1 | Ask an expert about the Zeneca toxic site cleanup, Aug. 6
The Richmond Shoreline Alliance is hosting a community meeting today on the Zeneca toxic industrial site. The Our Shoreline Our Questions seminar will give residents a chance to ask questions of Martin Hamann of Farallon Consulting, the Zeneca site technical advisor. RSA will provide dinner. The Zeneca site, an 89-acre parcel near South 49th and Montgomery streets, is contaminated by dozens of chemicals from decades of industrial operations. The city approved a plan to build 4,000 housing units on the property in 2020, but the project is on hold.
Our Shoreline Our Questions community forum, Thur., Aug. 6, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Harbor Master’s Office, 1340 Marina Way South. Free
2 | A ‘contemplation’ hike at Sobrante Ridge, Aug. 7
The East Bay Regional Park District is inviting hikers to slow down and take in Sobrante Ridge on a mindful summer trek. The Summer Contemplation hike will cover several miles along steep terrain in Sobrante Ridge in east Richmond. The organizers say the hike will “mindfully traverse the landscape, pausing frequently to soak in the summer atmosphere.” Pre-registration isn’t required.
Summer Contemplation hike, Fri., Aug. 7, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Heavenly Ridge Trailhead, Sobrante Ridge. Free
3 | Summer celebration at library includes petting zoo, rainforest and bubbles, Aug. 7
A trio of children’s activities will highlight a daylong summer celebration at Richmond’s main library’s temporary branch.
The festivities begin with the Blue Copper Petting Zoo, which will feature a miniature cow, bunnies, macaws, ponies, and other friendly animals. Children can observe, engage with, and touch the animals from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Next up is the Wild Rainforest by WildMind Science Learning. Children can meet animals native to rainforests from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The day will end with a bubble party presented by Miss Molly Bubbles that will also include a summer reading game. Those festivities will run from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Library summer celebration, Fri., Aug. 7, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Auditorium Branch Library, 403 Civic Center Plaza. Free
4 | ‘Bad Guys 2’ screens at movies in the park, Aug. 7
Another family movie night is coming to a Richmond park. “Bad Guys 2” will screen under the summer skies at Marina Bay Park. It’s the third in a series of four Friday night movies in the park organized by the city. “Hoppers” will screen Aug. 21 at Nicholl Park.
‘Bad Guys 2’ movie night, Fri., Aug. 7, 8:30 p.m., Marina Bay Park, Regatta Boulevard and Marina Bay Parkway. Free
5 | Richmond Open Studios will feature 90 local artists, Aug. 8-9
The studios of 90 local artists will be open to the public for a self-guided tour at various locations across Richmond for the annual Richmond Open Studios event. Studios will be open Aug. 8-9, with individual artists selling their works at partner venues on Aug. 15 and collectives showing local work on Aug. 15-16. Visual Artists of Richmond, a group of 132 visual artists who live or work in the city, is sponsoring the fourth annual event.
Richmond Open Studios self-guided tours, Sat., Aug. 8 and Sun., Aug. 9. Visit VAR for a map. Free
6 | Richmond Promise celebrates 10 years of helping college-bound students, Aug. 8
Richmond Promise is marking its 10th anniversary with a community gathering. The celebration will feature food, activities, and community resource information. Since its formation in 2016, Richmond Promise has awarded more than 5,000 scholarships to Richmond youths. It’s now serving 1,300 students who are pursuing associate and bachelor’s degrees as well as career technical education certifications at more than 200 colleges and universities across the United States. The majority of Richmond Promise scholars identify as people of color, first-generation college students, and students from low-income backgrounds.
Richmond Promise 10th Anniversary Celebration, Sat., Aug. 8, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza. Free
7 | Bird-watching hike along Meeker Slough, Aug. 8
The Golden Gate Bird Alliance has organized a bird-watching excursion in Meeker Slough on the Richmond coastline. The hike will cover one to two miles on a paved path, with three benches along the trail for rest stops. Participants should dress in layers and bring a hat and sunscreen.
Bird watching hike, Sat., Aug. 8, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Meeker Slough near Bayside Drive in Richmond’s Marina Bay district. Free
8 | Pancake breakfast aboard historic ship has Western swing flavor, Aug. 9
You can dance on the deck of the historic SS Red Oak Victory while enjoying a hearty breakfast this weekend. The Western Swing 2026 Pancake Breakfast will feature live music from Aaron Burnham & the Brushfires as well as a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, bacon, and scrambled eggs. The event will also include a Western swing costume contest and tours of the historic ship. The SS Red Oak Victory is the last surviving ship of the 747 vessels built during World War II at the Richmond shipyards.
Western Swing 2026 Pancake Breakfast, Sun., Aug. 9, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., SS Red Oak Victory, 1337 Canal Blvd. $20 for adults, $5 for children 8 and under, plus fees. Tickets
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.
