Summer is here, and the East Bay is filled with things to do this June. This month, a host of holidays and festivals coincide: Pride Month, Father’s Day, street festivals and county fairs. And in the East Bay, which has had an impactful and vibrant African American community for decades, Juneteenth is always a cause to celebrate.
We’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in the East Bay 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.
Count on the East Bay being reliably warm in June, with average temperatures from high 60s to high 70s, and likely higher the further inland you go.
Featured photo courtesy of Alameda County Fair.
Bay Area Book Festival in Berkeley
Dates TBD
Attention literature lovers: Over 100 authors are holding panels, readings and workshops in Berkeley for a weekend dedicated to the written word. Headlining events include discussions with authors like Joan Baez, Naomi Klein, Piper Kerman and others, but still more events await avid readers and writers alike. Be sure to stick around for Sunday’s (June 2) free outdoor fair with vendors, author events and a food court.
More info: baybookfest.org
Oakland B's Opening Day
Date TBD
The A’s may be leaving the Town this year, but Oakland just can’t quit baseball. Meet the Oakland B’s, otherwise known as the Ballers, a new team filling the void left by the Athletic’s departure. The B’s play in the Pioneer League, an MLB-partnered professional baseball league, and their home opener pits them against the Yolo High Wheelers from Davis, California. It’s all happening at Raimondi Park in West Oakland.
More info: oaklandballers.com
Alameda County Fair
Dates TBD
Experience thrilling new events, rides and food at this year’s Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton. The fair stretches over three weeks, so you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy its rides, games, fireworks and everything that makes the county fair a quintessential summer event. As far as concerts, this year’s lineup includes acts like the R&B singer Johnny Gill and the rapper slash Bay Area icon E-40. On top of music, there are movies on the lawn for the kids and wine and brew fests for adults.
More info: annual.alamedacountyfair.com
Berkeley Juneteenth Festival
Date TBD
Commemorate emancipation and celebrate Black culture at South Berkeley’s historic Juneteenth Festival. The festival, now in its 37th year, will cover the five-block Alcatraz–Adeline corridor and include two musical stages for performances of drumming, jazz, R&B, reggae and many more styles. Family-friendly activities abound, with science-themed activities, arts programs, facepainting and more all happening at the KID/STEM zone.
More info: berkeleyjuneteenth.org
LakeFest Oakland
Date TBD
Since 2018, this family-friendly festival has welcomed the community to Lake Merritt for a day to highlight Oakland’s culture and diversity while soaking up the summer sun. You’ll probably catch us at the food courts, since Oakland is a culinary destination, but there’s also music, 200+ vendors and kids activities to keep you entertained. With over 20,000 yearly attendees, this festival keeps growing every year.
More info: lakefestoakland.com
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!
More Activities in Northern California
