By Kathy Chouteau
This weekend is shaping up to be an epic one in Richmond, with four major events ready to usher in summer with something in store for everyone. Here’s a roundup of where the fun can be found in Rich City over the next few days.
RPAL Juneteenth Carnival: The party gets started Friday night, when the Richmond Police Activities League’s (RPAL) kicks off its family friendly annual carnival Fri., June 17, through Sun., June 19 on Barrett Ave. at 25th St. Carnival hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Wristbands for unlimited rides can be purchased for $30 (typically $40) through Fri., June 17 at 5 p.m. by showing the flyer that can be found here. Call (510) 710-2821 for a ride wristband or stop by RPAL at 2200 Macdonald Ave. in Richmond or call (510) 621-1221.
Juneteenth Family Day Parade and Festival: Sat., June 18 will see the return of Richmond’s ever-popular Juneteenth Family Day and Festival, which is sponsored by Chevron Richmond, the WCCUSD and the City of Richmond and includes a parade. The parade will start Saturday at 10 a.m. at Booker T. Anderson Community Center, 960 S. 47th St. in Richmond, eventually will pass under the new Juneteenth Freedom Underpass mural at S. 37th St. and will end up at the festival site at Nicholl Park, 3230 Macdonald Ave. in Richmond. The ensuing festival will feature food, live music and other fun that will run from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the park. Richmond’s annual Juneteenth celebration commemorates June 19, 1865—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation—when Major General Gordon Granger and his Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, TX and announced the Civil War had ended and that slaves were free.
Pride & Purpose Beer Festival: Also on Sat., June 18 from 12-6 p.m., East Brother Beer Co. will host the “Pride & Purpose Beer Festival,” an event that not only marks the Richmond craft brewery’s first-ever beer festival, but also the first one in Northern California to shine a spotlight on lagers. The 21-and-over festival will take place at the craft brewery, 1001 Canal Blvd. in Richmond, which features indoor and outdoor space. Proceeds will benefit Rosie the Riveter Trust, the nonprofit partner of Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historic Park in Richmond. Guest breweries, food trucks, live music and more will be on hand; tickets are $60/general admission, $75 for early access/VIP tickets and $20 for snack tickets (no beer). Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Summer Kickoff Zydeco Festival: Over at Bridge Storage & Art Space Sat., June 18 from 3-6 p.m., the “Summer Kickoff Zydeco Festival” will feature the live accordion soul music of Andre Thierry, a Richmond native and Grammy nominee. The family friendly fest will include Creole cuisine by Chef Brittni of Soulfully Dope Kitchen, locally brewed beer from East Brother and Origin Brewer and kiddie fun like face painting, arts & crafts, games and more. Bridge Storage & Art Space is located at 23 Maine Ave. in Richmond; event tickets are $20 and children are free. Click here for tickets or more info.
