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HIGHLIGHTS, SITES, & BITES |
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BACK IN TOWN January 2025
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BLACK VINES® RETURNS TO BERKELEY |
Voted USA Today’s #1 Wine Festival and the longest standing Black Wine Festival in the U.S., the 14th annual Black Vines® returns Feb. 22 to Ciel Creative Space in West Berkeley for a splendid afternoon of salutations and sips. This celebration of culture, art, and wine education brings together Black artists, Black musicians, and Black winemakers and vintners. With its return to the expansive and inviting Ciel Creative Space, Black Vines is destined to be a highlight of the winter season. Event runs from 2p-6p, and admission includes access to tastings, keepsake glassware, and gourmet hors d'oeuvres. For tickets, see TicketStripe.
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FOURTH STREET'S LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL |
Celebrate Fourth Street's annual Lunar New Year Festival 2025, takes place Sat., Feb. 8 from 12 to 4pm. Golden Lion Martial Arts Demo kicks it all off, followed by the much-anticipated Lion Dance and Shop Blessing Parade. There's a craft station for kids and more, all taking place on Delaware at Fourth Street. The event, founded by the late Winnie Yu of Teance Fine Teas, is, as always, free to the public to attend. Welcome in the Year of the Snake (favoring intelligence, strategy and resourcefulness), and Gung Hay Fat Choy!
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FEBRUARY IS FOR (PIZZA) LOVERS |
February is Pizza Lovers Month, Downtown Berkeley's mouth-watering celebration dedicated to everyone’s favorite cheesy delight! This year, the Downtown Berkeley Association is partnering with Slice Out Hunger in a collaborative effort to bring relief to those affected by the LA Wildfires. Stop by participating Pizza makers to order a “LA Wildfire” special 🍕 -- 15% of the proceeds will go to PizzaRelief efforts all through the month of February. Pizza Lovers Month is when Downtown Berkeley transforms into a pizza paradise, showcasing the creativity and passion of local pizza artisans including Pizzeria da Laura, Gather, Heroic Italian, Jupiter, Revival Bar + Kitchen, and more. Be sure to spin the Wheel of Pizza Thursdays in February, from 12 to 1pm, for a chance to win prizes from participating restaurants (while supplies last).
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TOUR THE LITTLE CASTLE: BERKELEY CITY CLUB |
The Berkeley City Club is a historic hotel, event space, fine dining restaurant, and private social club. Opened in 1930 to honor the need for a women’s activity center, The Club, also known as the “Little Castle,” was designed by famed California architect Julia Morgan. In 1963 the Club opened to all genders and in 1975 was designated as a city landmark. Two years later, the Berkeley City Club was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can stay at the Berkeley City Club as well as tour the property. Drop-in tours of 45-minute duration are offered between 1pm and 4pm every Fourth Sunday, or by special appointment. The fee is $10 per visitor, with student discount available. Born in 1872, Julia Morgan enjoyed a long and prolific career as an architect in California, designing more than 700 buildings! As the mastermind behind Berkeley City Club, her legacy lives on. BCC docents will introduce you to Miss Morgan, who was the first woman architect certified by the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, and will lead you through the vaulted halls and arcaded courtyards of this medieval fantasy space. For special group tours, call Docent Coordinator, Christie McCarthy, at 510-529-1078 or e-mail chrisdavemc@earthlink.net.
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CHEERS TO BERKELEY'S WINE CULTURE! |
Berkeley is wine country! Join UC Berkeley alumni at the 3rd Annual Wine Tasting Event on Sat., Feb. 1, 2025, from 4–7 pm atop Cal Memorial Stadium, providing a uniquely Cal-spirited atmosphere with panoramic Bay views for an unforgettable wine-tasting and dining experience. Taste incredible wines crafted by winemakers from the Cal alumni community in this showcase of talent and passion for winemaking! The iconic University Club, located atop California Memorial Stadium, provides a uniquely Cal-spirited atmosphere for an unforgettable wine-tasting and dining experience. Event admission includes tasting curated wines from 28 Cal alum-owned and/or operated wineries and gourmet food prepared by Levy’s Executive Chef Michael Waterman. Click for tickets and get ready to clink glasses with fellow Cal grads and professionals while you enjoy panoramic views of the Bay.
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BIONEERS SET FOR REVOLUTIONARY RETURN THIS MARCH |
The 36th Annual Bioneers Conference returns to Berkeley this March and with it, a dynamic community of visionaries committed to justice and regeneration. With Inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, and transformative connections, this gathering is your chance to engage with the ideas and people shaping a better future. Keynotes include visionary leaders like Laura Ann Sweitzer, Director of Sustainability and Strategic Sourcing at TCHO, the Berkeley-based, organic, Fair Trade, certified B-corporation chocolatier. Interactive workshops will deepen skills and connections; art exhibits, performances, and films are sure to inspire and ignite change. Register now to be part of this transformative event in Berkeley! 🌍
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COMING SOON: '25/'26 BERKELEY DESTINATION GUIDE |
The brand new, 2025-2026 edition of the Berkeley Destination Guide is almost here! At more than 120 pages, it's our largest and, we hope you'll agree, best edition to date! Look for the digital version at VisitBerkeley.com in mid-February, and the print version in March. |
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| VISIT BERKELEY
2030 Addison St. #102
Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 549-7040 |
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