1 | Richmond to celebrate 65 years of friendship with Japan sister city, Aug. 20
Richmond is marking 65 years of friendship with its sister city of Shimada, Japan. The festivities will include local food, live music, cultural exchanges and the welcoming of visitors from Shimada. The celebration is part of the Shimada delegation’s four-day visit to Richmond. The two cities established their sister city relationship in 1961.
65 Years of Friendship celebration, Thur., Aug. 20, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., The Lot, 1401 Macdonald Ave. Free
2 | Final outdoor summer movie, Aug. 21
The animated film “Hoppers” will close out this year’s outdoor summer movie series. The Pixar movie centers on a woman who uses a new technology to “hop” her consciousness into a lifelike robotic beaver and communicate directly with animals. The Movies in the Park showing will be outside the Richmond Recreation Complex. Organizers encourage families and friends to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.
Movies in the Park, Fri., Aug. 21, 8:30 p.m., Richmond Recreation Complex, 3230 Macdonald Ave. Free
3 | Gallery show explores the color red, Aug. 21
An upcoming exhibition features Bay Area women who have created unique interpretations of the color red. The Red Show organized by Visual Artists of Richmond, opens Friday and is on view until Sept. 18. The artists use a variety of mediums and styles to “explore the rich symbolism, emotional depth, and diverse visual worlds that the color red evokes — from passion and power to warmth and vitality.”
The Red Show opening reception, Fri., Aug. 21, 5 p.m., The Factory Bar, 12517 San Pablo Ave. Free
4 | Students and families make music together at Richmond performing arts center, Aug. 22
Music students, faculty and their families will share the stage this weekend as the Awesome Orchestra Collective leads a special community music-making event at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts. Rather than a traditional concert, the afternoon will unfold as a mix of rehearsals, collaborations and performances open to the public. Organizers call it a “unique intergenerational music experience centered on creativity, accessibility and community.”
Awesome Orchestra Collective performance, Sat., Aug. 22, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, 339 11th St. Free but seating is limited so students are given priority.
5 | Richmond library branch to celebrate 50th birthday, Aug. 22
The Bayview branch library is throwing itself a milestone party. The 50th birthday celebration will include music, a bookmobile, a photo booth and light refreshments. Visitors can also share memories from the library’s five decades of operation. All ages are welcome.
Bayview Branch Library 50th birthday celebration, Sat., Aug. 22, noon to 3 p.m., Bayview Branch Library, 5100 Hartnett Ave. Free
6 | Park rangers to read stories at library, Aug. 25
Two National Park Service rangers will read stories and answer questions at a special library gathering. At the Read with a Ranger session, the rangers will share tales about nature and park adventures, and talk about their experiences working in national parks. The session will also include songs and “fingerplays.”
Read with a Ranger, Tue., Aug. 25, 11 a.m. to noon, West Side branch library, 135 Washington Ave., Point Richmond. Free
7 | Drive-up dinner helps support youth services program, Aug. 26
Steak, garlic-roasted mashed potatoes, some sides and a good cause are on the menu at this curbside fundraiser for Richmond youths. The Drive-up Dinner for a Cause raises money for the West County Salesian Youth Club. Participants reserve dinners in half-hour windows and pick them up outside Salesian College Prep, next to the club.
Drive-up Dinner for a Cause, Wed., Aug. 26, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Salesian College Prep school, 2851 Salesian Ave. $40
Also check out 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.
