There is plenty to keep you entertained, educated and civically engaged this week in Richmond and nearby.
Highlights include: The city’s annual holiday tree lighting, Richmond Kiwanis’ 100th anniversary celebration, a city council campaign event and the last play of 2025 at Masquers.
For more, see our list of ongoing things to do in Richmond (many of which are free). Also, don’t forget to add your holiday events to our free community calendar. Select events will be featured in our upcoming annual holiday things-to-do roundup.
You can also email us at hello@richmondside.com and note “Holiday calendar” in the subject line. Cheers!
- Public meeting focuses on “actionable” goals for WCCUSD
- New play opens at Masquers community theater
- Richmond Kiwanis Club celebrates 100th anniversary with dinner, play
- Tacos and tequilas fundraiser to benefit children’s programs
- Creative arts fair features workshops for children
- Event kicks off Richmond City Council candidate’s campaign
- Library workshop will focus on historic jazz musicians
- Community meeting about Bayview Avenue improvements
- Annual Richmond tree lighting rings in the holidays
- Seminar on dealing with grief during the holidays
- Registration open for art center winter classes
- Colorful artwork on display now at NIAD gallery
- Related stories
Public meeting focuses on “actionable” goals for WCCUSD
The West Contra Costa Unified School District is holding the latest in a series of public meetings to get input from residents on the district’s financial issues.
The fiscal stabilization plan was launched by Superintendent Cheryl Cotton in September as a way to inform the public of the district’s financial situation and to get feedback.
The series of in-person and virtual meetings began on Sept. 15 and continues through May of 2026.
The first phase dealt with budget assessments. The second phase focused on root causes of the district’s budget deficit. The current third phase hones in on attainable goals.
West Contra Costa Unified School District budget meeting, Thur., Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., El Cerrito High School library, 1250 23rd St., El Cerrito. The next meeting will be held on Nov. 20.
New play opens at Masquers community theater
The Masquers theater troupe is debuting its final show of 2025.
The musical “Catch Me if You Can” will debut on Fri., Nov. 14, at the Masquers community theater in Point Richmond. The show runs through Dec. 7.
The play is based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., who was sought by the FBI after he posed as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer.
The story was captured in a 2002 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks.
Masquers is a community theater group celebrating its 70th season this year.
“Catch Me if You Can” debuts Nov. 14, 8 p.m., Masquers Playhouse, 105 Park Place, Point Richmond. Tickets are $35 for general admission; $30 for seniors and students.
Richmond Kiwanis Club celebrates 100th anniversary with dinner, play
The Richmond Kiwanis Club is marking its 100th year with a dinner followed by a play. The club supports the local community by organizing youth sporting events, planting trees, building playgrounds and being involved in other projects.
The 100th anniversary celebration starts with dinner at the Biancoverde at Hotel Mac restaurant. From there, celebrants will walk to the Masquers Playhouse for a showing of the musical “Catch Me if You Can.”
Richmond Kiwanis Club 100th anniversary celebration, Thur., Nov. 20, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Biancoverde at Hotel Mac and Masquers Playhouse, Point Richmond. Tickets are $100 per person. Organizers are asking for RSVPs by Fri., Nov. 14.
Tacos and tequilas fundraiser to benefit children’s programs
Adults can enjoy some tasty tacos and tequila at a fundraiser that benefits a children’s education program.
The Tacos and Tequila fundraiser will feature food from Jackie Jones and Masa as well as music from accordionist Andre Thierry.
Proceeds go to Just Imagine Kidz, a project launched in 2018 that provides Black history and Hispanic/Latinx education in after-school and summer programs.
Tacos and Tequila fundraiser, Sat., Nov. 15, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Multicultural Bookstore, 260 Broadway. Open to ages 21 and up. Tickets are $50 in advance; $60 at the door.
Creative arts fair features workshops for children
Children will have the opportunity to learn about art at an interactive community gathering.
The Richmond Arts Fair will include workshops focusing on dance, poetry and body percussion as well as booths for children to practice their art.
The free event for all ages will conclude with a two-hour Words ‘N Motion show featuring local students and professional artists.
The fair is organized by the Bay Area Creative Foundation, a nonprofit organization that fosters artistic expression and encourages community support for high school artists.
Richmond Arts Fair, Sun., Nov. 16, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Nevin Community Center, 598 Nevin Ave. Free.
Event kicks off Richmond City Council candidate’s campaign
Jamin Pursell, described as a longtime Richmond community organizer and small business owner, is holding a Richmond City Council District 4 campaign kickoff event on Sun., Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. at Hilltop Park on Groom Drive.
A press release says the free event will include light refreshments and an opportunity to connect with Pursell about his vision for a “safer, thriving, and more connected city.”
The election, which is June 2, marks the first time local voters will consider city council candidates in a primary election. So far his opponents, according to the Richmond City Clerk’s office, include incumbent Soheila Bana and community anti-gun violence activist Keycha Gallon. Candidates have until March 6 to file to run (the date will be extended if an incumbent in one of the races doesn’t file.)
May 18 is the deadline to register to vote in the primary. Visit the Contra Costa County Registrar of Voters elections website for more information.
Library workshop will focus on historic jazz musicians
Children can learn about some of the greatest jazz musicians at a Richmond library workshop.
The Oaktown Jazz Workshop will detail their lives and play the music of jazz legends such as Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Trombone Shorty and Wynton Marsalis.
The seminar is designed for children in fourth- through sixth-grades but all ages are welcome.
Oaktown Jazz Workshop, Tue., Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., West Side Branch Library, 135 Washington Ave. Free.
Community meeting about Bayview Avenue improvements
Residents can learn more about planned improvements along two streets in south Richmond.
The Bayview Avenue Improvements Project Community Meeting will provide information on plans to improve bicycling, walking and traffic flow along Bayview and Potrero avenues, which run between Interstates 580 and 80 near the El Cerrito border.
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided along with a children’s activities table.
Bayview Avenue Improvements Project Community Meeting, Wed., Nov. 19, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Bayview Branch Library, 5100 Hartnett Ave. Free.
Annual Richmond tree lighting rings in the holidays
Richmond will kick off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony, which residents can participate in by bringing an ornament to hang.
There will also be holiday music and story time with a special jolly guest.
Annual tree lighting, Wed., Nov. 19, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 3230 Macdonald Ave. Free.
Seminar on dealing with grief during the holidays
A local church is sponsoring a seminar to help people cope with grief during the holiday season.
The gathering is part of a GriefShare program organized by the Community Alliance Church.
A Surviving the Holidays seminar will be held on Nov. 19 to help people manage the deep emotions that can be triggered by Thanksgiving and Christmas. The cost is $10 and includes a survival guide.
The church will also hold a Blue Christmas service on Dec. 17 that’s described as a “peaceful, reflective worship service that creates space to slow down, breathe, and be honest about what you’re carrying.”
“Grief doesn’t take a break for the holidays,” says the Rev Matt Hall of Community Alliance Church. “We want to help people face this season with honesty, hope and the reminder that they’re not alone.”
The church also offers a 13-week support group that meets on Wednesday evenings, to provide a “safe place to heal with those who understand.”
GriefShare seminar, Wed., Nov. 19, 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m., Community Alliance Church, 2375 Aberdeen Way, San Pablo. Free.
Registration open for art center winter classes
You can sign up now for winter classes at the Richmond Art Center.
Registration opened on Nov. 5 for classes that will be held from January through March.
They include instruction in painting, drawing, sculpture, pottery, weaving and calligraphy.
Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave., winter classes, January through March. Prices range from $125 to $400; there are discounts for new students and scholarships available.
Colorful artwork on display now at NIAD gallery
You can view vibrant paintings, sculpture, drawings and textiles for the next six weeks at a Richmond gallery that showcases artists with developmental disabilities.
The exhibit “And Yet We Must Rejoice” opened on Nov. 8 and will be on view until Dec. 26.
The exhibit includes works from 38 local artists that are for sale.
“The spirit of joy spills over into the artworks that make up our everyday lives. This exhibition features the handmade pieces meant to adorn your home, such as a favorite mug, a cozy blanket, or an inspiring painting. What’s more, every work you buy directly supports an artist with intellectual and developmental disabilities here at our art center,” NIAD officials said.
And Yet We Must Rejoice art exhibit, now through Dec. 26, NIAD gallery, 551 23rd St. Free.
