Whether you’re a bibliophile looking for your next read, single and ready to mingle, like to run, want to celebrate Oakland culture, or win prizes by visiting some iconic local attractions, we have something for you in this week’s roundup.
If there’s something you’d like me to consider for this weekly list, email me at azucena@oaklandside.org. And if you want to promote something on our calendar, you can use the self-submission form on our events page.
Spring Fling Singles Mixer at Oakland Asian Cultural Center
If you’re single and ready to ditch dating apps and find a better way to find a significant other, then the Spring Fling Singles Mixer is the event you’re looking for. This event is open to folks between the ages of 25 and 50 and is a heterosexual and LGBTQ+ inclusive space. You can even bring a friend to tag along for moral support while you meet other singles. There will be speed dating, group conversation prompts, live music, drinks, appetizers, and even tarot readings.
Thursday, May 9, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., $25-$30, 388 9th Street, Suite 290
510 Day
Now in its 9th year, the unofficial Oakland holiday co-founded in 2016 by educator and culture keeper Leon (DNas) Sykes and fellow Oakland locals Jordan Warren and Needa Bee, a housing activist with The Village in Oakland, an organization led by unhoused and formerly unhoused people. 510 Day honors Oakland’s culture, themed around social justice issues like housing justice, gentrification, and uplifting Oakland artists. This year, the event will be hosted by rapper and poet RyanNicole and community advocate Kenzie Smith. The festivities begin at 1 p.m. with vendors on both Lakeshore and Grand Avenue, followed by a youth rally across the Cleveland Cascades. Performances will start at the main stage by the pergola exactly at 5:10 p.m., Oakland Poet Laureate Ayodele Nzinga, youth organization 67 Sueños, and others are expected to take the stage.
Friday, May 10, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., all throughout Lake Merritt
Oakland Summer Vibes Passport
From top left clockwise: Chabot Space and Science Center, Oakland Zoo, Oakland Museum, and the Oakland Roots. Credit: Amir Aziz, photo of the Oakland Zoo courtesy
Chabot Space and Science Center, Children’s Fairyland, the Oakland Museum of California, the Oakland Zoo, and Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club are partnering with Vibemap, a city discovery app, for this exciting summer initiative running from Friday, May 19, through Saturday, Aug. 31. Participants who download the app will get the chance to earn limited badges by not only visiting each attraction but adding tidbits about each and sharing special places associated with each attraction. The points and badges can get participants prizes ranging from field-level seats to a Roots or Soul match, a one-year family membership at Chabot Space and Science Center, and more.
Friday, May 10, through Saturday, Aug. 31., download the Vibemap app to participate
The Bookmark Bookstore moving sale
In 1966, local library supporters banded together to form Friends of OPL. In its early years, the group hosted book sales to raise funds for the Main Library downtown. Friends of OPL opened a permanent bookstore called The Bookmark Bookstore three decades ago at 815 Washington St., next to Ratto’s Deli and Market, before moving to 721 Washington Street in 1995. Now, the bookstore is moving again and needs to clear its inventory before reopening at its new location at 933 Broadway. Bibliophiles can enjoy 50% off everything inside through May 12, when the current location closes.
Through May 11, 721 Washington St.
The 2nd Annual Lake Merritthon presented by Oakland Track Club
Whether you enjoy running, particularly around Lake Merritt, or are just looking for a new challenge, this “fast, flat, and controlled marathon” around the lake is for you. This is both a relay race for teams of 2-4 or you can also run solo. The race will start at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater, heading clockwise for 13.1 miles before turning around to go in the other direction for the race’s second half. There will also be a fully crewed aid station at the amphitheater. There’s still time to sign up with teams between 2 and 4 participants.
Saturday, May 11, 7 a.m., $60-$80, Between 12th Street and 1st Avenue.
