Before or after feasting on turkey and other delicious Thanksgiving dishes, stretch your legs with a hike to see the ladybugs wintering in Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. Just be careful not to step on them as you walk along the trail. If you’re looking for something more up beat, check out Oakland’s own Sheila E., who is starting a short residency at Yoshi’s on Friday.
If you would like us to consider an event for this weekly list, please email me at azucena@oaklandside.org. You can also use the self-submission form on our events page to add events to our calendar for free.
Ladybug season at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park
A cluster of ladybugs on a branch at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. Credit: Azucena Rasilla/The Oaklandside
Every year from November to February, ladybugs hunker down along Reinhart Redwood Regional Park’s Stream Trail on branches and fences in clusters or colonies. The park boasts over 1,800 acres of forest and grasslands, along with walking and biking trails. Be careful walking along the trail, as many of these colorful beetles also nestle on the ground.
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, main entrance, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7867 Redwood Rd.
Jack London tree lighting
The yearly tree lighting at Jack London Square includes other holiday activities like photos with Santa. Credit: Amir Aziz/The Oaklandside Credit: Amir Aziz/The Oaklandside
Jack London Square welcomes the holidays every year with the lighting of a 55-foot Shasta Fir tree. In addition to the tree, there will be two laser light shows and a chance to take photos with Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman. The photos are free and do-it-yourself, so be sure to have your cell phone handy. Members of the non-profit cultural education organization Oaktown Jazz Workshops (OJW) and the faith-based Lyric Performing Arts Academy will add to the holiday cheer.
Saturday, Nov. 29, 5:45 p.m., free to attend, 472 Water St. (near Plank)
Jane’s Mosaics is one of the vendors who will be at the holiday craft fair. Credit: courtesy of Kehilla Community Synagogue
Start your holiday shopping early at this fair featuring 10 different craft vendors. Expect to find herb-infused oils, prints, ceramics, jewelry, and custom-made T-shirts and sweatshirts. Light snacks will be provided while you shop. The event is wheelchair accessible.
Sunday, Nov. 30, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., free, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont
Hot Tickets in The Town this week: Sheila E and the E-Train at Yoshi’s
Sheila E. and the E-Train will play at short hometown residency at Yoshi’s. Credit: courtesy of Yoshi’s
The Grammy-award-winning musician, called “The Queen of Percussion,” is doing a six-show hometown residency. Sheila E. will be showcasing songs from her new album “Hella FonkE,” including the single “Oakland N Da House” featuring Too Short and Trombone Shorty.
Friday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Nov. 30, see website for times, $86.10, 510 Embarcadero West
Coming soon to The Town: Tower of Power at Yoshi’s
Tower of Power has been Oakland’s funk band for close to six decades. Credit: courtesy of Yoshi’s
The soul and funk band has been delivering “Oakland’s funk” for close to six decades now. The band will kick off the new year with a four-week, twelve-show residency at Yoshi’s.
Various dates starting on Friday, Jan. 16 to Saturday, Feb. 7, see website for times, $109-$199, 510 Embarcadero West
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