You Know You Live In Fun City, Right?

“Martinez,” as you may or may not be aware, is a Latin word meaning “place that’s absolutely hopping with entertaining things to do on a weekend” (the Latins were so succinct).

As proof of that title, all we have to do is point to this very weekend. There is a vast cornucopia of activities – there is art, there is music; there are silent auctions sweetened with extremely yummy pastries; there is history, there is wine tasting fundraising; there are carnivals and there are farmers markets; there is a Mini Motorland and there is, finally, Celestial Bowling. Can’t lose.

Let’s start with today, shall we? We shall.

THURSDAY, MARCH 29

on Main Street is presently showing “Before BART: Electric Railroads Link Contra Costa County,” a wonderful display of the county’s early and extensive public transportation system. Doors open at 9am.

The kicks off its four-day run today with rides, games and food. This is a can’t-miss event for the family – there’s nothing quite like a carnival to make you feel good, if perhaps also a little queasy.

If it's sculpture that entices you, find your rapture in the clay formations of , hosting a reception for their clay creations at the Martinez Art Gallery. 

Oh, it’s music you want, eh? You think that just because it’s Thursday the musical selection is limited? Ha. Think again.

are at Armando’s. They are New Orleans-based full-blown fun. Do not miss this band.

The Campbell Theater is featuring a doo-wop musical, in its final weekend.

And is the site of the wildly popular Open Mike night.

FRIDAY, MARCH 30

Around these parts, we like to kick off Fridays at Armando’s with the free event, which begins at 4:30. This week, it’s former Martinez Town Crier Redmond O’Colonies performing songs and stories.

At 5 p.m., it’s the fundraiser and wine tasting at the Martinez Event Center. Great wine, great folks, great cause. What’s not to love?

Oh, it’s a musical you want, eh? Well, Martinez Jr. High has you covered there. For a mere $5, you can see the fantastic production of   These kids have tons of talent, and a great teacher in Kayleen Parks. Take the kids, take the grandparents, and enjoy.

We did mention , right? It’s in Pacheco. That counts.

SATURDAY, MARCH 31

One question you may be asking is, “when, exactly, should we support women artists?” Well, answers that with a definitive “now!” Because that’s what SWAN stands for – Support Women Artists Now. And SWAN day beging this year at 10 a.m. with music, dancing, and lots of art.

If you’re a youngster who likes driving their Hot Wheels and tricycles and other kid transportation on a bonafide track - complete with gas station, tire store, garage, history center and more – then the is just for you. This annual “wheel-ality show” is a can’t miss if you’re a kid who was born to ride.

And if you must make it funky (and let’s face it, you really must), then is just the band for you. They are at Armando’s, and they make it very, very funky.

SUNDAY, APRIL 1

Yes, it’s April Fool’s Day. Don’t look to Martinez Patch for practical jokes, though. We find enough humor in the news as it really is. Still, there is plenty to do:

As always, there is the on Main Street, featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, live music, sausages and kettle corn, baked goods, exotic foreign fare, locally raised meat, fresh fish, and a plethora of shoppers seeking healthy food and charming company.

And finally, there is the . This fine event will feature Danny White and Hope Savage of the Hopeful Romantics for musical entertainment. There will be a silent auction, and amazing food. All proceeds go to the Pacheco/Martinez Homeless Outreach program, one of the worthiest of causes. Oh, and Martinez Patch was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time when the proprietor of Roxx’s offered up one of the Bavarian cream turnovers that will be served (along with lemon and raspberry) at the brunch. It was a taste experience this space will not soon forget – by itself worth the price of admission.

Whatever you do for the next three days, do it safely, but do it with the kind of abandon and passion that will make your heart beat with delight and your soul take wings and fly. After all, consider the alternative…