ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Museums, Exhibits, Events, Workshops, Dance and more!

 

MATERIAL GIRLS

Artists Lynn Aldrich and Sabina Ott take basic materials from everyday life and turn them into surreal works of beauty. A box of aluminum foil, a ball of Styrofoam and a toilet plunger are transformed into surprising installations by these two nationally renowned artists. “The sculptures are steeped in personal concerns about social and global politics, yet also have a playful sense of humor,” says Curator Carrie Lederer. Through June 4. Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Drive, WC, bedfordgallery.org.

 

HIPPIE MODERNISM: THE STRUGGLE FOR UTOPIA

This major exhibition shows us how the counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s impacted global art, architecture, design and contemporary life. Through an array of works in print, art and film, it conveys the social, cultural, and political turmoil of a transformative time.  Through May 21, UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, bampfa.org.

 

MONET: THE EARLY YEARS

In the first major U.S. exhibition devoted to the initial phase of Claude Monet's career, explore a range of works by the artist which depict his daring mastery of art before his years as an impressionist. Through May 29, Legion of Honor, SF, famsf.org.

 

OF DOGS & OTHER PEOPLE

Step into the wondrous universe of Roy De Forest where art brims in a kaleidoscopic of colors and quirky characters. This special retrospective takes a look at the span of this influential northern California artist’s career through 50 paintings and sculptures that spark the imagination. April 29-August 20, Oakland Museum of California, museumca.org.

 

DIABLO TRAILS CHALLENGE

Hosted by Brazen Racing, this fundraising run for Save Mount Diablo showcases the mountain’s natural beauty and helps Save Mount Diablo to preserve, defend and restore land for you, wildlife and future generations to enjoy. The 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and 50K races begin and end at Castle Rock Recreation Area in Diablo Foothills, Walnut Creek. To register for the April 15 run, go to brazenracing.com.

 

CIDER SUMMIT

The region’s largest cider tasting festival brings together top cider makers and ciders from around the world at the beautiful Civil War Parade Grounds on the Presidio. Nearly 200 selections of cider will be available to taste. Barbecue Whole Foods Market accompanies the event. April 22, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., cidersummit.com.

 

AUTHOR GALA

The Walnut Creek Library Foundation hosts its annual author’s gala, “Dinner Among the Stars”, at the downtown library featuring an evening of fine cuisine and cocktails with 18 Bay Area authors who mix, mingle and autograph their latest novels. April 22, wclibrary.org.

 

CALISTOGA FOOD & WINE

A delicious weekend is in store celebrating the best regional fare and wines in the valley. The event kicks-off with a winemaker dinner followed by an afternoon tasting the rich flavors of Calistoga through small bites, live cooking stations and wines. April 21-22, calistogafoodandwine.com.

 

LIVERMORE VALLEY UNCORKED

The Tri-Valley Conservancy, a local non-profit organization, invites you to enjoy unlimited winetasting, delicious hors d’ oeuvres, and a chance to meet winemakers and growers from the Livermore Valley, all while helping to preserve more of the valley’s land. April 13, Palm Event Center, Pleasanton, trivalleyconservancy.org.

 

FIESTA DE JARDIN

Get ready for a Latin-inspired celebration of spring! At this festive garden party dance to live Latin jazz among the roses then taste authentic tapas, mojitos, craft beer, wine and more! Proceeds benefit the Gardens at Heather Farm. May 7, 2:00-5:00pm, gardenshf.org

 

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
This annual festival is one of California’s most prominent celebrations of Asian traditions. This year marks its 50th Anniversary with two consecutive weekends of performances, crafts, food, martial arts and exhibitions. April 8-9 & April 15-16, Japantown, San Francisco, sfcherryblossom.org.

 

PRESIDIO PICNIC
Surrounded by the iconic beauty of the Presidio Trust, foodies gather on Sunday’s to sample diverse foods and beverages from Off the Grid and local chefs, play lawn games, do a little yoga, and listen to music. Every Sunday through October from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., San Francisco, presidiopicnic.com.

 

WALNUT CREEK FIRST WEDNESDAYS

The downtown Cypress Street fest returns on the first Wednesday of every month with food, fun, shopping, games, dancing, and lots of live music. 5:30-8:30pm, April 5, May 3, June 7, walnutcreekdowntown.com.

 

EAT WITH THE ANIMALS ON EARTH DAY

Bring the whole family for a continental breakfast alongside Lindsay’s birds of prey—even watch them chow down their first meal of the day! As an extra-special treat, the new Bald Eagle will make its first appearance. April 22, 9:00am, lindsaywildlife.org.

 

BRINGING BACK THE NATIVES GARDEN TOUR

This self-guided tour of 41 private gardens showcases habitats created for local wildlife in pesticide-free, native, water-conserving plant environments. A printed guide directs your East Bay garden tour. May 7, to register go to bringingbackthenatives.net.