1 | Screening of two films about Cuban literacy program, May 15
Two documentaries about Cuba’s historic effort to eradicate illiteracy are coming to Richmond. Both films are by Catherine Murphy, an international film director and producer from Berkeley, and center on the Cuban Literacy Campaign of 1961. The first, “Maestra,” focuses on the campaign itself. The second, “Silvio Rodriguez: Mi Primera Tarea,” offers a first-person account of the famous musician’s involvement in the campaign at age 14.
Cuban Literacy Film Screening, Fri., May 15, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Richmond City Council chambers, 440 Civic Center Plaza. Free
2 | North America roller derby playoffs at Richmond’s Memorial Auditorium, May 15-17
Twelve roller derby teams from North America will be in Richmond for a weekend championship tournament. The teams will compete in a bracket elimination format for a spot in the Global Championships in Sweden. The Santa Cruz Derby Groms and the Sacramento Roller Derby Maul Stars are among the squads in the field. Food, beverages and vendors will be available throughout the weekend.
North America Roller Derby Playoffs, Friday through Sunday, May 15 to May 17, Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza. $14 to $135
3 | Test drive an electric car at transportation fair, May 16
Rich City Rides and other community partners are hosting a free event where attendees can test drive an electric vehicle and check out the latest e-bikes. Electric vehicles owners will be on hand to answer questions, and there will be information on home charging, rebates, incentives and Richmond’s electric car and e-bike sharing programs.
Electric Transportation Fair, Sat., May 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Lot, Macdonald Avenue between Marina Way and 15th Street, downtown Richmond. Free
4 | An evening of jazz in the Richmond Arts Corridor, May 16
Local artists take the stage for a live jazz concert in the heart of the Richmond Arts Corridor. The Jazz on the Corridor is sponsored by Richmond Renaissance.
Jazz on the Corridor, Sat., May 16, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Richmond Rising Hub, 1600 Nevin Plaza. Free
5 | Write and listen to poetry at the Multicultural Bookstore, May 16
Richmond’s poet laureate, Rob Lipton, leads a writing activity at this creative gathering at the Multicultural Bookstore. The Poetry Prompts on The Corridor event also features community poetry readings and conversations over light refreshments, all in what organizers call a “vibrant creative atmosphere rooted in culture and community.”
Poetry Prompts on The Corridor, Sat., May 16, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Multicultural Bookstore, 260 Broadway. Free
6 | Shop handcrafted goods and view classic cars at annual Makers Market, May 17
The 5th Annual Makers Market brings together 25 artisans selling handcrafted goods alongside a classic car show. The family-friendly event also features a cash-only bar with $3 hot dogs and $3 drinks, plus raffle prizes.
5th Annual Makers Market, Sun., May 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., San Pablo Sportsman Hall, 5220 Glenn Ave. Free
7 | Discover youth programs, family resources at Richmond summit, May 17
Parents and young people can explore a range of Bay Area youth-focused programs and services at a free community open house in Richmond. The Parent and Youth Resource Summit brings together organizations offering resources, programs and activities available to youths during the school year and summer. The event also features vendors, food, games and live performances.
Parent and Youth Resource Summit, Sun., May 17, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., CoBiz Richmond, 1503 Macdonald Ave., Suite A. Free
8 | Families can go bird watching at neighborhood park, May 18
FIERCE Advocates, a local nonprofit, is hosting a family-friendly birding event at Humphrey Playlot where adults and children can explore the playground while learning about local birds. A limited number of binoculars will be available, and there will be a raffle for children’s binoculars.
Birding at Humphrey Playlot, Mon., May 18, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Humphrey Playlot, 26th Street and Humphrey Avenue. Free
9 | Health information fair for older adults, May 20
Older adults and their families can learn about maintaining health and accessing health services at this city-sponsored event. The 42nd Senior Information and Health Fair features health-oriented vendors, interactive exercises, live entertainment and door prizes.
42nd Senior Information and Health Fair, Wed., May 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza. Free
10 | Learn about dancer Isadora Duncan at library presentation, May 20
Lois Flood, an expert on Isadora Duncan’s life and legacy, presents an exploration of the famous dancer’s contributions to the dance world and to conversations around women’s body image. The talk, titled Isadora Duncan, Dancer & Feminist, also examines Duncan’s distinctive dance style. Light refreshments will be served.
Isadora Duncan, Dancer & Feminist, Wed., May 20, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Point Richmond Community Room, West Side Branch Library, 139 Washington Ave. Free
Also check out our list of ongoing things to do (many of which are free). And add your events to our free community calendar.
