Hello Richmondside readers. Some highlights of this week’s What’s Up column include: The city’s fireworks show is tonight; STEM classes for children at the library and some major renovations at two Richmond parks.
Also: An exhibit of works from Richmond artists and a chance to learn all about bees.
Plus: If you are looking for more festive events happening on the Fourth of July, see our July 4 roundup of things to do.
And finally, don’t miss this overview of Richmond summer events as well as a roundup of where to go swimming and ongoing things to do in Richmond (many of which are free).
Things to know and do
- Things to know and do
- Things to know
- WCCUSD providing free meals for children this summer
- Two Richmond parks getting major makeovers
- Children can learn about math and science at summer library sessions
- Help your community by becoming a bike ambassador
- El Cerrito considers street project that would eliminate some parking and add bike lanes
- Learn about wastewater at Veolia seminar
- Things to do
- Live music and more at local establishments
- Related stories
Things to know
WCCUSD providing free meals for children this summer
The West Contra Costa Unified School District is offering free summer meals for children throughout west Contra Costa County at schools, parks, libraries, community centers and other locations.
The meals are offered at different times at the various sites, including mid-morning, mid-day and and mid-afternoon.
The district has also added two mobile kitchens that serve meals at local parks.
The Summer Nutrition Program for Kids began June 16 and lasts until Aug. 8. Visit the website for a calendar and locations.
Two Richmond parks getting major makeovers
Two parks in Richmond are having some significant work done this summer.
Wendell Park at 24th Street and Wendell Avenue is in the midst of a $1.7 million renovation that includes a new grass multi-use field with irrigation, perimeter fencing with ball-stopper netting, a new backstop, bleachers, dugout seating, infield material, and updated site furnishings. The city says the project will also provide a new youth and toddler play area, picnic area, and single-stall restroom. The park will be closed to the public during construction, which is expected to be completed by spring 2026.
The next phase of improvements at Shields Reid Park is scheduled to begin soon. This phase is part of an $8 million renovation that will include a new organic-fill synthetic turf field as well as new perimeter fencing, sports field lighting, wider sidewalks, and new trees along Chesley Avenue. The main park improvements are on track for completion in late fall with the renovated field opening for play in spring 2026.
Children can learn about math and science at summer library sessions
A summer program at Richmond’s libraries is providing children with firsthand experiences in science, technology, engineering and math.
The free STEM classes are designed for children of all ages.
A class is still available at the Bayview Library, 5100 Hartnett Ave. It’s being held on Tue., July 8, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The seminars will also be offered on Saturdays at Richmond’s main library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. Those lessons are slated for July 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The final series will be held on Wednesdays at the Westside Library, 135 Washington Ave. Those classes are July 23 and July 30 as well as Aug. 6, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Help your community by becoming a bike ambassador
The city of Richmond is seeking volunteers to help expand access to electric bicycles and promote safe cycling.
The electric bikeshare ambassador role is part of the city’s electric bike share program in which Richmond residents can use an e-bike for free. The bicycles are parked at designated hubs throughout the city and are available for use between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m.
You can sign up to be an ambassador at this website.
El Cerrito considers street project that would eliminate some parking and add bike lanes
El Cerrito city leaders are debating an $11 million street safety and improvement project that proposes eliminating some parking, ultimately making it more publicly accessible to all types of users, including making room for bicycle lanes.
The Complete Streets Improvement Project would repave Richmond Street as well as add bike lanes north of Moeser Lane. About half of the on-street parking now on that boulevard would be removed under this plan.
The controversial project is supported by the organization El Cerrito/Richmond Annex Walk and Roll. However, it is opposed by the group Richmond Street for All. Apparently so many people attended a recent city of El Cerrito workshop about it that the fire marshal had to ask some attendees to leave for safety reasons, said El Cerrito resident Janet Byron.
The city is accepting public comments on the project until Wed., July 9. A study session on the project is scheduled for Tue., July 15.
Learn about wastewater at Veolia seminar
You can get the low down on wastewater at a community gathering next week.
The monthly Waste Water Wednesday is being hosted by Veolia Water, the city of Richmond’s wastewater treatment operator.
The free seminar is part of an open house at Veolia’s Richmond Wastewater Treatment Plant at 601 Canal Blvd. on Wed., July 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
You can learn about the importance of wastewater management and how the process impacts the environment. You can meet plant employees and hear an explanation of the latest technology in wastewater treatment.
Things to do
Firework, food and fun at Richmond Fourth of July celebration
Get an early jump on Fourth of July festivities with a fireworks show on the Richmond waterfront tonight.
The city’s annual Independence Day celebration includes food from local vendors, live music, games and a fireworks display over the bay.
The free event lasts from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with fireworks scheduled to light up the evening sky at about 9:15 p.m.
If you’re coming, be sure to bring your picnic blanket and some warm clothing.
The annual 3rd of July Fireworks celebration is scheduled for Thur., July 3, beginning at 5 p.m. at Marina Bay Park at Regatta Boulevard and Marina Bay Parkway.
Hike and bike through Richmond this weekend
You can get in a hike and a bicycle ride at an event in Richmond this weekend.
The free Bike & Hike is for participants 10 years and older. It’s listed as “overall moderate level” of difficulty.
The bicycle ride begins at 8:30 a.m. at Lucas Park, 724 10th St. The cyclists are expected to arrive at Keller Beach, 900 Dornan Drive, at about 10 a.m. After a short hike, participants will then ride back to Lucas Park, arriving at about 12:30 p.m.
Among the organizations sponsoring the event are FIERCE Advocates and Rich City Rides.
The Bike & Hike is scheduled for Sat., July 5, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Lucas Park, 724 10th St. in Richmond.
‘Made in Richmond’ exhibition opens next week
You can see some artwork made only in Richmond at a two-month exhibit that begins next week.
The ”Made in Richmond” exhibition runs from July 9 to Sept. 6 at the Richmond Art Center. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.
A free reception is scheduled for Sat., July 12, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the art center.
The works on display are from members of the Visual Artists of Richmond, giving viewers a preview of the annual Richmond Open Studios event, set for Sept. 6 and Sept. 7, where local artists open up their work spaces to the public.
The “Made in Richmond” exhibition opens on Wed., July 9, at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave.
Get the buzz on bees at library seminar
You won’t hear about the birds, but you can learn about the bees at a Richmond library gathering next week.
At Uncle Jer’s Bee Show attendees will learn some general facts about bees as well as their habitat and how the insects contribute to our ecosystem.
Uncle Jer’s Bee Show is scheduled for Wed., July 9, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Point Richmond Community Room at the West Side Branch Library, 139 Washington Ave.
Watch a movie outdoors on starry summer nights
The city of Richmond’s Recreation Department has organized four free outdoor community movie nights this summer, and there will also be additional movie nights in San Pablo.
Richmond’s Movies in the Park are shown on various Fridays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the following locations:
- On July 11, the Pixar film “Inside Out 2” will be on the big screen at La Moine Valley View Park on Morningside Drive.
- On July 25, the Disney movie “Mufasa: The Lion King” will be presented at Tiller Park on Key Boulevard.
- On Aug. 8, the Disney film “Moana 2” is showing at Marina Bay Park at Regatta Boulevard and Marina Bay Parkway.
- On Aug. 22, the animated film “Sonic 3” will be shown at Nicholl Park, 3230 Macdonald Ave.
San Pablo’s Movie Under the Stars program will feature the Disney film “Mufasa,” on Fri., July 18, beginning at 6 p.m. On Fri., Aug. 1, the Disney film “Moana 2” will be shown on the big screen. The free viewings are at the San Pablo Community Center, 2450 Road 20. Pre-registration is required.
Live music and more at local establishments
A number of establishments in Richmond feature live music, entertainment and other events each week.
The Armistice Brewing Company, 845 Marina Bay Parkway, Ste. 1, hosts a bingo night every Tuesday as well as free trivia games on Wednesday evenings and free game nights on Thursday evenings.
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 hip-hop, salsa and other tunes being spun by DJ Sticky on Sat., July 5, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The East Brother Beer Company, a child-friendly and dog-friendly taproom at 1001 Canal Blvd., C-2, hosts food trucks Wednesdays through Sundays.
The Factory Bar, 12517 San Pablo Ave., which features indoor and dog friendly outdoor patio seating, will host food trucks and pop-up eateries most evenings on most weeks.
The waterfront Riggers Loft Wine Company, 1325 Canal Blvd., will have live music starting with an Independence Day celebration on Thur., July 3, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be music from Andre Thierry and Accordion Soul as well as dancing, food, wine and cider, and you can watch the city’s fireworks show on the patio. Advance tickets are $35 for adults 21 years and older and $15 for guests 5 to 20 years of age. Children under 5 are admitted free. Tickets at the door will be $45 and $20. It’s suggested you bring lawn chairs, blankets and extra layers of clothing. The entertainment continues on Sat., July 5, as Brazilian Project brings its bossa nova sounds to the stage from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is an $8 music coverage charge. On Sun., July 6, the Primavera Latin Jazz Band will perform from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $5 music coverage charge.
The outdoor waterfront Sailing Goat restaurant, 1900 Stenmark Drive, with views of San Francisco Bay at San Pablo Harbor, will feature live music this holiday weekend. On Fri., July 4, The Real John Gary will provide folk rock sounds from noon to 3 p.m. He’ll be followed by Squadronious, which will produce sonic vibrations from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Sat., July 5,, Shipwrecked Shanty will be on stage with its participatory act from noon to 3 p.m. They’ll be followed by the vintage jazz sounds of Combo Colocha from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Sun., July 6, the folk trio Devon McClive and Sons will perform from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Windchaser Wine Company, 1352 S. 49th St., is hosting its monthly First Fridays Out with the Charles Wheal Band on Fri., July 4, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Add your events to our free calendar.
