BAHA SPRING HOUSE TOUR Maybeck, Morgan, Ratcliff… This Sunday is the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association’s annual who’s-who tour of Berkeley architecture. The 39th annual Spring Tour follows Rose Walk, which was designed by Bernard Maybeck 100 years ago. Participants will see the storybook houses that were built by the Berkeley architectural greats following the destructive 1923 fire, and will visit the beautiful secret gardens that abound in the neighborhood. Tickets cost $45 or $35 for BAHA members. A tour map, illustrated guidebook, and refreshments are provided on the self-guided walk, which lasts from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on May 4. Be prepared to climb some stairs.
NIA HOUSE YARD SALE The Nia House Learning Center’s annual multi-family yard sale is Saturday, May 3, from 9:00am to 2:00pm. The proceeds from the sale of furniture, clothing, toys, and household items go to the early childhood Montessori nonprofit’s scholarship fund. This year parents can dig for treasures in peace while the kids enjoy a free bounce house. Each year Nia House — located at 2234 9th Street — provides over $150,000 in scholarships to West Berkeley families.
BOOKSTORE DAY Independent bookstores are taking a page out of Record Store Day’s book. This Saturday is the first ever California Bookstore Day, also known as another excuse for Berkeley to celebrate its literary legends. Local shops are among 93 bookstores throughout the state that will have deals, exclusive books, and activities on May 3. A slew of local authors will speak — and write live — at Mrs. Dalloway’s and Moe’s will pass out free posters. It’s also the kick-off to Pegasus’ week-long 45th birthday party, Pegapalooza, featuring Dave Eggers in conversation with Malcolm Margolin on Saturday, and Mary Mackey’s book launch on Sunday, both at 7:30 p.m. at the Shattuck Ave. store. And, while we’re on books, don’t forget Free Comic Book Day on Saturday too. Check out the website to see which local stores are participating.
HIP HOP IN THE PARK It’s no secret that the Bay Area has quite the rap roster, but did you know that People’s Park is home to Northern California’s longest running hip hop show? Hip Hop in the Park is back for its 18th hurrah this Saturday, May 3, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. It’s a local line-up, with Oakland’s Souls of Mischief (from Hieroglyphics) headlining and Kev Choice, CMG of Conscious Daughters, Madlines, and Boostive performing. The free, all-ages event is hosted by Students for Hip Hop at Cal. Like any good music festival, Hip Hop in the Park will have food trucks, as well as live graffiti and a kids’ tent.
RESCUED DOG PAGEANT The annual Rescued Dog Pageant puts the “bar” in “bark.” What began as a goofy display of the Missouri Lounge employees’ pets will morph into a (just as goofy) benefit for Berkeley Humane this Sunday, May 4. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., ten dogs owned by the bartenders will strut their stuff on the runway and compete in a talent contest. Human attendees can enter a raffle to win prizes from local businesses and can even adopt a rescued dog on site. There will be drink specials for those who prefer the figurative “hair of the dog.” The bar is at 2600 San Pablo Ave.
Don’t miss these other events recently featured on Berkeleyside:
Cal Performances season offers ‘world beating innovation’
Big Screen Berkeley: 57th San Francisco Int’l Film Festival
Bay Area Dance Week: A smorgasbord of offerings for all
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