Note: Because Richmondside’s offices are closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day, this edition of our What’s Up column features events happening from Dec. 24 through Jan. 7. The regular weekly column will return on Jan. 8.
There is plenty to keep you entertained, educated and civically engaged over the next two weeks in Richmond and nearby.
Highlights include: Two Kwanzaa celebrations, things to do on New Year’s Eve, a new music venue opening in Richmond and free soccer classes for children.
For more, see our list of ongoing things to do (many of which are free) and our holiday calendar. Also, don’t forget to add your events to our free community calendar.
- Christmas Eve jazz concert at Richmond church
- Sickle cell blood drive has “pride and purpose”
- Final days to observe vintage holiday décor in El Cerrito hills
- Two Kwanzaa celebrations are planned
- Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Richmond and nearby
- Minimum wage in Richmond will be $19.18 per hour Jan. 1
- New entertainment venue opening in Richmond
- Start the new year by counting birds (but not this one)
- Final works from “Art Tag” exhibit will be revealed
- Bird watching hike planned for Point Pinole
- Sculpting class for beginners at art center
- Free soccer classes for Richmond youths
- Related stories
Christmas Eve jazz concert at Richmond church
A local church will jazz up the night before Christmas.
Richmond First United Methodist Church is hosting its annual Christmas Eve Jazz Service.
The free concert will feature the Kurt Ribak Band. The church service will also include scripture and holiday carols.
Church officials advise attendees to arrive early since the sanctuary has been known to fill up for this annual performance.
Christmas Eve Jazz Service, Wed., Dec. 24, 7 p.m., Richmond First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St. Free.
Sickle cell blood drive has “pride and purpose”
The K. Stewart Foundation has organized a community event where people can donate blood and get tested for sickle cell disease.
The Pride + Purpose drive will have blood donor stations staffed by American Red Cross volunteers and will offer testing for sickle cell disease, a disease that disproportionately impacts Black and Brown communities, groups that are underrepresented in the blood donor pool.
The free event will also have family-friendly activities, community resource tables, snacks and refreshments.
The event organizers, which include the city of Richmond, describe the gathering as “a celebration of life and a commitment to health equity.”
“For patients battling sickle cell crises, a matched blood donation can be the difference between life and death,” the event organizers said.
Pride + Purpose Blood Drive, Fri., Dec. 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Richmond City Hall, 440 Civic Center Plaza, basement room. Free.
Final days to observe vintage holiday décor in El Cerrito hills
There are still a few days left to enjoy an annual holiday lights and decor extravaganza that is celebrating its 76th year this season.
The Sundar Shadi Holiday Display remains lit up for public viewing until Fri.., Dec. 26, in the hills above El Cerrito.
Special musical entertainment is provided nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The display includes a re-creation of the town of Bethlehem as well as full-size models of shepherds, sheep, donkeys and camels.
The holiday celebration began in 1949 when Sundar Shadi placed a large star next to his home on Arlington Avenue. Over the years, he added to the display.
After Shadi’s death in 2002, the El Cerrito Soroptimists purchased the collection to preserve it for the community. Volunteers now install and oversee the display.
Sundar Shadi Holiday Display opening ceremony, until Fri., Dec. 26, 7501 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito. Free.
Two Kwanzaa celebrations are planned
Richmonders have a couple of options for celebrating Kwanzaa, which is honored Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.
On Dec. 27, the city is hosting a community Kwanzaa gathering at North Richmond Missionary Baptist Church that wills serve as the launch of the Richmond Black
Historical Legacy Project, an effort centered by an inititative to open a Black History Museum as well as establish historical markers, public art, cultural events, lectures, and school curriculum that tells “a rich and comprehensive story of Black resilience, innovation and achievement.”
The next day, on Dec. 28, The Colors of Kwanzaa and Their Meanings will explore the history behind the holiday, including why red is for past struggles and green is for the future. Entertainment will be provided by The Kalimba King. Refreshments and snacks will also be served at this free event.
Richmond community kwanzaa, North Richmond Missionary Baptist Church, Sat., Dec. 27, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., 1427 Fred Jackson Way; The Colors of Kwanzaa and Their Meanings, Multiculture Bookstore & Gifts, Sun., Dec. 28, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., 260 Broadway. Free.
Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Richmond and nearby
There are a variety of ways in which (and where) you can celebrate New Year’s Eve in Richmond and nearby. Here are some of them.
- The Factory Bar, 12513 San Pablo Ave., will host a New Year’s Eve party on Wed., Dec. 31, beginning at 11:59 p.m. Admission is free.
- The Allegro Ballroom, 12012 San Pablo Ave., has organized a dance party to ring in the new year on Wed., Dec. 31, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The celebration will include tango, ballroom and Latin dancing. Advance tickets are $35 for Allegro Ballroom members and $40 for non-members. At the door, the prices will be $40 for members and $45 for non-members.
- The Richmond Moose Lodge 550, 4660 Appian Way in El Sobrante, is putting on a New Year’s Harlem Nights on Wed., Dec. 31, beginning at 7 p.m. Organizers say the evening will feature “vibrant energy, great music, and unforgettable vibes straight from the heart of Harlem.” Tickets are $60 per person plus fees.
- If you’re willing to drive to Rodeo, you can catch the NYE Glo on the Bay on Wed., Dec. 31, at The Waterfront, 13 Pacific Ave., beginning at 8 p.m. The event is for people 21 years and older. Admission is $10 plus fees. The event with neon décor will feature free glow sticks, a live DJ, complimentary champagne for the New Year’s countdown, a food truck and a bar.
Minimum wage in Richmond will be $19.18 per hour Jan. 1
People working for minimum wage within the city limits of Richmond will get a pay raise on Jan. 1.
The Richmond Minimum Wage Ordinance dictates that employers in the city must pay their employees at least $19.18 per hour starting on New Year’s Day.
Under the ordinance, the minimum wage in Richmond has risen from $11.52 in 2016 to the $19.18 figure set for Jan. 1.
Employers are required to post the minimum wage notice at their place of business so employees are aware of the changes.
New entertainment venue opening in Richmond
An arts group called Ragtag is kicking open the doors of a new entertainment venue in Richmond.
The Planetarium will host indie, punk and other bands as well as film screenings, stand-up comedy, open mics, and other art performances.
The facility’s first event will be Jan. 2. It will feature groups including Brand New Companion, Tony Horses, The Secretary and John Turkey’s Nightmare.
All ages are welcome, and no alcohol will be served. The cost is $10 per person at the door.
The Planetarium opening night, Fri., Jan. 2, 7 p.m., 5327 Jacuzzi St., Richmond. $10.
Start the new year by counting birds (but not this one)
You can kick off 2026 by helping to count the bird populations in Richmond.
The Golden Gate Bird Alliance has organized a Christmas bird count for the Richmond area, including Point Pinole, Point Molate and the Miller-Knox Regional Shoreline Park.
This event is part of the Annual Christmas Bird Count sponsored by the National Audubon Society. The data gathered is a tool for scientists studying bird populations.
Christmas Bird Count, Sat., Jan. 3, all day, Richmond. Free.
Final works from “Art Tag” exhibit will be revealed
The final results of some collaborative works by local artists will be revealed at a special exhibit.
“Art Tag — The Big Reveal” will be the culmination of a months-long process in which artists built upon each other’s works.
The Art Tag process began early in the fall when members of the Arts of Point Richmond chose “Travel Discoveries” as the theme for this project.
Artists worked on initial products in a variety of mediums. They then passed their creations on to another artist while receiving an initial work from another team member to collaborate on.
After this second phase was completed, the trading of art works was repeated one final time. Each stage took five to six weeks.
The Arts of Point Richmond will display the final products at the Hidden City Ballroom. Visitors are welcome. Admission is free.
Art Tag — The Big Reveal, Sun., Jan. 4, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Hidden City Ballroom, 304 Washington Ave., Point Richmond. Free.
Bird watching hike planned for Point Pinole
If you can’t make it to the annual bird count event, you can still look for your first bird sightings of 2026 during a walk along the Richmond shoreline.
The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) is hosting a free birding event Jan. 5 at Point Pinole.
The instructor is EBRPD naturalist Anthony Fisher. All ages are welcome and no preregistration is required.
Monday Birding: Point Pinole, Mon., Jan. 5, 9 a.m. to noon, Point Pinole Atlas Staging Area. Free.
Sculpting class for beginners at art center
Visual Artists of Richmond is offering a beginning sculpting class that focuses on facial features.
The Building Portrait Sculpture Elements in Clay classes will be held on Wednesday afternoons beginning on Jan. 7 and ending on Feb. 11.
Participants will create at least five projects including individual facial features. The cost for the six-week session is $270.
Building Portrait Sculpture Elements in Clay classes, Wednesdays, Jan. 7 to Feb. 11, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave. $270.
Free soccer classes for Richmond youths
AYSO PLAY! is offering free soccer camps for young Richmond children on Thursday afternoons.
The first session is on Thur., Jan. 8, and camps continue on Thursdays through Feb. 12 at Nicholl Park.
The sessions are hourly and are limited to 15 participants each so advanced registration is recommended.
AYSO PLAY! is a national organization that works with community partners to reach families that do not have the opportunity, access, or services to play.
“We believe soccer is where the ball is and that we have a responsibility to ensure anyone who wants to play, can play,” the organization states on its website.
AYSO PLAY! soccer classes, Thursdays from Jan. 8 to Feb. 12, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Nicholl Park, 3230 Macdonald Ave., Richmond. Free
For more, see our list of ongoing things to do (many of which are free) and our holiday calendar. Also, don’t forget to add your events to our free community calendar.
