May is Mental Health Awareness Month

—and across the East Bay, we’re celebrating in our own vibrant way. From creative festivals and outdoor gatherings to heartfelt community events, this week is a reminder that mental wellness isn’t just about quiet reflection—it’s about joyful connection. Whether you’re flying a kite, watching a local talent show, or grabbing dinner in an art-filled space, you’re taking part in something bigger: a community that cares.

🧠Spotlight: Events That Uplift and Inspire

This weekend’s lineup proves that caring for your mental health doesn’t have to be heavy—it can be joyful, social, and even inspiring. Across the East Bay, we’re seeing how movement, connection, and creativity can become part of your wellness toolkit. Here are three events that offer heart, purpose, and the chance to show up for yourself and your community.

This isn’t just another awareness walk—it’s a full-blown celebration of community, resilience, and showing up for one another. Hosted by NAMI Contra Costa, this event fills Todos Santos Plaza with live music, family-friendly activities, and local wellness booths sharing mental health resources. There’ll even be a dove release to honor those we've lost, and an Italian lunch in memory of Joseph Martino. If you’ve ever wanted to support mental health but weren’t sure where to start—this is the moment.

This is more than a hike. It's a heartfelt ritual for hundreds who gather each year to walk in honor of loved ones and raise funds for Hope Hospice. The trails at Del Valle offer peaceful lake views and optional scenic climbs, and every dollar raised goes toward grief counseling, dementia education, and end-of-life support. Bonus: early birds get first dibs on t-shirts, and your pup is welcome to tag along.

Let the kids run wild—in the best way possible. This annual event turns Upper Washington Park into a playground of imagination with hands-on crafts, STEM challenges, sports, yoga, Zumba, and even skateboarding. It's hosted by the City of Alameda and made to remind us all how powerful play can be—for health, for happiness, and for growing confidence. Proceeds from snack sales go straight to teen and youth programs.

📌 Not sure how to get involved? Check out these 10 community tips for boosting mental health shared by the Mental Health Foundation.

🎨 Creative Escapes: Where Creativity Meets Connection

Sometimes the best way to care for your mind is to do something that stirs your soul. These art- and culture-packed events are more than just weekend fun—they’re a chance to reconnect with joy, beauty, and the people around you.

🍽️ Table Talk: A Taste of Local Joy

Looking for a dinner spot that feels just as curated as your weekend plans? Moxie Steak House brings French-inspired flair and neighborhood charm right to the heart of Alameda. Chef Donna Meadows, a Bay Area native with deep culinary roots, blends fine-dining technique with warm hospitality and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

The vibe? Bold art deco. The flavors? Big, elegant, and comforting. Whether you’re craving a perfectly cooked steak or just want to sip cocktails in a gorgeous space, Moxie is a great way to cap off your East Bay adventures.

🗞️ Around the Bay: What Everyone’s Talking About

💼 Real Estate Moves That Make Sense

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Catch You Next Week...

This week’s events remind us that supporting mental health doesn’t always look like therapy or self-help books—it can look like a street fair, a family hike, a fashion find, or a really good steak.

Whether you’re out there soaking up sunshine and community vibes, or staying cozy with your people at home, we hope this guide gave you inspiration to live a little more locally—and a little more mindfully.

Stay local & stay inspired,

Ryan DeAmaral

Co-Writer, Twin Oaks Insider

[email protected]