Here is a list of outdoor street fairs, carnivals, and festivals to pencil into your Summer plans and beyond.
June fairs and festivals in the East Bay
Alameda's Sand Castle/Sculpture Contest
Build sand castles or create something even more original in this 52 year old traditional party on the beach.
When: Saturday, June 2nd
Where: Crown Memorial Beach More details >
Temescal Street Fair
Kid-centric features: Kids fun zone, carnival rides, circus performance by Kinetic Arts Center.
When: Sunday, June 10th
Where: Telegraph Avenue between 41st and 51st in Oakland More details >
Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton
County fair with all sorts of kid-friendly delights like carnival rides and games; award-winning quilts and pigs; and booths offering treats like funnel cakes and deep-fried pickles. Pricing varies wildly based on when you go and how much you ride. Look for deal days. CLOSED ON MONDAYS & TUESDAYS.
When: June 15th – July 8th
Where: Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton More details >
Solano County Fair
County fair with rides, games, balloon art, music, animals, and surprises; all kid-friendly but may be expensive. Prices vary.
When: June 30 – July 1st
Where: Solano County Fairgrounds, Vallejo More details >
{ROAD TRIP} Marin County Fair
County fair with all the trimmings like carnival rides for big and small; and booths offering treats like funnel cakes and deep-fried pickles. Concerts may appeal to parents more than kids. Pricing varies wildly based on when you go and how much you ride. Look for deal days.
When: June 30th – July 4th.
Where: Marin County Fairgrounds, San Rafael. Buy tickets or see our Kid Report on the Marin County Fair.
July street fairs and festivals in the East Bay
The 4th at Berkeley Marina
Fireworks at 9:30pm caps off a day of fun in the sun at Berkeley's marina. Kid-friendly fun includes playing at Berkeley's Adventure Playground, live performances all day, face painting, pony rides, inflatable bouncy area, or just splash at the beach. Free for all.
When: Wednesday, July 4th noon – 10pm
Where: Berkeley Marina More details >
Albany Green, Red, White & Blue
Kid-friendly stuff: Pet show, diaper derby, mustache & beard contest, music, activities for the entire family and great food! Fun bands are only $5.
When: Wednesday, July 4th pre-party, outdoor festivities noon – 4pm
Where: Albany Memorial Park More details >
worldOne 4th of July Festival in El Cerrito
Kid-friendly reasons to go: Live entertainment, kids' zone with carnival games and rides, lots of food choices. Free to attend, attractions may cost $$.
When: Wednesday, July 4th 10am – 6pm
Where: Cerrito Vista Park More details >
Alameda Art Fair
Another place to get your kid's face painted by the pros while you wander around looking at cool art together. Look for booths from faves such as Twirl. FREE.
When: Sunday, July 21st 10am – 7pm
Where: 2309 Encinal Ave between Park Street and Oak in Alameda. More details >
Jack London Square Pedalfest
Nor Cal's Kinetic Sculpture Race, pedal powered art, live music, and dare devil stunts.
When: Saturday, July 28th 11am – 6pm
Where: Jack London Square in Oakland Details here >
Berkeley Kite Festival
Family-friendly features: kite watching, flying, and making with candy drops. One of our favorites!
When: Saturday & Sunday, July 28th & 29th 10am – 6pm
Where: Berkeley Marina; admission is FREE but parking costs $15 Details here >
Alameda Summer Art & Wine Faire
Family-friendly features: a special area for kids and their families features bounce houses, games, carnival rides, slot cars, face painting, and Waterballerz all with wine for you.
When: Saturday & Sunday, July 28th & 29th 10am – 6pm
Where: Downtown Alameda on Park Street, between Encinal Ave and Buena Vista Ave. Details here >
Oakland's Art + Soul Festival
Kids Zone at Frank Ogawa Plaza, in front of Oakland City Hall with face painting and interactive art. Pay extra for carnival rides, bouncers, and an obstacle course. $15 Adults, $7 Seniors (65+) & Youth (13-17) 12 & under free
When: Saturday & Sunday, July 28th & 29th noon – 6pm
Where: Downtown Oakland adjacent to the 12th Street/City Center BART station Details here >
August street fairs, carnivals, and festivals
Laurel Street Fair
Kid-friendly features: children’s carnival & petting zoo. Admission FREE
When: Saturday, August 11th 11am – 7pm
Where: MacArthur Blvd between 35th Ave and 38th Avenue in Oakland Details here >
{ROAD TRIP} Gravenstein Apple Fair
Good old-fashioned fun on the farm with kid-friendly features: celebration of apples, climbing wall, juggling, bubbles, petting zoo, hula hoops, pie-eating, silliness, room to run around, and a children's corner. Kids under 5 years – free, cash admission only on the day: adults $15 and children (6-12 years) $10.
When: Saturday & Sunday, August 11th & 12th 10am – 6pm
Where: Ragle Ranch Park, Sebastopol Details here >
September & beyond street fairs and festivals
Oakland Pride
Both a Pride Parade and Festival. Family Zone with petting zoo, face painting, fire engine and more open 11-4pm.
When: Sunday, September 9th
Where: Details here >
Solano Stroll
One mile of Solano Ave in Albany and Berkeley is closed to traffic. Walk and roll your way through family-friendly tables and performances.
When: Sunday, September 9th parade begins at 10am and event ends at 5pm.
Where: Details here >
Jack London Square Eat Real Fest
It's back! Food to eat, cooking demos, and fun games to play. Mucho dessert, too.
When: September 14th – 16th
Where: Jack London Square in Oakland Details here >
Rockridge Out & About
Kid-centric amenities: circus activities presented by Kinetic Arts, kids' activities sprinkled throughout including carnival rides and face painting. Walk and roll the whole twelve blocks then back again.
When: Sunday, September 16th noon to 6pm
Where: College Avenue between Alcatraz & Manila in Oakland Details here >
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