Events
Featured Event:
Shop, Sip, Gather Together
Oh, what fun it is in Downtown Alameda this holiday season! Downtown merchants have plenty to offer for a festive holiday shopping experience, from Shop Later Thursdays to our popular Hot Cocoa Stroll.
Bundle up the kids, buy a warm beverage, and take a stroll downtown to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
![[image: downtown holiday events]](https://downtownalameda.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022ShopSipGatherTogetherImageWeb-300x300.jpg "2022ShopSipGatherTogetherImageWeb")
As we evolve out of the pandemic we are looking to offer new, re-imagined events that will be safe for the community. Watch for more events and dates to be announced later.
2022 Special Events
Hot Cocoa Stroll
Enjoy the Hot Cocoa Stroll on Friday, December 2, from 5-7pm with family and friends in Downtown Alameda. A variety of businesses will offer a warm welcome and a delectable assortment of sips & nibbles. There’ll be live music and activities on Alameda Avenue. Join Santa as he strolls to sweet & treat locations throughout the district! Take your time while visiting the shops, restaurants, and other fabulous services located in Alameda’s downtown district.
Shop Later Thursdays
The shops are making it easier to check off items on your holiday gift-giving list by joining restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues in staying open until 7:00pm (or later) on Thursdays during this holiday season (December 8, 15, 22). Grab a bite to eat, catch a movie, or toast the holidays with co-workers and then get a little holiday shopping done afterwards!
Santa Visits
Have your cameras ready! Santa has promised to be part of our Shop Later Thursdays. He'll be strolling the district popping into businesses, handing out treats, and posing for photos on Thursday nights from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.
Tentative Schedule: (includes the cross streets)
- December 2 - Hot Cocoa Stroll Locations
- December 8 - Park Street between Central and Santa Clara
- December 15 - Park Street between Encinal and Central
- December 22 - Park Street between Santa Clara and Lincoln
Letters to Santa
Want to share a wish list with Santa? We will be hosting a special Letters To Santa station on Alameda Avenue the same evenings that Santa is visiting throughout December. Once your letter is ready, drop it in one of our special Letters to Santa Mailboxes or hand it to Santa and his elves in person.
![[image: welcome friends]](https://downtownalameda.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2022WelcomeFriends3StreamBinSignsLandscapeWine-300x255.png "2022WelcomeFriends3StreamBinSignsLandscapeWine")
Welcome Friends
Downtown businesses are happy to see you again.
You can support local businesses by shopping, dining, making appointments, and purchasing gift certificates.
Downtown Events
Check our downtown calendar for online and in-person events hosted by local businesses.
Past Events
Whiskey Stroll
SOLD OUT! Sip and stroll your way through the downtown district tasting premium craft whiskeys paired with yummy bites at over ten unique businesses. Learn about top NorCal distillers and local chefs as they showcase their unique flavors. This year’s event took place Friday, March 4, 2022.
Alameda Restaurant Week
Alameda Restaurant Week is a 10-day event celebrating the culinary delights of our island city. Enjoy Alameda’s dining scene by visiting your choice of over 30 participating restaurants and bars. Many of the restaurants are offering prix fixe menus and special prices. This year's event took place March 25 - April 3, 2022.
Island City Waterways ArtWalk: Park Street
Join Rhythmix on a sonic journey down Park Street on Friday, May 6, 2022 connecting cultures through the sounds of Zimbabwean mbira, Puerto Rican plena, American Tribal Style belly dance, Detroit blues, and students on strings. Each performance presents a mix of styles, combining traditional and modern elements with a unique Bay Area twist.
Downtown Spring Scavenger Hunt
Have fun doing this family-friendly outdoor scavenger hunt. Search the downtown window displays to find all the items needed to create a colorful spring basket. Submit your online entry May 1-15, 2022 to receive a prize.
Fourth of July Parade
The Alameda 4th of July Parade is one of the largest Independence Day parades in the nation. The best viewing spots can be found on Park Street along the first stretch of the parade. This year's parade takes place on Monday, July 4. Organized by ARPD. Get Details
Rock & Roll Beer Stroll
Sip and stroll your way through our historic downtown district tasting local beer selections paired with yummy bites at unique pouring locations on Saturday, August 20. Enjoy an afternoon filled with food, drink, and live music while learning about the unique styles of Northern California breweries and local chefs.
Pride in the Park
A family-friendly event celebrating LGBTQIA communities with performances, music, and food at Chochenyo Park on Saturday, October 8. Co-sponsored with ARPD.
Autumn Wine Stroll
Sip and stroll your way through our historic downtown district tasting local wine selections paired with yummy bites and unique pouring locations. The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 23.
Small Business Saturday
Show support for local businesses and your community by shopping and dining locally. Skip the malls and set aside online shopping on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year's date is Saturday, November 26, 2022.