Arts & Events

Don't Miss This in June

By Dorothy Snodgrass
Friday May 18, 2012 - 12:39:00 PM

We're all aware, of course, that June is traditionally a month of weddings, outdoor picnics, and band concerts in Oakland's Ozawa Plaza. To say that summer festivals abound in the East Bay would be a gross understatement. Indeed, "June is Busting Out All Over" aptly describes the astonishing number of entertaining/educational events available throughout the month. Listed below are just a few of such events. 

"East Bay Open Studios," a self-guided tour of local artist studios. June 2-3. Preview exhibition through June 10. 150 Ozawa Plaza, Oakland. WWW.Proartsallery.Org

"Berkeley World Music Festival," Sat. June 2nd, Noon - 9 p.m. People's Park, Telegraph Avenue; Amoeba Music Concert, continuous music outdoors and in cafes. www.berkeleyworldmusic.org.

"Summer Fund at Jack London Square," June 7 and 14; "Sound Waves", 5:30 - 7:30. Enjoy live music on the waterfront. "Dancing Under the
Stars," June - August. Kick up your heels and learn to Salsa, Cha Cha, Tango and more. "Jack's Night Market"; shop under the stars for Oakland products, vegetables, fruit, crafts, with amazing performances. Sundays, 9 a.m - 2 p.m. Free Yoga. Webster and Water St. on the Waterfront.
www.jacklondonsquare.com.

"37th Annual Fine Arts Sidewalk Festival," Montclair Village, Mountain at LaSalle, June 23, 24 and 26, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. The Village sidewalks come alive with fine arts and crafts, featuring more than 90 professional artists from across the western U.S. www.montclairvillage.com.

"First Fridays at Studio One," Studio One Art Center, 365 45th St. Join poetry enthusiasts and story tellers, from well known poets to up-and-coming writers. 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Come early and enjoy outdoor gourmet food trucks. www.oakland parks.com.

"42nd Annual Live Oak Park Fair," Fine arts and original crafts, fresh festive food and family entertainment. June 9 & 10, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Free Shuttle service from North Berkeley Bar Station.
(510) 227-7110.

"Summer Sounds Concerts," Outdoor concerts every Wednesday, noon - 1 p.m. City Center Plaza State, Oakland.

"16th Annual Chocolate and Chalk Art," eat chocolate and make chalk art. Sat., June 2nd, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Gourmet Ghetto, North Shattuck Ave.
(510) 540-6444.

"Buzz Downtown for First Fridays on the free "B" shuttle." Yearning to try a hot downtown restaurant for lunch or dinner? Looking to catch a late-night downtown hotspot? Ride the free Broadway Shuttle. It's easy, fast, and fun. MeetDownTownOak.com.

So—you insist that there's little doing in the Bay Area in June? Think again!