Posts by Alameda

You’re invited to join the celebration of Alameda’s largest outdoor summer street festival! The 37th 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 27 & 28 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 37th 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 27 & 28 as we welcome guests from all over the Bay Area to our island community and show them our favorite places in downtown.”

Expanded for 2024:

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. 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), Evolution (Journey) and Heartland Rock (Springstein, Mellencamp & Bob Seger). Performing a variety of music are The Spazmatics (Ultimate 80’s New Wave Show), Rocky Michaels, Savannah Blugrass (Bluegrass), Pop Fiction (Hits 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 Paella, 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 Island Brewing Company 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 bungee jumpers, carnival rides, and face painting along with children’s art activities by Alameda’s Messy Makers art studio. 

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: www.facebook.com/DowntownAlameda.ArtWineFaire and www.instagram.com/DowntownAlameda. 

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.

Bring the family down to our inaugural Spring Market on Saturday, May 4th from 12-5PM! It will feature curated vendors & purveyors with goods and foods for sale, interactive community booths, live music, spring vibes and tasty beverages for everyone’s enjoyment.

Saturday, May 4th from 12-5PM 

Event happens rain or shine!

We will feature as many of our local artisans, purveyors and vendors as possible. You can find out more information and sign up for a booth here: Vendor Online Application – Spring Market.

The event will be Saturday, May 4th from 12-5PM and will take place on Central Ave (between Park and Oak), in Parking Lot C and onto Alameda Ave.

Spring Market FAQs:

What are the hours of the event?

The event takes place 12:00pm – 5:00pm on Saturday, May 4th, 2024.

How many arts and crafts vendors are at this event?

45+ craft vendors. 

Do you accept credit cards?

We now accept credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay at our beverage booth. Craft and food vendors have their own payment process and most of them accept cards.

Where are the ATMs located?

There are no additional ATMs at the event this year – a few banks have ATMs in the district. 

Where are the porta-potties located?

At Alameda Ave & Park Street, near 2325 Alameda Ave. 

Where can I find parking?

The Civic Center Parking Structure is located at 1416 Oak Street, within easy walking distance of our check-in location. You can also find parking on nearby residential streets.

I have a bike, where can I park it?

Free, secure parking is available in the bike parking area near the Eagles Hall (2305 Alameda Ave).

I lost my phone/wallet/purse/jacket/other. Do you have a Lost & Found?

Found items will be taken to the Beverage Booth at the corner of Central & Park (near 1365 Park Street). 

I lost my kid. Where do I go to get help?

Alameda Police Officers are patrolling the event area. If you do not see uniformed officers, call 911 or go to the Beverage Booth where an event volunteer can contact the police for you. To help locate your child quickly, give the name of your child and describe what he/she is wearing.

Is this event a fundraiser?

Yes! Proceeds help the Downtown Association accomplish its goals and objectives of keeping the district economically sustainable and thriving for businesses, the community, and visitors. A portion of beverage sales are placed in a special fund for projects that help keep Downtown Alameda clean, green, and safe for all to enjoy.

We are shocked and saddened by the loss of Maggie Adams, owner and creator of Magpie & Thorn. Our hearts go out to her husband, children, staff, friends and all those who knew and loved her.  She was a bright and dynamic member of our community who led with enthusiasm and joy. We will miss her friendly light.

In that spirit of kindness and friendship we will share opportunities to help her family as they are available.

Friends and neighbors of Maggie’s family have opened a GoFundMe to support the family for the cost of the funeral services and support for the children’s future. Please consider donating whatever you can to Maggie’s family as they attempt to deal with the devastating loss of their mother and wife.

We will miss you Maggie.