Hoppy Trails

Explore East Bay breweries on these festive tours.

Published: June 6, 2018

Photo by Nat and Cody Gantz

Walk It Out

Did you know there’s an Oakland Ale Trail? Download a map on the Visit Oakland website, and embark on a self-guided tour of 11 of the city’s 14 breweries. Imbibers who get their “passport” stamped at all 11 locations will receive a free Oakland Ale Trail growler. visitoakland.com.

Cycle and Sip

Climb aboard Velocipede Tours’ 14-passenger bicycle, and wheel your way to various pubs and breweries in Jack London Square and West Oakland. Though you’re not allowed to drink while pedaling, the two-hour beer tour guarantees three stops—possibly four, depending on the pace of your group—not including Independent Brewing Company, where the excursion starts and ends. oaklandpedaltours.com.

Ride Along

Whole Brew World also explores the Oakland beer scene in its Uptown Beer Walk, but the company’s tour offerings span across the East Bay, too. A comfy van shuttles passengers to Oakland and Berkeley breweries on the Golden West Tour, the Blue Collar Tour takes participants to beer tastings in Alameda and San Leandro, and The Valley Tour highlights the craft-beer establishments of Livermore. Meanwhile, the Diablo Beer Trail Tour—the newest offering—allows guests to experience Martinez and Concord breweries. wholebrewworld.com. —J.F.

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Faces

Children's Health Guild

The Lamorinda nonprofit hosted its annual Holiday Boutique and Luncheon at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, where nearly 400 guests came to shop and dine in support of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and George Mark Children’s House. The event raised $200,000 for the two East Bay organizations.

Ragin' Cajun

The Sandra J. Wing Healing Therapies Foundation’s 10th annual New Orleans–themed gala offered a fun-filled evening of delicious Cajun cuisine, jazz, dancing, games, and live and silent auctions. Held at Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery in Pleasanton, the event benefited local cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

DRAA 2018 Women's Artistic Alliance

More than 100 women gathered at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek to celebrate the launch of Diablo Regional Arts Association’s (DRAA) Women’s Artistic Alliance. The inaugural charity event featured an array of performances by local actors.

Guiding Stars Gala

California Shakespeare Theater honored Oakland-born playwright Marcus Gardley and four inspiring Bay Area luminaries at its annual Guiding Stars event. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception with raffles and games, a gourmet dinner, a live auction, and music at the Claremont Club and Spa in Berkeley, raising $400,000 to support the Orinda-based theater.

Science of Cocktails

With ice luges, vodka-infused gummy bears, and more than 25 types of libations served, this spirited fundraiser at San Francisco’s Exploratorium celebrated the art and science of mixology. The soiree drew more than 1,000 guests who helped raise $120,000 for the museum’s education programs.

Ruby Slippers Gala

Contra Costa Interfaith Housing hosted its 10th annual Ruby Slippers: There’s No Place Like Home gala at the Blackhawk Automotive Museum, where guests dined, danced to tunes by David Martin’s House Party, and participated in auctions. The event raised $240,000, which will go toward permanent supportive housing for local homeless and at-risk individuals.

John Muir Gala

During the fourth annual Celebrate John Muir Health gala, more than 700 guests gathered at the Concord Jet Center and enjoyed wines from DuMol Winery, a gourmet dinner, dancing, and a live auction. The Hooray for Hollywood–themed party raised $1.7 million to support John Muir Health Emergency and Trauma Services.

Stars to the Rescue

Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation held its star-studded fundraiser at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts. The band Chicago, Phantom of the Opera’s Franc D’Ambrosio, and East Bay native and country star Cam headlined the 27th annual show.

Shaven Not Stirred

Contra Costa Oncology hosted a ’60s-inspired party at 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon in Lafayette, featuring bites and libations, a costume contest, and raffle prizes. Proceeds benefited Cancer Support Community.

Holiday Heroes

San Francisco Giants legend Barry Bonds, Oakland Raiders guard Solomon Thomas, Golden State Warriors alum Adonal Foyle, and other Bay Area athletes gathered at AT&T Park for a family-friendly bash to benefit local children’s charities. Guests enjoyed musical performances, ballpark fare, face painting, and access to the batting cages and dugouts.

Shellie Awards

The best in local theater was celebrated at the Lesher Center for the Arts during this annual event. Center Repertory Company and Town Hall Theatre Company each won an Outstanding Production award.

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