Update: This story was updated April 18 to reflect the closure of Baltic Kiss, which posted a message on its website saying: “We are very sorry to announce that Baltic Kiss is now permanently closed, effective immediately. Chef Tony, Miss Suzie and staff would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for an incredible 2 1/2 years. Your support has meant the world to us, But now it is time to say goodbye. I sincerely apologize for this situation. We did everything we could to keep Baltic Kiss open. Thank you for your continued support of live music! Tony, Suzie, Jacque, Marco
Hello Richmondside readers. Some highlights of this week’s What’s Up column include: The 55th Earth Day is April 22, and there are some local activities planned to give back to the planet and raise awareness about the importance of protecting it.
Also: Richmond’s well-attended Cinco de Mayo celebration is in its 20th year and happening soon; there are a few Easter-themed things to do; and you can attend a meeting to find out what’s happening with Richmond’s Heckathorn Superfund site.
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
- Things to know
- Find out what’s going on with Heckathorn Superfund site cleanup
- Get into a state park for free with your library card
- Nominate a west Contra Costa teacher to show your appreciation
- Get tips on first-time home ownership at seminar
- Free vaccine clinic this weekend at Unity Park
- Final community workshop on city budget is next week
- Things to do
- East Brother Beer Company holds fundraiser for Richmond Promise
- Egg hunt at Pogo Park Spring Fling event
- Richmond Earth Day celebration at Unity Park
- Earth Day cleanup in North Richmond
- Earth Day community cleanup in El Sobrante
- Road running races at Point Pinole
- Big Cinco de Mayo celebration planned for Richmond
- Live music, comedy at local establishments
- Related stories
Things to know
Find out what’s going on with Heckathorn Superfund site cleanup
On April 23 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host the first in a new series of virtual community meetings about the cleanup of the United Heckathorn site in Richmond.
The site, a 5-acre parcel in the Richmond Inner Harbor and 15 acres of marine sediment in the Lauritzen and Parr Channels, was contaminated by DDT and other pesticides that were shipped and processed there in the 1940s and 1950s.
The Heckathorn property was declared a Superfund cleanup site in 1990. One cleanup operation was completed, but in 2012 high levels of chemicals were still being found in sediment and fish, posing a danger to the animal and human food chain.
Register for the Zoom meeting to receive the link. There will be a discussion of the site’s history and why the first cleanup was ineffective and a question-and-answer session.
The virtual community meeting on the Heckathorn site cleanup is scheduled for Wed. April 23, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Get into a state park for free with your library card
A new three-year pilot project by California State Parks and the California State Library will let library patrons check out a free vehicle day use pass which can be used at more than 200 participating state parks.
Each library system in the state has been given a minimum of three California State Library Park Pass hang tags per branch. Passes can be used and then must be returned to the branch.
“Libraries are trusted community hubs where Californians know they can find what they need to work, play, and thrive,” said California State Librarian Greg Lucas. “This partnership with State Parks now allows Californians to ‘check out’ California’s great outdoors at their community library.”
Nearby participating parks include:
- Albany State Marine Reserve
- Emeryville Crescent State Marine Reserve
- Franks Tract
- McLaughlin Eastshore State Park
- Mount Diablo State Park
Nominate a west Contra Costa teacher to show your appreciation
You can help thank your favorite West Contra Costa Unified School District teacher by nominating them for a gift during Teacher Appreciation Month in May.
The nonprofit organization Go Public Schools, which is asking for the nominations, will give teachers a gift and feature them on its social media channels.
Nominate a teacher by filling out this form by Fri., April 25.
Get tips on first-time home ownership at seminar
A free home ownership workshop is slated for later this month to help first-time homebuyers.
The HUD Post-Purchase Workshop will help new homeowners navigate the complexities of their post-purchase journey.
Experts will offer advice on managing mortgages, home maintenance and community engagement.
The event is sponsored by Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services. Registration is required.
The HUD Post-Purchase Workshop will be held on Sat., April 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services, 3220 Blume Drive.
Free vaccine clinic this weekend at Unity Park
The public is invited to a free Contra Costa Health vaccine clinic at Unity Park this weekend.
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 Sat., April 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Unity Park Community Plaza, 1605 Ohio Ave.
Final community workshop on city budget is next week
One final community meeting is being held next week to discuss the city of Richmond’s budget and financial status.
At the workshop, Richmond residents can learn about the budgeting processing and provide input on priorities.
Two meetings were held earlier this month. During the first meeting, the city unveiled a new way for residents to share their spending priorities. You can submit your budget preferences using a budget prioritization and simulation tool by the end of April.
The final Richmond budget community workshop is scheduled for Wed., April 23, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the City Council chambers at 440 Civic Center Plaza. Visit the city website for meeting Zoom information.
Things to do
East Brother Beer Company holds fundraiser for Richmond Promise
You can savor a craft beer and help college-bound Richmond youths at a fundraiser.
The East Brother Beer Company is hosting its Second Annual Pride + Purpose Day.
During the event, 10% of all beer sale proceeds will be donated to Richmond Promise, a nonprofit whose mission is to create a culture where all youths in Richmond can attend college.
“From our warehouse brewery in the city’s historic shipping yards to every pint we pour, we’re rooted in this community. That’s why we’re proud to support Richmond Promise in their mission to ensure every Richmond student has access to higher education and the chance to become a leader of positive change,” the company states on its website.
The Pride + Purpose Day will be held on Fri., April 18, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the East Bay Beer Company Taproom, 1001 Canal Blvd.
Egg hunt at Pogo Park Spring Fling event
You can enjoy some Easter weekend fun at a free event this Friday.
Pogo Park’s Annual Spring Fling will feature an egg hunt for children up to 3 years of age from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. as well as an egg hunt for children 4 years and older from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Family-oriented activities, including music, contests and a photo booth, will follow from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Annual Spring Fling will be held on Fri., April 18, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Elm Playlot at Pogo Park #1, 720 Elm Ave. in Richmond.
Richmond Earth Day celebration at Unity Park
There will be a variety of activities, speakers and interactive experiences at a free Earth Day festival at Unity Park in Richmond this weekend.
Among the activities will be tie dying, upcycle clothing, a petting zoo and live music.
The Earth Day celebration will be on Sat., April 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Unity Park, 1605 Ohio Ave.
Earth Day cleanup in North Richmond
You can help restore a creek during an Earth Day celebration in North Richmond.
The Watershed Project and Urban Tilth are sponsoring an Earth Day 2025 Wildcat Creek Cleanup this weekend.
Participants will help remove trash and debris in Wildcat Creek that could harm wildlife. They’ll also collect data on harmful plastic products.
The organizations will provide tools and gloves. Participants are asked to wear sturdy shoes, work clothes, a hat and sunscreen. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
After the cleanup, an Earth Day celebration will be held at Shields-Reid Park.
The Wildcat Creek Cleanup is scheduled for Sat., April 19, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Participants should meet at the Lucky A’s North Richmond Baseball Field, 1925 Fred Jackson Way.
Earth Day community cleanup in El Sobrante
You can celebrate Earth Day and help spruce up the environment at an event this weekend in El Sobrante.
The activities are sponsored by several community groups as well as the El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce, the Contra Costa Library and County Supervisor John Gioia.
Participants will be asked to check in at the El Sobrante Library and then choose a cleanup project at which to volunteer from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
A celebration that includes music, food and children’s activities will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the library.
The Earth Day celebration is scheduled for Sat., April 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the El Sobrante Library, 4191 Appian Way.
Road running races at Point Pinole
Ramp up your training for the summer road race circuit with an event at Point Pinole next month.
Brazen Racing is organizing Nitro Trail races with 5K, 10K and half marathon distance races.
Pre-registration fees are $73 for the 5K, $82 for the 10K and $100 for the 13.1-mile half marathon. Add on $5 for race-day registration.
The Nitro Trail races are set for Sat., May 10, beginning at 8 a.m. at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Park in Richmond.
Big Cinco de Mayo celebration planned for Richmond
The 20th Anniversary of Richmond’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration is scheduled for the first weekend in May. If last year’s crowd of 15,000 attendees is any indication, the event is likely to be packed.
Among the sponsors of the free event are the city of Richmond, the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the 23rd Street Merchants Association, PG&E and Chevron.
The festivities will include live performances, dancing, a wrestling exhibition, children’s activities and traditional food.
The 2025 Cinco de Mayo celebration will be held on Sat., May 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 23rd Street between Rheem Avenue and Clinton Avenue.
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 guitarist Nilo Ayele, who will perform on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. On Sunday, Los Bahianatos will provide tropical rhythms from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be an Easter Fest from noon to 6 p.m. with an egg hunt and pitchers of mimosa.
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.
The waterfront Riggers Loft Wine Company, 1325 Canal Blvd., will have live music Friday through Sunday. On Friday, the Brazilian East Bay Ensemble will bring its jazzy style of music to the stage from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, guitarist David Landon will entertain from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday, the Joe Brennan Band will unveil its blend of rock, Americana and bluegrass music from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge for all 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, Maggie Forti, a folk-rock singer, will share the stage with Three Rivers, a multi-genre group, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Sunday, vocalist Courtney Kelly and the Tapscott Band will perform from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Windchaser Wine Company, 1352 S. 49th St., is hosting an Easter Sunday party with the Rocky Island Oyster Company.
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.
