There is lots to keep you entertained this week, including a Perseid meteor shower celebration in Berkeley, the final Thrive Thursday of the summer, a self-care bicycle ride, an open mic comedy night and a driving class for adults over 50.
For more, see our summer events roundup, which includes some September activities, a list of where to go swimming; and ongoing things to do in Richmond (many of which are free). You can also visit Richmondside.org on Fridays for a list of upcoming live music shows.
- Perseid meteor watch party
- A back-to-school celebration and park discussion
- Final Thrive Thursday/PASOS health fair of the summer at Nicholl Park
- Live music amidst the library books
- Get in touch with nature during self-care bicycle ride
- Give comedy a try at open mic event
- Sailboat comes to Richmond to promote veterans peace project
- Smart driver course for older adults
- Santana tribute band to perform at Music on Main
- Related stories
Perseid meteor watch party
This week astronomy enthusiasts are excited about the Perseid meteor shower, which they’re calling “the most spectacular celestial events of the year.”
Lawrence Hall of Science is hosting a family friendly Perseid watch party tonight. Visitors can peer through telescopes to see the meteors (weather permitting), while enjoying cookies and cocoa under the night sky.
Visitors are advised to dress warmly and bring a blanket to enjoy a magical night celebrating the cosmos.
Lawrence Hall of Science Perseid celebration, Thur., Aug. 14, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., 1 Centennial Drive Berkeley. Kids 2 and younger admitted free; $25 for ages 3 and up. Free for members.
A back-to-school celebration and park discussion
Fierce Advocates is combining a back-to-school event with a discussion about the future of Humphrey Playlot at its Visioning & Back to School Celebration.
Those attending will be asked what they want to see in the neighborhood park. There will also be food and activities to celebrate the new school year, which starts on Tuesday.
Visioning & Back to School Celebration, Sat., Aug. 16, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Humphrey Playlot at 26th Street and Humphrey Avenue.
Final Thrive Thursday/PASOS health fair of the summer at Nicholl Park
Today marks the final in a series of free community gatherings where fun physical fitness classes mix it up with health education at Nicholl Park.
There will be bicycle activities, including a bike rodeo and smoothie-making, salsa and hip hop classes and soccer.
Health information booths representing dozens of local and county health and wellness agencies will be there as well.
Final Thrive Thursdays, Thur. Aug. 14, 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m., Nicholl Park, 3230 Macdonald Ave. Free.
Live music amidst the library books
You can enjoy some good vibes while visiting the Bayview branch of the Richmond library this weekend.
The nonprofit Music aLive program is presenting the vibrant rhythms and rich harmonies of Duo Universal.
The organizers of the free event say it’s designed to “create an unforgettable musical experience that will move your heart and lift your spirit.”
All ages are welcome.
Music aLive concert, Sat., Aug. 16, 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., Bayview Branch Library, 5100 Harnett Ave. Free.
Get in touch with nature during self-care bicycle ride
You can put your mind at ease while your legs do the work at a community bicycle ride.
The Self Care Ride is a leisurely 14-mile trek that begins at Unity Park and proceeds along the Richmond shoreline.
The free event is sponsored by the nonprofit organization Rich City Rides.
“Take a break from the hustle and bustle, breathe in the fresh sea air, and soak in the beautiful views,” the event organizers said. “This in-person event is your chance to unwind, recharge, and connect with nature. We ride in peace, love, community, and music.”
Self Care Ride, Sat., Aug. 16, 9:30 a.m., Unity Park, 1605 Ohio Ave. Free.
Give comedy a try at open mic event
You can listen to some comedy or even try to tell a few jokes during an event at Richmond’s Multicultural Bookstore.
The August Open Mic is hosted by Oakland Storyslam winner Kimberlli Joy.
Attendees are invited to showcase their stand-up skills. Or they can just sit and watch. The event is geared toward adults only. There will be food, drinks and a raffle.
August Open Mic, Sun., Aug. 17, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Multicultural Bookstore and Gifts, 260 Broadway. $5.
Sailboat comes to Richmond to promote veterans peace project
The Golden Rule sailboat, a project of Veterans for Peace, will be in Richmond Aug. 19 to Aug. 21, calling for an end to nuclear weapons and war.
While nuclear disarmament is the central focus of the Golden Rule Project, organizers say the mission also highlights the links between militarism, environmental harm, and social injustice.
Given the heavy industrial and wartime legacy of Richmond’s waterfront, its stop on Marina Bay, the original home of the Kaiser Shipyards, is an opportunity to highlight the resulting environmental contamination from wartime and post-wartime industrial uses, including the Lauritzen Canal, the Zeneca site, the Blair landfill and the present-day Chevron refinery.
Activists plan to gather on Tue., Aug. 19 at Lucretia Edwards Park, at 10 a.m., to welcome the ship to the Marina Bay Yacht Club. There are events throughout the day, including an 11 a.m. press conference followed by a no-host potluck at Marina Bay Park.
On Wed., Aug. 20, dockside tours are open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Thur. Aug., 21, there will be a 6 p.m. screening of two short films and a discussion at the Harbor Master Conference Room, 1340 Harbor Way South.
Visit the Golden Rule website for more information.
Smart driver course for older adults
Older adults can sharpen their driving skills and potentially save money on their auto insurance by attending two classes.
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is sponsoring Smart Driver courses in Richmond, beginning next week.
The courses teach helpful driving strategies and are designed for drivers ages 50 and older.
The classes are on consecutive Wednesdays, Aug. 20 and Aug. 27. Cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members.
You must attend both classes to receive credit for a possible reduction in your auto insurance premiums.
The course is also available online for $29.95, with a $3 discount for AARP members.
AARP Smart Driver Course, Wed., Aug. 20, and Wed., Aug. 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Richmond Annex Senior Center, 5801 Huntington Ave. $20 and up.
Santana tribute band to perform at Music on Main
The final of two Richmond Main Street Initiative Music on Main concerts is Thur., Aug. 21, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The featured band is Santana tribute band Sacred Fire.
Music on Main, Thur., Aug. 21, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., 1401 Macdonald Ave. Free.
