Hello Richmondside readers. Some highlights of this week’s What’s Up column include: Four kid friendly Easter season events, “tomato days” at a local nursery and a fusion dance party.
Also: Learn how the city of Richmond spends its multi-million dollar budget at one of three upcoming budget workshops and helpful links for income tax resources — the filing deadline is Tuesday.
And finally, if you’re looking for information about ongoing things to do in Richmond (many of which are free), we’ve got you covered. Learn where to hike or go swimming, take an exercise class, visit art museums, and find family friendly activities using our daily things to do list.
Things to know and do in Richmond
- Things to know and do in Richmond
- Nonprofit that helps families celebrates 25 years of resilience
- First Richmond city budget meeting is today
- Signup deadline for Richmond Art Center summer camps for kids
- Richmond studio hosting events for local musicians
- $100K in scholarships being offered to San Pablo students
- Tuesday is income tax filing deadline
- Free vaccine clinic at Unity Park
- Things to do
- Learn how to grow ‘bigger, better’ tomatoes at Curious Flora
- Showcase your unique dance moves at Allegro Ballroom fusion night
- Exhibit will explore the bonds between the human body and ceramics
- Hop to it! Spring egg hunts at Nicholl, Pogo parks
- Floating eggs at the Richmond Swim Center
- Children can create their own Easter baskets at workshop
- Spring Eggstravaganza egg hunt in San Pablo
- Register by tonight for Meeker Slough birdwatching hike
- Rotary clubs hosting fundraiser for RotaCare medical clinic
- Two art exhibit openings in Point Richmond
- Open mic poetry night at CoBiz
- Live music, comedy at local establishments
Nonprofit that helps families celebrates 25 years of resilience
RCF Connects, formerly known as the Richmond Community Foundation, is celebrating its 25th anniversary of helping lower-income families.
The nonprofit has expanded its services to include central and east Contra Costa County communities.
The group’s goals include safety for children walking to school, affordable housing for all people, accessible healthy food and healthy local business environments.
“This milestone is more than just a celebration,” said Jim Becker, president and chief executive officer of RCF Connects. “It’s a reflection of the community’s resilience, the strength of our partnerships, and our shared belief that everyone deserves the chance to thrive — no matter where they live.”
First Richmond city budget meeting is today
Three community workshops are being held this month to discuss the city of Richmond’s budget and financial status:
- Thur., April 10, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.;
- Mon., April 14, at 7 p.m., during the Richmond Neighborhood Coordinating Council meeting; and
- Wed., April 23, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
All of the meetings are in the city council chambers at 440 Civic Center Plaza. Visit the city website for meeting Zoom information.
Signup deadline for Richmond Art Center summer camps for kids
Parents can still register their children for summer camps at the Richmond Art Center.
The camps are held during a six-week period in June and July. Weekly camps are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The cost is $150 per week. There is a 10% discount for subsequent siblings who register after the initial family member signs up, and there are scholarships available.
Applications must be turned in by Fri., April 11.
Richmond studio hosting events for local musicians
Rich City Studios has scheduled a series of events to connect and help uplift Bay Area musicians.
The Indie Auxperience will include listening sessions where musicians can perform two songs to collect feedback from attendees as well as discussions from a panel of experts, guest performances and community engagement.
The Richmond studio has partnered with Bay Area venues, including Baltic Kiss and The Study Wine Bar at Purity Winie, to host the events.
Ticket prices start at $14 for the inaugural event this weekend. More events are being scheduled.
The kickoff event for the Indie Auxperience will be Sun., April 13, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Gold Bar Distillery Tasting Room, 1 Avenue of the Palms #167, Treasure Island.
$100K in scholarships being offered to San Pablo students
Applications are still being accepted for the San Pablo Scholarship Pilot Program.
The three-year project provides financial support for post high school education and career technical training for people under the age of 24 who live in the incorporated boundaries of San Pablo.
The scholarship application asks students to share their goals and plans to provide the selection committee with insights into how the funds will support their post-secondary ambitions.
As many as 100 scholarships will be awarded. Each scholarship is worth about $1,000. A total of $100,000 will be distributed.
The deadline to apply is Tue., April 15. The recipients will be announced on July 15.
“The San Pablo Scholarship is a vital resource for our community, and we are excited to see the impact the public funds have on the lives of our youth, empowering them to create brighter futures,” said Paola Cubias-Shirazi, a community services coordinator for San Pablo, in a press statement.
Tuesday is income tax filing deadline
The income tax filing deadline is Tuesday. The city of Richmond’s website has a number of helpful links to commonly used federal and state tax filing resources.
The Richmond Public Library main branch also has limited copies of the federal 1040/1040SR booklet as well as the California 540 2EZ and 540 2EZ SP (Spanish). The library reference desk can print limited copies of other forms but cannot print tax instruction booklets.
Free vaccine clinic at Unity Park
The public is invited to a free Contra Costa Health vaccine clinic at Unity Park on April 19.
No appointments are required, and everyone is welcome regardless of their health insurance or immigration status.
Participants can receive:
- School-required vaccines for youths 18 and under;
- The 2024-2025 flu vaccine; and
- The 2024-2025 COVID vaccine (Moderna), depending upon availability.
Also available are free home COVID tests, while supplies last.
The vaccine clinic is April 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Unity Park Community Plaza, 1605 Ohio Ave.
Things to do
Learn how to grow ‘bigger, better’ tomatoes at Curious Flora
Start thinking about bruschetta and pasta sauce recipes: This weekend there will be a number of tomato growing tip sessions at a Richmond nursery.
Curious Flora is hosting a series of free events the next three days to help gardeners grow bigger and better tomatoes.
There will be 15-minute “tomato quickies” seminars on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to provide quick tips on growing and harvesting tomatoes.
The nursery will also have farm-to-garden talks on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. to help you grow tomatoes like a pro.
Tomato Days events will be held April 11-13 at Curious Flora’s Nursery, 740 Market Ave. in Richmond.
Showcase your unique dance moves at Allegro Ballroom fusion night
You can show off your dancing skills at an event this weekend at the Allegro Ballroom.
For Friday Night Fusion you can break out any dance style or unique movement that moves you. There will be snacks and music courtesy of DJ Amber.
Friday Night Fusion will be held on Fri., April 11, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Allegro Ballroom, 12012 San Pablo Ave. in Richmond. The cost is $10 for Allegro Ballroom members and $15 for non-members.
Exhibit will explore the bonds between the human body and ceramics
Have some fun with ceramics and check out an exhibit featuring clay-based human body forms this weekend.
The exhibit Flesh Vessels will have its gallery reception at the NIAD Art Center.
The free exhibit in the center’s main gallery will feature more than a dozen artists who use clay to create works that explore the bonds between the human form and ceramics.
The reception will also include a station where visitors can choose pre-made human limbs and other body parts to assemble their own creations.
The “Flesh Vessels” opening reception is Sat., April 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the NIAD Art Center, 551 23rd St. in Richmond.
Hop to it! Spring egg hunts at Nicholl, Pogo parks
You can get an early jump on celebrating Easter at two free city-sponsored egg-travaganzas.
There is a Spring Egg Hunt Saturday morning at Nicholl Park.
Children 5 and under can search the park for eggs between 10:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. Children 10 and under can look for the little colorful treasures from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. All ages then get a crack at it from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Some of the eggs are filled with candy and toys.
Pogo Park’s annual Spring Fling is April 18 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Elm playlot 720 Elm Ave.
The Spring Egg Hunt will take place on Sat., April 12, between 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at Nicholl Park, 3230 Macdonald Ave.
Floating eggs at the Richmond Swim Center
The Richmond Swim Center puts an aquatic spin on the spring tradition with a floating egg hunt.
The free event will feature two sessions where children can splash in the pool while gathering up plastic eggs.
Registration is required. The cost is $10 for Richmond children under the age of 18 and $7 for Richmond adults 18 years and older. It’s $12.50 for non-resident children and $8.75 for non-resident adults.
The floating egg hunt will be held on Sat., April 12, at 1:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. at the Richmond Swim Center, 4300 Cutting Blvd.
Children can create their own Easter baskets at workshop
Children can craft their own Easter baskets at a free workshop this weekend.
The Easter Basket Workshop will include a do-it-yourself basket kit as well as food and other activities.
Spots are limited so reservations are recommended.
The Easter Basket Workshop is on Sat., April 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Keyz 2 the Future, 322 Harbour Way, Ste. 26, in Richmond.
Spring Eggstravaganza egg hunt in San Pablo
Hop on over to San Pablo’s Spring Eggstravaganza to enjoy an egg hunt for ages 12 and under.
Remember to bring a basket for your eggs. There will also be activities, games and photos with the “spring bunny.”
The Spring Eggstravaganza is Sat., April 12, 10 a.m. to noon, at the San Pablo Community Center, 2450 Road 20. The egg hunt starts at 11 a.m.
Register by tonight for Meeker Slough birdwatching hike
The Golden Gate Bird Alliance is sponsoring a field trip for bird lovers in Meeker Slough near Marina Bay in Richmond this weekend.
The 2 ½ hour hike is expected to yield views of a variety of shorebirds as well as a potential rare sighting of a Ridgway’s Rail.
The 1.5-mile walk will take place on even, paved surfaces accessible to wheelchairs. Participants will gather at the trail entrance at the end of the Bayside Way cul-de-sac.
The free hike is limited to 12 people and registration closes at 11 p.m. today, Thur., April 10.
The Golden Gate Bird Alliance hike in Meeker Slough will take place on Sat., April 12, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Rotary clubs hosting fundraiser for RotaCare medical clinic
Rotary clubs in western Contra Costa County are hosting a fundraiser this weekend for a medical clinic that provides free healthcare to adults.
The Sip & Savor Food and Wine Festival will raise money for the RotaCare West Contra Costa clinic in San Pablo.
The festival will feature music as well as beer, wine and food from local businesses. Tickets are $70 in advance and $80 on the day of the event.
RotaCare serves adults who have no health insurance. It provides urgent care services, diagnostic testing, general physical exams and referrals to social service agencies.
The Sip & Savor fundraiser is scheduled for Sat., April 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salesian College Preparatory School, 2851 Salesian Ave., Richmond.
Two art exhibit openings in Point Richmond
The Arts of Point Richmond is hosting two exhibit openings on Sunday.
The first exhibit is for Lewdcat Art by Wendy Walker and Bonnie Leonard. The exhibit is all about cats and “the positions they get themselves into.”
The free reception is on Sun., April 13, from noon to 5 p.m. at the ar*ti*fact gallery, 109 W. Richmond Ave. The exhibit runs through April 20.
The second exhibit is for The Peace of Imperfection, which features works by artists Candace Fuhrman and Susy Siddens.
The reception is on Sun., April 13, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Point Richmond Gallery, 145 W. Richmond Ave.
Open mic poetry night at CoBiz
Celebrate the release of slam poet Pap1 Grand3’s debut poetry collection at an open mic hosted by Richmond’s poet laureate Stephen Sharpe.
The night will feature performances by Antioch poet laureate Cordon Concepts and MoAD poet-in-residence Reggie Edmonds-Vasquez.
You can also perform your own work in front of a welcoming audience and enjoy music by DJ Nash’Chanel. Food will be available for purchase.
Open mic night is Thur., April 17, at 6:30 p.m. at CoBiz Richmond, 1503 Macdonald Ave.
Live music, comedy at local establishments
A number of establishments in Richmond feature live music, entertainment and other events each week.
The Backyard, 205 Cutting Blvd., is a kid and dog friendly outdoor beer and wine garden with food and live music. This weekend’s lineup includes the five-piece R&B band Bay Area All Stars that will perform on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday, it’s the funk and soul group Rojai in the Pocket on stage from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Baltic Kiss restaurant, 135 Park Place in Point Richmond, will feature a variety of bands the next four days. Today, Thur., April 10, Teeth on Wheels will bring in its heavy rock sounds from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. On Friday, the groups Tool Box, Sour Flower, Cheugy and Lofi-Legs will light up the stage from 8 p.m. until midnight. On Saturday, you can listen to Radio Radio and Shoplifters United from 8 p.m. to midnight. On Sunday, a special Bang the Bay will feature seven bands from noon to 6:30 p.m. There’s a $10 general admission fee with $20 for VIP seats.
The Factory Bar, 12517 San Pablo Ave., which features indoor and dog friendly patio seating, will host food trucks and pop-up eateries most evenings with karaoke set for Tuesday night as well as Whiskey Wednesday the following evening. On Thursday, DJ Sir Slushalot will play tunes from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The waterfront Riggers Loft Wine Company, 1325 Canal Blvd., will have live music Friday through Sunday. On Friday, the East Bay band Groove Portal will perform from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, the acoustical Ali & Mark Band will entertain from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday, the jazzy Amy Obenski Trio will be on stage from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $5 coverage charge for all of these shows.
The outdoor waterfront Sailing Goat restaurant, 1900 Stenmark Drive, with views of San Francisco Bay at San Pablo Harbor, will feature live music this weekend. On Saturday, Nathan X Moody will sing from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Sunday, the Jenny Kerr Band will perform old blues and mountain music from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Windchaser Wine Company, 1352 S. 49th St., is hosting live jazz with Amy Ukena. Available for purchase will be oysters and pizza from the Rocky Island Oyster Company on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Be sure to check out our list of recurring activities and our calendar for more things to do in Richmond and add your local events for free.
