Autumn is here, and with it an abundance of festivals and community events! Here are some of  my favorites. It’s a great time to grab some friends and head out to one of these community events–or several! Many of these events are free, unless otherwise noted. Click on the titles to visit the event websites.
In Berkeley:
Sunday, Sept. 30th, 10:30 – 2 pm: UC Botanical Garden Sale. This is a great sale to get going on your fall planting, with regionally appropriate plants, and some rare items as well. The sale is free with garden admission. 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley.
And if you love taking photos of plants like I do, check out this workshop on iPhoneography: Create Great Garden Photos Using an iPhone. Saturday morning October 6th,  9:30 – 12:30 also at the Botanical Garden, advance registration and fee required.
Friday, October 12th, 6:30 – 9:30 pm, Julia Morgan 2012 Festival Gala at the Berkeley City Club. Includes a silent auction, cocktail reception, dinner, DJ and Dancing. Part of a state-wide celebration of the life and work of Julia Morgan. 1920’s attire admired, but not required! By advance reservation only.
On Sunday, October 14th from 11 – 4 pm, 20 blocks of Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley (from Rose to Haste) will be car-free! Sunday Streets Berkeley will be a celebration of local businesses and organizations, especially along the route. Storefronts will be unobstructed, and business owners will be encouraged to promote commerce and visibility by setting out seating on the street, hosting activities, and otherwise inviting interest and community. You’ll find dancing, music, free classes, special sales and lots of activities!
In Oakland:
Friday the 21st– Sunday the 23rd in Jack London Square. EatReal Festival, a big, fun foodie event, featuring more than 50 food trucks, selling items priced at $5 or less, cash only. Wine, beer & cocktails as well as demonstrations and a craft marketplace. Free admission.
Sundays at 2 pm, Sundays in the Redwoods, Woodminster Amphitheater in the Oakland Hills. A great line-up of music is in store for the next several Sundays. World Music is up on the 23rd, followed by soul, R&B and jazz. 2 pm, $10 by advance reservation.
Saturday, October 6th: Oaktoberfest inOakland’s Dimond District.  Fruitvale above MacArthur is the site this one-of-a-kind Fall Festival, welcoming thousands with craft beer & food, entertainment, arts, and ecology. The Dimond continues a tradition as an entertainment destination, begun in the early 1900’s whenBeerGardens and German vacation resorts lined the boulevard. A Rootbiergarten is included!
Sunday, October 7th, 12 – 6 pm Rockridge Out and About Festival, on College Avenue, between Alcatraz & Manila inOakland. Includes a Picnic in the Street area, wellness area, food courts and an artisan alley.
Both October 6th and 7th, Merritt College Plant Sale. 9 am – 3 pm Saturday, noon – 3 pm Sunday. Supports the Merritt College landscape department. At 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland.
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