What’s Up: Fourth of July fireworks, Open Studios preview, Point Richmond music fest

Welcome to Richmondside’s debut What’s Up column, a weekly roundup of Richmond arts and entertainment activities, plus a few other things to be aware of. Richmonders told us before we launched that they want to enjoy their city more, and one way to do that is to make sure everyone is in-the-know about what’s going on around town.

So, with summer officially here, put down the TV remote and read on! From Fourth of July week fun to an outdoor music festival featuring a Grammy winner in Point Richmond and a Maker’s Faire on San Pablo Avenue, here’s what’s up this week. (We will lead each week’s column with a highlighted event, with other events following in chronological order.)

Fourth of July fireworks in Richmond

The city of Richmond’s Fourth of July celebration starts at 5 p.m. Wed., July 3 at Marina Bay Park. The annual event will feature food vendors selling burgers, barbecue, funnel cakes, churros and more. The Parks and Recreation team will host a children’s play area with games including giant versions of Connect 4, Jenga, and chess, to name a few. You know how Richmond weather likes to cool down at night, so bring a comfy chair and blankets. A 20-minute fireworks display is scheduled to start at 9:15 p.m. 

Nearby fun on the Fourth

• The city of El Cerrito will host its Fourth of July Festival, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thur., July 4, in Cerrito Vista Park, 950 Pomona Ave. Entertainment will be provided by WorldOne Concerts. Expect a family fun zone for children and a vintage car show for automotive enthusiasts. The event, which is less than a mile walk from the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station, will also feature food vendors, beer and wine booths, and face painting. Come prepared with blankets and chairs to set up camp and enjoy the festivities. 

• The city of San Pablo will host a Fourth of July Multi-Cultural Celebration, from 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Thur., July 4, at the San Pablo Community Center, 2450 Road 20. Enjoy a performance by the Carlos Santana tribute band Viva Santana, plus carnival games, food trucks and a lighted drone show. Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the fun.

• The city of Pinole is hosting a Fourth of July Celebration, from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Thur., July 4, at Pinole Valley High School, 2900 Pinole Valley Road. There’ll be live music, food vendors, with a community parade around the Pinole Valley High School track at 8:30 p.m. The night is set to end with a drone light show.

• The city of Albany is hosting a Fourth of July Celebration, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thur., July 4, at Memorial Park, 1325 Portland Ave. There will be two separate musical performances: From 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. the Honor Brass Band will take the stage; from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Aaron Burnham and the Brushfires will perform. Look forward to food trucks, kids’ activities, and city information booths. Bring your chairs and blankets to this event also, to enjoy the music from the grass.

Events happening today, June 27

Richmond Summer Block Party at Civic Center Plaza

Contra Costa County and the city of Richmond are hosting a Summer Block Party, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. today, Thur., June 27, at 440 Civic Center Plaza. The event is a family-friendly community gathering where Richmond residents can learn about and connect with county and city officials. 

Some of the services include voter registration, veteran benefits, CalFresh, and Medi-Cal information booths. The Contra Costa County Library will also present a live storytime, and the city of Richmond Fire Department will have fire trucks set up for kids to enjoy.   

A walk in the park: Alvarado Park Story Stroll

From 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. today, Thur., June 27, at Alvarado Park, 5755 McBryde Ave, the Richmond Public Library Children’s Room is hosting a “story stroll.” Join librarians and Melissa Fowlkes from East Bay Regional Parks for a naturalist-led exploration of this beautiful Richmond park.

For more information visit the Richmond Public Library Children’s Room Facebook page. 

Friday, June 28

Point Richmond Summer Music Festival Series

The Point Richmond Summer Music Festival, billed as a gathering place for all ages, ethnicities and walks of life, is 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Friday, June 28, at Washington Avenue and Park Place. The headliner is Grammy-award winning artist Fantastic Negrito, who will be performing for the first time at this summer music fest. Fantastic Negrito is a contemporary blues musician from Oakland who has collaborated with music legends such as E-40, Sting, Sturgill Simpson, and Chris Cornell. Festival organizers expect a large turnout and advise visitors to consider carpooling or using a rideshare service.

Sunday, June 30

Chocolate, candles, bakers at North-East Maker’s Faire

Sample the best work of local artisans and crafty folks from noon-6 p.m. Sunday, June 30, at the Clinton and San Pablo Ave Makers Faire, 12513 San Pablo Ave. Led by The Factory Bar, local businesses Fably-Lous Plants, Catahoula Coffee, Tacos El Tucan, Stewart’s Body Shop, Metztli Boutique and Waffles & Cream, have united to host this event featuring painters, chocolatiers, candle makers, bakers, jewelry artists and clothing brands.

Wednesday, July 3

Richmond Art Center Open Studios preview

Wednesday, July 3, marks the start of the Richmond Open Studios 2024 Exhibition at the Richmond Art Center. The exhibition, which is set to run until Aug. 17, previews the works of nearly 50 Richmond artists who will be opening their private studios to the public during the weekend of Aug. 17-18. Visitors can use the preview to decide which studios they’d like to tour during that weekend.

The Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave., is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ongoing Richmond events: Thrive Thursdays, toddler time

Every week, local agencies host a variety of recurring events. See our calendar for more and add your local events there too, for free.

• Thrive Thursdays / Health 4 All, aims to create a space where the community can gather to learn and practice healthy habits by accessing information, resources, and participating in organized physical activity. It happens from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays at MLK JR. Park, 360 Harbour Way.
• The Richmond City Council will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 2, at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are broadcast on KCRT Channel 28 and streamed on the KCRT Youtube Channel. Click here to see agendas and or join the meeting via a Zoom link. 
• The Richmond Public Library hosts a bi-weekly Thursday Night Adult Arts and Crafts Program through August. Every other week adults can try their hand at different beginner-friendly craft activities. June 27th’s topic is a vision-board-making session. Sessions are 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza. 
• Infant & Toddler Music and Movement Storytime, 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Mondays, Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. This Richmond Public Library Children’s Room program includes songs, fingerplays and books that are designed for families with babies and toddlers, but all ages of children are welcome.  

Be sure to add your Richmond events to our calendar. If you know of an event that you think we should highlight in What’s Up, please email hello@richmondside.org.