Are you looking for something to do this weekend, perhaps as early as – this weekend? Have no fear folks, P.K.’s Weekend Roundup has you covered with events from all over the Bay Area including Examiner reader favorites that let you in on some of the hottest happenings from inland to the coast, from this weekend to the next – and just a few days beyond so you can plan ahead. With the weather cooling down some, fall is upon us and the holidays are fast approaching so get out and enjoy what’s left under the sun, moon and stars and have some fantastic family fun, a little romance with your favorite sweetheart – or, maybe just a little alone time. Whatever you decide to do just be safe and have a great day to remember. Ciao for now.
This weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 5, 6 and 7, 2012
Friday, October 5, 2012
San Jose – Just a reminder for Saturday’s Walk’n Wag in San Jose’s Kelly Park for the second fundraiser of the year for the Humane Society Silicon Valley. (Update: Apparently the paw print of the morning is that they reached their goal thanks to Examiner readers, supporters of the Walk'nWag, Humane Society, and so many others so a special thanks to all participants and especially those who are walking.) The Humane Society helps find homes for homeless animals, each with their own story – some who have been abandoned, abused, left behind without a mother, or who are just the most adorable little pet you have ever seen and are just looking for their “forever home.”
The “Walk-n-Wag” is tomorrow, Saturday, October 6, 2012, starting at 10 a.m. Those not walking can always support those that are by donating to support the walkers, or, by donating a precious animal.
Also, for those interested in adopting adult cats the fee has been dramatically reduced to $10 – a dramatic reduction from $175 – adoption for other animals is at the normal rate b but not that bad for animals that have been checked over and cared for so be sure to go check out these amazing pets who need a home. Please help these homeless adorable little pets find homes, each with their own story – some who have been abandoned, abused, left behind without a mother, or who are just the most adorable little pet you have ever seen and are just looking for their “forever home.”
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 5, 6 and 7, 2012
San Francisco – The amazing Blue Angels are back for an incredible flight show in celebration of Fleet Week. They will be performing their amazing air demonstrations, which began on Thursday (as surely most of the Bay Area have no doubt heard the whizzing by) so below are the schedules for the rest of the weekend.
Saturday’s events begin at 8 a.m. with a weapons display at Alameda, near USS Hornet (free, open to the public, until 5 p.m.); Humanitarian Assistance Village on Marina Green beginning at 9 a.m. as well as ships tours aboard the LHD 8 USS Makin Island. (By the way, the ships tours are awesome; it is indeed something to do, and a great thing to take your children on if they've not been on one with their class.) At 10 a.m. at Powell Street Cable Car turn-around there will be a 1st Marine Division Band concert and at 10:30 a.m. at 24-Hour Fitness is sponsoring a “TRX on the Green” live military workout demo. At 11 a.m. a Parade of Ships (under the GGB to their piers), and 12:30 to 4 p.m. the Fleet Week Air Show will be in full swing. At 1 p.m. the Pier 39 USN Sea Cadet Corps Band of the West concert, with a finale fireworks display by Hornblowers at Pier 3.
Sunday’s events begin at 8 a.m. with a Weapons Display at Alameda, near USS Hornet; followed by Humanitarian Assistance Village on Marina Green followed by a 24-Hour Fitness and TRX Training Center free classes (registration requested) on Marina Green from 9 a.m. to noon. From 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. there will be K9 services at Pier 80; followed by a TRX and 24-Hour Fitness Event on Marina Green.
There will also be an Oakland Navy League BBQ for visiting Sailors and Marines from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and at noon an Italian Heritage Parade at North Beach with U.S. Navy Band & USMC Band. The Fleet Week Air Show will be held from noon to 4 p.m. with America’s Cup Race from 1:40 to 2:30 p.m. and a Navy Band concert at 4:30 p.m.
Folks should keep in mind that ship tours are for children ages 8 years and older; and begin at 9 a.m. Ships depart on Tuesday, October 9, 2012. Ship tours continue on Monday, October 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. (see the ship tour schedules). Those interested in donating to the Fleet Week Association can do so through their website or for additional information should call 1-650-599-5057.
Factoid: Word in they sky is that these jets sometimes fly just 18” apart (as mentioned on CBS news) – that is absolutely amazing; can you imagine being in one of those? Wow; what a wonderful dream that would be to fly with one of them. Oh yes, and word also has it that you can see them best anywhere in North Beach or financial district of San Francisco so do enjoy the show, folks.
These truly unique and very skilled Blue Angel pilots that are always a lot of fun to watch so be sure to remember a few things: Ear plugs for sensitive ears (especially little ones); if driving and you want to watch, pull over first; and if you happen to miss the San Francisco show, no worries as these amazing pilots will be in Miramar the following week, October 12, 13 and 14, 2012.
Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7, 2012 (and anytime, really)
We'd like to add a quick mention regarding traveling for folks coming from San Jose traveling to San Francisco. It is best to try alternate means of transportation, especially with the expected "few million" visitors in San Francisco with all of the events that are happening there (from the Giants games to the 49er game (go Niners!) to Fleet Week, so if you are insistent on driving your own vehicle please just remember to be prepared (full tank of gas; extra water, snacks and games for the children, etc.). And if you plan on taking any of the alternate transportation means that are available from BART, CalTrain or Amtrak, be sure to check their sites for schedules, parking and fee schedules and also check out their mobile apps for up-to-the-minute information that can be sent to your phone. Have a wonderful time whatever you decide to do.
Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7, 2012
Santa Clara Valley – Santa Clara Valley Passport Weekend – That’s right Bay Area wine tasters and connoisseurs, it’s that time of year again for the wines of the Santa Clara Valley to host their second half of 2012 Wine Passport to be held October 5 and 6. Fall Passport Weekend will include over 30 participating wineries such as Lightheart Cellars in San Martin. Many wineries will be hosting their own events so be sure to visit your favorite wineries. (Tip/Update: According to the Silicon Valley Wine Association, Guglielmo and Solis Wineries have the "most" Wine Passports for sale.)
According to Lightheart Cellars, located at 305 Roosevelt Avenue in San Martin, Wine Passports are selling quickly so be sure to get yours soon. For additional information on Lightheart's passport tasting event, visit their website or call 408-475-8463. Also, for additional Wine Passport event information for the Bay Area, check out the Examiner site for all you need to know about Wine Passports, wine tasting and more. – and don’t forget about P.K.’s guide as well.
Fall Passport Weekend will include over 30 participating wineries such as Lightheart Cellars in San Martin, who also stated that Wine Passports are selling quickly so be sure to get yours soon or visit their website. Folks can also call 408-475-8463. Additionally, Wine Passport event information for the Bay Area is available on the Examiner's site so be sure to check out the Bay Area Wine Passport guide and find out all you need to know about Wine Passports and more.
Saturday, October 7, 2012
Fremont or Sunol – It's always a good time to ride a Niles Canyon Railway train and explore the foothills of Niles Canyon, and what beautiful sites there are to see, especially when you aren't the one driving. Be sure to check out the limited Pacific Locomotive Association's "Niles Daylight Limited" dates and departures, with additional information available on their website. October rides are on October 7, 2012 (also October 21, 2012) so be sure to check out their calendar for other excursions).
Saturday, October 7, 2012
San Jose – Walk’n Wag sponsored by the Humane Society Silicon Valley will be in Kelly Park & History located at 1650 Senter Road in San Jose for the "Walk'n Wag" from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and that is where you'll want to be to save homeless animals. However, if you can’t be there cheering on the thousands of folks walking for the adorable little furry animals, perhaps a donation to the cause is where your heart is instead. The Humane Society made their goal of Saturday morning, however, people can still support those walking or animals anytime by donating time. The walk is on Saturday, October 6, 2012, starting at 10 a.m. (And, if you're not into "owning" an animal right now, check out being a volunteer for awhile to offer a little love if that is more up your alley.)
Those not walking can always support those that are, or by donating to the cause by adopting a precious animal. Also, for those interested in adopting a pet the fee for adult cats has been dramatically reduced to just $10 – that's a HUGE reduction from $175 – so be sure to go check out these amazing pets who need a home today. The fees to adopt other animals is not that bad since they have all been checked out and are ready for their new homes. What a great pre-holiday present. Please help these homeless adorable little pets find homes, each with their own story – some have been abandoned, abused, left behind without a mother, or who are just the most adorable little pet you have ever seen and are just looking for you and their “forever home.”
Be sure to check out the photo submitted by a "Walk'n Wag" participant and Dell employee, Karen Spencer who provided an adorable photo of a calico cat named "Penny" who is also still available for adoption at the Saratoga Petco so please be sure to give the photo a look-see. So many animals are beautifully cared for by folks like Spencer who volunteer every week and take time to offer love and support; so please take a moment to consider time, donations, adoption or even just support in spirit for the folks that do care for these amazing animals. The Humane Society is located at 901 Ames Avenue in Milpitas; for additional information call 1-408-262-2133 (although according to Spencer, on-site adoptions are being held at the Petco Saratoga for Penny and other animals; as well as the Petco Sunnyvale).
Saturday, October 6, 2012
San Jose – It wouldn't be a concert without the amazing and beautiful, and of course extremely talented Madonna; and without the very talented teen heartthrob Justin Beeber to back her up, San Jose and Bay Area fans are excited and raring to go. Tickets are available at the San Jose Box Office for an amazing concert! No doubt this is one concert that is going to be sold out soon.
Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7, 2012
Los Gatos – Roam a "Magical Glass Pumpkin Patch" this fall in a garden that won't rot, need too much care – and you won’t have to re-seed. Plus, it's actually one of the most beautiful in the Bay Area. Over a dozen local artists including Tom Stanton of Holy City Art Glass (known for his famous stained glass art and blown glass pumpkins) and dozens of Los Gatos artists will be involved in this annual event to be held on the Los Gatos High School lawn; to be held Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don't miss this magical traditional event!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Santa Clara – Yes, there is a market almost every day of the week and this one is held in Santa Clara: The Santa Clara Farmer's Market is also a year-round event so have no fear about weather or missing "the last one." Located near the Santa Clara post office at Franklin Mall in Santa Clara (at Jackson Street and Homestead Road), this quaint little farmer’s market is perfect for those Saturday shoppers. A market with a great variety of beautiful flowers, vegetables and fruit (with many growers that are also at the Campbell’s Farmer’s Market) – and let’s not forget that sweet kettle corn. Add some live entertainment and it equals a street filled with laughter coming from the locals tending to market filled with goods and treats. Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Santa Clara – Educate yourself with the latest technology at The Intel Museum, the place where folks can "Journey through decades of Innovation." The Intel Museum truly is a place of wonder where technology is concerned, so whether a weekend or during the week after picking the kids up from school, or perhaps your school is interested in scheduling a field trip – plan to stop by the Intel Museum and share the world of technology with young ones or fill yourself with a little tech knowledge. Discover the making of silicon chips or cruise the Intel Museum store for some great gifts.
The Intel Museum is located at 2200 Mission College Boulevard in Santa Clara. Hours of operation are Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For additional information, call 408-765-5053.
Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7, 2012
San Francisco – The San Francisco Ultimate Women’s Expo – OK Ladies it’s time to get out and have some real fun at the Women’s Expo to be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7, 2012, "combining the very best in shopping, speakers, makeovers and rejuvenation" designed for the ultimate experience for all types of women. Keynote speakers include Wynonna Judd, Meredith Baxter and Deidre Hall. Event will be held on October 6 and 7, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the San Mateo Event Center on the San Francisco Peninsula. There will be a chance to win an “ultimate girlfriend’s getaway” to Cabo San Lucas; DIY Workshops; the best boutique shopping in northern California; martini lounges, makeovers, tea gardens, inspiring seminars, holiday entertaining and all sorts of women inspiring and women-inspired fun.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Campbell – Campbell Farmer’s Market – How can we promote this Farmer’s Market all season? Because it is still one of the best Farmer’s Market’s around and attended by more than just people looking to get shopping done; the downtown Campbell Farmer’s Market is attended by thousands who want to mosey, shop, mingle, listen to live mustic and just have fun. Held every Sunday in downtown Campbell between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Next week sneak peek: Monday, October 8, 2012 through Thursday, October 11, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Half Moon Bay – See the information listed under Saturday, October 13, 2012 for a sneak peek into the 42nd Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival with a “Pumpkin Weigh-in” on Monday, October 8
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
San Jose – A Wednesday market for those with family and kids; the Farmer's Market San Jose is a great way to catch up on grocery shopping for the family, get that added ooh-la-la for that special recipe or enjoy a little time to yourself while the kids are doing homework after school (or bring them along for a little family time) so check out the website for one a little closer to you, or stop by Cambrian Park Farmer’s Market San Jose at Camden and Union Avenues in San Jose from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – or any day of the week
Anaheim – Disneyland Resort Anaheim offers great weekend getaway packages whether for family, romantic or for friends, and it's actually one of the best ways to get away from it all and relax. Oh yes, a trip to visit to see Mickey and Minnie and to be absolutely Goofy any day of the week, any time of year – no wonder they call it one of the happiest places on earth. And why we feel young again, and where we always feel at home.
We have all sorts of fan (and fun) recommendations from how to get to meet the characters to which hotels are great to stay in and when to what is fun to ride (and how to get on the ride when the park is crowded) and when and where to get good coffee (and as promised, free coffee refills while inside the park) to where to get restaurant and hotel savings outside the park; to all sorts of weekend getaway and Disneyland fun with P.K.’s Disneyland tips to appear this weekend so stay tuned to the Examiner for your kind of news, weekend and holiday fun – and then some.
Remember, as Goofy might say, "It's all in the magic – and sometimes in the information provided by your friends."
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Your home (anytime, anywhere) – Don't feel like going out and just want to stay home? Why not go online and see what’s out on the World Wide Web. Perhaps you could do a little holiday shopping, browse the latest book release or music video – and while you're at it, have you checked out the Examiner site recently? We have just about everything on every topic so check us out!
In the meantime, here are a few of P.K.’s favorites, some of what she’s written about in the past and some of what’s to come; so enjoy!
–Art-o-mat Fine Art for an affordable Price – These little pieces of fine art are an amazing way to collect real, amazing fine art originals by artists from all over the world. Have you checked to see if your local museum has the Art-o-mat machine yet? If no, why not? Check out the Art-o-mat site and see what all the buzz is about. Not only does it create a way to introduce artists to the public providing them with affordable, unique exquisite art, but it's a great way to recycle and preserve old cigarette machines into something useful.
–Ki’i Boards Fine Art – Have you given up surfing and want to turn your surf board into fine art? Do you love the ocean and the theme and fine art and want to incorporate the two? The ideas are endless and so is the art by this extremely talented young lady – Tara Berger out of southern California
P.K.’s music video fav’s:
–Jennifer Muhawi is a very talented opera singer and owner of City Opera SF and pop-opera, classical for that “classical meets casual” for that classical in the urban outdoors exquisite musical experience. Muhawi is also working with rapper Leader 1 out of the East Bay on another project that has never been done before so stay tuned to the Examiner for upcoming news on their first release, “Free” by producer Juan Caipo.
–John Cougar Mellencamp and Kid Rock at a concert in New York: "Pink Houses" but it's the song itself that is awesome with some lines that some people seem to have forgotten the meaning of. So give this one a listen and then the original. Both artists are awesome; another great song is Kid Rock's song, "All Summer Long."
–MATCHBOX TWENTY's "3AM" – Wow, what can I tell you except this is a fantastic song, and this is one great band so check them out!
Following weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 12, 13 and 14, 2012
Saturday and Sunday, October 13 and 14, 2012
Half Moon Bay – The epic 42nd Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival – that’s right folks, it’s that time of year again with and this year’s “Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off” actually begins a week earlier than the festival with the weigh-in to be held at the IDES Grounds, located at 735 Main Street in Half Moon Bay on Monday, October 8, at 7 a.m. so be sure to attend for the beginning of some “pumpkin weighing” fun.
This year's festival features continuous live music on three stages from contemporary, country, Latin, country, Blues and Class Rock to all sorts of music greats performing on the main IDES main stage and others with bands such as The California Cowboys, Big Cat Tolefree, The Megatones, Brother Buzz, The Daniel Castro Band, Extra Large, Caravanserai and Jim Stevens & Friends. The Ritz-Carlton Cazebo stage will feature The Stan Erheart Band, High Mileage, The Robin Campbell Band and Battlehooch. Street performers include Glitterface, HeartStrings Music, Emerson, Bob “Stickman” Culberson and Oscar Reynolds. The Family Stage will showcase talented young performers from Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing” and “Smashing Pumpkins: Battle of the Bands” featuring musical genius of sensational up-and-coming rock bands.
An assortment of food and drink specialties from cheesecake, cookies and churros to sausage, breads and hearty stews to corn-on-the-cob and pumpkin seeds to roasted turkey legs and hot beef sandwiches to clam chowder to the scrumptious HMB Brewing Company Maverick’s Pumpkin Harvest Ale made with locally-grown pumpkins that are roasted with a secret blend of spices (if you haven't tried this one yet, you are in for a real treat as it is the best pumpkin ale I have ever tried).
Saturday’s events begin with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. at Mac Dutra Park on Main Street and Kelly Avenue, to the opening of the festival at 9 a.m. to a costume contest at 10 a.m. located at the HMB Library parking lot at 620 Correas Street; to a “Great Pumpkin Parade” at noon featuring the MVP and all-time San Francisco 49er great, Steve Young as the Grand Marshall. Beginning at 2 p.m. is the “Pie Eating” contest (age 11 and under) at the Bank of America lot; to the 12 and older “Pie Eating” contest at 2:15 p.m. followed by enjoyment, laughter, good food and drink for everyone.
Sunday’s events also start out with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m., pumpkin Run/Walk on Coastside Trail at 8 a.m. (kids fun run, 5k, 10k run; 5k walk) starts at Hatch School at Kelly Ave. and Hwy. 1) Run Info Line 650-712-7322; festival opens at 9 a.m.; with pumpkin carving for fun (not a contest) at the Bank of America lot followed by a “Pie-Eating” contest for age 11 and under also at the Bank of America lot at 2 p.m.; and for age 12 and over at 2:15 p.m. and then lots of festival fun until 5 p.m. both days feature contests, excitement and loads of fun with three stages featuring continuous, live entertainment, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street between Kelly Avenue and Spruce Street in Half Moon Bay. Admission is free; call 650-726-9652 for additional information.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 5, 6 and 7, 2012
San Mateo – Get your beads on and get creative because the Bead and Gem Show is headed for the San Mateo County Event Center – and this is one of the best bead and gem shows held in the Bay Area. If you’re into making jewelry or in need of a certain gem or stone, this is the show for you.
There are all sorts of great deals to be found at the San Mateo County Event Center located at 1346 Saratoga Drive in San Mateo; from Friday (noon to 6 p.m.), Saturday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and Sunday (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Some were disappointed that they missed September’s large Bead Show; however, this is actually some of the locals’ favorite shows as it is more geared toward those who know what they want. So head on over and get your bead and creative juices flowing – and as always, have some fun.
Savings tip: If it’s not too late, sometimes great deals on events like this one can be found on special sites ahead of time; so good luck.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Campbell – OK folks, by reader request we are once again adding the Venetian-style mask making classes with extremely talented Campbell artist, Carla Almanza-deQuant who specializes in Italian, Venetian and 16th Century art making the most exquisite masks that are not only a piece of fine art to wear to your next masquerade ball, but to display and showcase with your finest art collections. And, as a special for the holidays Almanza-deQuant is holding a special mask making class three weeks during the month of October: October 13; October 20; and October 27, 2012, so be sure to inquire about a mask making class for yourself, a group, your company as a team building exercise or just to make a piece of fine art to add to your collection (registration is required).
Los Gatos – Alongside Almanza-deQuant comes the famous Gioia Company Art & Italian Products specializing in Italian gifts and products from all over including Italy, Venice, the Almalfi Coast – and we bring this up only because readers have requested this link again as well no doubt due to the pleasant atmosphere of this "shop anytime" site that makes a heart happy. Co-owner Kathy always suggests that her customers grab a glass of their favorite wine or iced coffee before sitting down before Gioia online to enjoy a tour from one of their previous trips to Italy; or to share a slide show of some of their amazing photos. Gioia’s featured artists include Almanza-deQuant and glass artists Tom Stanton to a variety of local artists near and afar, with a variety of authentic products as well as an assortment of hand-made wonders. Gioia encourages taking care of “number one” before taking care of everyone else (especially as many mothers and women in most families do); and, they are firm believers (as noted on their site): “Joy to those who give and to those who receive.” So be sure to give to yourself, too – even if that's just a few moments of quiet time. Oh yes, and check out the Gioia Facebook or their website page for the "Limon Cello Making" classes to be held on Sunday, October 14, at 1 p.m. – what an absolutely wonderful class to take with friends or to meet friends.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Sunnyvale – Musical entertainment at Sunnyvale Theatre with: “Fishtank Ensemble” – a Los Angeles-based gypsy band, “Fishtank Ensemble” returns to perform from its latest CD, “Woman in Sin,” – a band who incorporates folks music from seemingly every corner of the globe to create its own unique style. Mark your calendars for this upcoming musical event.
Sunnyvale Theatre is located at 550 E. Remington Drive, between El Camino Real and Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road. General admission, $28; discount tickets for students and seniors, $22; Single subscriptions start at $80. For tickets, please phone the Sunnyvale Theatre Box Office (open Monday through Friday, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; and two hours prior to shows) at 408-733-6611. For additional information, call Sunnyvale Theatre Administrative Office at 408-730-7725, TDD 408-730-7501, or visit Arts.inSunnyvale.com.
Now through October28, 2012
Santa Clara – Halloween Haunt at California's Great America – For those that love scary things, this is for you. Great America is hosting its horrifying Halloween Haunt and it’s supposed to be scary – so scary that no one under the age of 13 years of age is allowed. So, if you haven’t yet gone to this s-c-a-r-y event, you might want to skip the at-home horror flick and give this a try – if you dare, that is. Halloween Haunt is every weekend night when according to the Great America site, “evil takes over the park and Zombies, Psychotic Clowns and other twistedness that will haunt you and your friend’s dreams. This event is too intense for anyone under the age of 13; or anyone for that matter.”
Visit the California's Great America "Halloween Haunt" soon; tickets are $25, or free to 2012 Gold Pass holders. For additional ticket and general information visit the California Great America website.
"People do not realize that their vision of the world is also a confession of their character." –Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Stay tuned for P.K.’s upcoming articles featuring some amazing artist extraordinaire and amazing locals with quite a story so be sure to stay tuned to the Examiner and the Events section with more excitement to come.
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