Read on to learn about events and happenings in Park Street Business District -- Alameda's vibrant downtown!
This Week's Calendar of Events
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Five Nights of Celebration at the
Alameda Theatre & Cineplex
One night of celebration for their 5-year mark just isn’t enough for the folks at the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex. They believe 5 years deserves 5 nights of FUN!
Starting Friday, May 17, the Theatre will be hosting a number of added surprises for movie guests prior to the evening movie presentation in each of the eight theatres.
Guests entering the Historic Theatre for the new film Star Trek Into Darkness will be treated to an extended showcase of “Alameda’s Got Talent” and special giveaways.
More details: www.ShopParkStreet.com/theatre
posted 5/8/13
Fashion Show Event by Lanvie
Saturday, May 18, 4:00pm
Don’t miss Lanvie’s first fashion show. The event to be held on Saturday, May 18, highlights current styles and previews their new Fall Collection. You’ll be delighted by the fusion of in-house designer and young creative designer, featuring local fashion designers Lan & Reyna Macaluso.
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine will be served. Doors open at 3:00pm, Fashion Show at 4:00pm. Plan to shop early for deals and discounts all day long.
RSVP and receive a party favor: (510) 865-2889.
posted 5/14/13
Park Street Spring Festival
The fabulous weekend weather brought out throngs of people to the 13th Annual Park Street Spring Festival and Mother’s Day celebration. Over 50,000 festival attendees enjoyed the eclectic assortment of arts, crafts, food, drink, and lively music. This year’s surprise hit was the amusement of watching kids twist and turn in oversized plastic balls that glided in a giant pool of water.
We’d like to thank our volunteer organizations – your friendly bartenders – for making this year’s Spring Festival another successful event: Alameda Business Network, Alameda Chamber of Commerce, Alameda Elks #1015, Bank of Alameda, Cerda-Zein Real Estate, Core2400, Edward Jones (Deb Knowles, Financial Advisor), Gallagher & Lindsey Realtors, Kiwanis Club of Alameda, OMM INC Mason Management, Pacific Excel Financial & Insurance Services, Rotary Club of Alameda, US Bank, and Wellguard Insurance Solutions.
View photos from this year's event: www.ShopParkStreet.com/springfestival
This Week's Happenings
in the Park Street Business District
The Park Street Business District is the commercial, civic, and cultural center of Alameda, CA. There's always something happening here! To receive news about events and happenings in the district, follow us on Facebook and Twitter or sign up for our weekly email.
Event Highlights
May 13-19
Books Inc., 1344 Park Street
Meet the Author
Mon, May 13; 4:30pm
Celebrate Children's Book Week with a special reading of Take Me to Your BBQ, an out of this world cooking adventure, with illustrator Adam McCauley. More info: www.booksinc.net/Alameda
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Kofman Theater, 2200 Central Ave
Spring Choral Concert
Tues, May 14; 7:30-9:00pm
"Ain't-a that Good News" - The Alameda Community Chorus presents its 31st annual Spring concert featuring works by Leonard Bernstein, Mozart, and other noted composers. Admission is free. More info: ACC Facebook page
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Books Inc., 1344 Park Street
Meet the Author
Thur, May 16; 7:00-9:00pm
The Big Yes Society Book Club presents Rachel Neumann, author of Not Quite Nirvana, an honest and vivid memoir recalling Rachel's transformation from a skeptical, fast-talking New Yorker to Thich Nhat Hanh's editor and her journey to mindfulness along the way. More info: www.booksinc.net/Alameda
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Speisekammer, 2424 Lincoln Ave
Drew Harrison
Thur, May 16; 8:30pm
Singer-songwriter Drew Harrison is one of those rare recording artists with the ability to translate life into song. His passionate, honest, and intense style resonates in the vein of Bono, Ritchie Havens and John Lennon. No cover. More info: www.speisekammer.com
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Speisekammer, 2424 Lincoln Ave
JINX JONES Jazz-A-Billy All-Stars
Fri, May 17; 8:30pm
Integrating rock with country, jazz and blues, Jinx Jones and his trio serve up fine examples of American Music. More info: www.speisekammer.com
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Lanvie, 1419 Park Street
Fashion Show Event
Sat, May 18; 4:00pm
Fashion show event by Lanvie presenting a fusion of in-house designer and young creative designer. Highlighting current styles and previewing the new fall collection. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and wine. RSVP and receive a party favor: (510) 865-2889.
* * * *
Speisekammer, 2424 Lincoln Ave
The Up & Down
Sat, May 18; 8:30pm
The Up and Down are an Alameda 6-piece band playing Irish Drinking Songs, Outlaw Country and Roughed Up Bluegrass. The band plays originals as well as covers by bands like the Clash, Tom Waits, and the Pogues. More info: www.speisekammer.com
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Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak Street
Author Talk
Sun, May 19; 2:30-3:30pm
Join local author Eve Evangelista as she discusses her new book Create and Move Forward in Life. According to one reviewer, Eve "has gifted us with a brilliant road map to realize, express and manifest our deepest dreams so we may jump in and live life to the fullest." Refreshments will be served. More info: www.alamedafree.org
Find us on:
WEEKLY EVENTS:
Mondays; 5:30-7:30pm, Mojito Mondays
Angela's Bistro & Bar, 2301 Central Ave
Tuesdays; 10:00am-Noon, New Mothers Support Group
Tot Tank, 1413 Park Street
Tuesdays; 1:00-4:00pm, Crafting Chaos for Mommas and Kids
Silk Road, 1412 Park Street
Wednesdays; 6:00-8:00pm, Knit Night
Silk Road, 1412 Park Street
Wednesdays; 8:30pm, Trivia Night
Lost Weekend Lounge, 2320 Santa Clara Ave
Thursdays; 5:00-7:00pm, Board Game Test Night
D20 Games, 2311 Santa Clara Ave
Thursdays; 7:00-9:00pm, Get Crafty Night
Julie's Coffee & Tea Garden, 1223 Park Street
Thursdays; 7:00-8:30pm, Trivia Night
Alameda Vintners Club, 2301 Central Ave
Thursdays; 10:00pm, Karaoke Night
The Hobnob, 1313 Park Street
Fridays and Saturday Nights, Alameda’s Got Talent
Alameda Theatre & Cineplex , 2317 Central Ave
Fridays; 5:30-7:30pm, Friday Night Flights
Angela's Bistro & Bar, 2301 Central Ave
Fridays; 8:30pm, Zydeco Music & Dance
Eagles Hall, 2305 Alameda Ave
Saturdays; 2:30-4:30pm, Weekly Wine Tastings
Farmstead Cheeses & Wines, 1650 Park Street
Saturdays; 3:00-6:00pm, Winemaker Saturdays
Alameda Vintners Club, 2301 Central Ave
Artistic Home Studio & Boutique
Grand Opening! Saturday, May 11
A new DIY home decor art studio and store, located inside Park Street Plaza. Workshops and classes in glass arts and decorative painting. Hand-crafted items and painted furniture made by local artisans. Glass arts supplies, tools, and Chalk Paint® decorative paints. Garden art, jewelry, cards, and more!
Stop by the front of Park Street Plaza this weekend and see demonstrations of the cool things you can do in the studio!
Website: www.ArtisticHomeStudio.com
posted 5/7/13
Pocket Guide to the Park Street Business District
Are you wondering how many different types of businesses are in Alameda’shistoric shopping district? Have you ever wondered how many restaurants are in the district, or how many lawyers have an office downtown? Maybe you’re looking for a clothing store or a funky re-use boutique.
Ask for a free copy of the 2013 Park Street District Shopping Guide & Business Directory at your favorite business in the Park Street district.
With over 450 businesses located Alameda's historic district, you might discover something new!
posted 3/1/13
Business Spotlight: The Clothes Line
The Clothes Line, Consignment Fashion For Women first opened its doors in a small space on Santa Clara Ave. In December 2011, the shop moved to 1407-1/2 Park Street... another small space. Many people fondly say that The Clothes Line is like a large closet, stocked with great clothes, shoes, jewelry, and accessories.
The inventory of clothing and accessories is ever changing at The Clothes Line. Customers visit time and again knowing they will find something special -- maybe something for a cocktail party, work wear, wedding, school dance, themed event, or just something fun and different to wear on a date.
Maggie Cummingham, owner of The Clothes Line, is much beloved in the Park Street Business District. She was voted Best Shopkeeper in 2012 by the editors of Alameda Magazine.
<< Read more about The Clothes Line and other businesses in our district
posted 2/21/13
Earth Day in the Park Street Business District
Saturday, April 20
Earth Day is being celebrated in Alameda on Saturday, April 20. Join us for some exciting earth-friendly activities and see how our businesses together make the Park Street Business District “The Greenest Shopping District in America.” Activities include crafts, book exchanges, fashion demonstrations, and free give-aways.
Alameda Theatre & Cineplex (2317 Central Ave) The Alameda Theatre & Cineplex will be presenting a special Oscar Nominated documentary film, "Chasing Ice" in recognition of EARTH DAY 2013. Local schools have been invited for a special showing for students on April 22 and the film will continue to be offered April 19-25 as part of the theatre's weekly schedule of films.
Julie’s Coffee & Tea Garden (1223 Park Street) Take the kids to Julie’s Coffee & Tea Garden on Saturday for a kids' sunflower seed planting activity in front of the cafe from 10am-2pm.
Lanvie (1419 Park Street) Lanvie is celebrating "Earth Month." During the month of April, bring in a re-usable tote and receive 10%-20% off your purchase.
Marketplace (1650 Park Street) The Marketplace is having a Cookbook Exchange on Saturday – bring in a cookbook from home and grab another one to take home. Patrons are also encouraged to post an idea on their “What I Do to Be Green…” board.
Second Home (2524 Santa Clara Ave) Second Home will be giving away books and magazines for free on Saturday. Kids can have fun by helping to create a large poster showing tips for being green.
Silk Road (1412 Park Street) Participate in an Earth Day Craft session on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning. Parents and children can make crafts from recycled items. Projects include plantable homemade paper, egg carton gardens, and mini green houses. (Note: There is a materials fee of $10 per person or $15 per parent/child team.)
The Sewing Room & Style Lounge (2434 Webb Ave) Need fabric scraps for your next project? On Saturday, The Sewing Room & Style Lounge will be giving away bags of fabric scraps perfect for quilting or small projects.
Tucker’s Ice Cream (1349 Park Street) There’s no need to throw away old clothes… a student will be in front of Tucker’s Ice Cream on Saturday demonstrating re-use clothing projects such as turning an old men's t-shirt into a fashionable dolman sleeve women's t-shirt, making scarves out of old jeans, and several other stylish projects that don’t require much skill.
We Are Hair (1343 Park Street) It’s cool to carry re-usable totes and this weekend We Are Hair is giving away bright colored re-useable totes for FREE. In addition, they are offering 20% off all Aveda products -- a product line that is derived from plants.
What makes the Park Street Business District "The Greenest Shopping District in America"? Check out these fun facts... http://parkstreetbusiness.wordpress.com
posted 4/16/13
Welcome New Businesses!
New Businesses:
Hang Ten Boiler, 2306 Encinal Ave (formerly Hawaiian Drive-In)
Island Print Express, 2534 Santa Clara Ave
JP Seafood Co., 2300 Central Ave (inside Dan's Fresh Produce)
Joy In Home Care, 1516 Oak Street #108
Mama Rose's Recipes, 1231 Park Street (inside Fire Den)
Mints Design, 1517 Park Street
Mischief Labz, 2515 Santa Clara Ave #202
Q's Hala Chicken, 2306 Central Ave
Sidestreet Pho, 2304 Encinal Ave
Sun’s Free Solar, 1516 Oak Street #106
In the Works:
Bambu Desserts & Drinks, 1409 Park Street
Bay Farm Distribution, 2447 Santa Clara Ave #305
Black Skillet Grill, 1645 Park Street (inside McGee’s)
Broadway & Park Gallery, 2515 Santa Clara Ave
Park Cafe, 1417 Park Street
updated 3/5/13
2012 PSBA Awards
The 14th Annual Park Street Business Association Awards were presented at December’s PSBA holiday party. Finalists were selected based on making a positive contribution to the Park Street Business District and their participation in PSBA activities. Congratulations to the following businesses!
New Business of the Year
Juniper Tree Vintage, 1320 Park Street
Retail Business of the Year
Silk Road, 1412 Park Street
Professional Business of the Year
Alameda Podiatry Group, 1504 Park Street #39
Culinary Business of the Year (tie)
The Original Red Onion, 1222 Park Street
McGee’s Bar & Grill, 1645 Park Street
Member of the Year
Donna Layburn, Alameda Marketplace, 1650 Park Street
You can read more about each of the businesses on our WordPress site:
http://parkstreetbusiness.wordpress.com/2013/01/15/2012-psba-awards/
posted 1/16/13
Best of Alameda on Park Street
Summer is here! The Best of Alameda 2012 list has been released! The July/August “Best Of” issue of Alameda Magazine is the one that the editors go all out to showcase the everyday greatness of Alameda. Categories include Restaurants, Drinks, Goods & Services, Kids, Pets, and Lifestyles.
Congratulations to the Park Street District businesses that received Readers’ Choice Awards and Editors’ Choice Awards! There are a lot of them!
View an alphabetic list (with links to websites) on our news blog:
http://parkstreetbusiness.wordpress.com/2012/07/06/park-street-best-of-alameda-2012
posted 7/9/12
July 4 Parade in Photos!
The Alameda Mayor’s 4th of July Parade is the second largest and longest Independence Day parade in the nation. Each year over 170 floats and 2,500 participants travel a three mile route, starting on Park Street.
View photos from the 2012 July 4 parade:
http://photobucket.com/2012july4alameda
posted 7/5/12
New Parking Meter Kiosks
Parking kiosks have been installed on Park Street between San Jose and Central Avenue. The new kiosks accept debit cards and credit cards, as well as coins. Hourly parking rates remain the same although persons using a debit/credit card will be charged a minimum of one hour.
PARKING ENFORCEMENT will begin on Monday, June 25, 2012, which means if you don’t pay for parking and display the receipt on your dashboard, you WILL GET A TICKET.
More information is available on the City's website.
posted 6/12/12
Park Street Streetscape Project
Rendering prepared by Ignition Architecture, a local Park Street firm specializing in residential and commercial design.
The City of Alameda has completed Phase 2 of the Park Street Streetscape project. The project area included two sections of Park Street: Lincoln Avenue to Webb Avenue, and Central Avenue to San Jose Avenue.
Parking kiosks have been installed on Park Street between San Jose and Central Avenue. The new kiosks accept debit cards and credit cards, as well as coins. Hourly parking rates remain the same although persons using a debit/credit card will be charged a minimum of one hour.
The goals of the Park Street Streetscape project were to improve the street for pedestrians, bicyclists, bus riders, and automobile drivers. Project goals completed include:
- Replaced existing cobra-head street lights with dual-lamp historic street lights.
- Planted new trees of a variety of species and size that are well suited for the urban environment.
- Added 2 bus shelters on each side of Park Street south of Encinal Ave.
- Added 21 bicycle racks.
- Replaced 62 parking meters with 11 parking kiosk stations.
- Installed new accessible curb ramps.
- Repaired sidewalks.
The businesses in the Park Street Business District appreciate your cooperation and patience during this construction.
For more details about the project, visit the City's website:
www.cityofalamedaca.gov/City-Hall/Park-St--Streetscape-Project
updated 6/14/12
Park Street featured on CBS’s Eye on the Bay
Some of the District’s hometown businesses were recently featured on CBS Channel 5’s “Eye on the Bay.” Stops included Alameda Marketplace, Alameda Museum, Alameda Theatre & Cineplex, Jon’s Street Eats, Ole’s Waffle Shop, Toy Safari, Tucker’s Ice Cream, and Zen Restaurant.
If you missed the original episode shown on May 19, 2011, you can view it on this page:
Eye on the Bay - Day Trip Alameda (5/24/12)
posted 5/25/11
The Park Street Business District is California's Gold
Huell Howser made a stop in Alameda back in 2009. The Alameda episode of California's Gold features Ole’s Waffle Shop, Alameda Theatre & Cineplex, and Tucker's Ice Cream. While strolling along the sidewalk of our historic downtown, Huell exclaims in his distinctive Southern accent, "Look at the windows! Look at the work!... The architecture!" as he points out the buildings that are home to We Are Hair, Burma Superstar, Daisy's, and Books Inc.
If you missed the original episode, you can view it on the California Redevelopment Association's YouTube page. It's also available for purchase on the Huell Howser Productions website.
posted 1/9/13
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