What's Happening
You’re invited to join the celebration of Alameda’s largest outdoor summer street festival! The 38th Anniversary of the Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire has something for everyone — over 200 art & craft vendors, festival foods, craft beer and wine, music performances on three stages, and interactive kids’ areas with games and carnival rides. The fun happens on July 26 & 27 from 10:00am to 6:00pm each day and is FREE to attend.
“We are delighted to invite the community to join us for the 38th Anniversary of the wildly popular Art & Wine Faire! We are eager to host an event that has been bringing visitors and residents together to enjoy our vibrant downtown district since 1983. The streets and sidewalks are filled with gotta-have art, one-of-a-kind treasures, and tasty treats.” says Kathy Weber, Executive Director of the Downtown Alameda Business Association. “Let’s celebrate together on July 26 & 27 as we welcome guests from all over the Bay Area to our island community and show them our favorite places in downtown.”
Expanded for 2025:
Authentically, Alameda!: With the iconic Alameda Theatre sign as the beautiful backdrop, this expanded area on Central Avenue between Park and Oak Streets includes the tree-lined lot and Alameda Avenue. Featuring a third music stage programmed by Alameda musician Jim Parodi the stage highlights Alameda’s professional and amateur talent. There’s even additional entertainment on Alameda Avenue to enjoy as you partake in delicious local bites! This area promises to showcase local talents in a number of ways! In addition to spotlighting local musical talent, Downtown businesses, Alameda artisans, purveyors and community groups will abound. The enlarged outdoor dining area is the place to relax and enjoy all the food and drink that the festival has to offer.
Art & Wine Faire Highlights:
Art & Crafts Vendors… Bring your wallet because you won’t want to leave empty handed after shopping over 200 eye-popping arts and craft booths with offerings like ceramics, metal art, paintings, photography, wood crafts, toys, handbags, clothing, and jewelry.
Live Entertainment… Each day provides continuous live entertainment featuring classic rock, bluegrass, funk, jazz, and soul. Notable entertainers include some of the most popular tribute bands in the Bay Area: ZEBOP! (Santana Tribute), Life In The Fastlane (Eagles), Long Train Running (Doobie Brothers), Swampers CCR Tribute (Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute) and the return of the ever-popular The Sun Kings (Beatles Tribute). Performing a variety of music are The Spazmatics (Ultimate 80’s New Wave Show), Dan Durkin, Full Spectrum (Rock & Poop Covers), Other People’s Money (Rock Classics from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s & 2000’s and beyond!) and our favorite local talents, The Lost Cats and our favorite Sun King, Drew Harrison.
Festival Foods… Chow down on a fan favorite Lockeford Sausages and wash ‘em back with an ice cold lemonade, local wine or craft beer. Follow your nose to find other favorites including fresh kettle corn, gyros, mini donuts, gourmet chicken wings, mango sticks, curly fries, teriyaki chicken skewers, Dole Whip, and more.
Craft Beer & Local Premium Wine… For the 21+ crowd, there will be four beverage booths serving local craft beers by Alameda Brewing and premium handcrafted wines by Alameda’s Wachira Wines, Urban Legend Winery, Dashe Cellars and nearby Drawbridge Cellars.
Fun Kids Area… Park Street is the spot if your kids like to bounce, flip, and twirl. There will be carnival rides, fun attractions and face painting.
Enjoy all of Downtown Alameda… More than 400 businesses are located in the island’s walkable downtown district. Festival-goers can enjoy a stroll through the historic downtown where unique shops, amazing restaurants, and other services are abundant and will be offering event specials throughout the weekend.
Event co-producer Chelley Dallara of Eckerstrom Productions says, “This is one of my favorite events. When you combine lovely weather, live music, refreshing libations, and your favorite festival food all wrapped up in Alameda’s beautiful island surroundings, you have a must-attend event.”
It’s easy to get to the Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire. AC Transit provides routes across the island that stop right at the festivities, with bus transfers available from Fruitvale BART. Free secure bike parking is also available at the event.
While at the event, share your photos using hashtags #artwinefaire and #downtownalameda on your favorite social media sites. For more information, visit the official event page www.DowntownAlameda.com/artandwine or email office@DowntownAlameda.com.
The annual Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire is presented by the Downtown Alameda Business Association and produced by Eckerstrom Productions as a fundraiser for the district. Proceeds help keep Downtown Alameda clean, green, and safe.
Thanks to our sponsors for supporting this event! Alameda County Industries (ACI); Alameda Brewing; Alameda Municipal Power; All Good Living; BMW, Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices/Drysdale Properties; City of Alameda; College of Alameda; Dashe Cellars; Discover Alameda, Drawbridge Cellars; EBMUD; JA Anonas And Sons Construction, Trumark Homes; Urban Legend Winery; Wachira Wines; Weed Law Group, PC; Xfinity.
Join us for Thursday @ The Avenue! It’s a new weekly series launched in May that takes place every Thursday from 5–8pm on Alameda Avenue – near the Park Street intersection.
In addition to live, family-friendly music, the event features outdoor games and vendor pop-ups in our brand-new parklet—creating a vibrant, welcoming space for the community each week.
Grab dinner or a sweet treat at a nearby restaurant and join us for the fun!
Rotating vendors include: Manino Leather, Saffron Studio, Golden Snails & Friends, Garden Mamas, Made in Weirdo Land, Jessica’s Peaceful Journeys, Tea-rrings, Dede Tabor/Spectre (Tarot), and more.
Thursday @ The Avenue is all about bringing people together. We welcome and encourage community support—and appreciate the generous sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Alameda! Come out and be part of something special!
![[image: whiskey stroll]](https://downtownalameda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025WhiskeyStroll1080x1350-240x300.jpg)
It’s back! Sip and stroll your way through our historic downtown district tasting premium small-batch whiskeys during the 7th Annual Downtown Alameda Whiskey Stroll. Enjoy an evening filled with craft spirits and entertainment while learning about the unique styles from the distillers. The popular event returns on Friday, March 28, 6:00-9:00pm.
The Alameda Strolls are a great way to discover new places and support local businesses. Ticket holders will visit 12+ unique downtown shops and spaces to taste small-batch whiskeys from a fantastic selection of California distilleries. And while at select stops, guests will enjoy a savory or sweet bite perfectly paired with the whiskey.
(more…)Looking for last minute NYE plans? It’s almost time to toast to 2025, and there are still plenty of ways to celebrate right here in Downtown Alameda. Meet up with family and friends at a favorite restaurant or extend the evening by ringing in the new year at one of the district’s many gathering spots (and try to catch a performance of Auld Lang Syne on the bagpipes at one of the bars to raise money for ACS). There’s even a family friendly, all-night carnival!
Featured Celebrations:
New Year’s Eve Live Music Bash @ Alameda Theatre
Countdown to 2025 with a family friendly, all-night carnival at the Alameda Theatre! Enjoy games and attractions suitable for all ages from the moment the doors open at 5:30pm, including family screenings of Sonic 3 and Mufasa, with kid drop in options so parents can enjoy the music. Groove to performances by top artists throughout the night at both the Theatre and Cinema Grill, followed by a NYC Times Square Simulcast Ball Drop, and a LIVE local countdown.
Alameda Hogmabay Pipe-athon for ACS @ Every Bar in Alameda
Andy MacKay will be playing Auld Lang Syne on the bagpipes in every bar in Alameda to bring a wee bit of Scottish New Year Cheer to all, and will be fundraising for a worthy cause, American Cancer Society. You can donate online here and also on the night as they make their way around the City of Alameda, starting around 6pm in McGee’s on Park Street, followed by Park Street Tavern, Star Pizza, Lemon Drop, Hobnob, Lucky 13, Club House and more…
More New Year’s Celebrations:
For additional family activities, High Scores Arcade will be open 12:30pm-10:00pm for unlimited gaming on New Year’s Eve, and Subpar Miniature Golf will be open from 11:00am-6:00pm for indoor mini golf (reservations recommended), arcade games and pool tables.
And if you’re looking for a last-minute gathering place with a 21+ audience on New Year’s Eve, these Downtown Alameda nightspots provide plenty of festive fun (you may even catch Auld Lang Syne on the bagpipes!) — no reservations required:
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Sip and stroll your way through our historic downtown district tasting premium local and international rum selections served neat at the inaugural Downtown Alameda Rum Stroll. Enjoy an evening filled with craft spirits, live music, and a few tasty bites while learning about the unique styles from the distillers. The fun happens Saturday, October 19, from 5:00-8:00pm.
The Alameda Strolls are a great way to discover new places and support local businesses. Ticket holders will visit 10+ unique downtown shops and spaces to enjoy premium rum tastings from a fantastic selection of distillers. And while at some of the stops, guests will enjoy a savory or sweet bite perfectly paired with each rum tasting.
Ticket prices include a collectible tasting glass, premium rum tastings at 10+ unique downtown businesses, a delicious bite at some locations prepared by a downtown eatery, and a commemorative guide.
(more…)![[image: welcome friends]](https://downtownalameda.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2022WelcomeFriends3StreamBinSignsLandscapeWine-300x255.png "2022WelcomeFriends3StreamBinSignsLandscapeWine")