East Bay Street Fair Returns For Its 38th Year

ALAMEDA, CA — Nearly a dozen bands, more than 200 arts and crafts vendors, and food and drink options galore are on offer at the Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire this weekend.

The island’s largest outdoor summer event gets underway on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and it’s free to the public. The weekend festivities will mark 38 years of bringing together the Alameda and East Bay communities while championing local artists, businesses and musicians.

“We are eager to host an event that has been bringing visitors and residents together to enjoy our vibrant downtown district since 1983. The streets and sidewalks are filled with gotta-have art, one-of-a-kind treasures, and tasty treats.” says Kathy Weber, Executive Director of the Downtown Alameda Business Association. “Let’s celebrate together on July 26 and 27 as we welcome guests from all over the Bay Area to our island community and show them our favorite places in downtown.”

Arts and crafts vendors will be selling a plethora of items such as ceramics, metal art, paintings, photography, wood crafts, toys, handbags, clothing and jewelry. There will also be food vendors, craft beer and wine available to purchase for those age 21 and up, and games, carnival rides and face painting for kids.

Several Bay Area tribute bands will take the stage over the weekend, including ZEBOP! (Santana tribute), Life in the Fast Lane (Eagles tribute), Long Train Running (Doobie Brothers tribute), Swampers (Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute) and The Sun Kings (Beatles tribute). Other performers include the 80’s New Wave band The Spazmatics, Dan Durkin, Full Spectrum, Other People’s Money and The Lost Cats.

“This is one of my favorite events,” said event co-producer Chelley Dallara of Eckerstrom Productions. “When you combine lovely weather, live music, refreshing libations, and your favorite festival food all wrapped up in Alameda’s beautiful island surroundings, you have a must-attend event.”

Attendees have a multitude of options at the fair itself but can also explore Alameda’s other offerings while there.

“More than 400 businesses are located in the island’s walkable downtown district,” according to the Downtown Alameda Business Association. “Festival-goers can enjoy a stroll through the historic downtown where unique shops, amazing restaurants, and other services are abundant and will be offering event specials throughout the weekend.”

For more information about the event, including the music schedule, go here.