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Alameda Restaurant Week returns to the island January 16-26. Enjoy Alameda’s dining scene by visiting your choice of over 30 participating restaurants offering prix fixe menus and specials. Visit any six restaurants to get your card stamped for a chance to win over $1,000 in Alameda restaurant gift cards.
New this year… Alameda Restaurant Week kicks off on Thursday, January 16 with an evening of craft cocktails, delicious bites, and a competition to crown Alameda’s 2020 Master Mixologist! Guests over the age of 21 will get to sample cocktails crafted by local bartenders and then cast their vote for Master Mixologist 2020. Bite-sized offerings from select ARW restaurants will be paired with the cocktails. This special activity is a ticketed event that will be held at PHOENIX (2315 Lincoln Ave). Purchase Tickets
So come try our Michelin recommended, Zagat rated, and Check, Please! Bay Area cuisine during Alameda Restaurant Week. We know you’ll love it! Downtown Alameda locations include:
Alameda Cinema Grill,
American Oak,
Angela’s,
Asena,
C’Era Una Volta,
East End,
Jim’s Coffee Shop,
Johnathan’s Sandwich House
Julie’s Coffee & Tea Garden,
Lola’s Chicken Shack,
Mama Papa Lithuania,
McGee’s,
Poke Koma,
Roll & Bowl,
Speisekammer,
Spinning Bones,
The Hobnob,
The Park Street Tavern,
The Star on Park,
Tomatina,
Town Tavern,
Tucker’s Ice Cream,
Yojimb
View a comprehensive list of participating restaurants throughout Alameda and their special event menus on the official event page:
www.alamedarestaurantweek.com
Please note: To keep our community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, all large events have been canceled for 2020 and 2021.
Events and activities are abundant in Downtown Alameda, from the popular Downtown Strolls to the family-friendly street fairs. Mark your calendar for these fun happenings:
Downtown Whiskey Stroll
March 6, 2020
Ticket holders will stroll our historic downtown district tasting premium small-batch whiskeys crafted by Northern California distilleries paired with locally prepared bites at more than 10 unique pouring locations. Tickets are on sale now! Official Event Page
CANCELED – Downtown Easter Egg Hunt
April 11, 2020
Kids and their families are invited to bring a basket to collect treats from participating businesses. Colorful posters in the windows and doors of participating businesses provide a clue that a treat is waiting inside.
CANCELED -Downtown Alameda Spring Festival
May 9 & 10, 2020
Enjoy a Mother’s Day weekend tradition in Alameda with a marvelous assortment of arts and crafts booths, festival foods and beverages, live music, as well as a play area for kids. Relax in an expanded area on Central Avenue featuring local talent on a third stage and a large outdoor dining area. Official Event Page
CANCELED -Mayor’s Fourth of July Parade
July 4, 2020
Grab breakfast, a smoothie, or a coffee and then plop yourself down for the best seat in the house during the 4th of July parade. Best viewing spots can be found along the first stretch of the parade on Park Street.
CANCELED -Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire
July 25 & 26, 2020
The Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire has something for everyone — over 250 artisans, festival foods, local wines and craft beers, continuous live music on THREE stages, as well as kids’ areas with games and carnival rides. Official Event Page
CANCELED -Downtown Alameda Classic Car Show
October 10, 2020
The Downtown Alameda Classic Car Show brings over 400 classic vehicles to Alameda’s historic Park Street district. Classic cars of every description line up along Park Street – antique roadsters, coupes, hot rods, muscle cars, and much more. In addition, “Electric Alley” features a display of modern electric vehicles. Official Event Page
CANCELED -Halloween Treats
October 31, 2020
Downtown Alameda merchants are delighted to provide a safe place to trick-or-treat on Halloween. Kids in costume can collect sweet treats from participating businesses.
Holiday Happenings
Thanksgiving Weekend – New Year’s Eve
Eat, Shop, & Be Merry in Downtown Alameda! From Small Business Saturday to Shop Late Thursdays, downtown merchants have plenty to offer for a festive holiday experience.
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At our annual holiday party in December, the Downtown Alameda Business Association presents awards to member businesses in recognition of their contributions to the success of Alameda’s historic downtown. The awards represent examples of the top-notch service that is provided by businesses throughout the district. The owners and staff of these businesses are also active in Downtown Association activities and strive to cultivate improvements in our community.
Congratulations to our 2019 business award recipients!
Retail Business of the Year:
Toy Safari, owner Helen Dean
Food & Drink Establishment of the Year:
Sidestreet Pho, owned and operated by the Nguyen family
Service Business of the Year:
Visiting Angels, owner/manager Andrew Slakey
Associate Member of the Year:
Craft Chocolate, owner/chocolatier Bente Peterson
Clean, Green, and Safe Business of the Year:
Alameda Natural Grocery, owner Donna Layburn
New Business of the Year:
Swings & Wings, owner Sadiya Kazi-Koya (pictured above with DABA President Otto Wright)
Individuals were also recognized for their inspiring contributions:
Ron Mooney, Daisy’s (Member of the Year)
Allison Shannon, Alameda Theatre & Cineplex (President’s Award)
Eric Olney, Shum Financial (Block Captain of the Year)
Lois Butler, City of Alameda (City Person of the Year)
Stop by and congratulate these folks the next time you’re in Downtown Alameda!
You’ll find a celebration for every interest in Downtown Alameda. Meet up with friends at a favorite restaurant, catch a movie, or extend the evening by ringing in the new year at one of the district’s many parties. There’s even family fun for the kids.
Wine & Waffles (1505 Park Street) Celebrate the new year in color at this New Year’s Eve Glow Party!! DJ Chaz & Co will be playing your favorite party songs, there will be glow-in-the-dark cocktails, and a Black Light Balloon Drop with champagne toast at Midnight. Pre-Party Happy Hour is 6-7pm while the main event is 8pm-Midnight. Info: www.facebook.com/WineandWaffles/
The Lemon Tree (2542 Santa Clara Ave) Get the spotlight shining on you with New Year’s Eve Karaoke. The Lemon Tree and musical hosts Frankie & Gloria will have 10,000 songs to choose from, champagne toast, party favors, and great people to party with! Drop by for a visit, buy a drink, and sing some songs! Info: www.facebook.com/Lemon-Tree-Alameda-139552966096364/
The Churchward Pub (1515 Park Street) Ring in the New Year at the East Bay’s self-proclaimed number one party spot. Experience amazing dj’s, dancing all night long, and video countdown at midnight. For the early birds, an open bar will be available 8:30pm-9:30pm. Get pre-sale tickets now; price goes up at the door. Info: www.thechurchwardpub.com
Fun with the kids: Twirl will be hosting a Balloon Drop at Noon on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve and Swings & Wings will have a toddler dance party at 6:00-8:00pm.
Fun for all ages: High Scores Arcade will be open Noon-10:00pm on New Year’s Eve and and New Year’s Day. Or kick back and enjoy a blockbuster movie at Alameda Theatre & Cineplex for only $5.50 on New Years Eve.
But if you’re looking for a last-minute gathering place with the 21+ crowd, these Downtown Alameda nightspots provide festive fun on New Year’s Eve — no reservations required:
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Bundle up the kids, buy a warm beverage or dessert, and take a stroll to enjoy the festive downtown holiday displays.
You’ll find whimsical snow scenes at places like Megan Small Photography and Spinning Bones, artsy door entrances at places like PHOENIX, and Christmas gift ideas at wonderful shops like Toy Safari.
To cast a vote for your favorite downtown holiday window, post a picture on Instagram or Facebook with hashtags #holidaywindow2019 #downtownalameda — be sure to check in or mention the business in your post. Voting ends December 20.
To access an interactive map of window locations, go to https://DowntownAlameda.com/events/holiday-activities/#windows
Voting has ended! Congratulations to The Sewing Room, Megan Small Photography, and Spinning Bones. In a very close race, the people’s choice award goes to We Are Hair.
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