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 51 year old traditional party on the beach.
When: Saturday, June 10th
Where: Crown Memorial Beach More details >
Temescal Street Fair
Kid-centric features: Kid’s stage with magic and other performances, jumpy houses.
When: Sunday, June 11th
Where: Telegraph Avenue between 40th 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 except 7/4.
When: June 16th through July 9th
Where: Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton More details >
Salsa Sunday Block Party
Block party features live salsa music, outdoor beer garden, food, and games pavilion. FREE
Next event: June 18, 12 pm – 6 pm
Where: Downtown Berkeley
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 our faves, Twirl and Flax. FREE.
When: Sunday, June 25th 1pm – 7pm
Where: 2309 Encinal @ Oak in Alameda 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 through 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 9:35pm 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, giant bouncys slide, or just splash at the beach. Free for all.
When: Tuesday, July 4th noon – 10pm
Where: Berkeley Marina More details >
Albany Green, Red, White & Blue
Kid-friendly stuff: Family Games, climbing wall, zip line, jumpy houses, watermelon eating, on-site playground, stickers! Diaper derby is new this year. Free to attend.
When: Tuesday, July 4th pre-party at pancake breakfast starting at 9am, 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: Tuesday, July 4th 10am – 6pm
Where: Cerrito Vista Park More details >
Jack London Square Pedalfest
Bike decorating, parade, rodeo, cool bikes to see and play with.
When: Saturday, July 22nd 11am – 6pm
Where: Jack London Square in Oakland Details here >
Solano County Fair
County fair with rides, games, balloon art, music, animals, and surprises; all kid-friendly but may be expensive. Prices vary.
When: Aug 2nd – Aug 6th
Where: Solano County Fairgrounds, Vallejo More details >
Berkeley Kite Festival
Family-friendly features: kite watching, flying, and making with candy drops. One of our favorites!
When: Saturday & Sunday, July 29th & 30th 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 29th & 30th 10am – 6pm
Where: Downtown Alameda on Park Street, between Encinal Ave and Buena Vista Ave. Details here >
August street fairs, carnivals, and festivals
Laurel Street Fair
Kid-friendly features: children’s carnival & petting zoo.
When: Saturday, August 12th 11am – 6pm
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.
When: Saturday & Sunday, August 12th & 13th 10am – 6pm
Where: Ragle Ranch Park, Sebastopol 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, August 19th & 20th noon – 6pm
Where: Downtown Oakland adjacent to the 12th Street/City Center BART station Details here >
September & beyond street fairs and festivals
Oakland Pride
Both a Pride Parade and Festival. Details and exact timing TBD
When: Sunday, September 10th
Where: Details here as they evolve >
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 10th parade begins at 10am.
Where: 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 17th noon to 6pm
Where: College Avenue between Alcatraz & Manila in Oakland 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 22nd through 24th
Where: Jack London Square in Oakland Details here >
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