Spring Events Are Blooming in the East Bay 🌸

Spring is here, and the East Bay is buzzing! Don’t miss the Oakland Marathon Expo, the high-energy Drum Tao performance in Berkeley, or the lively Whiskey Stroll in Alameda. Families can enjoy Taste & Toast and Sensory Explorers, while Diablo Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet delights art lovers. Savor seasonal dishes at Bardo or explore new East Bay homes in Concord and Vallejo. Plenty of ways to connect, explore, and celebrate locally this week!

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Bring the whole family and hop through our Bunny Trail, meet the Easter Bunny at the Gazebo, shop with local vendors, explore our Spring Plant Sale, and enjoy delicious food trucks. This special event is also a fundraiser supporting the nonprofit mission of The Gardens, helping us continue our educational programs, community events, and beautiful public spaces.

🏃 Oakland Marathon Health & Wellness Expo
📍10 10th Street, Oakland, CA 94607
🗓️ Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
🎟️ Free

The Oakland Marathon is back with a redesigned and reimagined course for 2026! This one-loop route showcases the best of Oakland, passing through iconic landmarks and even featuring a breathtaking journey across the Bay Bridge. It’s more than just a race—it’s a tour of Oakland’s vibrant neighborhoods and stunning scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or joining for the first time, this marathon promises a unique and memorable experience.

It’s back! Sip and stroll your way through our historic downtown district, tasting premium craft whiskeys during the 8th Annual Downtown Alameda Whiskey Stroll. Enjoy an evening filled with craft spirits and entertainment while learning about the unique styles from the distillers.

Masters of thunderous spectacle and jaw-dropping athleticism, the virtuoso drummers of Drum Tao conjure “a visual cornucopia” (Broadway World) in their high-energy productions. The company’s newest show, The Best, blends cutting-edge stagecraft with centuries-old drumming traditions and breathtaking choreography to dazzle audiences worldwide. Contemporary music fuses with traditional instruments, vibrant costumes, and dramatic lighting for an unforgettable experience!

The event features live student performances at Broadway Plaza and throughout the downtown area, student art displays, interactive booths at Broadway Plaza and Water Light Plaza, and fun activities for kids, including face painting. Taste & Toast is a fun, walkable evening for the whole family.

Calling all fans of Crazy Aaron’s putty! Globs of fun are on the way with two different feel-good events that add a dash of science to sensory play. At our first event, kids create custom concoctions and learn how color, light, and sparkle interact. At our second event, they’ll make gooey-but-cute creatures from another realm! Swing by our Play & Discover area to get hands-on with featured products. And parents and guardians, be sure to check in when you arrive for a chance to win a $100 Lakeshore e-gift card!

Diablo Ballet celebrates its 32nd anniversary with a new adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, featuring choreography by Julia Adam and a live orchestra at the Lesher Center for the Arts. The performances are scheduled for March 27 and March 28, 2026, showcasing the tragic tale through innovative, theatrical storytelling. Tickets for the show can be found on the Diablo Ballet website.

📍3343 Lakeshore Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610
⏰ Monday to Saturday | 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
🎟️ Range $75 to $80

Located in Oakland’s historic Grand Lake District, Bardo is a neighborhood lounge and restaurant inspired by the comfort and camaraderie of a mid-century dinner party. Borrowing the celebration and elegance of old school home entertaining, we envisioned a space for our Oakland friends and neighbors to enjoy amazing food, cocktails, conversation, and music.

Enjoy classics-inspired cocktails and a rotating menu of fresh, seasonal supper-fare with local and sustainably sourced meats, fish, and produce. While we think the food, drinks, and atmosphere are all great reasons to visit us, it’s the relationships with all of you that are the driving force behind Bardo. Bardo is a home for building, growing, and sustaining a community. We are committed to sharing our space and skills to keep Oakland healthy and progressive

1901 Florence Ln, Concord, CA 94520
3 BEDS | 1 BATH | 1,348 SQFT
Bring your vision! 1901 Florence Ln in Concord is a 3-bed, 1-bath, 1,348 sq ft home on an expansive .28-acre corner lot, ready for a complete remodel. This as-is contractor’s special is ideal for cash buyers, investors, or flippers looking for their next project.

317 Glenn St, Vallejo, CA 94590
3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 1,102 SQFT
Welcome to 317 Glenn St, Vallejo — a beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home ideally located next to the beloved Children’s Wonderland Park. This newly updated, move-in-ready gem features modern upgrades throughout, including brand new windows, appliances, new roof shingles, and a new HVAC system and furnace for year-round comfort. Step inside to a bright and inviting layout perfect for family living or entertaining.

1208 Florida Street, Vallejo, CA 94590
3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 2,125 SQFT
This home has a finished basement complete with a wet bar, perfect for hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in. Want to make it a multi-generational living? Get it done! The basement also provides tandem parking and an extra storage room adjacent to the garage, giving you plenty of space for tools or hobby gear.

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Here’s to a cozy and engaging week filled with art, music, nature, and community vibes—thoughtfully curated to help you plan with clarity and ease.

Stay local & stay inspired,

Ryan DeAmaral

Co-Writer, Twin Oaks Insider

[email protected]