Family events in Berkeley, CA

Find fresh, affordable, nourishing food at the Richmond Certified Farmer's Market. Shoppers using CalFresh or EBT receive dollar-for-dollar Market Match on fresh fruits and vegetables, up to $15. If you participate in another government assistance program, you may also get an extra $10 each week when you spend $15 on fresh produce. Bring your benefits card and make the most of every visit.

Now in its twenty-fifth year, the Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival celebrates the Laurel community with global sounds and neighborhood spirit. The main stage features Halau Makana sharing Polynesian dance, Nzuri Soul with soulful R&B, MJ’s Brass Boppers bringing traditional New Orleans brass, In Lak’ech Danza Azteca honoring Aztec dance, Bululú with tropical Latin sabor, Non-Stop Bhangra pulsing Punjabi dance music, Bongo Sidibe with Guinean and West African rhythms, Duniya Dance & Drum Company blending West African and South Asian traditions, and the Shabnam Bellydance Ensemble showcasing Middle Eastern and Egyptian dance, with more performers in the mix. Festivities include a Kid’s Carnival presented by Jain Williams State Farm, the CA Draft Tech craft beer garden, specialty cocktails, and a marketplace of local vendors and shops. Admission is free and the experience is designed for all ages. Community partners and sponsors include Laurel Ace Hardware, Dolan Law, Domino’s Pizza, the City of Oakland, Oaklandside, Becker Boards, AC Transit, IKE Smart City, Supervisor Nate Miley, Oaktoberfest, Kos Read Group, Jain Williams State Farm, Tante’s, California Draft Tech, Black Cultural Zone, and Oakland Recycles, with appreciation for the many volunteers, artists, staff, residents, merchants, and visitors who help bring it all to life.

Monster Jam brings massive horsepower to Oakland Arena and Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, showcasing 12,000 pound trucks that balance on two wheels and soar skyward in high-energy runs. See iconic machines like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Sparkle Smash and more deliver big air and precision stunts. The experience blends roaring engines, larger-than-life vehicles, and nonstop thrills for an action-packed outing.

Catch Despicable Me 4 as a free outdoor movie under the stars at Cedar Rose Park. It’s a family-friendly evening, so bring blankets or chairs for the lawn and arrive early so kids can play before the screening.

Monster Jam unleashes 12,000-pound trucks in a showcase of massive airtime, two-wheel feats, and nonstop, high-energy action. Fan favorites like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Sparkle Smash, and others roar to life, balancing on two wheels and soaring across the course in crowd-pleasing runs. Created for all ages, this motorsports spectacle blends roaring engines, gravity-defying stunts, and wall-to-wall excitement.

Family Paddle Nights offers a relaxed, beginner-friendly outing on the calm, sheltered waters at Ballena Bay Marina in Alameda. Gaia Guides creates an easy, family-focused adventure where you can enjoy the bay in the glow of evening while building confidence on the water. First-time kayakers and experienced paddleboarders are both welcome, with instructors nearby to share safety guidance, tips, and encouragement. All essential gear is provided for a smooth experience. This event is designed for families with children ages 5 to 14, and a parent or guardian participates alongside each child. Pre-registration is required to reserve equipment. Kids paddle free on their first visit with the coupon code kidspaddlefree, and adults are 40 dollars per session.

Two patrons of any age can share a single $22 admission to the museum. Guests can play more than 100 pinball machines from the 1940s to the 2020s, explore exhibits, and enjoy free music on three jukeboxes. Re-entry is available, allowing breaks and quick trips for local food and drinks before returning to the games.

Crafternoon for Kids, also known as Manualidades para Niñ@s, offers a relaxing, hands-on craft session where children explore creativity with a different project each week. After the monthly MOCHA program, the series continues with activities like painting, cutting, and gluing so kids can make something new every time.

A tribute honors the late legendary Coach Beam and his family, recognizing his lasting impact on the Oakland sports community and celebrating the legacy he built.

Lincoln Summer Nights brings the community together for lively evenings in the park. Open to everyone, these gatherings highlight celebration, connection, and ways to stay informed and involved in neighborhood life. Throughout the season, look for special features, including a night with Circus Bella.