Simone Spotlight - Oakland Veterans Day Events

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

November 7th

Oakland Celebrates Veterans Day

This Veterans Day holiday is upon us, and Oakland has a variety of events to honor those who have served in our military and defended our freedom. 

Here are a few events to enjoy and honor our service members.

1. Free National Parks Day

https://www.nps.gov/safr/planyourvisit/fees.htmAbout this event: The National Park Service now offers five free days a year. All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone.

Hosted by: The National Park Service

Date: Friday, November 11th

Location: San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park 

Featuring :

On certain “fee-free” days throughout the year, enjoy free entry to all national parks and monuments including Muir Woods and Yosemite National Park and free admission aboard all of the historic vessels at the Hyde Street Pier of SF’s Maritime National Historical Park.

The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.

2. Veteran’s Day Commemoration:

About this event: Guest speakers, the Skyline High jazz band and a host of veteran organizations mark this annual commemoration. 

Location: City Hall Amphitheater, 

1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. 

Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

Free Admission. 

3. Hometown Heroes Veteran’s Day Luncheon:

About this event: The Rotary Club of Dublin, in cooperation with the City of Dublin, will proudly present the Hometown Heroes Veterans Day Luncheon in Hayward.

Date & Time: Wed Nov 9, 11:30 AM - Wed Nov 9, 1:00 PM

Location: Shannon Community Center - 11600 Shannon Avenue,

Dublin, CA 94568

Please join us to honor and recognize all the courageous men and women in the United States Military, past and present.

Tickets may be purchased on Eventbrite: $35 per person; $350 per table of eight. Veterans and active military welcome free of charge but must RSVP on Eventbrite. Those purchasing tables help to support the complimentary meals for those who serve our country.

For additional information, please text (925) 321-5319.

4. Black Oakland Tour: Oakanda Forever (2022):

About this event: Experience the magic of the sequel of Black Panther 2 in the home of the Black Panthers! Join our tour including a city tour and the film.

As the home of the original Black Panther Party, we welcome you to join our special rendition of the Black Oakland Tour. This hybrid mobile-walking tour will include aspects of our traditional tour, which will tour historical and culturally significant locations central to the party’s development before ending at the iconic Grand Lake Theatre. The tour will include:

• Transportation including pick up and drop off at Grand Lake Theatre

• Entrance into museum exhibit AND the Black Panther film

• Refreshments (a full meal from a local Black-owned business)

• Short visit to 3-5 landmark historical areas/ businesses frequented by Black Panther party members

• Guided mobile tour with driver

• Have fun and get to know other visitors and locals alike!

Depending on the time you chose, your film selection will be matinee, 2D or 3D which is reflected in the price (we do NOT upsell tickets, per industry regulation). Concessions at the movie are NOT included in the price of the tour

Date & Time: Friday, November 11, 2022 - 11:30 am to 4:00 pm 

Location: Grand Lake Theater 

3200 Grand Avenue Oakland, CA 94610

Cost: $100*

*Consumer’s notice: By participating in our tour, you are agreeing to release liability and any possibility of legal action against Ethnic Ties for any injury while on the tour. You are also agreeing to a media waiver unless prior, written and signed documentation otherwise.

5. “Glowfari” 2022 Lights Festival at Oakland Zoo:

About this event: Glowfari returns in November 2022! This wildly popular, family-friendly experience is back with hundreds of new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to conservation.

Date & Time: Friday, November 11, 2022 - 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm 

Location: Oakland Zoo | 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA

Cost: $24*

6. “Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid” Block Party + DJs (Oakland):

About this event: These free events provide a gathering place to come together each week, including live music, hands-on activities, Off the Grid food trucks, and the newly-launched Town Fare Sundeck, featuring an outdoor bar and select bar bites from the cafe menu or bring a blanket and lounge in our garden, now open with direct access to Lake Merritt.

Date & Time: Friday, November 11, 2022 - 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm 

Location: OMCA (Oakland Museum of California) 

1000 Oak Street Oakland, CA 94607

Cost: FREE

7. Oakland’s HellaSecret Comedy & Cocktails (2022)

About this event: Get ready for the “HellaSecret” speakeasy comedy show in Oakland. A series of pop-up (and socially distant) live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay.

They’ll take over a venue and you’ll get an email with the secret location.

Friday, November 11, 2022 - 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm 

Location: Secret Location Oakland, CA | This HellaSecret comedy show takes place in a secret speakeasy “Golden State Lounge” bar in Oakland turned into a socially-distant comedy club with comfy couches, a brick fireplace, funky furnishings and lots of plants.

Cost: FREE | Get free tickets