We work for you \u2014 and we\u2019re matching your donation 1:1! Our journalists attend city council and school board meetings, follow tips and make the calls to keep you informed on the important issues in Berkeley. Will you chip in today?<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Untitled-design-4.png\")
The Lawrence Hall of Science\u2019s planetarium is playing \u201cTraditions of the Winter Sun,\u201d a short film about Ohlone and other cultures\u2019 traditions surrounding the cosmos, from now to Feb. 27. Photo credit: Lawrence Hall of Science<\/p>\n
\u2600\ufe0f Learn about Ohlone and other cultural traditions for the sun, moon, planets and stars in the 30-minute planetarium show, \u201cTraditions in the Winter Sky.\u201d Show runs from now to Feb. 27 at the Lawrence Hall of Science. $5 plus admission fee<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5 Watch four films directed by famed Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa in 4K. Films that will be shown include High and Low, The Hidden Fortress (which was a huge influence for the creation of Star Wars), Yojimbo and Ikiru. Showings run from Dec. 19 to Feb. 20. BAMPFA. $5-$18<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf84 The Berkeley Path Wanderers Association\u2019s December Festive Hike is a two-hour, 2.5-mile walk that will go through North Berkeley and pass by houses that are decked in lights for the holiday season. Make sure to bring a flashlight. Friday, Dec. 19, 5:30 p.m. Meet at 1170 The Alameda. FREE<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83e\udd34 In the cabaret and political satire show A Very Scrumpy Christmas, King Scrump is visited by the ghosts of politicians\u2019 past, present and future and learns that he\u2019s probably not going to heaven. Friday, Dec. 19, and Saturday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. 2120 Allston Way. Pay what you can<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddfa The great Cuban percussionist Jes\u00fas D\u00edaz y su QBA turns out the dance floor at La Pe\u00f1a\u2019s monthly community dance party, which includes inclusive dance class, and a consent-centered dance floor. Friday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m. La Pe\u00f1a Cultural Center. $15-$30<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udfb6 Hosted by MacArthur Grant recipient Corey Harris, \u201cTrue Blue\u201d is a concert and conversation between a brilliant blues artist and Creole\/blues great Cedric Watson, a prolific songwriter who has crafted an expansive, multilingual repertoire on his double row Hohner accordion. Friday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m. The Freight. $39-$44<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf85 Take a photo and have a pancake breakfast with Santa. Eggs, fruit and sausages are included in your breakfast, and additional dietary food options will be available. Saturday, Dec. 20, 8:30 a.m.-noon. 1301 Shattuck Ave. $10 (pre-registration required)<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udfa4 The San Francisco Gay Men\u2019s Chorus returns to Zellerbach Hall, where they\u2019ll sing classic holiday carols mixed in with modern pop hits while dressed in ugly sweaters and elf costumes. Saturday, Dec. 20, two performances at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $43-86 (tickets 50% off for students)<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83e\udd41 Jeremy Steinkoler, a stellar drummer and educator, performs with his son Evan, a rising pianist, vocalist and songwriter who\u2019s already racked up an impressive array of awards as a Northwestern undergrad, joining forces with ace bassist Sam Bevan for an afternoon of jazz and original songs. Sunday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m. The Back Room. $25<\/a><\/p>\n \u2744\ufe0f Celebrate the winter solstice and learn more about the festivals of \u201cearth\u2019s resting season\u201d with the Chavez Memorial Solar Calendar & Education Project. Meet at Cesar Chavez Park, and check out their website for detailed directions to the solar calendar. Sunday, Dec. 21, 4-5:15 p.m. FREE<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udd49\ufe0f\ud83d\udd4d \u262a\ufe0f \u271d\ufe0f Berkeley-based Sacred Music Fellowship, which holds two weekly jam sessions featuring both sacred and secular music, presents the second annual Interfaith Holiday Concert. Led by Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu music leaders, it\u2019s a truly interfaith holiday experience where Ziker, hora, mantra, and carols meet in a participatory singalong with a unique mix of languages and cultures. Sunday, Dec. 21, 5 p.m. Hillside Club. $25<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udfbb Getting through the shortest day of the year is a lot easier in the company of the luminous Albany composer and multi-instrumentalist Barbara Higbie, who returns to the Freight for her annual solstice concert with a brilliant cast of friends, including Berkeley guitarist Vicki Randle, percussionist Michaelle Goerlitz, cellist Mia Pixley, bassist Kofy Brown and rising mandolin star Jasper Manning. Sunday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m. The Freight. $44-$49<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udcd8 The Berkeley Public Library\u2019s Mystery Book Club will feature Agatha Christie\u2019s Midwinter Murder. Dress up in 1920s-1930s attire or as your favorite Agatha Christie character, and come ready for a potluck and trivia. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 4-6 p.m. West Branch Library. FREE<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udfad And now for something completely different, Nittel Nakht Variety Show brings the Borscht Belt to Berkeley with live bands, comedy, crankie\/instrumental puppet show, and a burlesque act. Wednesday, Dec. 24, 7:30 p.m. Ashkenaz. $20-$25<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udfb9 In his younger days, before he became the proprietor of the Back Room, blues\/jazz pianist Sam Rudin played dozens of holiday gigs, experiences he distills in his 8th annual Merry Christmas From a Jewish Atheist concert, an affectionate program of seasonal favorites. Wednesday, Dec. 24, 8 p.m. The Back Room. $15<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf7a Featuring Julian on drums, Steve on bass, and Colin on electric piano and accordion, the East Bay-raised Hogan Brothers return to Jupiter for their long-running final Friday residency, delivering a delectable repast of funk-laden jazz (or jazz-tinged funk). Friday, Dec. 26, 7 p.m. Jupiter. FREE<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udfbb Forget balkanization, Ashkenaz\u2019s traditional Balkan New Year\u2019s Eve concert brings everyone together with a triple bill featuring True Life Trio, Fanfare Zambaleta, Dan Cantell & Friends and a midnight champagne toast. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Ashkenaz. $35-$40<\/a> \u00a0<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfbb La Pe\u00f1a\u2019s New Year\u2019s Eve dance party returns with one of the Bay Area\u2019s best Latin jazz bands Orquesta La Moderna Tradici\u00f3n, a charanga ensemble that blends violins, woodwinds and driving Afro-Cuban rhythms. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. La Pe\u00f1a Cultural Center. $35-$100<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udcda Storyteller, Moth host, and author Corey Rosen returns to Mrs. Dalloway\u2019s for an evening of live storytelling and interactive inspiration in celebration of his new book \u201cA Story for Everything.\u201d Admission includes one paperback copy and a seat at the event, which features Rosen sharing stories and practical tools for turning everyday experiences into compelling narratives. Tuesday, Jan. 6, 7 p.m. Mrs. Dalloway\u2019s Bookstore. $20<\/a><\/p>\n \u267b\ufe0f Mayor Adena Ishii is seeking art from Berkeleyans \u2014 specifically artwork that celebrates the city\u2019s regenerative culture, whether that is renewal, material reuse, or the art of giving new life. The winning artwork will be displayed in Ishii\u2019s office and considered for cash prizes up to $800 and public recognition. Applications close on Wednesday, Dec. 31<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83c\udfa8 The David Brower Center is also accepting applications from Northern California artists for their annual exhibition, Art\/Act: Local 2026. The artwork should explore the impacts of borders on environmental issues. Four artists will be offered $1200 and space to display their work in the center. Applications close on Monday, Jan. 26<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f\u00a0See more things to do\u00a0in\u00a0Oakland<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Richmond<\/a>.\u00a0And check out our big list of\u00a0affordable things to do<\/a>\u00a0anytime in Berkeley.<\/p>\n If there\u2019s an event you\u2019d like us to consider for this roundup, email us at\u00a0the-scene@berkeleyside.org<\/a>. If there\u2019s an event that you\u2019d like to promote on our calendar, you can use the self-submission form on our\u00a0events page<\/a>.<\/p>\n Let’s be real … <\/p>\n These are uncertain times. Democracy is under threat in myriad ways, including the right of a free press to report the truth without fear of repercussions.<\/p>\n One thing is certain, however: Berkeleyside was built for moments like these. We believe wholeheartedly that an informed community is a strong community, so we’re doubling down on our mission of reporting the stories that empower and connect you when it matters most.<\/p>\n If you value the news you read in this article, please help us keep it going strong in 2026.<\/p>\n We’ve set a goal to raise $180,000 by year-end and we’re counting on our readers to help us get there. And a bonus: Any gift you make will be matched through Dec. 31 \u2014 so $50 becomes $100, $200 becomes $400. Will you make a donation now in support of nonprofit journalism for Berkeley?<\/p>\n Tracey Taylor “*” indicates required fields<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"We work for you \u2014 and we\u2019re matching your donation 1:1! Our journalists attend city council and school…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":99703,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[7971,2465,2466,143,145,144],"class_list":{"0":"post-99702","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-oakland","8":"tag-around-berkeley","9":"tag-home-highlight","10":"tag-home-lead","11":"tag-oakland","12":"tag-oakland-headlines","13":"tag-oakland-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99702","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99702"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99702\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99703"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99702"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99702"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99702"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766067908_172_portrait_circle-1.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766067909_269_Screenshot-2025-12-15-at-10.12.51-AM.png\")
<\/p>\n
Co-founder, Berkeleyside<\/p>\n