The best things to do in Alameda County

38 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 38 places · showing the latest additions first

Sector 19

Entertainment

Sector 19 brings seriously fun laser tag with state-of-the-art gear, dynamic game modes, and an arcade that spits out prize tickets like…

22380 Foothill Blvd (Hayward)

“Sector 19 brings seriously fun laser tag with state-of-the-art gear, dynamic game modes, and an arcade that spits out prize tickets like confetti. Great for birthday squads or team hangouts, you can grab pizza, book a private party room, and let the kids burn off infinite energy.”

From the Hayward newsletter, October 2, 2026

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The Greek Theatre

Entertainment

Whether you want nostalgia or a night out that actually feels like a night out, The Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley brings the big tours to a…

Hearst Greek Theatre, 2001 Gayley Rd (Berkeley)

“Whether you want nostalgia or a night out that actually feels like a night out, The Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley brings the big tours to a stunning open-air hillside with Campanile and Golden Gate peeks, hosting Tori Amos, Erykah Badu, Jack Johnson and more this fall.”

From the Berkeley newsletter, October 6, 2026

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If you’re lucky enough to have access, Claremont Country Club is an Alister MacKenzie classic with serious pedigree, the site of Sam…

5295 Broadway Terrace #15 (Oakland)

“If you’re lucky enough to have access, Claremont Country Club is an Alister MacKenzie classic with serious pedigree, the site of Sam Snead’s first pro win, plus a refreshed pool and fitness scene that makes after round hangs pleasantly inevitable. This week, carve out time for nine, then a quick dip.”

From the Berkeley newsletter, August 29, 2026

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California Memorial Stadium is the move this week if you’re craving live energy, especially when the Cal Bears take the field and the Bay…

2227 Piedmont Ave (Berkeley)

“California Memorial Stadium is the move this week if you’re craving live energy, especially when the Cal Bears take the field and the Bay glints behind the stands. Grab a friend, wear something blue and gold, and remember why live football beats yelling at your TV.”

From the Berkeley newsletter, September 30, 2026

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Need a breezy reset close to home? Lake Merritt Amphitheater lines up a pretty perfect combo of shoreline strolls, lakeside art, birds…

QPXQ+Q9, Between 12th Street and 1st Ave., Lake Merritt Blvd (Oakland)

“Need a breezy reset close to home? Lake Merritt Amphitheater lines up a pretty perfect combo of shoreline strolls, lakeside art, birds galore, and community performances. Pack a blanket, meet a friend, and let the Necklace of Lights make the evening feel a little extra.”

From the Oakland newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Lost Worlds

Entertainment

Lost Worlds packs 45,000 square feet of dinosaur-themed fun into laser tag battles, black light mini golf, a towering play structure, ninja…

6538 Patterson Pass Rd (Livermore)

“Lost Worlds packs 45,000 square feet of dinosaur-themed fun into laser tag battles, black light mini golf, a towering play structure, ninja and aerial courses, climbing walls, mini bowling, and a big arcade. Perfect for burning off kid energy this week or staging a friendly sibling showdown, all under one roof.”

From the Livermore newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Vine Cinema & Alehouse pairs your movie fix with a legit Food & Drink Menu, so your next watch comes with something tastier than plain…

1722 First St (Livermore)

“Vine Cinema & Alehouse pairs your movie fix with a legit Food & Drink Menu, so your next watch comes with something tastier than plain popcorn. Keep an eye on their Classic Nights and Events for throwback flicks and community vibes that make staying local way more fun.”

From the Livermore newsletter, October 8, 2026

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Entertainment venue where visitors solve puzzles to "escape" from themed rooms.

1809 Santa Rita Rd # C (Pleasanton)

“Entertainment venue where visitors solve puzzles to "escape" from themed rooms.”

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Alysa Liu Mural

Entertainment

Alysa Liu Mural by Bay Area collective The Illuminaries recently gave Temescal a fresh jolt of color, a 15-foot tribute featuring Liu’s…

Telegraph Ave (Oakland)

“Alysa Liu Mural by Bay Area collective The Illuminaries recently gave Temescal a fresh jolt of color, a 15-foot tribute featuring Liu’s iconic thizz face. Take a quick Berkeley to Temescal detour, snap a pic, then ride that homegrown champion energy through your week.”

From the Oakland newsletter, September 26, 2026

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The Club at Ruby Hill gives your week a serious golf glow up, with a Jack Nicklaus signature 18-hole championship course framed by wine…

3400 W Ruby Hill Dr (Pleasanton)

“The Club at Ruby Hill gives your week a serious golf glow up, with a Jack Nicklaus signature 18-hole championship course framed by wine country views and a welcoming social scene. Members get the full lifestyle, and public tee times mean you can jump in now, then decide if you want more.”

From the Livermore newsletter, September 24, 2026

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Whether you're craving a buzzy new release or something offbeat and art-house, Landmark's Piedmont Theatre keeps the reels turning with…

4186 Piedmont Ave #5133 (Oakland)

“Whether you're craving a buzzy new release or something offbeat and art-house, Landmark's Piedmont Theatre keeps the reels turning with three screens, DLP projection, leather seating, and classic concessions. Opened in 1917 and restored in 2010, it’s a cozy community mainstay that rewards a midweek movie fix this week.”

From the Berkeley newsletter, October 4, 2026

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Unity Sculpture

Entertainment

If you’ve driven past those glinting rings in nearby Fremont and never actually stopped, this is your sign. Unity Sculpture is a quiet…

G2XH+M7 (Fremont)

“If you’ve driven past those glinting rings in nearby Fremont and never actually stopped, this is your sign. Unity Sculpture is a quiet little dopamine hit, great for a short walk, a thinking break, or a golden-hour photo when the stainless shines like a mirror.”

From the Fremont newsletter, September 24, 2026

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Clockwise Escape Room Pleasanton builds fully private, story-driven rooms with immersive sets and high-tech wow moments, so your crew can…

4713 First St #100 (Pleasanton)

“Clockwise Escape Room Pleasanton builds fully private, story-driven rooms with immersive sets and high-tech wow moments, so your crew can actually feel like heroes.”

From the Pleasanton newsletter, August 10, 2026

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Theater complex with multiple screens, all-stadium seating & self-service ticketing kiosks.

43917 Pacific Commons Blvd (Fremont)

“Theater complex with multiple screens, all-stadium seating & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

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Tucked inside the Alameda Theatres Cineplex, Alameda Cinema Grill turns movie night into an Oakland-worthy ritual with eclectic comfort…

2301 Central Ave (Alameda)

“Tucked inside the Alameda Theatres Cineplex, Alameda Cinema Grill turns movie night into an Oakland-worthy ritual with eclectic comfort food and a craft cocktail program nodding to Hollywood’s Golden Age.”

From the Oakland newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

15555 E 14th St Ste 600 (San Leandro)

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

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K1 Speed Dublin

Entertainment

Whether you need a midweek adrenaline reset, K1 Speed Dublin lets you sling Italian-designed electric karts up to 45 mph on an indoor…

6400 Sierra Ct B (Dublin)

“Whether you need a midweek adrenaline reset, K1 Speed Dublin lets you sling Italian-designed electric karts up to 45 mph on an indoor track, then refuel at the Paddock Lounge with pizza, wings, and a cold beer while the crew hits arcade games or tries GLO KARTING.”

From the Brentwood newsletter, August 15, 2026

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The Chabot

Entertainment

This week, The Chabot keeps it local with family-friendly picks, sensory-friendly screenings, and matinees when you just need an afternoon…

2853 Castro Valley Blvd (Castro Valley)

“This week, The Chabot keeps it local with family-friendly picks, sensory-friendly screenings, and matinees when you just need an afternoon breather. Grab something from their cafe, settle into a classic setting, and if you’ve got a short film up your sleeve, their Locals Only Film Fest is taking submissions.”

From the Hayward newsletter, October 6, 2026

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Pirates of Emerson Haunted Themed Park brings four gnarly haunted houses, creepy-cool Frightmares & Oddities, and now, games included with…

Valley Ave (Pleasanton)

“Pirates of Emerson Haunted Themed Park brings four gnarly haunted houses, creepy-cool Frightmares & Oddities, and now, games included with most tickets, all built to jolt even seasoned locals. Make this the week you lock in your spot online, then enjoy bragging rights for planning ahead.”

From the Livermore newsletter, August 20, 2026

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

32100 Union Landing Blvd (Union City)

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

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Callippe Preserve Golf Course delivers a scenic track stitched to local trails, plus leagues for every vibe from the Callippe Niners and…

8500 Clubhouse Dr (Pleasanton)

“Callippe Preserve Golf Course delivers a scenic track stitched to local trails, plus leagues for every vibe from the Callippe Niners and Women’s 18 to the PGA Junior League. Book a tee time, sharpen up with lessons and the TaylorMade Fitting Hub, then grab a bite at Vista Restaurant.”

From the Livermore newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Whether you're craving cinema that gets weird in the best way this week or a hands-on workshop to tinker with film and sound, Shapeshifters…

567 5th St (Oakland)

“Whether you're craving cinema that gets weird in the best way this week or a hands-on workshop to tinker with film and sound, Shapeshifters Cinema hosts intimate screenings and performances, then pours their on-site Shapeshifters Brewery beers and café goodness so your brain and taste buds both leave happy.”

From the Oakland newsletter, September 23, 2026

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San Leandro Family Aquatic Center keeps things simple and fun with a heated pool, an activity pool with a water play structure, and three…

14900 Zelma St (San Leandro)

“San Leandro Family Aquatic Center keeps things simple and fun with a heated pool, an activity pool with a water play structure, and three 25-yard lap lanes. From swimming lessons to recreational swim, it’s a solid go-to when the fog’s got you craving pool time.”

From the San Leandro newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Whether you’re craving an Art Deco night out or live-music goosebumps, Paramount Theatre Oakland keeps the calendar stacked with classic…

2025 Broadway (Oakland)

“Whether you’re craving an Art Deco night out or live-music goosebumps, Paramount Theatre Oakland keeps the calendar stacked with classic films, ballet and symphony standouts. Slide in this week for Brad Mehldau: Ride Into The Sun on August 29, then keep an eye on Snarky Puppy and Luna Mexicana.”

From the Oakland newsletter, September 29, 2026

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Alameda County Fairgrounds keeps Pleasanton buzzing with year-round events across 267 acres of trees and open space, plus on-site fun like…

2005 Valley Ave Gate 8 (Pleasanton)

“Alameda County Fairgrounds keeps Pleasanton buzzing with year-round events across 267 acres of trees and open space, plus on-site fun like Pleasanton Golf Center and Pleasanton OTB. Peek at what’s on this week, try something new, then brag that you didn’t even leave town.”

From the Dublin newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Quick hop to Livermore, Ravenswood Historic Site keeps things charming with 1893 Queen Anne-style buildings, shady lawns and docent-led…

2647 Arroyo Rd (Livermore)

“Quick hop to Livermore, Ravenswood Historic Site keeps things charming with 1893 Queen Anne-style buildings, shady lawns and docent-led tours that spill the tea on the “Blind Boss” era. Great for a slow stroll or scoping a picturesque event backdrop, right when you need a breather.”

From the Livermore newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Golden Tee Golfland

Entertainment

Golden Tee Golfland brings award-winning mini golf to your backyard, turning friendly rivalries into laugh-out-loud bragging rights.…

2533 Castro Valley Blvd (Castro Valley)

“Golden Tee Golfland brings award-winning mini golf to your backyard, turning friendly rivalries into laugh-out-loud bragging rights. Celebrating over 70 years of family fun, it’s the low-effort, high-joy plan your week needs... grab a buddy, keep the banter friendly, and putt your stress away.”

From the Hayward newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Jolly Roger Land

Entertainment

Parents of Fremont, your living room can stop doubling as a trampoline. Jolly Roger Land is an indoor playground with actual trampolines,…

31300 Courthouse Dr (Union City)

“Parents of Fremont, your living room can stop doubling as a trampoline. Jolly Roger Land is an indoor playground with actual trampolines, slides and ball pits, plus birthday party options, so check it out this week when the kids need to go wild and you need a breather.”

From the Hayward newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Grand Lake Theatre

Entertainment

Grand Lake Theatre is Oakland’s movie palace where first‑run flicks meet showmanship, from a live Wurlitzer prelude to true two‑projector…

3200 Grand Ave (Oakland)

“Grand Lake Theatre is Oakland’s movie palace where first‑run flicks meet showmanship, from a live Wurlitzer prelude to true two‑projector 3‑D and occasional 70MM epics. This week, cue the silent‑era thrills with Safety Last accompanied by a live orchestra and extended organ concert.”

From the Oakland newsletter, October 6, 2026

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San Leandro Cherry Festival is the hometown fixture that turns downtown into a sea of red with a spirited parade, live music, a vendor…

384 W Estudillo Ave (San Leandro)

“San Leandro Cherry Festival is the hometown fixture that turns downtown into a sea of red with a spirited parade, live music, a vendor market with 150+ booths, a fresh cherry market, the family fun zone, and a classic car show. Come hungry, stay for the community vibes and sweet, sticky smiles.”

From the San Leandro newsletter, September 5, 2026

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

256 Southland Mall (Hayward)

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

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Skip the scroll and catch something actually new at Ciné Lounge Fremont 7 Cinemas, where Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood and friends share…

39160 Paseo Padre Pkwy (Fremont)

“Skip the scroll and catch something actually new at Ciné Lounge Fremont 7 Cinemas, where Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood and friends share the marquee with Hollywood capers.”

From the Newark newsletter, September 17, 2026

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Skip the freeway drama and float at iFLY Indoor Skydiving - SF Bay. First-timers get quick training, gear, and one-on-one coaching before…

31310 Alvarado-Niles Rd (Union City)

“Skip the freeway drama and float at iFLY Indoor Skydiving - SF Bay. First-timers get quick training, gear, and one-on-one coaching before stepping into the vertical wind tunnel, and veterans can level up their skills, making it a solid pick for birthday energy or a team outing this week.”

From the Hayward newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Theater offering stadium-style seats, along with concessions, plus 3D movies and private events.

1069 B St (Hayward)

“Theater offering stadium-style seats, along with concessions, plus 3D movies and private events.”

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Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

39177 Farwell Dr (Fremont)

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

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Instead of another PowerPoint marathon, book The Fremont Clubhouse here in Fremont for an all-in-one corporate hangout with bocce courts,…

4020 Technology Pl Suite 1 (Fremont)

“Instead of another PowerPoint marathon, book The Fremont Clubhouse here in Fremont for an all-in-one corporate hangout with bocce courts, golf simulators, pool tables, a retro arcade, full-service catering, and a full bar, built for real interaction and easy planning that actually gets your team talking.”

From the Fremont newsletter, October 7, 2026

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Boomers Livermore

Entertainment

Whether your crew needs a quick after-school energy burn or an all-day challenge, Boomers Livermore delivers with high-speed go-karts,…

2400 Kitty Hawk Rd (Livermore)

“Whether your crew needs a quick after-school energy burn or an all-day challenge, Boomers Livermore delivers with high-speed go-karts, splashtastic bumper boats, laser tag, mini golf, and an arcade full of classics and new hits. Rally friends, compare lap times, then claim mini-golf bragging rights.”

From the Livermore newsletter, September 23, 2026

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Bustling entertainment venue with themed rooms where teams solve puzzles and try to escape within 60 minutes.

51 Wright Brothers Ave Ste c (Livermore)

“Bustling entertainment venue with themed rooms where teams solve puzzles and try to escape within 60 minutes.”

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