Hello East Bay family! 👋
As summer’s golden glow gives way to the first hints of autumn, our community is lighting up with festivities that feed the soul. This week is all about coming together – through music on front porches, dancing in the streets, sharing global comfort foods, and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that make our home so special. In this edition, we’re embracing a theme of “Harmony in Diversity,” highlighting how art, food, and gatherings can unite neighbors new and old. Grab a cozy sweater for the evening breeze and let’s dive into the week’s delights – from a porch-front music fest to a vibrant night market under the stars. There’s something magical in the air, so let’s enjoy these moments of creativity, community, and pure East Bay joy together! 💖
Spotlight
Porchfest Benicia
🕒Sat, Sep 13, 12–5pm
📍Historic Downtown Benicia
Wander through Benicia’s charming streets as front porches transform into stages! 😍 Neighbors and local bands welcome everyone to enjoy a free music festival on the lawns and sidewalks. Expect an eclectic mix – rock, folk, jazz, you name it – all played in front of vintage homes with an open invitation to dance and sing along. It’s a grassroots celebration of community: grab an ice cream, stroll block to block, and feel the small-town warmth as music fills the air.
(Pro tip: First Street’s boutiques and cafes will be open to fuel your afternoon fun.)
🎨 CREATIVE ESCAPES | EVENTS THIS WEEK
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Oakland Chinatown Night Market
Sat, Sep 13, 5–10pm @ 8th St.
(Broadway to Webster), Oakland
Free entry.
When night falls, Oakland’s Chinatown comes alive! This is the 2nd annual Night Market and it’s even bigger and brighter than before. Imagine two whole blocks packed with sizzling street food vendors, from dumplings and bao to skewers and boba tea, many hosted by beloved Chinatown eateries. There’s live music, cultural dance, and even a cool car show and basketball tournament earlier in the day. Families, friends, and foodies all mingle under lanterns and neon signs, rediscovering the neighborhood’s rich heritage. It’s a feast for the senses and a triumphant sign of community revival – don’t miss the chance to be part of this magical evening! 🏮🎶
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Black-Eyed Pea Festival
Sat, Sep 13, 11am–6pm
Marston Campbell Park
(17th & West St), Oakland
Free
A heartfelt celebration of African American culture through food, art, and music. Now in its 10th year, this family-friendly festival is all about community unity. Enjoy live gospel, R&B, and jazz performances that will have you swaying, browse local artisans’ wares, and of course, taste delicious soul food (yes, plenty of black-eyed peas & greens!). Kids can get hands-on with crafts and drumming workshops, and everyone’s invited to join in African dance lessons. The atmosphere is uplifting and welcoming – like a giant neighborhood block party honoring traditions that feed the soul. Come for the peas, stay for the love! 🖤🎶
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Solano Avenue Stroll
Sun, Sep 14, 10am–5pm
Solano Ave (Berkeley/Albany)
Free.
The East Bay’s biggest street festival (running since 1974) takes over a whole mile of Solano Avenue with an extravaganza of fun. This beloved annual Stroll is jam-packed with live entertainment on every block – think Taiko drummers, youth dance troupes, even a marching band or two. You’ll find over 100 artisan booths and local shops offering unique crafts, jewelry, and games for the kiddos. Foodies, rejoice: munch on everything from kettle corn and BBQ to dim sum and soft-serve ice cream as you wander. There’s also a mini-carnival zone with rides (yes, there’s a Ferris wheel!) and interactive activities for families. The Stroll is basically a giant neighborhood party celebrating local culture and small businesses – an East Bay tradition where everyone’s invited. Tip: Arrive early to find parking on side streets and catch the opening ceremony parade!
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Concord Music & Market Series
Thurs, Sep 18, 6:30–8:00pm (market opens 4pm)
Todos Santos Plaza, Concord
Free
Spend a relaxing Thursday evening in Concord with live music in the park and a bustling farmers’ market. Starting late afternoon, Todos Santos Plaza comes alive with farm-fresh produce stands and food trucks. As the sun starts to set (6:30pm), the stage lights up for a free outdoor concert featuring a great Bay Area band. Past weeks have grooved to salsa, blues, Motown, you name it – whatever the genre this week, expect to see couples dancing on the grass and kids playing freely. Bring a picnic blanket, grab dinner from a food stall (hello, food truck tacos 🌮), and enjoy the friendly, laid-back vibe. It’s the perfect blend of community and chill to get a head-start on your weekend.
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Berkeley Old Time Music Convention (BOTMC)
Wed–Sun, Sep 17–21, various times & venues in Berkeley
(many events free)
Calling all music lovers and anyone up for something a little different! The BOTMC is a five-day folk music festival celebrating Appalachia and Americana, right here in Berkeley. Throughout the week, you can catch free jam sessions and concerts featuring fiddles, banjos, and soulful old-time melodies. Highlights during Sept 17–19 include a kick-off square dance at Ashkenaz (where even newbies are welcome to grab a partner and learn some moves) and evening shows at the Freight & Salvage coffeehouse with renowned folk artists (ticketed, $25–30 for the big concerts). There’s even a string-band contest in the park and workshops if you’re musically inclined. Whether you’re a hardcore folk fan or just curious, the convention’s warm, down-home atmosphere will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a friendly front-porch jam session of yesteryear. 🎻🪕
🍽️ LOCAL FLAVOR
For this week’s local foodie spotlight, we journey to the waterfront town of Benicia to visit One House Bakery – a cozy, family-run bakery that’s truly baking a difference (pun intended!). Tucked along Benicia’s charming First Street, One House is five-star Yelp famous for its warm vibe and wildly creative baked goods. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the comforting aroma of fresh bread and a friendly smile from the mother-daughter duo who own the shop. The front café is inviting, but don’t miss the “secret” garden patio out back – a whimsical little courtyard perfect for enjoying your treats al fresco.
What’s on the menu? Think decadent pastries (their almond croissants practically melt in your mouth), crusty artisan loaves, and an array of seasonal sweets that showcase the owners’ imagination. They also whip up satisfying sandwiches and soups for lunch – all made from scratch with local ingredients. This bakery doesn’t just feed the body, it feeds the imagination: each fall, the owners create an over-the-top bread sculpture for the town’s scarecrow contest (legend has it they made a life-sized Han Solo out of bread named “Pan Solo” in 2022). It’s that kind of playful, community-oriented spirit that makes One House so special.
Why now? With autumn around the corner, One House Bakery is rolling out cozy offerings like spiced pumpkin loaves, apple turnovers, and hearty pot pies – perfect comfort food after a day of adventures. If you’re heading to Porchfest in Benicia, this is an ideal pre- or post-festival stop; grab a coffee and a treat to fuel your stroll between music sets. Or make a special trip on a crisp morning to soak in the friendly small-town atmosphere. One House Bakery feels like a hug from your grandma in bakery form – delicious, creative, and made with love. Don’t be surprised if you leave with both a full heart and a box full of goodies. 💕🍞
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🌟 Catch You Next Week…
As this weekend winds down, remember the East Bay always has another adventure waiting – from porchfront jams in Benicia to lantern-lit nights in Oakland’s Chinatown, from soulful festivals in Oakland parks to family strolls on Solano Avenue. However you spend your days, here’s to carrying the music, flavors, and community spirit of September with you into the week ahead.
Stay local & stay inspired,
Ryan DeAmaral
Co-Writer, Twin Oaks Insider
