The Experience, Berkeley: Cal Sailing Club Open House
The Experience:
Learn to sail for free!
Ever wonder about those stunning white sails buzzing around on the Bay? Ever wish you could learn to sail? You can. The Cal Sailing Club (CSC) Open House/Introductory Sail gives you a chance to try it! The Cost? Zero. The Fun? Limitless.
CSC offers sailing to the public aboard their fleet of keelboats (large and stable) and dinghies (fast and zippy, but kinda tippy) ten times a year. Whether you are new at sailing or an “old salt,” you can enjoy a spectacular voyage within sight of the University of California, the Bay Bridge, San Francisco, and the Golden Gate!
Open House dates:
- Sunday, April 5
- Saturday, May 2 (Berkeley Bay Fest)
- Sunday, May 31
- Sunday, June 28
- Sunday, August 2
- Sunday, August 30
- Sunday, October 4
One of the main reasons they do this is to teach the safest possible boating practices, including the most important–always wearing a personal flotation device (lifejacket) when boating. Rides are given on a first-come-first-served basis by volunteer CSC members. Please try to arrive at 1 pm when the signups begin at the table. On nice days they get lots of visitors. If the tide is dropping, they may have to end sailing earlier than 3 pm, though they try their best to get everyone aboard.
About
CSC is an independent, non-profit cooperative; our popular Open Houses are a great way to get a free sail of around ½ hour in one of the most beautiful settings on the planet — and to learn about boat and waterfront safety, Bay ecology, and the fun of non-motorized watercraft.
CSC is just east of the Shorebird Center, at 124 University Ave. on the Berkeley Marina, facing Emeryville, about ¼ mile before the Berkeley Pier. There’s plenty of parking for cars and bikes, and AC transit stops just opposite the club. Be sure to ask the bus driver if the bus goes to the Marina.
Photos/Cal Sailing Club
Where:
124 University Ave
Berekeley, CA
https://www.cal-sailing.org
The Experience, Alameda: Alameda Brewing Co First Fridays
The Experience:
What are you doing Friday, May 1st?
Kick things off with your friends at Alameda Brewing’s first-ever First Fridays. You’ll find the brewery transformed into a mini night-festival.
Expect:
🎶 Live music
🌮 Local food vendors
🛍️ Unique artists & pop-ups
🍺 Fresh pours all night
They’re bringing together good drinks, good people, and good energy to create something special for their community. The crew looks forward to seeing you Friday, May 1st starting at 5:30pm.
Hours Tu – Su 12-10pm
PS Interested in being a vendor? Click here to fill out the form!
They can’t wait to see you! They’ve been crafting island-inspired brews in Alameda since 2015.
Where:
1716 Park Street
Alameda
https://www.alamedabrewing.co/
The Experience, Emeryville: Fish Emeryville Spring Fishing Report
The Experience:
Anglers! Salmon are back!
2 Boats went out Tuesday: 30 Anglers – 12 Striped Bass, 4 King Salmon, 3 Halibut.
Fish Counts – April 14, 2026
KingFish: Full Day with 14 anglers. Catch: 4 King Salmon.
Pacific Pearl: 1/2 Day AM with 16 anglers. Catch: 12 Striped Bass, 3 Halibut.
Fish Emeryville has openings this week and weekend for full and 1/2 days! They thank you for being patient as they have had tons of phone calls regarding salmon season.
This announcement from The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW):
Significant improvements in key California salmon populations – specifically Sacramento River fall-run Chinook and Klamath River fall-run Chinook — will allow for more ocean salmon fishing opportunities this year. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is pleased to announce that commercial ocean salmon fishing is back after being closed three straight years and that recreational ocean salmon anglers will have more opportunities in 2026.
For info or to book a trip call 510-652-3403.
About Fish Emeryville
Fish Emeryville specializes in providing fishing adventures in San Francisco Bay and out the Golden Gate. They have a fleet of sixteen fishing charters, all fully equipped for an enjoyable and successful outing. All boats and Captains meet U.S. Coast Guard standards and are certified for your safety. They focus on making sure you have a fabulous day pursuing the wide range of gamefish that inhabit our waters and exploring the unique beauty of our area.
Each boat provides fish cleaning services on board and shore-side commercial ice is available upon your return.
Emeryville Marina is conveniently located in the heart of San Francisco Bay with easy access from the freeway and a large parking lot with free parking.
Photo /Fish Emeryville
Where:
3310 Powell St
Emeryville
https://www.fishemeryville.com/
The Experience, Richmond: East Brother Beer Co. Spring Beer
The Experience:
Backyard, spring sun and East Brother Czech Dark Lager!
Does it get any better than that? It’s a rich, roasty, lager with layers of dark malt flavor, gentle bitterness, and a crisp, clean finish. Smooth, nuanced, and brewed for balance.5.7.% ABV
The crew at East Brother suggests you do a fridge check before the weekend and stock up on your favorites.
About their beers
“At East Brother Beer Co., we keep it simple: brew quality beer, respect the classics, and take no shortcuts. We focus on balance, consistency, and craftsmanship. Brewed in Richmond, California. Visit our flagship taproom to enjoy brewery-fresh pours, seasonal releases, food trucks, live events, and a full view of our production facility.”
Where:
1001 Canal Blvd
Richmond
The Experience, Alameda: Frank Bette Center for the Arts New Classes
The Experience:
Paint your way into spring!
Katie Connell will show you the way. She is teaching ‘Acrylic Painting Techniques’ in 6 Sessions – Sundays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and June 7, 10am – 12noon.
The medium is Acrylic and beginners are welcome as well as those who want to hone their skills. You’ll learn brush techniques and color theory in this fun and forgiving medium. Classes will focus on still life and landscapes while you find and refine your style and classes will culminate in a completed composition of your choosing.
Learn more and register here.
About the Instructor
Katie Connell has been leading fun, creative art classes for over ten years, and painting for even longer. She has been trained through formal art classes, and decades of practice. She primarily paints scenes from her home state of California and enjoys creating anything nostalgic or whimsical. She strongly believes anyone can and should paint!
About Frank Bette Center for the Arts
Frank Bette Center for the Arts is committed to three objectives: Support Personal Artistic Growth, Enrich the Art Experience of Everyone in Our Community, and Cultivate Appreciation for the Value of the Arts. Check out their full list of classes.
Where:
1601 Paru St.
Alameda
https://www.frankbettecenter.org/
The Experience, Richmond: El Agave Azul Big News
The Experience:
El Agave turns 7!
Join them for the fun and specials from Thurs, Apr 16 through Apr 19. They can’t wait to see you come in the door with high hopes for a fun time.
Help them celebrate 7, yes that is SEVEN, years and it will be a weekend full of vibes, tequila & surprises at El Agave Azul.
Pull up, bring your people, and celebrate with the crew – the Agave way! Specials. Tastings. Mariachi. Giveaways. Gift card raffles all weekend long.
As the say at El Agave, weekends taste better with your favorite drinks! From refreshing margaritas to sweet mangonadas and creamy piña coladas, your weekend will feel just right. Good vibes, great flavors, and the perfect excuse to unwind
And don’t forget the Asada Fries. Fans rave about them and you have to try them during Happy Hour, Monday through Friday from 3 – 6 pm.
When you step into this authentic Mexican Restaurant, Richmond just got a whole lot more flavorful. From bold margaritas to authentic Mexican dishes, your night is just beginning to brighten up. Especially since they are celebrating seven years – which means you have to bring your friends and family.
Agave Azul Hours: Mon – Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-10:30pm; Sat 10am-10:30pm; Sun 9am-9pm. 510-307-5749.
Where:
12955 San Pablo Ave
Richmond, CA 94804
