Saturday Strolls in Oakland

Oakland's Art Murmur has become one of the most popular nights of the month in the Bay Area, so it was only a matter of time that the event would extend to another day. Saturday Strolls provide visitors and art connoisseurs with an opportunity to view the galleries during the daytime in a smaller setting. Every Saturday afternoon from 1 - 5 p.m., 14 galleries will open their doors to the public. Participating galleries include Chandra Cerrito Contemporary, Johansson Projects, Oakopolis and Vessel Gallery. The galleries can be found in Oakland's Uptown district, which stretches from Telegraph Ave. between Grand Ave. and 27th Street, and along 23rd Street, 25th Street and 26th Street, between Telegraph Ave. and Broadway.  For more information, visit http://oaklandartmurmur.org/.

Oakland's Summer Festivals

Oakland's annual festivities each summer bring visitors and locals together to celebrate the beautiful weather and exciting events held in the city. At the Laurel Street Fair on August 13, the streets will be filled with crafts, merchants, food and live music. Art & Soul brings thousands of people to Downtown Oakland on August 20 & 21 to celebrate music and the arts. This year's performers include Goapele, Khalil Shaheed, Five for Fighting and Tower of Power. The Chinatown Street Festival, held August 27-28, brings a taste of Asia with authentic cuisine and cultural traditions. The Oakland Pride Festival on September 4 draws more than 50,000 participants to honor the LGBTQ community, celebrating with dancing, live performances and more. The Fall Boat Show September 14-18 in Jack London Square is a great hands-on event for individuals interested in learning the ins-and-outs of the sailing world. Celebrate sustainable foods at the Eat Real Festival September 23-25, where visitors can learn about the importance of eating well as they enjoy local street foods. For more summer and fall events, see www.visitoakland.org/calendar.  Book your stay for the festivities at www.visitoakland.org/specials.

Hotel Specials Heat Up 

Many of Oakland's hotel properties offer great ammenities, including free parking, breakfasts or happy hours. In addition, the hotel specials packages provide visitors with great deals for the season. This may include specials for the Oakland Athletics games, wedding reunions, summer deals and more. Locations include watefront hotels such as the Executive Inn & Suites, The Inn at Jack London Square, and the Waterfront Hotel, airport properties including the Days Hotel, Hilton Oakland Airport, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Holiday Inn Oakland Airport and the Red Lion Oakland Airport, and downtown hotels such as the Clarion Hotel Dowtown, Courtyard by Marriott and Oakland Marriott City Center. For more hotel specials, visit www.visitoakland.org/specials.

Retrace John Muir's Steps at OMCA

Experience John Muir's journey through California this month when the exhibit "A Walk in the Wild: Continuing John Muir's Journey" opens up at the Oakland Museum of California. Interactive displays will allow visitors to experience a simulation of Muir's trips through Yosemite Falls and Mount Whitney. A collection of journals, manuscripts and drawings will be on display for visitors to learn more about Muir's influence on our environment and natural world. The exhibit will be open from August 6 - January 22 - make sure to mark your calendars so you don't miss this extraordinary experience. For more information, visit www.museumca.org.   

Summer Science at Chabot

The Chabot Space and Science Center has an exciting array of programs for visitors this summer. Each Friday and Saturday, head up to the hills for an evening movie on DocuFilm Fridays and Sci-Fi Saturdays. Also on Fridays, head over to see the exhibits after 2 p.m. for just $10 during the month of August. Other programs to enjoy throughout the month include the Space Explorers Summer Camp for kids, Full Moon Hikes, Slumber with the Stars and Coffee with the Stars. For more happenings at Chabot this summer, visit www.chabotspace.org.