Individuals experiencing food insecurity can visit the East Oakland Collective’s distribution hub for free, freshly prepared meals from local restaurants and a selection of groceries including produce, meat, and shelf-stable items. Onsite registration is required, and on a first come first served basis. Priority will be given to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and pregnant women.Spanish interpretation will be available.  

Date: Every Tuesday and Thursday

Time: 11AM - 1PM 

Cost: Free 

Join The City of Fremont for their free Summer Concert Series. 

The Central Park Summer Concert Series, set against the scenic Lake Elizabeth, features free live music during Summer 2025. This event is held at the Central Park Performance Pavilion; attendees are encouraged to arrive early for parking, and BBQs are only allowed in designated areas. 

Date: Thursdays until July 31.

Time: 6:30PM – 8:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Central Park Performance Pavillion next to 40204 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Come to Albany Branch for Hands-On Fun with LEGO, Duplo, and More! 

Participants are invited to drop in and explore their creativity using a variety of building materials. With supplies like LEGO, Duplo, and Straw Connectors provided, all that's needed is imagination. 

Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025 

Time: 1PM - 3PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Albany Library - 1247 Marin Ave., Albany 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Oakland residents are invited to a free family centered- playgroup. 

Lotus Bloom Family Resource Center welcomes parents and caregivers with children under 5 to enjoy free play, art, story time, and weekly enrichment activities. This community-based playgroup is open to Oakland residents and offers access to local resources for families. 

Date: Monday, Wednesday- Friday 

Time: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:30AM – 12PM Fridays- 9:30AM -11AM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Lotus Bloom Downtown - 555 19th St., Oakland 

         Lotus Bloom Room to Bloom - 8711 MacArthur Blvd., Portable B. Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Families are invited to sing, dance, and enjoy stories with The Story Time Band during their fun-filled summer park tour! 

The Story Time Band’s annual summer tour brings live music, movement, and read-aloud stories to Berkeley parks. These free events are designed for children ages 2–7 and their caregivers to enjoy together. 

Date: Thursdays July 17, 2025, & Thursday, July 24, 2025 

Time: 10:30AM – 11:30AM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Cedar Rose Park – 1300 Rose St., Berkeley  Strawberry Creek Park - 1260 Allston Way, Berkeley 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Oakland - Little Explorers Petting Zoo 

You’re invited to the Piedmont Avenue Library for a petting zoo. 

Families can enjoy a fun and memorable experience visiting the Little Explorers Petting Zoo. This popular event features cute and cuddly animals that delight visitors of all ages. 

Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025 

Time: 2:30PM – 4:15PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Piedmont Avenue Branch - 80 Echo Ave., Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Tri- Valley backpack distribution for Tri- Vally residents. 

Each year, Tri-Valley Haven distributes more than 600 backpacks to students in elementary, middle, and high school. The initiative supports local youth by providing essential school supplies for a successful academic year. 

Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025 

Time: 3PM- 6PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Tr- Valley Haven - 3663 Pacific Ave., Livermore 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Tri- Valley backpack distribution for Tri- Vally residents. 

Each year, Tri-Valley Haven distributes more than 600 backpacks to students in elementary, middle, and high school. The initiative supports local youth by providing essential school supplies for a successful academic year. 

Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025 

Time: 3PM- 6PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Lynnewood Church - 4444 Black Ave., Pleasanton 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Come join Wee- Play for a drop in playtime! 

Alameda’s Wee Play is a minimally structured play program for children ages 6 months to 3 years and their caregivers, featuring daily themed activities like arts, STEM, and music. Held in Room 120 of the Veterans Building, registration is encouraged; volunteers can earn free entry by helping with setup or cleanup. 

Date: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 

Time: 10AM - 1PM 

Cost: $6 per family (sign up to volunteer and receive free entry) 

Location: Alameda Veterans Memorial Building - 2203 Central Ave., Alameda 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Friday Nights at OMCA Offer Live Music, Food Trucks, and Family Fun in Oakland. 

Friday Nights at OMCA bring the Oakland community together with free live music, and family-friendly activities. Guests can enjoy food from Off the Grid trucks, drinks, lawn games, and a lively atmosphere in the OMCA Garden.  

Date: Friday Nights 

Time: 5PM - 9PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Oakland residents are invited to a free family centered- playgroup. 

Lotus Bloom Family Resource Center welcomes parents and caregivers with children under 5 to enjoy free play, art, story time, and weekly enrichment activities. This community-based playgroup is open to Oakland residents and offers access to local resources for families. 

Date: Monday, Wednesday- Friday 

Time: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:30AM – 12PM Fridays- 9:30AM -11AM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Lotus Bloom Downtown - 555 19th St., Oakland 

         Lotus Bloom Room to Bloom - 8711 MacArthur Blvd., Portable B. Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Town Nights is Back and will be hosted this Friday at Hoover Elementary School. 

Town Nights brings families together in public spaces across Oakland with fun activities for all ages. Kids can enjoy jumpers, games, and crafts, while everyone can enjoy free food and live performances from local talent—all in a safe, welcoming environment that helps build a stronger community.   

Date: Friday, July 25, 2025 

Time: 5PM- 9PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Hoover Elementary School 890 Brockhurst St., Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Come to Arroyo Viejo in East Oakland for community fun and a free backpack. 

Beats Rhymes & Life is hosting a backpack giveaway featuring fun activities, games, youth performances, and free food. The event is designed to support local youth and bring the community together before the school year begins. 

Date: Friday, July 25, 2025 

Time: 4PM - 7PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center - 7701 Krause Ave., Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information.