THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
Oakland International Film Festival
The 8th Annual Oakland International Film Festival kicks off Thursday evening, and runs until Wednesday. Movies shot as close to home as West O and from as far away as Pakistan will be screened the Grand Lake Theater, Maxwell’s Lounge, Jack London Theater, and Merritt College during the event. Click here for showtimes and a list of the films. (Above: Still from River of Renewal, screening at Maxwell’s lounge on Sunday, 9 p.m.)
Thursday, October 8 through Wednesday, October 14
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
Prairie Home Companion in the DTO
So you didn’t want to brave the throngs in Golden Gate Park last weekend for the free bluegrass festival, but you still have a hankering for some fiddle playing? No worries. Berkeley’s own Laurie Lewis will play with Tom Rozum at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland Friday evening. You’ll have to pay for this gig, but the price is reasonable for big bluegrass names like these: $14 in advance at $18 at the door. The show is part of the ongoing Utunes Coffee House program.
Friday, October 9, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
First Unitarian Church
685 14th Street
$5 for kids 6-15
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10
Oaktoberfest
There used to be breweries and beer gardens in what’s now the Dimond District, and the suds will be flowing there again when the neighborhood throws an Oaktoberfest this Saturday. To get that old Munich atmosphere, there’ll be a beer hall featuring brewers from all over the Bay, including the excellent beer from the Town’s own Linden Street Brewery. A homebrewer competition will determine who makes the best DIY beer in Oakland. It’s a family friendly scene with live music, food, and a rootbier garten for the kinder.
Saturday, October 10, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Corner of Fruitvale and MacArthur
Town Park Opening/Graffiti Battle
On Saturday, the much-awaited town park finally opens. K-Dub, a former teacher-turned-local skating celebrity, has spent the last few years taking this skate park from concept to reality. Celebrate the skate park’s “official” opening this weekend with him, lots of skaters and graffiti artists, who’re going to come out for the Big Battle: the Third Estria Annual Invitational Graffiti Battle.
Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
De Fremery Park, 18th & Adeline street (West Oakland)
For a list of events associated with the battle, click here.
Sing Like Taylor Swift in Jack London Square
The radio station 95.7 – The Wolf will be in Jack London Square on Saturday from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. to host the Sing Like Taylor Swift contest. If you think you can sing like her, look up the rules over at their website and then head over to be videotaped by the Wolf.
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Inside Jack London Square
East Bay for East Africa Fundraiser
Just last year a school opened in western Kenya with the goal of teaching young people from the area of Musoli critical trades such a sewing, welding, and other skills that can provide self reliance. The Saint Teresa Technical School was funded by the folks from East Bay for East Africa, a small non-profit that grew out of a conversation between a visiting Kenyan priest and an East Bay resident four years ago. On Saturday night, East Bay for Africa holds its annual fundraiser at Uptown Body and Fender (the coolest body shop in the East Bay.) Tickets are $50 and $35 for folks under 35. RSVP here.
Saturday, October 10, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
401 26th Street
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11
Acclaimed violinist Regina Carter plays at Yoshi’s this weekend. This talented MacArthur fellow has wowed audiences worldwide with her ability to play across genres — classical, pop, jazz, even folk.
Regina Carter – violin
Will Holshouser – accordion
Yacouba Sissoko – kora
Chris Lightcap – bass
Alvester Garnett – drums & percussion
Thursday 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. shows $18
Friday – Saturday 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. $22
Sunday 2 p.m. Kids’ matinee: $5 Kids, $18 Adult (with kid), $22 Adult (general)
Sunday 7 p.m. $22
510 Embarcadero W. For tix, visit http://yoshis.inticketing.com/
O-Scene 