It’s May, and the East Bay is hosting plenty of fun activities, events and things to do this month. From Alameda to Contra Costa, there are cultural festivals, sporting events and museum days to keep you busy. Check out these events and make the most of your month.
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 East Bay, and if you’re planning a weekend, the best places to stay.
Featured photo courtesy of @GGACBSA
Family Day at Berkeley Public Library
May 4
The Bay Area Book Festival is in its tenth year, and this year’s festivities include a day dedicated to kids and teenage readers and writers at the Berkeley Public Library. The theme combines “Star Wars Day: May the Fourth be with You” and “Free Comic Book Day,” so come and enjoy a day of writing showcases, author book signings and family reading activities. Admission is FREE!
More info: baybookfest.org
World Goth Day
May 4
“With Goths, By Goths, for Goths” is this quirky festival’s slogan. The World Goth Day celebration in Alameda is now four years running. Alameda’s USS Hornet Museum turns black with goth fashion, music and art, plus the accompanying Menagerie Oddities Market for all the best goth wares. Need some new taxidermy? What about a coffin-shaped shelving unit? Look no further.
More info: themenagerieodditiesmarket.com/world-goth-day-2024
Oakland Greek Festival
May 17–19
Gather at a Byzantine church in the Oakland Hills for this yearly celebration of Greek Easter and culture. Seeing the Ascension Cathedral is reason enough to visit, with its ornate interior and curving dome roof, but the event promises even more entertainment. Get in on traditional Greek dances, cooking demonstrations and so much more this May.
More info: oaklandgreekfestival.com
Pleasant Hill Art, Wine and Music Festival
May 18–19
The 20th annual Art, Wine and Music festival is bound to bring excitement to the streets of Downtown Pleasant Hill. Arts and crafts vendors are the selling point of this festival, lining a street with tents full of jewelry, home decor and knick knacks. And, as the name promises, there’s plenty of wine and music to go around too.
More info: pleasanthillchamber.com
Berkeley Himalayan Fair at Live Oak Park
May 18–19
Experience a Himalayan bazaar in Berkeley’s Live Oak Park. The Himalayan Fair, now 41 years strong as an East Bay tradition, welcomes all to partake in food, crafts and music of the diverse cultures within the Himalaya Region — a place that encompasses areas like Nepal, Tibet, India, Pakistan and Bhutan. If you want to keep the Himalayan vibes going, then we recommend you walk down Shattuck Ave. and hang a right on University to get some momos (dumplings) from Café Tibet.
More info: himalayanfair.net
Oakland Athletics
Various Dates
With the Athletics approved for a move to Las Vegas, 2024 will be the team’s final season in Oakland before they leave town. Fourteen home games are scheduled for this May, including a doubleheader on May 8 against reigning World Series champions, the Texas Rangers. Other competitors at home include the Pittsburg Pirates, Miami Marlins, Colorado Rockies and Houston Astros.
More info: mlb.com/athletics
Chabot Space & Science Center
Various Dates
Ever wanted to touch the sun? What about pilot a Mars rover? You can connect with our universe at this observatory-meets-interactive-museum nestled in the Oakland hills. Along with a plethora of engaging and family-friendly exhibits, the Chabot Center also offers free telescope viewings every Friday and Saturday night. May should especially be a good month to visit, since the night sky is getting treated to a meteor shower called Eta Aquarids, which peaks around May 6.
More info: chabotspace.org
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!
