1 | Art, photography, music at East Richmond festival, Aug. 1
The East Richmond Heights Art and Music Festival returns for its seventh year with family activities and artistic creativity. The festival will feature more than 50 local artists displaying their paintings, graphic arts, photography, jewelry, metalwork and other crafts. Food trucks and live music will round out the day.
East Richmond Heights Art and Music Festival, Sat., Aug. 1, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Gyuto Foundation Monastery, 6401 Bernhard Ave. Free
2 | Get free school supplies at three events, July 30-Aug. 2
AT&T and Human-I-T are giving away 200 refurbished laptops and school supply-filled backpacks at the Thrive Thursdays event at Nicholl Park today. The computer recipients were pre-selected by local organizations, which include the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), Rising Juntos, Contra Costa EHSD Navigator and YES Nature to Neighborhoods.
School supply giveaway and computer distribution, Thur., July 30, 5:30 p.m., Nicholl Park, 3230 Macdonald Ave.
Also, Keyz 2 the Future, in partnership with local community organizations, is inviting the community to two family friendly back-to-school events that feature everything from free backpacks and school supplies to haircuts, food and entertainment.
Be SMART Back-to-School Backpack and School Supply Giveaway, Sat., Aug. 1, 322 Harbour Way, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway, Sun., Aug. 2, Richmond Moose Lodge #550, 4660 Appian Way, El Sobrante, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. While supplies last; a parent or legal guardian must be present.
3 | Library plant swap, Aug. 1
Richmond gardeners can trade information and exchange plants at a library event. The Summer Plant Swap invites residents to bring in plants, seedlings, clippings, or divisions to exchange with other horticulture enthusiasts. Gardeners will also have a chance to swap tips with fellow enthusiasts.
Summer Plant Swap, Sat., Aug. 1, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Auditorium Branch Library, 403 Civic Center Plaza. Free
4 | Roller Derby season kicks off at Richmond auditorium, Aug. 1
The Bay Area Derby will kick off its new season with a hometown clash at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium. The Summer Slam will pit the Oakland Outlaws against the San Francisco Rolling Dead. Food and drink vendors, along with other booths, will be participating. The Bay Area Derby was established in 2004 and is a full-contact, gender-inclusive flat track roller derby league based in Oakland.
Summer Slam roller derby, Sat., Aug. 1, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza. $35 general admission
5 | Cars, food and vibes at Sunday Funday gathering, Aug. 2
Classic cars, a variety of food and a backpack giveaway will headline the Sunday Funday celebration. Mountain Mike’s Pizza in San Pablo is sponsoring the event, which will also include live entertainment and shoe raffles. Several local car clubs are expected to bring members and show off their vehicles.
Sunday Funday, Sun., Aug. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mountain Mike’s Pizza, 3340-L San Pablo Dam Road, San Pablo. Free
6 | Children can stretch it out at yoga class, Aug. 3
Children can let their imaginations run wild during a creative yoga class. The JAMaROO Kids Yoga Storytime session will take children on an adventure where they use stories to navigate through yoga poses. Kids will stretch tall like an oak tree, hike mountain trails, sled through the North Pole and set off on an African safari. The class will also include songs, games, and breathing techniques.
JAMaROO Kids Yoga Storytime, Mon., Aug. 3, 11 a.m. to noon, Bayview Branch Library, 5100 Hartnett Ave. Free
7 | Caballero Circus is in town, ongoing through Aug. 3
The Caballero Circus is in full swing at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium. The circus will be in Richmond until Aug. 3. The Mexico-based performing troupe is featuring its fifth generation of performers, with entertainment including high-flying trapeze acts and other acrobatics.
Caballero Circus, through Aug. 3, Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza. $20 for children, $40 for adults
8 | National Night Out connects community with police, Aug. 4
Local residents will get the chance to mingle with law enforcement officers during this year’s National Night Out festivities. Dozens of neighborhood gatherings will let residents enjoy food and friendly activities with police officers and firefighters, who will also share safety information with the community. The celebration starts with a kickoff at Shields-Reid Park, then a caravan winds through neighborhood block parties before wrapping up with a large community party. Last year, Richmond organized 28 neighborhood gatherings, making it one of 337 California cities and 17,000 communities nationwide joining the annual event.
National Night Out, Tue., Aug. 4, community kick off at 5 p.m., Shields-Reid Park, 1410 Kelsey St. Free
9 | Enjoy a laugh while raising money for RCF Connects, Aug. 6
You can try your hand at stand-up comedy or simply enjoy a good laugh during a fundraising open mic celebration. Several Bay Area comedians will host the 2nd Annual Laughs for Change, a light-hearted open competition for anyone who wants to try a five-minute stand-up sketch. Storytellers, poets and singers are also welcome to take the stage. Proceeds benefit RCF Connects and its equity-focused programs.
Laughs for Change, Thur., Aug. 6, 6 p.m., Galileo Club, 371 S. 23rd St. $50
For more things to do, see our guide to summer fun in Richmond, our list of music and entertainment venues, and our roundup of ongoing things to do (many of which are free). And add your events to our free community calendar.
