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After a two year pandemic pause, the best hometown celebration is back! Alameda’s 4th of July Parade is the longest in the nation. Watch as more than 146 entries travel along Park Street before proceeding to Webster Street. Spectators will marvel at the huge variety of hand-decorated flatbeds, antique cars, marching bands, dance troupes, bicyclists, musicians, community groups, costumed characters, and dancing horses.

The 2022 Grand Marshals are the four members of Alameda’s Police Reform and Racial Equity Steering Committee – Christine Chilcott, Al Mance, Cheryl Taylor and Jolene Wright. Their tireless efforts, and work of more than 50 community volunteers who met for 3,000+ collective hours, resulted in a series of police reform and racial equity recommendations that the City Council unanimously approved in 2021. Among the recommendations is Alameda’s new CARE Team (Community Assessment Response & Engagement), run by specially trained Alameda Fire Department paramedics and Alameda Family Services‘ mental health clinicians who respond to calls for service foe mental health, substance abuse and homelessness issues.

The parade starts at 10:00am at the corner of Park Street and Lincoln Avenue. Some of the best viewing spots are along Park Street where the performances, cheering, and flag waving are especially exciting along the first stretch of the parade. For a front row seat along the sidewalks, plan to arrive well before the parade’s start time.

And, if you’re in want of a refreshment or are looking to do a little shopping this July 4th (or any day of the year), you’ll find a parade of locally-owned businesses in the downtown district, from breakfast spots to bookstores to antique treasures and more.

Check out the City’s Parade Program for more information on the parade, including the route map and the official line-up of entries.

School is out for summer and Father’s Day is this Sunday, making it the perfect weekend for a family adventure in Downtown Alameda. 

Looking for a way to treat Dad to a day of fun? We put together some ideas that will make for a memorable day with Dad and the whole family.

Please remember that Alameda County health officials reinstated the indoor mask mandate, regardless of vaccination status. Thank you for your long-standing commitment and support of our business community, and for doing your part when asked. 

EAT – If doughnuts and pastries are a favorite morning snack, treat Dad to something tasty at Homeskillet or Crispian Bakery. You can’t go wrong with a maple bacon donut or a ham & cheese croissant!  

Maybe dad is more of a burger guy? There are a number of local eateries in Downtown Alameda you can to for a winning burger. Scolari’s Good Eats was featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” with Guy Fieri for their Blueberry Bacon Blue Cheese Burger. And Spinning Bones was recently mentioned in SF Chronicle “Best Day Ever” write up as “one of the best burgers in Alameda right now”.

PLAY – There are plenty of activities to choose from in Downtown Alameda, and Dad will have a blast no matter what you pick. You could treat Dad to the latest blockbuster movie at Alameda Theatre & Cineplex, or challenge him to a classic video arcade game (the kind he played as a kid) at High Scores Arcade.

SHOP – Looking for unique and interesting gifts for Dad? You’ll find so many options in Downtown Alameda. Stop by CRAFT Beer & Wine so Dad can pick up his favorite beverage, or head over to Bonne Vie Fine Cigars for some hand-rolled fine cigars and humidors. If Dad in need of some new island gear to show off his Alameda pride, make sure to check out All Good Living.

Need a last-minute gift that Dad will treasure? The Visit & Shop Alameda eGift Card can be redeemed at a number of fabulous locations in Downtown Alameda.

For a comprehensive list of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, go to www.DowntownAlameda.com/explore.

The City of Alameda officially launched its new parking enforcement service on May 23 with improved enforcement in the Park Street area. The program aims to increase compliance with parking rules to ensure spaces are available for visitors, crosswalks and bike lanes are clear, accessible parking zones are reserved for people with disability placards, street sweeping keeps debris out of our waterways, and more.

When people park their cars for more than 2 hours, double park, or park in a red zone, it makes parking difficult and our streets dangerous. Follow these tips to help ensure spaces are available, crosswalks and bike lanes are clear, and accessible parking zones are reserved for people with disability placards:

1) Don’t circle for parking. Instead, go straight to the Civic Center Parking Structure at 1416 Oak Street. Parking here is cheaper and more plentiful than on the street. And the elevator is fixed!

2) Watch for pedestrians at all times.

3) Park legally! Meters and time limits, when enforced, reduce congestion and can open up parking spaces for visitors wanting to shop and dine in our district. 

For more information, head to: www.alamedaca.gov/parking

As of June 3, all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, must wear face coverings again in most indoor public settings, based on the recent order from Alameda County health officials. Thank you in advance for remaining kind, supportive, and respective when shopping and dining in the district.