Oakland weekend: Shawn Mendes, SF/Oakland food tour, Bastille Day festival, more
This weekend in Oakland you can get a tour of the Town's culinary history in Jack London Square, or sample French cuisine in Rockridge. You can catch young Canadian pop sensations at Oracle Arena, or catch the 108th season of the Oakland Municipal Band. Whatever you're into, there's something for you.
San Francisco to Oakland Food Tour
Foodies in the Bay Area can start this new local food tour, offered by Local Food Adventures, in either the City, at the SF Ferry Building, or the Town, starting in Jack London Square. We prefer the Town, obviously, but you do you.
Plan to spend under $100 per person to make four stops at tasting stations at local restaurants around Jack London Square. Expect to hear stories about the rich history of Oakland by your Local Food Adventures tour guide.
When: Friday - Saturday, July 12- July 13, 11:45 am
Where: 481 Water St. in Oakland (see website for SF option)
Price: $79 per person/ VIP available, extra $20
Bastille Day Soiree
Rockridge Market Hall is once again celebrating Bastille Day, France's Independence Day. There will be lots of French food tastings, like cheese and wine (of course), pastries, moules frites (a Belgian-style preparation of mussels), and more. This is a great opportunity to taste, discover and sample French cuisine in Oakland. Enter to win prizes and more. Market Hall Bakery, Market Hall Foods, Hapuku Fish Shop, and other shops in the market hall will participate.
When: Saturday, July 13, 1-3 p.m.
Where: Rockridge Market Hall, 5655 College Ave.
Price: Free Admission
Shawn Mendes at Oracle Arena
Calling all Shawn Mendes and Alessia Cara fans to Oracle Arena in Oakland. Yes that's right, Canadian pop sensation Shawn Mendes will perform for two nights in Oakland. Special guest and fellow Canadian Alessia Cara, known for her hit single "Stay," will open the show.
When: Saturday - Sunday, July 13 - 14, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Ave.
Price: $89.50+
Summer Concerts at Lake Merritt Bandstand
Since 1912, the Oakland Municipal Band has performed for free at Lakeside Park. The tradition continues this year, as the band returns each weekend between now and August 4 to dazzle their audience with showtunes, marching music, classical compositions and more. This weekend's show will feature an eclectic program, ranging from the Beach Boys to Dave Brubeck to Glenn Miller.
When: Every Sunday through August 4th, 1 - 3 p.m.
Where: Lake Merritt Bandstand, main entrance at Bellevue Ave. and Grand Ave.
Price: Free