| HIGHLIGHTS, SITES, & BITES
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FLIGHTS OF FANCY May 2024 |
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BERKELEY SYMPHONY TAKES FLIGHT JUNE 2 |
Prepare for take-off with the Berkeley Symphony on Sunday, June 2 at 4 pm for Pictures at an Exhibition at Zellerbach Hall on the UC Berkeley campus. Take flight through a mesmerizing symphonic journey where color, light, and soulful melodies intertwine. Ellington's Solitude, arranged by Morton Gould, evokes the voices of jazz legends Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong. Let the celestial phenomenon of the Northern (California) Lights come to life through Jimmy López Bellido's enchanting Aurora Violin Concerto, featuring the virtuosity of Leticia Moreno. Immerse yourself in the striking spectacle of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, vividly depicting Viktor Hartmann's paintings, orchestrated by Ravel. Prepare for a transcendent fusion of sight and sound, as music paints a colorful landscape that will leave you spellbound. Use discount code PICTURES25 and save 25% off! Visit the Berkeley Symphony website for tickets. Zellerbach Hall is BARTable; take the train to Downtown Berkeley and enjoy the short walk through UC Berkeley's redwood grove to attend this performance.
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NOW ON ARRIVAL: SAN FRANCISCO BAY OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT |
The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners has voted to modify the current official name, the Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (OAK), to "San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport." The Alameda County Board of Supervisors has also unanimously endorsed the change, as has Visit Berkeley. Port Commission President Barbara Leslie said, "We are standing up for Oakland and the East Bay; this will boost inbound travelers’ geographic awareness of the airport by highlighting the airport’s location on the San Francisco Bay.” She added, “This name will make it clear that OAK is the closest major airport, for 4.1 million people, three national laboratories, the top public university in the country, and California’s Wine Country." Modifying the airport’s name is part of a broader effort to improve the passenger experience at OAK, including upgrading the Terminal 1 check-in lobby, restroom facilities, and providing new, local concessions and restaurants.
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TASTE OF NORTH BERKELEY RETURNS MAY 15 |
Stroll, sip, and taste your way through one of California's most heralded gourmet dining destinations during the Taste of North Berkeley. Happening Wed., May 15 from 5-8 pm, the culinary crawl will include sweet and savory foods, adult and non-alcoholic beverages, and live entertainment as you hop from one location to the next in the leafy North Shattuck District. It's been a wild ride since the last time this event occurred five years ago, so don't miss a chance to taste what's new while you revisit your favorites. Tickets are $60 if purchased in advance online or $68 at the event (if still available). Age 15 or under is $25. Proceeds from the event will benefit the beautification, safety, and cultural activities of the North Shattuck District in Berkeley.
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DISCOVERED IN BERKELEY: SCONEHENGE DREAM TEAM |
CELEBRATE MOTHER'S DAY IN DOWNTOWN BERKELEY |
Treat Mom to a memorable Mother's Day Brunch at Zino Berkeley. Located in downtown Berkeley's historic Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Zino will offer a special à la carte menu with brunchy bites including homemade biscuits, crepes, omelettes, avocado toast, eggs benedict, chicken & waffles, petit filet mignon, and more. Bottomless mimosas with a variety of fruit juices, Zino's signature build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, and live jazz will keep spirits soaring Sunday, May 12 from 8 am to 3 pm. Make reservations (recommended) at Open Table or by calling (510) 845-7300.
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BERKELEY'S BEST FOOD TOURS |
The birthplace of California Cuisine and farm-to-table dining, North Shattuck is home to long-established culinary icons and emerging edible enterprises. Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse Restaurant & Cafe made the neighborhood world-famous since the 1970s. Today, this food-focused area continues to serve the best local, seasonal, organic fare as it abides by sustainable business practices that benefit farmers, restaurant workers, and the food system. Edible Excursions' North Berkeley Food Tour is led by knowledgeable guides -- including award-winning food writers, chefs, and food TV alumni -- to highlight the neighborhood’s iconic destinations. Just added to the tour is Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine Berkeley, the newest location for the award-winning Thai restaurant group. Check out this great video to get a taste of Edible Excursions tours.
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GALILEO GALILEO GALILEO, GET TO THE SHOW! |
Four-time Tony Award nominee Raúl Esparza stars in Galileo, a dazzling world-premiere Berkeley Repertory Theatre musical directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, American Idiot, Swept Away) and written by two-time Emmy winner Danny Strong (Dopesick, Empire, The Butler). When maverick scientist Galileo Galilei makes celestial observations that challenge humanity’s understanding of its place in the universe, he’s summoned to Rome to defend his discoveries before the most powerful religious institution in the world, which is facing a rebellion of its own. With an original rock score and lyrics, Galileo is an explosive rhapsody of science and faith, truth and power. The rock musical will likely join the constellation of world premieres that traveled from Berkeley Rep to Broadway — be the first to see it here!
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BERKELEY'S PEREGRINE FALCONS CHILLIN' ATOP CAMPANILE |
Berkeley is bounded by two wild sides that serve as civic parentheses: sparkling San Francisco Bay to the west, and the forested Berkeley Hills to the east. In between, there’s wild realm of urban-adjacent outdoor possibilities. It starts at the UC Berkeley campus, where free-flowing Strawberry Creek cascades through redwood forests. And it’s no big surprise that Peregrine falcons, the fastest animals in the world, like it here. Resident peregrines live at Cal atop the 307-foot Campanile tower, where they’ve nested for more than 10 years. A live web cam tracks all the action; prepare for fuzzy fun. This year's four chicks are anticipated to fledge late May; until then, catch them live on the outdoor BAMPFA big-screen during Falcon Fridays. And every October, birds of all feather are celebrated at the citywide Berkeley Bird Festival.
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TASTE OF DOWNTOWN BERKELEY SET FOR JUNE 9 |
Take the opportunity to stroll and enjoy gourmet bites from local chefs along the culinary scene in Downtown Berkeley. Happening on Sunday, June 9 from 2 pm to 5:30 pm, the Taste of Downtown Berkeley will feature samples from Almare Gelato, Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen, East Bay Spice Company, Fish & Bird, Gather, Heroic Italian, Pizzeria Da Laura, Revival Bar & Kitchen, ZINO and many more culinary establishments. Tickets available on Eventbrite, with proceeds supporting the Berkeley Rotary Club's community projects.
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THE LAWRENCE CELEBRATES THEATER RENOVATION WITH WINGS OVER WATER PREMIERE |
The Lawrence Hall of Science will soon complete renovations on its 3D Theater, including installing a new, larger screen and brighter 3D movie projector. To celebrate opening day on Saturday, May 25, The Lawrence will offer “buy one get one free” movie tickets for the Wings Over Water 3D premiere and engage visitors with special bird-themed hands-on science activities. Wings Over Water tells the epic story of three bird families – the Sandhill Crane, the Yellow Warbler, and the Mallard Duck – with extraordinary footage of their fascinating behaviors. The Lawrence installed a new Barco SP2K-9 projector run by a laser light source, providing a brighter and clearer picture for the new screen. Additionally, the new theater is more accessible and is equipped with new closed captioning and assistive listening devices. The Lawrence Hall of Science is UC Berkeley’s public science center and a learning lab. Each year, The Lawrence provides the science curriculum for 25% of US students through its standards-based curriculum and model programs for learners and educators.
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TOP OF THE WORLD RETURNS TO BERKELEY FOR 41ST ANNUAL HIMALAYAN FAIR |
The 41st annual Himalayan Fair will take place May 18 & 19 at beautiful Live Oak Park in North Berkeley. The Fair showcases vendors and crafts from all over, food from Himalayan regions and an array of musicians and dancers. Classical and folk dances, ancient and modern music, traditional and fusion presentations will delight fair-goers. The Himalayan Fair runs from 10 am to 7 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 5:30 pm on Sunday. Admission is free.
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| Contact Us:
VISIT BERKELEY 2030 Addison St. #102
Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 549-7040 | (800) 847-4823 |
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