.Highlights

Summer Recreation in the East Bay.

Wednesday, June 18

Wednesday Walk Take a hike through the Coyote Hills Wildlife Refuge and learn about its unique plant and animal life with a knowledgeable tour guide from the East Bay Regional Park District. Hike is about five miles total. Meet at the trailhead at the end of Tamarack Drive in Union City. 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Free. 510-796-0199.

Thursday, June 19

Central California Indian Coiled Basketry Naturalist Beverly Ortiz and Ohlone Carol Bachman teach the art of coiled basket-making using only plant materials. $125 fee, registration required. 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Coyote Hills. 510-636-1684.

Knobbers Kids can play old-fashioned games that show them what life was like as an 1870s-era “knobber,” a child who helped coal miners underground. $6 fee, registration required. Black Diamond Mines. 925-757-2620.

Friday, June 20

Alameda County Fair Beginning on June 20 and ending July 6, the Alameda County Fair features musicians, horseracing, grandstands, and barbecue. 4501 Pleasanton Avenue, Pleasanton. 510-595-5599. www.alamedacountyfair.com

Saturday, June 21

Alameda County Fair See Friday.

Fire Truck Day! Meet real firemen, ride a fire engine, and even participate in the “Battle of the Fire Trucks.” You may get wet. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Ardenwood Historic Farm. 510-796-0663.

Solstice Celebration Hike Celebrate the longest day of the year at Red Top Hill in true ancient style — with a picnic and bonfire! Bring masks and costumes to join in the dance as well as nonmetal instruments (rattles, drums, etc.) to make noise. Registration required. Fee: $5 per person, $10 per family. Red Top Hill, Coyote Hills Regional Park. 510-795-9385.

Rocky Ridge Summer Solstice Hike Mark the longest day of the year with a not-so-long hike — only three miles! No fee. Registration required. 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. 925-862-2601.

Solstice Food Chain Celebration Churn home-made ice cream, cook quesadillas in a solar-powered oven, and make a “solar art print” to hang up at home. Chabot Campground amphitheater. 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. $3 fee. 510-521 6887.

Tri-for-Fun #1 Designed for beginning runners, this triathlon includes a 400-yard swim, an 11-mile bike ride, and a 3.1-mile run. Fee for preregistered racers is $35. Race-day registration is $40. Relays are $95 if preregistered, and $115 on race day. There is a multi-event discount. Racers must have swim caps and ANSI-approved bike helmets. Caps are available on site for a fee. Entrants receive free T-shirts and refreshments and can enter a prize raffle. Make checks payable to On Your Mark and send to: On Your Mark, P.O. Box 1199, Arnold, CA 95223. Shadow Cliffs Regional Park, Pleasanton. 209-795-7832, www.onyourmarkevents.com

San Jose Mountain Bike Sprint Triathlon A 500-yard swim, a 10-mile mountain bike ride, and a 3.1-mile run. This event complements the San Jose International Triathlon that follows on Sunday. Race-day registration starts at 6:30 a.m. First wave goes off at 8:00 a.m. Registration cost is $75 plus a mandatory $9 USAT fee or current membership card. 500-person limit. Post-race massages will be available. Lake Almaden, San Jose, www.japroductions.com

Sunday, June 22

Alameda County Fair See Friday.

Pitchin’ in on the Farm Learn what it’s like to live and work on a farm as you grind corn, feed animals, and look for eggs in a real henhouse. Discover what it takes to grow your own vegetables when you work in Ardenwood’s garden. Harvest hay like on a real farm and help build a giant haystack. Maybe even jump in it. Admission fee: $1 for adults, 50 cents for children on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday; $5 adults, $4 children on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Ardenwood Historic Farm. 510-796-0663.

Sunday Nature Adventures Perfect for groups, Sunday Nature Adventures teach you about the plants and animals of the Coyote Hills Park as you hike and explore. 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Free. 510-795-9385.

Tunnel #3 Bike Ride Bike to Tunnel #3 and explore the reservoir as you learn the history of the people who built it. No fee. Registration required. Bikers must be over seven years old. Lake Chabot. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 510-521-6887.

Valley Nature Ride A history lesson about Sunol, followed by a twenty-minute guided horseback ride. Riders must be over six years old. $17 fee. Registration required. Meet at Sunol Regional Wilderness Park. 510-636-1684.

San Jose International Triathlon With a 1.35-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer bike ride, and a 10-kilometer run, this is one of the fastest international distance triathlons in the country. An all-day racing expo will be held alongside and after the race. This race sells out at 1,500 participants. Registration is $100 for single racers and $160 for relay teams. 7:00 a.m. start. Lake Almaden, San Jose, www.japroductions.com

Alcatraz Triathlon XXIII — 23rd Annual Escape from the Rock Event limited to 600 entrants. It includes a 1.5-mile swim, 2.5-mile run, 13-mile bike ride, and a 7.5-mile run. Aquatic Park, San Francisco, 7:00 a.m. Racers swim the 1.5-miles to “escape” from Alcatraz Island, finishing back at Aquatic Park. Afterward, they will bike to Crissy Field in the Presidio. Wetsuits are recommended. There is a mandatory check-in on Saturday, June 21, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the west end of Crissy Field in Building 924 in the Presidio. Entry $200. 415-868-1829 or [email protected]

Tuesday, June 24

Alameda County Fair See Friday.

Hot Tuesday Nights Manor Pool holds a family-oriented evening of swimming, music, and games every Tuesday night starting June 24. DJ Charles King will host. Admittance is $2 or free with a seasonal pass. Manor Pool, 2850 Temple Drive, Davis. 530-785-2000.

Sea Squirts Teach your children all about birds with a morning of outdoor activities and crafts. Exclusively for three- to five-year-olds. 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. $6 fee. Possible parking fee. Meet at Crab Cove Visitor Center. 510-521-6887.

Thursday, June 26

Alameda County Fair See Friday.

Thursday Birding Go bird-watching for shorebirds and seagulls at Big Break Regional Shoreline. Registration required. No fee. 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Big Break Regional Shoreline. 925-757-2620.

Saturday, June 28

Alameda County Fair See Friday.

Brooks Island Adventure Learn how to kayak in Richmond Harbor and paddle to Brooks Island, normally off-limits to visitors, for a guided hike. Registration required. Fee: $85. Financial assistance available. 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Brooks Island. 510-636-1684 .

Family Camp-Outs Spend a weekend camping in the wilderness starting Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Activities include hikes, nature lessons, and a campfire. Fee includes two meals. Supply list available at registration. Registration required. Fee: $45 adult, $39 child. Financial assistance available. Del Valle. 510-636-1684.

Guided Trails Challenge Hike Go for a five-mile hike over the Briones Crest. No fee. Registration required. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Briones. 510-525-2233.

Sunday, June 29

Alameda County Fair See Friday.

Family Camp-Outs See Saturday.

Return of the Terns Crab Cove Visitor Center celebrates the return of the endangered California tern to Alameda. Take a bus tour to see a tern colony, complete with nests and baby chicks. Tours leave at 11:00 a.m., noon, 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. Registration required. $7 fee. Crab Cove Visitor Center, 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda. 510-562-7275.

6th Annual Run for the Law Includes both 5K run & walk and 10K run & Corporate Challenge. Top three finishers in every age category will receive medals. Registration is at 7:00 a.m. at the West Valley Court House, 14205 Capri Drive, Los Gatos. Preregistration fee is $20, $18 per runner for groups of five or more, $25 race day. Make checks payable to Law Foundation of Silicon Valley. Send registration to On Your Mark, P.O. Box 1199, Arnold, CA 95223. Proceeds will go to nonprofit legal groups including Legal Advocates for Children & Youth. For more information about the Law Foundation, call 408-280-2433. For run information, call 209-795-7832 or visit www.onyourmarkevents.com

Pitchin’ in on the Farm See June 22 listing.

Sunday Nature Adventures See June 22 listing.

Tuesday, July 1

Alameda County Fair See Friday.

Hot Tuesday Nights See June 24 listing.

Sunday, July 6

Alameda County Fair See Friday.

Alcatraz Challenge Starts at Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay and goes to Crissy Field in the Presidio. Runners continue on over the Golden Gate Bridge and return to the start of the race. The distance is one and a half miles of swimming, then fifteen miles of running. Entrants can participate in the swim only, in both the swim and run, or form a relay team. Swimmers should expect rough, choppy, and cold water around 59-60F. There are both wetsuit and “naked” divisions. Registration before June 21 is $100 for aquathlon, $125 for relay, and $80 for swim. After June 21, $105 for aquathlon, $130 for relay, and $85 for swim. Starts at 8:00 a.m. 650-359-3773, online registration is available until midnight, July 4 at www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1025195
Tuesday, July 8

Hot Tuesday Nights See June 24 listing.

Friday, July 11

Night Dives Skydance Skydiving offers night sky dives during the full moon, one hour after sunset. Participants must have a current, valid USPA license or higher. Night Dives take place once a month during the full moon, following a one-hour briefing, and one hour after the sun has set. Yolo County Airport at Davis. 1-800-SKYDIVE, www.skydance.net

Tuesday, July 15

Hot Tuesday Nights See June 24 listing.

Friday, July 18

Alameda Critical Mass Bike Ride Ride to the “Forbidden Island” to promote environmentally friendly transportation. Afterward, there will be a party at an undisclosed location. Meet at Fruitvale BART at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 19

Bridge to Bridge Waterfront Festival Starting on July 19, this two-day festival of the river city will include timed cigarette-boat races, as well as concession booths and speed skiing and slalom skiing demonstrations. Free admission. Old Town, Sacramento. 916-264-8982.

River Otter Amphibious Race Individual inventors and groups alike can build their own amphibious vehicles for a race on land and water. The race starts at Old Sacramento and goes to Discovery Park, where contestants take to the water and race to the West Sacramento boat ramp. Old Town, Sacramento. 916-264-8982, www.riverotter.com

Tri-for-Fun #2 See June 21 listing.

“Smells Like Guano!” Freefly Competition All levels of sky divers are eligible to participate in this four-round competition. Yolo County Airport, Davis. Contact Chris Salcone for information, 1-800-SKYDIVE, www.skydance.net

Sunday, July 20

Catfish Open Water Swim This event is two open-water races — a 1.2-mile swim and a 2.4-mile swim — in Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos. This event is ideal for competition, offering clean water, warm sun, and a beach party atmosphere. Preregistration fee is $45; after July 11, $55. Registration includes T-shirt, race bags, and free food. There is no parking at Lexington Reservoir, so participants are encouraged to park at Los Gatos High School and take a free shuttle. The 1.2-mile race starts at 8:00 a.m., and the 2.4-mile race at 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday, July 22

Hot Tuesday Nights See June 24 listing.

Saturday, July 26

Aqua Challenge Racers can join a 2-mile or a 1-mile-plus swim. Preregistered entry is $25, race-day registration $30. Entry fee includes free T-shirts, award ceremony, refreshments, and raffle. Parking is $4. Make check payable to: On Your Mark, P.O. Box 1199, Arnold, CA 95223-1199. Swim caps are required and color-coded caps will be provided to all swimmers at event site. Certified lifeguards will be present at all times. Race-day registration and check-in opens at 7:00 a.m. Race starts at 8:30 a.m. Lake Del Valle Regional Park Swim Beach, Livermore. 209-795-7832, www.onyourmarkevents.com

Berkeley Kite Fest 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Includes free kite-making sessions and free kite-flying lessons. Free admission. Cesar Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina. Contact [email protected] or visit www.highlinekites.com

17th Annual Lambtown Lamb Cook-Off Prepare your favorite lamb dish for a chance to win a $325 first place cash prize at Dixon’s annual Lambtown USA festival. Teams or individuals can enter. Setup begins 8:00 a.m. and must be completed by 9:30 a.m. May Fair Grounds, Dixon. For entry details, contact Dan Osborn at 707-678-9389. www.lambtown.com

Sunday, July 27

Berkeley Kite Fest See Saturday.

Tuesday, July 29

Hot Tuesday Nights See June 24 listing.

Tuesday, August 5

Hot Tuesday Nights See June 24 listing.

Friday, August 8

Night Dives See July 11 listing.

Saturday, August 9

Folsom Mountain Bike Sprint Triathlon This off-road triathlon includes a 500-yard open-water swim, a 10-mile mountain bike loop on dirt trails and fire roads, and a 3.1-mile run through the hills and woods of the Lake Natoma trail. The rugged landscape and “extra mud” of the trail make it especially appealing to experienced triathletes and nature lovers. After the race, participants will enjoy food and music courtesy of J&A Productions. Preregister before July 10 for $65. After July 10, cost is $75. 400-person limit. Packet pickup and registration starts at 6:00 a.m.; race starts at 8:00 a.m. Lake Natoma, Nimbus Flats, California State Park, Folsom. 866-300-RACE, www.japroductions.com

Sunday, August 10

Folsom International Triathlon Racers from all over the world are invited to race the 1.5K swim, 40K bike ride, and 10K run course. Awards will be given for top three male teams, top three female teams, and overall club top score. Each Tri-Club team member must register online for the Nor-Cal Tri Club Championships. Preregistration before July 10 is $90 for a single racer and for a $125 relay team; after July 10, $100 for a single racer and $145 for a relay team. Racers can pay an additional $20 to have their race packet mailed to them. Race starts at 7:00 a.m. at Lake Natoma, Folsom. Nimbus Flats, California State Park. 866-300-RACE, www.japroductions.com

Tuesday, August 12

Hot Tuesday Nights See June 24 listing.

Thursday, August 14

Scrapbook Expo Scrapbookers from all over the country come to this annual convention to attend scrapbooking workshops and see scrapbooking exhibits. Thursday, August 14 to Saturday, August 16. $8 admission. Hours are 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Thursday, Friday) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday). Alameda County Fairgrounds, 14501 Pleasanton Ave, Pleasanton. 888-252-3976, www.scrapbookexpo.com

Friday, August 15

Scrapbook Expo See Thursday.

Alameda Critical Mass Bike Ride See July 18 listing.

Saturday, August 16

Scrapbook Expo See Thursday.

Tri-for-Fun #3 See June 21 listing.

Tuesday, August 19

Hot Tuesday Nights See June 24 listing.

Friday, August 22

Goodguys K&N Filters Seventeenth West Coast Nationals Giant swap meet, “Cars 4 Sale” corral, activities for kids, and over 35,000 custom and classic cars on display. General admission $13, children $6, under six free. Parking $8. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Avenue, Pleasanton. 925-838-9876, www.good-guys.com

Saturday, August 23

Goodguys K&N Filters 17th West Coast Nationals See Friday.

Sunday, August 24

Goodguys K&N Filters 17th West Coast Nationals See Friday.

TriOne Triathlon –Sponsored by the Bay Area ALS Association, this triathlon raises money to benefit ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). The Sprint Distance includes a .75K swim, a 13K bike ride, and a 5K run. The International Distance is a 1.5K swim, a 40K bike ride, and a 10K run. The International Distance Relay is a 1.5K swim, a 40K bike ride, and a 10K run. Alameda. 7:00 a.m. [email protected] or www.trione.org

Saturday, August 30

138th Annual Scottish Gathering & Games The Caledonian Club of San Francisco stages this two-day festival of Scottish music, drumming, and athletic and dance competitions. General admission $14, seniors $12, youth (10-16) $12, under ten free. Parking $5. 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Avenue, Pleasanton. 800-713-3160, www.caledonian.org

Sunday, August 31

Eleventh Annual Bear Valley Triathlon Race includes a 600-yard swim, a 10.5-mile bike ride, and a 3.4-mile run. Post-race barbecue at the Tamarack Lodge on Highway 4. Nonparticipants can attend the barbecue for $7 a person. Race starts at 10:00 a.m. Check-in and race-day registration opens 8:30 a.m. Bear Lake in Bear Valley Village. 209-753-2080.

138th Annual Scottish Gathering & Games See Saturday.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

East Bay Express E-edition East Bay Express E-edition
19,045FansLike
14,611FollowersFollow
61,790FollowersFollow
spot_img