Your August Guide to East Bay Living 🎉
August is rolling in with flavor, rhythm, and small-town sparkle. From community-powered events like Martinez's patio parties to soulful concerts in Vallejo, the East Bay is alive with color and connection.
In this week’s issue, we’re guiding you through a full spectrum of experiences: local art, flavorful pop-ups, vibrant farmers markets, home tours, and cozy cocktail spots. Whether you're deep into your summer groove or just getting started, this guide has your week mapped out beautifully.
🎨 Creative Escapes: What’s Happening This Week
Food on the Patio at Five Suns Brewing
🗓️ August 1–3, 11 AM & 3 PM daily
📍 Five Suns Brewing, 626 Main Street, Martinez
Enjoy live music paired with rotating food trucks and spacious indoor‑outdoor seating in downtown Martinez. This community‑minded brewery hosts diverse culinary pop‑ups—think craft beer, local vibes, and sunshine sessions—perfect for a relaxed summer afternoon with friends or family. Admission is free; food and drinks available for purchase.
🗓️ August 2, 3:00–7:00 PM
📍 Oakland Museum of California, Oakland
A standout celebration of community, cuisine, and compassion—this event brings together East Bay chefs like Popoca’s Anthony Salguero, Tacos Mama Cuca’s Maria Marquez, and more for a flavorful fundraiser benefiting The Resilience Fund, which supports immigrant communities in the area. Expect live music from Batalá SF and Hipline Oakland, delicious desserts from Third Culture Bakery, and festive vibes all around. Tickets start at $85. A perfect blend of great food and local purpose.
🗓️ August 2–17 (multiple showtimes)
📍 Oakland Scottish Rite Center, by Lake Merritt
This isn’t your grandma’s opera. West Edge Opera brings bold, innovative productions to a historic venue right by the lake. Opening weekend features Dolores, with more operas rotating through the month. Tickets required—art lovers, this one’s for you.
🗓️ August 2, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
📍 Bernhard Ave, East Richmond Heights
A hidden gem with stunning views and neighborhood charm. Shop local crafts, dance to live music, and savor small-batch bites. It’s low-key, heartfelt, and full of East Bay soul.
🗓️ August 8, 6:30–8:00 PM
📍 Blue Rock Springs Park, Vallejo
End the season with a bang as “Hip Service” brings funk, pop, and party vibes to Vallejo’s biggest summer concert. Bring lawn chairs, grab a local brew, and soak in one last golden-hour groove.
🗓️ August 7, 4:00–8:00 PM
📍 First Street, Downtown Benicia
A Thursday tradition in this charming waterfront town. Enjoy fresh produce, handmade goods, live music, and warm sunset views over the strait. Family- and dog-friendly with that classic small-town summer energy.
🗓️ August 5, Evening
📍 Various neighborhoods in Solano, Alameda & Contra Costa Counties
Meet your neighbors, share some food, and enjoy a night of unity. From BBQs to block parties, this annual event brings communities together for safety, fun, and connection. Check your city’s site or Nextdoor to join in.
Local Flavor🍷
Honeycomb Cocktail Lounge
Looking for a lounge that feels both elevated and effortlessly cool? Honeycomb Cocktail Lounge in downtown Livermore nails it. This stylish, mid-century-inspired spot brings big city cocktail culture to the East Bay with its thoughtful drinks, elegant vibe, and warm hospitality.
Every cocktail here is a crafted experience—from the citrusy and refreshing to the spirit-forward and smoky. The space itself? Moody, modern, and dripping with golden-hour glow. Whether you're gathering with friends or sneaking away for a cozy date night, Honeycomb delivers.
Expect creative small bites, rotating seasonal menus, and the kind of staff that makes you feel like a regular by your second visit.
We were so excited to finally get to see the new speakeasy cocktail lounge. The decor is high end and so beautiful. It really is hard to describe. Every area is perfectly themed and classy. The staff is very professional and the bartender is a true mixologist adding a unique touch to every cocktail. It would be a great choice for a private event. Looking forward to many evenings with friends here. What a wonderful addition to Livermore downtown. Definitely a must see!!!
✨ Insider tip: Grab a seat at the bar and ask about the off-menu pours. You just might discover a new favorite.
🌿 Explore the East Bay:
Nature, Wonder & Local Gems
Whether you're craving a peaceful hike, a moment of curiosity, or a little metaphysical magic, the East Bay has something for every kind of explorer. This week’s feature highlights a few standout spots that blend nature, learning, and inspiration—all within a short drive. Here’s where to wander next:
🌳 Tilden Regional Park
📍Entrances off Wildcat Canyon Road and Grizzly Peak Boulevard in Berkeley, CA
🕧Hours: Open 5 a.m. - 10 p.m. unless otherwise posted or permitted.
🏊Swim Hours: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily
A local favorite for a reason. Tilden is one of the East Bay's crown jewels—with hiking trails, lake views, botanical gardens, and even a miniature steam train. Whether you're up for a long forest stroll or just want to picnic near Lake Anza, Tilden is a serene escape minutes from the city.
🏫 The Lawrence Hall of Science
📍1 Centennial Drive Berkeley, CA 94720
🕧Hours: Open Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
🫏Animal Discovery Zone 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m
Perched above UC Berkeley, this hands-on science center is perfect for curious minds of all ages. Explore interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and sweeping views of the Bay Area skyline. Pro tip: the outdoor science deck is a great photo op at sunset.
🏡 Featured Listings
🌟 Agent of the Month
Meet Cameron Chatterton,
Cameron Chatterton is the kind of agent who turns real estate into a relationship-driven experience. As a trusted member of the Twin Oaks Real Estate team, Cameron brings a unique blend of professionalism, construction knowledge, and client-first dedication.
With a background in residential project management, he knows homes inside and out—from foundation to finish. That experience gives his clients an edge when it comes to spotting potential, navigating inspections, and making smart investment decisions.
Born and raised in Concord, he's an East Bay native through and through. Whether he's guiding clients through neighborhoods like Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, or Danville, or recommending his favorite hidden gems for tacos or coffee, he brings a depth of local knowledge that's hard to beat.
We’re proud to have Cameron as part of the Twin Oaks family—not just because of his professional excellence, but because of the warmth, humor, and dedication he brings to every interaction. He’s the kind of agent who makes you feel heard, supported, and 100% taken care of.
We began working with Cameron in October 2024, just as we were starting to consider selling our home. From the very beginning, Cameron brought a wealth of knowledge and took the time to answer every one of our questions. Selling a home can be overwhelming and, at times, stressful — but Cameron made the entire process feel manageable and smooth. He ensured we stayed ahead of every task that needed to be done before listing, which helped us avoid any last-minute rush. Thanks to his guidance and preparation, we felt supported every step of the way. Not only did Cameron sell our home quickly, but he also secured a favorable profit for us. Cameron is truly the best — we’re so grateful to have had him on our side!
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If you're looking for a guide who will advocate for you fiercely, laugh with you fully, and handle business like a pro—Cameron is your guy.
🌅Catch you next week
From live-fire pop-ups in Oakland to breezy concerts in Vallejo and charming downtown strolls in Benicia, this week’s lineup was packed with flavor and local flair. We hope you caught a moment to relax, discover, or even dream up your next move.
There’s always more to explore—and next week, we’ll be back with more places, people, and possibilities that make the East Bay feel like home.
Stay local & stay inspired,
Ryan DeAmaral
Co-Writer, Twin Oaks Insider