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Family Fun Calendar

Good Times

1 | Wednesday

Elena Duran: Mexico of My Heart
Join the Alumnae Association of Mills College for a magical evening of music, theater and cinema with flutist Elena Duran’s interpretation of “Epoca de Oro.”
7–8:30 p.m., $10 general admission. Mills College, Student Union, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, (510) 430-2123, www.mills.edu.

2 | Thursday

 “Coloring Outside the Lines” Exhibit
Come to the Laney College Library, where this exhibit featuring several black cartoonists whose comic strips appear in newspapers throughout the country will be on display following a successful run at the San Francisco Main Public Library. Exhibit shows through October.
8 a.m.–7 p.m. or during library hours, free. Laney College Library, 900 Fallon St., Oakland.

Free Thursday at the UC Botanical Garden
Get in free to the sprawling 34-acre gardens and find the Special Thursday Plant Sale from 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., then take a free docent-led tour at 1:30 p.m.
9 a.m.–5 p.m., free. UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley, (510) 643-2755, www.events.berkeley.edu.

3 | Friday

Final Performances of Disney’s Aladdin
Enjoy this buoyant retelling of the classic
Aladdin tale between a magic genie, street urchin and princess in the magical city of Agrabah.
Show continues Saturday through Sunday at various times.
7:30 p.m., $15–$33. Berkeley Playhouse, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley, www.berkeleyplayhouse.org.
 
Del Valle Campfire Program
Play games, hear stories, learn about the amazing animals that call Del Valle home, and sing a song or two by the campfire. Children should be accompanied by an adult.
8:30–9:15 p.m., free. Del Valle Campground Amphitheater, 7000 Del Valle Road, Livermore, www.ebparks.org.

First Friday Art Murmur
Enjoy art and the company of other art lovers as you stroll and eat along downtown. You can pop into participating Oakland galleries, and you’re sure to find food trucks, local vendors and street performers along your way.
6–9 p.m., free. Oakland Art Murmur, along Broadway, between 19th and 48th, Oakland, www.oaklandartmurmur.com.

See Paint Your Wagon in the Woodminster Amphitheater
Performances of Paint Your Wagon begin tonight and continue through Sept. 12. Taking place in the California wilderness of 1853, the play is about an old gold miner and his daughter in a colorful gold-mining town.
8 p.m., $25–$40. Woodminster Ampitheater, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland, (510) 531-9597, www.woodminster.com.

4 | Saturday

Historic Rail Fair
The 10th annual Rail Fair returns to Ardenwood over Labor Day weekend, with steam train rides, a historic locomotive on display, railroad displays, handcar rides and more. There will also be food, games and music.
10 a.m.–4 p.m., $ 8 adults (18+ years), $5 children (4-17 years, free under 4). Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, (510) 544-2797, www.ebparks.org.
 
Playland Lives On Forever
This three-day weekend celebration is about how Playland lives on, despite the closing of Whitney’s Playland at the Beach in 1972.
10 a.m.–5 p.m., $10–$15. Playland-Not-at-the-Beach, a Museum of Fun, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, (510) 592-3002, www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org.

Meet the Animals
The Randall Museum is home to more than 100 animals that can no longer survive in the wild because they were injured or born in captivity. Come meet the animals that live at the museum and learn how to appreciate their diversity. If you can’t make it today, live animal presentations happen every Saturday.
11 a.m., free. Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way, San Francisco, (415) 554-9600, www.randallmuseum.org.

145th Annual Scottish Highland Games
Presented by the Caledonian Club of San Francisco, the Highland Games happening through the weekend include sheep dog trials, soccer, rugby, shinty, piping, drumming, birds of prey demos, the children’s glen, musical entertainment and more.
9 a.m.–6:30 p.m., free–$27. Pleasanton Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, www.caledonian.org.

Paul Bunyan Days at Fort Bragg
Through Monday, the oldest small-town celebration on the Mendocino Coast commemorates history and community through Monday of Labor Day Weekend. Events include a logging show, kids’ parade, kiddie games, ugly dog contests, crafts, food fairs, pie sales and more.
10 a.m.–3 p.m., Sunday and Monday, times vary, free. Fort Bragg, various locations, www.paulbunyandays.com.

Wild Family Overnight
Spend the night at the zoo and partake in keeper meetings, guided tours, outdoor camping and a hot breakfast in the morning. For children 6 years and up; they must be accompanied by an adult.
6 p.m.-Sunday 10 a.m., $100 nonmembers, $90 members. San Francisco Zoo, 1 Zoo Road, San Francisco, www.sfzoo.org.

Grandparents’ Weekend at Fairyland
Grandparents with their grandkids get $1 off admission all weekend at Fairyland. Come see Jean Paul Valjean juggle at the Short Attention Span Circus from 1:30–2:30 p.m. and watch the puppet show, The Petrified Princess, showing at various times throughout the day.
10 a.m.–4 p.m., $7 ($6 all day for grandparents). Children’s Fairyland, Lake Merritt at Grand and Bellevue, Oakland, (510) 452-2259, www.fairyland.org.

40th Annual Millbrae Art & Wine Festival
Millbrae becomes the Big Easy over the Labor Day weekend with a Mardi Gras–style festival with two days of live music, a juried arts and crafts show, food, premium wines, microbrews, margaritas, organic and green products, home and garden exhibits, health and wellness displays, classic cars, dance, drumming and lots of kids activities. Also Sun.
10 a.m.–5 p.m., free admission. Broadway (one block west of El Camino Real), between Victoria Avenue and Meadow Glen, Millbrae, (650) 697-7324, www.miramarevents.com.

5 | Sunday

Race to the End of Summer 5K/10K
Say goodbye to summer with a run along Coyote Creek Trail benefiting the area leukemia and lymphoma society.
9 a.m., $35–$40. Coyote Creek Trail, 800 Embedded Way, San Jose, www.active.com.

Little Farm Open House
The farm’s open for some corn grinding, bunny petting and goat grooming, and helping hands are always welcome in the kids’ garden.
1–3 p.m., free. Tilden Nature Area, Environmental Education Center, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley, (510) 544-2233, www.ebparks.org.

Jack London Square Farmers Market
Shop for fresh produce, fresh pastries, specialty foods and fresh flowers on the beautiful Jack London waterfront.
9 a.m.–2 p.m., free. Webster and Embarcadero Streets, Oakland, www.pcfma.com.

6 | Monday

Labor Day Fun
Play old-fashioned games like sack racing, egg relays, tug-of-war and kick-the-can.
10 a.m.–noon and 1:30–3:30 p.m., free. Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont, www.ebparks.org.

Labor Day Open House at Tilden
The schedule of ongoing events includes crafts, games and farm activities, so come bring the family and your picnic!
11 a.m.–3 p.m., free. Tilden Nature Area, Environmental Education Center, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley, (510) 544-2233, www.ebparks.org.

Labor Day Open House at Crab Cove
Nature-related activities and crafts are aplenty to help families celebrate the holiday, with a low-tide walk at the end of the day.
11 a.m.–5 p.m., low-tide walk 4:30–5:30 p.m., free. Crab Cove Visitor Center, 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda, www.ebparks.org.

Family Day at Golden Gate Fields
Labor Day is family day at the racetrack and kids can enjoy pony rides, a bounce house, petting zoo, face painting and more.
Noon–4 p.m., first race begins at 12:45 p.m. Kids 17 and under are free with paid adult admission of $4. Golden Gate Fields, 1100 Eastshore Highway, Berkeley, (510) 559-7300, www.goldengatefields.com.

7 | Tuesday

The Little Book of String Theory
Theoretical physicist and author Steven Gubser uses examples from everyday life to explain difficult concepts behind string theory. Seating is limited.
12:30, free with general admission (free–$24.95). Board Room at the California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, (415) 379-8000, www.calacademy.org.
 
8 | Wednesday

Impressionist Paris: City of Light
Art Lecture
Come to an illustrated art lecture by Jim Kohn on the Legion of Honor’s exhibit, Impressionist Paris: City of Light.
6:30 p.m., free. Walnut Creek Library, 1644 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, www.cclib.org.
 
Garden Strollers: Tours for Parents With Young Children
Join mom and docent Molly Bolt and her son Rowan on a special 45-minute tour of the garden for parents and their children under 3. Children must be in a stroller or carrier during the tour, which ends with gentle play and snacks on the lawn.
2:30–3:15 p.m., free with $2–$7 admission, children under 2 free. UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley, (510) 643-2755, www.events.berkeley.edu.

Berkeley Old Time Music Festival
Enjoy a variety of music, clogging lessons, workshops and more at locations throughout Berkeley. Sept. 11-12 feature events specially geared for kids and families, including a concert for kids, the Youth Showcase and the family dance. Goes through Sept. 12.
See website for performance times, specific venues in Berkeley and admission prices; many events are free. www.berkeleyoldtimemusic.org

9 | Thursday

Opening Night of The Brothers Size
Directed by local playwright Octavio Solis, this Magic Theatre play explores themes of sexuality, coming of age, and the bonds of family as characters Ogun and Oshoosi try to start fresh in their hometown.
8 p.m., $20–$30. Magic Theatre, Northside Theatre, Fort Mason Center, Bldg D, San Francisco, www.magictheatre.org.

Three Ring Bingo
The theme for tonight is Bingo in Paris (think Moulin Rouge), featuring performance art, live entertainment, cash prizes during 10 knockout rounds that are unlike typical bingo.
7:30 p.m., $20 for 10 games. Rhythmix Cultural Center, 2513 Blanding, Alameda, (510) 865-5060, www.rhythmix.org.
 
10 | Friday

The Brass Menazeri Performs
Tonight, the Bay Area’s Balkan Romani (Gypsy) powerhouse Brass Band delivers infectious energy while cascading through the music of Serbian, Macedonian, Greek and Rajasthani Roma with new sensibilities.
9 p.m, $12 advance, $15 at the door. Rhythmix Cultural Center, 2513 Blanding, Alameda, (510) 865-5060, www.rhythmix.org.

Diablo Theatre Company’s Annie
It’s opening night for this family favorite, with a chorus line of high-kicking orphan waifs, a cute dog and delightfully wretched Miss Hannigan. The plan runs through Oct. 2.
Matinee and evening show times, $17­–$48. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, www.lesherartscenter.org.

Berkeley Heritage Architectural Tour
Join Sally Sachs for a tour of The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, one of the Bay Area’s most talked-about new museum buildings. The 63,000-square-foot CJM was designed by Daniel Libeskind and occupies Willis Polk’s 1907 Jesse Street Power Substation, whose brick façade, trusses and skylights were preserved. Advance reservation required.
10:45 a.m., $20. The Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., San Francisco, (510) 841-2242, www.berkeleyheritage.com.

11 | Saturday
2nd Annual Ardenwood Shakespeare Festival & Renaissance Faire
 “Shakespeare’s Muse” is the theme for this year’s Elizabethan-era festival, when art, amour, armor and more than 800 live actors in historical costumes and 100 shopkeepers and artisans will transform Ardenwood Historic Farm for the weekend. Event continues until 5 p.m. Sun.
10-6 p.m., $18 adults; $13 seniors, military and ages 13–17; $8 children 3–12. Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, www.ardenwoodfaire.com.

39th Annual Art & Wine Festival
Head to downtown Mountain View for an exceptional lineup of artists and craftmakers selling their work at affordable prices. There will also be two days of live music from 12 different bands, various home, garden and wellness booths and a Kids’ Park. Continues Sun.
10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. Castro Street between El Camino Real and Evelyn Avenue, Mountain View, www.miramarevents.com.
 
Webster Street Jam
Once known as the Peanut Butter Jam, this event attracting more than 30,000 people stays true to local roots, featuring arts and crafts on sale from area artisans, international foods from local restaurants and music from local bands. Continues Sun.
10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. Webster Street between Lincoln and Central avenues, Alameda, www.westalamedabusiness.com.

Barnyard Arts and Crafts
Color, paint and craft while curious chickens, fluffy rabbits and a colorful garden serve as inspiration.
2–3:30 p.m., free. Tilden Nature Area, Environmental Education Center, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley, (510) 544-2233, www.ebparks.org.

Garin Apple Festival
Celebrate our farming and pioneer past at a unique apple orchard, where you can press apple cider, hand-crank some ice cream, dance, listen to music and enjoy old-fashioned gamed with the family.
12–4 p.m, free. Garin Regional Park, 1320 Garin Ave., Hayward, www.ebparks.org.

Fairyland’s 60th Birthday
Come dressed up to Fairyland in storybook character or ’50s outfits and wish the park a happy birthday. In addition to puppet shows and theater presentations, Fairyland will host a range of events through the weekend, showing short movies about the park at the Chapel of Peace, hosting a ’50s Sock Hop, and from 11:30–12:30 on Sat. only, providing special performances by Dance/10 and Screen Actors Guild professionals plus a cake in honor of the occasion.
10 a.m.–4 p.m., $7. Children’s Fairyland, Lake Merritt at Grand and Bellevue, Oakland, (510) 452-2259, www.fairyland.org.

El Cerrito’s Cinema in the Park
Come see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs outdoors on the big screen. Bring your own blankets or low-back chairs and a picnic dinner.
8 p.m., free. Cerrito Vista Park, El Cerrito, www.el-cerrito.org.

Community Open House at The Crucible
View the artistic talents of The Crucible’s fire arts students and faculty. Learn about upcoming art classes and meet instructors.
Noon–4 p.m., free. 1260 Seventh St., Oakland, (510) 444-0919, www.thecrucible.org.

11-12 • Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival
This two-day event (also Sun.) is a chocoholic’s dream featuring unique chocolate desserts and delicacies.
Noon–5 p.m., free. Ghirardelli Square,
900 N. Point St., San Francisco, (415) 775-5500, www.ghirardellisq.com.

12 | Sunday

Preschool Gallery Hour
It’s the second Sunday of the month, when the museum opens early for families who can tour the As It Is Written exhibit, make hand stamps and groove to Octopretzel.
10–11:30 a.m., free with $8–$10 admission, 18 and under free. Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., San Francisco, (415) 655-7800, www.thecjm.org.

Live Snake Demonstration
New at the California Academy of Sciences, this demonstration will help visitors understand an often-misunderstood reptile. A live snake will be handled by an academy expert, who will show visitors its attributes and describe its role in society.
1:30 p.m., free with free with general admission (free–$24.95). California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, (415) 379-8000, www.calacademy.org.

She Loves Me by CenterREPertory Company
Watch the story of Georg and Amalia, feuding clerks who find solace in their anonymous romantic pen pals, not knowing that their respective correspondents are each other. Play runs through Oct. 10.
2:30 p.m., $19–$45. Lesher Theatre, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, www.centerrep.org.

Grandparents’ Day at the Oakland Zoo
Treat your grandparents to a special day at the Oakland Zoo, when they’ll get free train rides all day long.
10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., freee–$12.50. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Gold Links Road, Oakland, www.oaklandzoo.org.

Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival
It’s day two of the 15th annual chocolate festival, where you can indulge in chocolate delicacies and enjoy chocolate-inspired family activities all day long.
12–5 p.m., $20 to taste 15 chocolate samples. Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point St., San Francisco, www.ghirardellisq.com.

Sunday Sampler at Berkeley Rep School of Theatre
Treat your friends and family or come alone to sample four different classes offered by professional theater artists at the Berkeley Rep. Programming includes acting, improvisation, stage combat and clowning. Open to youth, teens and adults.
1 p.m., free. Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, 2071 Addison St., Berkeley, www.berkeleyrep.org.

Target Family Days: Hawaiian Theme
Enjoy lei making, Hawaiian barbecue, dance instruction and entertainment from the Kapalakiko Hawaiian Band, Halau Hula Na Wai Ola, A Polynesian Performance and Happy Birds. Sponsored by Target, each Family Day includes hands-on art stations, bounce houses, street performers, cultural food, and more.
11 a.m.-3 p.m., free. Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, www.ci.redwood-city.ca.us/events/targetfamilydays.htm#hawaiian.

Solano Stroll
It’s the East Bay’s oldest and largest street festival featuring 26 blocks of fun. The day begins with a parade at 10 a.m., followed by an afternoon filled with 75 entertainers, 50 food booths, 150 juried arts and crafters, games, wacky art cars and almost 200 participating community nonprofit and government organizations.
10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. Solano Avenue, Albany, www.solanoavenueassn.org.

13 | Monday

Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Bring your stuffed animal or doll for a sleepover at the library, where you’ll read them stories and do a craft before tucking them in. The next morning between 10:30 a.m. and noon, come back to pick them up and see photos of their slumber party.
7–8 p.m., free. Concord Library, 2900 Salvio St., Concord, (925) 646-5455, www.cclib.org.
 
14 | Tuesday

Opening Night of In Red and Brown Water
See the story of Oya, who must make a life-changing decision between her dying mother and her own future. This Marin Theatre Company play is directed by Ryan Rilette and continues through Oct. 3.
8 p.m., $32. Marin Theatre Company, Boyer Theatre, 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley, www.marintheatre.org.

Magician Donny Crandell at Kensington Library
Come see awesome magic tricks and be entertained by magician extraordinaire Donny Crandell, who inspires children to use their imaginations while reading. For ages 3 and up.
6:30 p.m., free. Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington, (510) 524-3043, cclib.org.

15 | Wednesday

Scream Machines: The Science of Roller Coasters
Explore the physics of roller coasters and the physiology and psychology of thrill-seeking through a range of interactive exhibits at the Lawrence Hall of Science.
10 a.m.–5 p.m., free to $12. Lawrence Hall of Science, Centennial Drive, Berkeley, www.lawrencehallofscience.org.

16 | Thursday

Tilden Tots n’ Sibs
3- and 4-year-olds and their siblings and guardians do not need to register to enjoy a day of nature adventure in the outdoors.
10–11:30 a.m., $6 (nonresidents of Alameda and Contra Costa counties pay $8). Tilden Nature Area, Environmental Education Center,
Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley, (510) 544-2233, www.ebparks.org.

17 | Friday

Booties Camp: Baby Language and Brain Development
Second in a series of five classes for new and expectant parents, this class teaches the importance of communication with infants, from reading, singing and talking. Babies welcome to attend with their parents.
6–8 p.m., free. Bananas Inc., 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland, (510) 658-7353, www.bananasinc.org.

USS Hornet Family Overnight
Spend the night aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hornet. Tour the ship and have fun learning about history.
5 p.m.–10 a.m., $100. 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda Point, (510) 521-8448, ext 280, www.uss-hornet.org.

Harvest Festival
Start your holiday shopping early at this annual arts-and-crafts festival featuring entertainment, top artisans, festival cuisine and crafters demonstrating their work. Through Sun.
10 a.m.–6 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. $9 adults, $7 seniors, $4 ages 13-17, under 12 free. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, (510) 426-7559, www.harvestfestival.com.

18 | Saturday

Yom Kippur Observance
Come to a ceremony with readings, music and a memorial and take part in a series of workshops for adults and children.
1–5 p.m., $10. Tri-Valley Cultural Jews, 1817 Sinclair Drive, Pleasanton, (925) 485-1049, www.tri-valleyculturaljews.org.

Firehouse Arts Center Grand Opening & Dedication
This new city of Pleasanton facility features a performing arts theater, art gallery and classrooms, and the public is invited to the dedication and open house, with music, refreshments, prize drawings and kids activities.
11 a.m.–4 p.m., free. Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton, www.firehousearts.org.

Playland Celebrates the It’s-It Ice Cream Bar
It’s-It is Playland’s most famous treat, so get a bar free this weekend.
10 a.m.–5 p.m., $10–$15. Playland-Not-at-the-Beach, a Museum of Fun, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, (510) 592-3002, www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org.

Jonas Brothers in Concert with Demi Lovato and Camp Rock Friends
Catch the famous trio in concert with their Camp Rock co-star, Demi Lovato, and other singers/actors from the movie on their world tour.
 7 p.m., various prices, lawn seats begin at $17. Shoreline Amphitheater, One Amphitheater Parkway, Mountain View,  www.shorelineamphitheatertickets.com.

Fiesta de Independencia
Celebrate Mexico’s bicentennial anniversary with authentic food, music, games and activities for the whole family.
3–7 p.m., free. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Spring Road, Santa Rosa, www.wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Fishing Introduction
Learn how to get started in the sport of fishing, getting a handle on the basics, from knot tying and rigging to bait selection and casting techniques.
8–10 a.m., $19. Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, 2500 Stanley Blvd., Pleasanton, www.ebparks.org.

Artspark
Meet more than 30 local artists and take part in hands-on art activities, dance and yoga classes and mural painting. Visit booths by organizations supporting community health. Sign up for on-going South and West Berkeley public art projects and learn about the connection between art, community and health. Tons of food and music.
11 a.m.–4 p.m., free. San Pablo Park, 2800 Park St., Berkeley, www.artsparkfestival.org.

Autumn Moon Festival
This event features multicultural entertainment, traditional lion and dragon dances, arts and crafts, lantern village, moon cakes and children’s activities. Through Sun.
11 a.m. Sat., 12 p.m. Sun., free. Grant Avenue between California and Pacific Streets, San Francisco, (415) 982-0606. www.moonfestival.org.

19 | Sunday

Sundays in the Redwoods
Enjoy free concerts in the redwoods at Woodminster Amphitheater. Today’s performances will be by The John Santos Sextet, Dos Four y Los Mios, Rankin Scroo, and Candidi Oye-Oba.
2 p.m., parking $4. Woodminster Amphitheater, Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland, www.oaklandnet.com/parks/sundays/.
 
Free Docent-Led Garden Tour
With paid admission, join docents for a free, Sunday afternoon waterwise gardening tour at the UC Botanical Garden.
1:30 p.m., free with $2–$9 admission, children under 5 are free. UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley, www.botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu.

Free Summer Family Concert
Professional children’s entertainers Charity and JAMband, with special guests, The Hipwaders, will entertain guests on Park Chalet’s outdoor lawn. Bring blankets or lawn chairs – space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Park Chalet’s outdoor barbecue items will be on sale beginning at 10 a.m.
3–5 p.m., free. Park Chalet, 1000 Great Highway, San Francisco, www.parkchalet.com.

Sunday Streets
A day to promote free health and community events, Sunday Streets takes place on a different route each time, with strolling, skating, aerobics, yoga, tai chi, and other free events happening along the route for Bay Area residents of all ages.
10 a.m.–3 p.m., free. Western Addition, from Post Street to the Panhandle, www.sundaystreetssf.com.

Ice Cream, Vegetables and Country Cookies
Come to the farm to churn tasty ingredients into ice cream from 12–1, prep garden veggies from 1–2 and make fresh cookies from scratch at the Country Kitchen from 2–3.
Park is open 10 a.m.–4 p.m., events free with park admission, $5 for adults, $4 for children. Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, (510) 544-2797, www.ebparks.org.

Nell Robinson Concert
Rock Wall Wine Co. presents a summer evening with bluegrass and country singer Nell Robinson.
1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., $20 (includes two glasses of premium Rock Wall wine). Rock Wall Wine Co.,
2301 Monarch St., Alameda, (510) 522-5700, www.rockwallwines.com.

Goods Swap
Head Over Heels Athletic Arts partners with peace.love.swap, an organization that donates used kids stuff and maternity items to local charities through ongoing goods swaps. Bring gently used, cleaned items to the swap and pick up items you need; leftovers will be donated to the Emeryville Community Action Project.  
11 a.m.-12 p.m. drop off, 12:30–1:30 p.m. swap, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. open gym time; $5 for the swap, $10 for HOH open gym time ($5 for swappers). HOH, 4701 Doyle Street, Bldg. F, Emeryville, (510) 655-1265, www.HOHGymnastics.com, www.peaceloveswap.com/howitworksfaqs.html.

20 | Monday

There’s a Hummingbird in My Backyard
Come hear author Gary Bogue and illustrator Chuck Todd talk about their new book, There’s a Hummingbird in my Backyard, about the nature all around us.
7–8 p.m., free. Concord Library, 2900 Salvio St., Concord, (925) 646-5455, www.cclib.org.

Senior Summer Free Day
Seniors age 55 and older who live in Oakland get in free and pay no parking at the zoo today.
10 a.m.–4 p.m., free–$12.50. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd. Oakland, www.oaklandzoo.org.

21 | Tuesday

Magician Brian Scott at the Danville Library
Brian Scott combines magic, comedy and fun at this comical magic show when he’ll encourage audience participation and even do some mind reading.
4 p.m., free. Danville Library, Children’s Reading Room, 400 Front St., Danville, (925) 837-4889, www.cclib.org.

Berkeley Farmers Market Cooking Demonstration
Learn how to make corn salad from Trudy Schafer, a natural chef instructor at Bauman College, then shop the farmers market for healthy, locally produced ingredients.
4:30–6:30 p.m., free. Berkeley Farmers Market, Derby Street at Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, (510) 548-3333, www.ecologycenter.org.

22 | Wednesday

All the Seasons of the Year Author Reading
Author Deborah Rose reads from her new picture book, All the Seasons of the Year, about how children are cherished all year round.
7 p.m., free. New Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek, www.wclibrary.org.

23 | Thursday

Tales of the Maya Skies
If you haven’t already seen it, this amazing 33-minute planetarium show funded by the National Science Foundation shows a larger-than-life view of the celestial labyrinth of outer space from the 70-foot dome-screen auditorium.
10 a.m., 1 p.m., one planetarium show free with $10.95–$14.95 admission. Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, www.chabotspace.org.

Oktoberfest by the Bay
Celebrate this German tradition at an autumn beer festival featuring nonstop singing, dancing and music along with German food and beverages. Through Sun.
5 p.m.–midnight Thu.-Fri., 11 a.m-5 p.m. and 6 p.m.–midnight Sat., 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun., $25-$30. Pier 48, Third Street and China Basin,  San Francisco, (888) 746-7522, www.oktoberfestbythebay.com.

24 | Friday

Andy Z in Concert at Play Café
Take an imaginary tour of the Andyland Islands with Andy Z, who will have your children smiling, singing and dancing.
6 p.m., $6. Play Café, 4400 Keller Ave., Suite 410, Oakland, www.playcafellc.com.

Harvest Crush Wine Benefit
Enjoy wine tasting, a winery tour, hors d’oeuvres, raffle, silent auction and mystery wine sales with all proceeds going to Adopt A Special Kid, a nonprofit that finds homes for waiting children in foster care.
 6 p.m.–8:30 p.m., $20–$75 (Adults only). JC Cellars, 55 Fourth St., Oakland, (510) 553-1748 ext. 11, www.aask.org.

25 | Saturday

25th Annual International Coastal Cleanup Day
Spend the end of the summer season working together to care for our shared natural resources. Gloves and bags will be provided to volunteers from Baltimore to Bangladesh.
9 a.m.–12 p.m., free. Ocean Conservancy, various beaches, lakes and rivers around globe, specific sites will be listed at: www.oceanconservancy.org/cleanup.

26th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day
California’s largest volunteer event will take place today at more than 800 locations around the state, when volunteers will remove debris on our beaches and inland shorelines. Volunteers are encouraged to go to their favorite cleanup location with their own supplies. Various East Bay Park locations are assembling clean-up crews.
All day, various locations. California Coastal Commission, www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/ccd.html, www.ebparks.org/node/1376.
 
Children’s Art, Health & Literacy Festival
The Contra Costa Child Care Council hosts this event with free kids books, a puppet show, song and dance, story time, finger painting, sponge and car painting, book-making, obstacle courses, dance-offs, and more.
10 a.m.–2 p.m., free. 1035 Detroit Ave., Concord, www.cocokids.org/calendar/festival.

Land of the Dragons
This weekend at the museum, receive a Dragon egg as you enter, then find the clues to the dragon’s nest before the egg hatches!
10 a.m.–5 p.m., $10–$15. Playland-Not-at-the-Beach, a Museum of Fun, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, (510) 592-3002, www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org.

Going 4 Green! Festival
Enjoy a street fair dedicated to all things “green,” with live entertainment, speakers, green businesses, an eco fashion show, organic foods, a kid zone, community action groups and more.
12–7 p.m., free. Throughout Jack London Square, Oakland, www.goinggreenjls.com.

Daddy & Me Workshop
Kids, spend special time with your dads at the Saturday morning Daddy & Me workshops at Zeum. Sessions include adventures in the arts, digital storytelling and hands-on projects led by a Zeum educator.
10–11 a.m., $8–$10. Zeum, 221 Fourth Street, San Francisco, www.zeum.org.

Salsa Festival
Bring the family for a fun-filled day of salsa dancing, fun activities, music and entertainment.
Noon–8 p.m., free. Courthouse Square, 200 Broadway St., Redwood City. www.ci.redwood-city.ca.us.

International Dragon Boat Festival
Nearly 100 dragon boat teams and 2,500 paddlers from across North America will race the 500-meter course at this festival that also features entertainment and children’s activities. Also Sun.
10 a.m.–5 p.m. free. California Avenue and Avenue D, Treasure Island, www.sfdragonboat.com.

26 | Sunday

Rockridge Out & About Street Festival
Check out College Avenue in North Oakland, when there will be local bands and dance performances, a runway fashion show, a merchant sidewalk sale, food and beverage booths, a wellness tent, a kids court, a chef’s stage and an artisan marketplace.
12–6 p.m., free. Rockridge District, College Avenue from Alcatraz to Manila, Oakland, www.rockridgeoutandabout.com/about.html.
 
Sundays in the Redwoods
Enjoy free concerts in the redwoods at Woodminster Amphitheater. Today’s performance will be by Oakland East Bay Symphony, S.O.N.G. (Strings of a Nubian Groove) and John Handy.
2 p.m., parking $4. Woodminster Amphitheater, Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland, www.oaklandnet.com/parks/sundays/.
 
Fall Free For All
This Cal Performances Open House is open to the public, featuring a full day of free performances from a diverse line-up of top-notch artists.
11 a.m.–6 p.m., free. Zellerbach Hall, Lower Sproul Plaza, Wheeler Auditorium, and Hertz Hall, U.C. Berkeley, Berkeley, www.calperfs.berkeley.edu/community/community.

The Buddy Club Children’s Shows
Award-winning magician Timothy James will make you laugh as you picnic and enjoy the lush gardens during this last show in the summer outdoor series.
11 a.m.–12 p.m., $5 per person, $10 per family, under 2 years free. San Francisco Botanical Garden, Ninth Avenue and Lincoln Way, San Francisco, (510) 236-7469, www.thebuddyclub.com.

Reinventing Shelter
Create your own temporary dwelling art-piece, using the museum’s sukkah exhibit by artist Allan Wexler as inspiration.
1–3 p.m., free with $8–$10 admission, 18 and under free. Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., San Francisco, (415) 655-7800, www.thecjm.org.

Valley Nature Ride
Learn the cultural and natural history of Sunol Regional Wilderness on horseback. Registration is required.
10–10:45 a.m., $25. Sunol Regional Wilderness, Southeast end of Geary Road, Sunol, www.ebparks.org.

Alameda Legacy Home Tour
Spend a day visiting historic homes, and stroll through neighborhoods rich in architectural heritage. The tour is sponsored by the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society and the Alameda Museum and proceeds fund these nonprofits.
11 a.m.–5 p.m., $30 advance, $35 day of event. (510) 523-5907, www.alameda-home-tour.org.

27 | Monday

Mindful Moms Group
Explore the path of mindful mothering with your 6–18-month-old baby and other mothers who wish to be fully present with their children. Pre-registration is required and a four-week commitment is requested.
10–11:30 a.m., $140. Mindful Mothers’ Groups, 1600 Shattuck Ave., Suite 200, Berkeley, www.ginahassan.com/Mindful_groups.html.

28 | Tuesday

What Do Young Children Really Need?
This free training workshop is geared to early childhood educators and caregivers, who will learn to better understand the socio-emotional needs of young children and how their needs impact behavior. Continues subsequent Tuesdays through Oct. 19.
6:30–8:30 p.m., free. Parents’ Place, 600 Fifth Ave., San Rafael, parentsplaceonline.org.

29 | Wednesday

Breastfeeding Class
Learn to get your breastfeeding off to a good start, with a robust supply, understanding of baby cues and supportive relationship with your partner.
6:30–9 p.m., $35 per couple. Birth Ways, 1600 Shattuck Ave., Suite 122, Berkeley, birthways.org.

30 | Thursday

Emeryville Farmers’ Market
This brand new farmers’ market is located near Pixar in Emeryville and is committed to the artisan food community, regional cuisine and local culture.
12–7 p.m., free. Haven St. next to City Hall, Emeryville, emeryvillefarmersmarket.weebly.com/about.html.

Mark Morris Dance Group
The world-famous Mark Morris Dance Group returns to Berkeley with its newest masterpiece, Socrates. Through Sun.
Times vary, $34-$72. Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley, (510) 642-9988, www.calperfs.berkeley.edu.