Summer’s in full swing and the East Bay is showing off
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Twin Oaks Insider! From rooftop views to petting zoos, R&B concerts to reptile expos, this week is a beautiful snapshot of what makes the East Bay so vibrant in the summer. Whether you’re looking to try a new brunch spot, check out a local show, or finally find that perfect home, we’ve got your weekend and beyond covered.
Spotlight💡
📍 Taco Bell Cantina, Danville
🗓️ July 19 | ⏰ 5–8PM
Dress up in your best retro looks—think leg warmers, high ponies, and acid wash galore—and join us for a night full of food, drinks, a live DJ, and feel-good community vibes.
Why it matters: All proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity East Bay, a nonprofit doing powerful work to make homeownership accessible in our communities. Can’t stay? Swing by the drive-thru and mention Twin Oaks—your order still counts!
Everyone is invited!
Let’s come together, make memories, and raise some real impact for local housing. We’ll see you on the patio—costumes encouraged, smiles guaranteed.
🧭 Exploring the East Bay
There’s something magical about discovering your own backyard. This week, we’re shining a light on beloved local destinations that offer a sense of wonder, beauty, and maybe even a bit of nostalgia. Whether you're planning a day trip or just want to reconnect with familiar places, these East Bay and nearby gems are worth the detour.
Oakland Zoo
📍 Oakland, CA
This isn’t just a zoo — it’s a conservation-focused animal haven set against beautiful rolling hills. Ride the gondola, see elephants up close, and let the kids run wild in the play zones. One of the best all-ages outings in the East Bay.
Oakland Zoo is home to more than 850 native and exotic animals. Learn about our birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods, and please come visit to see all of these animals in person!
🌁 Vista Point – Golden Gate Bridge Lookout
📍 Sausalito, CA
Okay, technically just outside the East Bay, but this jaw-dropping view is worth the detour. Located right off the Goldete Bridgesta Point giyou panoramic s on Francisco Bay — the perfect photo op or picnic stop.
🏛️ Palace of Fine Arts
📍 San Francisco, CA
Escape into a European-style wonderland without leaving the Bay. This historic landmark features grand architecture, a swan-filled lagoon, and peaceful walkways. Ideal for a romantic stroll, photoshoot, or some quiet inspiration time.
🎶Contra Costa Festivals & Concerts
Contra Costa is alive with summer events, including live music, street fairs, and cultural celebrations. Here's what's happening this week:
🎸Antioch
El Campanil Theatre: Clay Walker Live
📍 El Campanil Theatre, Antioch
📅 Saturday, July 19 | ⏰ 8PM
Delta Blues Festival Preview Show
📍 El Campanil Theatre, Antioch
📅 Sunday, July 20 | ⏰ 3–5PM
🎸Concord
Summer Concert at the Veranda: Pride & Joy
📍 The Veranda, Concord
📅 Saturday, July 19 | ⏰ 6:30–8:30PM
Sunday Sounds Concert: Retroactive Band
📍 Concord Community Park
📅 Sunday, July 20 | ⏰ 6:30–8:30PM
Rock the Plaza: The Keep On Truckin' Band
📍 Todos Santos Plaza, Concord
📅 Friday, July 25 | ⏰ 6:30–8PM
🎸Lafayette
Creekside Music Series: Old School R&B Night
📍 Creekside Commons, Lafayette
📅 Thursday, July 24 | ⏰ 6:30–8:30PM
🎸Martinez
Summer Vibes Live Music at Roxx on Main
📍 Roxx on Main, Martinez
📅 July 17–19 | ⏰ 6–9PM
🎸Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill Blues & Brews Festival
📍 Downtown Pleasant Hill
📅 Friday–Saturday, July 19–20 | ⏰ Fri: 6–9PM, Sat: 4–8PM
🎸Pittsburg
Prince Damons Presents: Smooth Jazz and R&B in the Park
📍 Pittsburg Marina Green Park
📅 Sunday, July 21 | ⏰ 2–6PM
🎸Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek Concert Series: Max Cruise
📍 Civic Park, Walnut Creek
📅 Saturday, July 19 | ⏰ 6–8PM
🎨 Creative Escapes: What’s Happening This Week
The East Bay has no shortage of vibrant happenings to keep your summer calendar full. Whether you’re in the mood for outdoor movie nights, pop-up art fairs, or family-friendly fun, this week’s lineup is bursting with color, creativity, and good vibes.
Vallejo Reptile & Oddities Expo
📍 Solano County Fairgrounds – Vallejo
🗓 July 19 (Sat) 10 AM–5 PM • July 20 (Sun) 10 AM–4 PM
Step into the wild world of reptiles—snakes, lizards, tarantulas, and more—plus quirky oddities like taxidermy and horror-themed art. All ticket sales support JnW Reptile Rescue.
Safe Kids Day Health & Wellness Fair
📍Oakland Coliseum
📅 Saturday, July 19 | ⏰ 10AM–2PM
2025 Safe Kids Day event is committed to safety awareness and educational resources for communities throughout Alameda County. This is a free event with bounce houses, face painting, booster seat and bicycle helmet giveaway, and much more!
Little Explorers Petting Zoo
📍 Oakland Public Library – Montclair Branch
📅 Saturday, July 19 | ⏰ 10 AM–12 PM
Visit the cute and cuddly animals from the Little Explorers Petting Zoo. This popular summer program is a hit with families, so go early and be prepared to wait in line!
📍Martinez Library
Needle Arts Meetup
📅 Saturday, July 19 | ⏰ 1–3PM
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned stitcher, join fellow crafters for a cozy afternoon of knitting, crocheting, and camaraderie. Supplies provided for newbies, or bring your own ongoing project.
Dragon Egg Quest
📅 Saturday, July 19 | ⏰ 10AM–5PM
Step into a magical world of dragons and adventure! Kids and families are invited to search the library for hidden dragon eggs, solve riddles, and complete a fun quest. Costumes encouraged, imaginations required.
Martinez Neighborhood Yard Sale Event
📍 All Over Martinez
📅 Saturday, July 19 | ⏰ 8AM start
Get ready to explore block after block of deals, hidden treasures, and vintage finds. This massive community-wide yard sale is the perfect excuse to start your Saturday early and uncover something unique!
🍽️ Local Flavor
Discover cozy corners, live music lounges, and local gems with great atmospheres and menus. Find your next favorite hangout spot.
Boon Fly Café
📍4048 Sonoma Hwy Napa, CA 94559
Boon Fly Café offers modern rustic cuisine in a lively roadhouse setting. Enjoy signature Boon Fly donuts for breakfast and award-winning fried chicken or nightly specials for dinner. Its energetic vibe and satisfying dishes attract both resort guests and locals, inspired by the region's agricultural heritage.
If dating apps had a "breakfast" category, I'd swipe right so hard on Boon Fly Cafe's donuts I'd sprain a thumb. Fluffy, golden, and dusted in magic--they gave "hot and fresh" a whole new meaning. And then there's the bacon Bloody Mary: smoky, spicy, and clearly made by someone who understands the emotional depth of brunch.
Honestly, between the savory sass and sweet seduction, this meal felt like brunch and romance had a secret baby--and we were lucky enough to adopt it.
📞(707) 299-4870
🗓️Open Daily
Brunch | 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dinner | 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
🏡 Featured Listings
🌅Catch you next week
Thanks for exploring with us! Whether you danced in the park, found a yard sale score, or just bookmarked your next brunch date, we hope something in here sparked your summer joy. We’ll be back next week with more East Bay gems to share.
Stay local & stay inspired,
Ryan DeAmaral
Co-Writer, Twin Oaks Insider