VIVO: Days of the Dead 2010

The Oakland Museum of California's 17th annual Dias de los Muertos exhibit includes altars and installations based on the practices from the Meso-American and Californian cultures. The event will also include gallery discussions with the artists of the exhibit, held through November. On Saturday, October 23, get involved in the spirit of the tradition by participating in craft activities, demonstrations, food, a Mercado, music and dance groups and more. Altars will be created onsite, as well as sessions to learn how to make tortillas from scratch and design your own Dias de los Muertos mask. Fruitvale Village will also be holding its 15th annual Dia de los Muertos festival on October 24, including over 30 local community artists altars, music stages and arts and crafts. For more fall festivities, see the OCVB website at  www.oaklandcvb.com.

Fall Entertainment Scene

Oakland is quickly rising as the entertainment hub of the Bay, with a music for all tastes at venues large and small. M.I.A., Widespread Panic, Jonsi (of Sigur Ros) and Lady Antebellum are just a few of the acts coming to the stage at Uptown's The Fox Theater. Nearby, The Uptown hosts an eclectic mix of alternative rock, experimental jazz and punk acts. The New Parish features hip hop, soul and dance music, plus comedy. Paramount Theatre fall calendar features The Royal Comedy Tour, the SF Jazz Festival and indie-folk favorite Sufjan Stevens. To stay on top of the entertainment scene, visit www.oaklandcvb.com.

Take a Hike

Escape the bustling city for an afternoon and enjoy Oakland's splendid nature. Anthony Chabot Regional Park, located only 20 minutes from downtown Oakland, offers a surplus of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. The Bay Area Ridge Trail loops through Oakland and neighboring counties, including panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. Dimond Recreation Center includes hikes through the Oakland Hills, surrounding its visitors with Oak and Redwood trees. The Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve includes a self-guided tour through native plants and flowers, covering more than 240 acres of land.