WHERE & WHEN

MUSEUM

Honoring the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther Party's founding in October 1966, the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) presents a contemporary look at the Black Panther Party's legacy in a major exhibit, ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE: BLACK PANTHERS AT 50.The show reveals the Party’s continued influence on culture, social activism, and community empowerment in communities across the country, and the world. Informed by insights from former Black Panthers, artists, scholars, and community members, the exhibition uses photographs, artifacts, and contemporary works of art to tell an inspiring story. October 8, 2016-February 12, 2017, 100 Oak Street, Oakland, museumca.org.

MUSIC

What's more San Franciscan that a free bluegrass festival in Golden Gate Park? Pack a picnic and enjoy timeless tunes at HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS from musicians such as CAKE, Boz Scaggs, Cyndi Lauper, and many more. September 30-October 2, Golden Gate Park, SF, hardlystrictlybluegrass.com.

BIKE

The MOUNT DIABLO CHALLENGE is the East Bay’s favorite uphill bike race. Starting at Athenian School in Danville and climbing up Southgate Road 3,249' to the summit of Mount Diablo, on this family-friendly 11.2-mile timed course, riders can compete on any type of non-motorized bicycle. All ages welcome are welcome and a catered lunch and awards ceremony follows the race. To register, go to savemountdiablo.org.  

FALL FESTIVALS & FUN

October 30

Walnut Creek Sunday Farmers Market (cccfm.org)

Pony rides, petting zoo, apple tasting and cooking demos.

October 9

Gardens at Heather Farm (gardenshf.org)

Games, crafts, garden tours & family photo opps, pumpkin picking,

plus a sampling of nature’s sweet treats.

October 27

Lindsay Wildlife Museum (lindsaywildlife.org)

Howl-ooo-ween! Come in costume and meet some creepy crawly friends and not so scary animals. Try to master obstacle course, get your face-painted, and make some crafts.

October 15

Downtown Walnut Creek Oktoberfest

Lace up the dirndl dress and don the lederhosen. Head to Locust Street for a day of free, family fun featuring live music, beer, pumpkin patch, arts & crafts, and gourmet food.

November 5 & 6

BG Craft Fest (bedfordgallery.org)

Bedford Gallery brings together local producers of the finest handmade crafts, jewelry, home goods, artisanal foods, and more to kick-off the holiday shopping season.

MUSIC

Marking its ten-year anniversary music festival on its namesake Treasure Island, this year also marks the last year the TREASURE ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL takes place here. Get your tickets to hear Sigur Ros, Ice Cube, Purity Ring, Glass Animals, Tycho and so many more. October 15-16, treasureislandfestival.com.

MUSEUM

Known for his large geometric, colorful paintings and work in minimalism, the installation FRANK STELLA: RETROSPECTIVE is the first US exhibition of the artists work since 1970, featuring 50 large-scale works, including paintings, wall-mounted reliefs, and three-dimensional sculptures. November 5, 2016 - February 26, 2017, de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, SF, deyoung.famsf.org.

 

DANCE

Smuin Ballet launches its new season with DANCE SERIES O1 featuring Michael Smuin's Stabat Mater, a powerful response to the events of 09/11. Presented in observance of the 15th anniversary of this tragic event, the ballet evokes timeless messages of love, loss, and eternal hope. Also on the bill is acclaimed choreographer Garrett Ammon set to Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra.” September 23-24, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, WC, smuinballet.org.

AUTHORS

Celebrating Walnut Creek’s 2016 ONE CITY ONE BOOK selection The Martian by Andy Weir— a gripping tale about a marooned astronaut and survival on the red planet—a free author series kicks off with Jay Trimble of NASA Ames Research Center presenting The Exploration of Marson September 14, 7-8:30 pm; Living on the Edge with pilot MJ Marggraff, September 21, 7:00-8:30 pm; Urban Farming: One Woman’s Adventures with Novella Carpenter, September 26, 7:00-8:30 pm. Walnut Creek Library, Oak View Room, wclibrary.org.