, fabulous music and delicious food. This month’s warm summer days are filled with street fairs and events to bask in the community glow. If you’re looking to beat the heat, you can also peruse art at a museum with free admission. Really, there’s no excuse for boredom this month.
Still looking for more? We’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in the East Bay this August including museums, cultural events, food tours, athletic events, hikes and more. Speaking of food, we also have an extensive list of our best restaurants in the North Bay, and if you’re planning a weekend, the best places to stay.
Featured photo: Laurel StreetFair by Power Quevedo.
Free on first Thursday of the month
This stunning university museum leads the nation as a forum for expression in art and film, providing exhibitions, screenings, and public programs designed to connect visitors from across the Bay Area and beyond. With more than 25,000 works of art, there’s always something to pique your curiosity. The first Thursday of every month offers free gallery admission for all.
August 8
This isn’t your average meet-up and cycle event. The East Bay Bike Party is here to be wacky and unforgettable, with a creative theme to dress up for every month, so ditch the usual cycling shorts or sports jerseys for this pedal party. Rides happen every second Friday of the month, so fret not if you can’t make it this August. Routes usually go around or through Oakland, Berkeley and sometimes up to Richmond.
August 9
Named one of Oakland’s “Best Cultural Events” by Oakland Magazine, this music fest in the Laurel District unites rhythms and art forms from all around the globe. MacArthur Boulevard lights up with delicious food, artisan vendors and limitless music for a whole day dedicated to Oakland’s international influences. Expect folklore dancers, traditional crafts, a pop-up roller rink and lots of fun.
August 16 & 17
Every year, Festival of Globe Silicon Valley hosts a celebration of Indian and Desi communities in the Bay Area. The event falls around Indian Independence Day — August 15 — and consists of two days of dance, food, arts and crafts and much more. There’s a massive parade on Sunday, plus singing and dancing contests that are sure to excite. It’s all going down in Fremont, just down the street from the city’s BART station.
August 23 & 24
Like its San Francisco counterpart, Oakland’s Chinatown has a history (it was established in 1850), but the district is more akin to a community gathering space than a tourist attraction. At this street fair — which features more than 80 booths spanning 8 blocks — you’ll find locals and community members sharing in the neighborhood’s wealth of food, art and culture.
August 30
Plant-based peeps, listen up. This vegan extravaganza offers plenty of tasty bites with which to stuff your face for two days straight. It’s free to enter, family-friendly and packed with food vendors. You can sample your way through the vendors with small portions for $5 or less per item, or go all-in with a standard, larger portion.
Foodies should also keep an eye out for the Bizerkeley Food Fest, another vegan fair happening in Berkeley, on September 1.
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!