As the summer sun warms the Bay Area, Berkeley’s cultural scene comes alive with a diverse array of events that cater to every taste. From thought-provoking art exhibitions to electrifying performances and engaging workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This summer promises to be a testament to the city’s rich cultural tapestry, with events that celebrate creativity, community, and the arts.
The city’s vibrant arts and culture scene is not just about entertainment; it’s a reflection of Berkeley’s spirit of innovation and inclusivity. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, these events offer a unique opportunity to engage with the community and experience the best of what Berkeley has to offer.
The art of storytelling
The summer kicks off with a significant art exhibition at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA). The exhibition, titled “Maren Hassinger: Living Moving Growing”, is the most comprehensive retrospective of the artist’s work to date. Hassinger’s creations delve into social and cultural issues, emphasizing interconnectedness, ephemerality, and the relationship between humans and the natural world.
The exhibition runs from June 6 to November 29, providing ample time for art enthusiasts to explore Hassinger’s profound and evocative works. On Sunday, June 7, BAMPFA’s galleries are free to visit, and admission to the UC Botanical Garden is included with a BAMPFA admission sticker. With an admission price of $18, this exhibition is an affordable and enriching experience for all.
Community-driven creativity
The Berkeley Public Library is inviting the community to participate in a unique fiber mascot contest. Participants are encouraged to knit, crochet, sew, felt, weave, embroider, or quilt a mascot that embodies the spirit of the library and Berkeley. This contest is open to all ages, and group submissions are welcome. Entries are being accepted until June 30, making it a perfect summer project for craft enthusiasts.
Melodies and performances
Music lovers are in for a treat this summer, with a variety of performances that showcase the best of jazz, theater, and electronic music. David Byrd, a Chicago-reared Oakland tenor saxophonist and vocalist, will be performing with his band Byrds of a Feather on Friday, June 5, at 7 p.m. at Jupiter. Known for his extravagant flights of vocalese, Byrd’s performance is a must-see for jazz and reggae enthusiasts.
The Royal Underground Theatre Company and director Enrico Banson bring Aaron Sorkin’s “A Few Good Men” to the stage, returning the Broadway hit to its theatrical roots. The performance runs from June 5 to June 21, with showtimes at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. A special post-show cast and crew talkback will take place on June 14. Tickets for this gripping performance are priced at $35.
Electronic beats and folk harmonies
For those interested in electronic music, the Central Library is hosting a workshop on Tuesday, June 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. Participants can experiment with making electronic music using professional Ableton music software and push boards. Keyboards and microphones will also be available for use. Bring a USB flash drive if you’d like to save your music creation.
The Back Room will host Americana-folk duo Minor Gold, consisting of Tracy McNeil and Dan Parsons, on Tuesday, June 9, at 7 p.m. Known for their sleek vocal harmonies and well-crafted lyrics, Minor Gold is a treat for fans of folk music. Opening the set is introspective singer/songwriter David Redd. Tickets for this performance range from $20 to $25.
Community engagement and celebration
Berkeley’s summer events are not just about art and music; they also offer opportunities for community engagement and celebration. The Berkeley Humane Society is hosting the 12th annual Pints for Paws fundraiser on Saturday, June 6, at 2 p.m. Attendees will receive a commemorative glass to enjoy unlimited tastings of local craft beers, ciders, wines, vodka, and more, while enjoying live music and petting hundreds of crowd-friendly dogs. Tickets for this event range from $103 to $161 for one attendee, with a VIP table of eight costing $2,136.
Kick off Pride Month with Pride in the Park at the Tilden Nature Area on Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This family-friendly event features crafts, activities, drag story time, and a celebration of nature in honor of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Exploring local art and culture
The East Bay Open Studios event spans two weekends, with over 100 artists across the East Bay opening their studios to the public. Visit the event’s website to find studios open in Berkeley and beyond. The event runs from Saturday, June 6, to Sunday, June 7, and Saturday, June 13, to Sunday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Explorers Club presents a talk with famed paleoanthropologist Lee Berger about his three decades of groundbreaking research into human origins in Africa, Asia, and Micronesia. This event takes place on Monday, June 8, at 7 p.m. at the Hillside Club. Tickets for this enlightening talk are priced at $25.
A celebration of African culture, creativity, and connection, AfroFest features live music with Brotha Peace, traditional drumming and dance, a fashion show, and African cuisine with local vendors. This event takes place on Saturday, June 6, at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Tickets range from $30 to $50.
Join Assemble Puzzlery at Gilman Brewing for a community build of a 7,000-piece puzzle on Sunday, June 7, from noon to 7:30 p.m. The puzzle is divided into manageable sections, allowing you to contribute at your own pace. Whether you stay for a single beer or the entire afternoon, every piece counts! This event is free, but an RSVP is encouraged.
A bracing conversation with award-winning Sports Illustrated writer Chris Ballard about his far-flung three-year investigation into the subculture of people who willingly jump into freezing water together takes place on Tuesday, June 9, at 7 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloway’s Bookstore. This event is free and open to the public.
A Cheese Board alumni reunion and tasting celebrates the recently expanded Cheese Board Collective’s 60 years at the center of North Berkeley’s revolutionary California cuisine food scene with a panel of store alumni from the 1960s-1990s led by local historian, memoirist and early Cheese Board member L. John Harris. This event takes place on Wednesday, June 10, at 6 p.m. at the Hillside Club. Tickets for this event are priced at $30.
