Free Meals and Groceries Available for East Oakland Residents Facing Food Insecurity.

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 & Thursday

Time: 11AM - 1PM 

Cost: Free 

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 and access to local resources.

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 

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

Link: Click here for more information. 

Eden Youth Center Hayward Hot Meal Giveaway. 

Eden Youth and 5 Sikh Seva invites anyone in need to come and receive free hot meals and grocery supplies, offered with dignity and compassion. Their community-driven service is open to all - no applications, no restrictions. 

Date: Every Thursday 

Time: 2PM - 4PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Eden Youth- 680 W. Tennyson Rd., Hayward 

Link: Click here for more information. 

The Oakland Parks, Recreation, and Youth Development Department is offering a free, year-long playgroup. 

Community Adventure Pre-K Playgroups is a free program for parents and caregivers with children ages 0-5, featuring arts and crafts, outdoor play, snacks, quarterly field trips, and other activities. 

Date: Every Tuesday & Thursday 

Time: 9:30AM - 12PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Willie Keyes Rec Center, 3131 Union St., Oakland 

         Carmen Flores Rec Center,1637 Fruitvale Ave., Oakland 

              Ira Jinkins Rec Center, 9175 Edes Ave., Oakland 

Link: Click here to register. 

BANANAS invites Havenscourt families to a fun morning with toys, stories, crafts, games, and snacks. 

The playgroup is designed for families with children ages 0-5 to connect, explore, and support early learning. Safety protocols apply, including proof of vaccination and a booster within the past six months. Registration is required, and a waitlist is available if sessions fill up. 

Date: Every Tuesday & Thursday 

Time: 10:30AM - 12PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Havenscourt Cubhouse, 6818 Lion Creek Wy., Oakland 

Link: Click here to register. 

Bring your little ones to Children’s Fairyland for a joyful hour of stories, songs, and learning together. 

Families are invited to join Tandem at Children’s Fairyland for a special play-and-learn group just for young children and their caregivers. Enjoy stories, songs, and fun activities that spark imagination, build early learning skills, and create lasting memories together in a magical setting. 

Date: Every 1st, 3rd & 5th Thursday

Time: 10:30AM - 12PM 

Cost: Free. Email carolina@tandembayarea.org to register for this event. 

Location: Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information.   

Families are invited to enjoy a special morning of stories, songs, and playful fun designed for young children and their caregivers. 

The Play Cafe welcomes families with children ages 0-5 to connect, learn, and play together in a warm and engaging environment. Snacks will be provided for both kids and caregivers to make the morning even more enjoyable. 

Date: Every Thursday 

Time: 10AM - 11:30AM 

Cost: Free 

Location: 81st Avenue Branch, Oakland Public Library, 1021 81st Ave., Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information. 

A fun Halloween event for the whole family.  

Families are invited to enjoy a high-energy musical story time, family-friendly comedy, and an awe-inspiring marionette show. Highlights include The Story Time Band, Unique Derique, and Fratello Marionettes. 

Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025 

Time: 10AM -12PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: The Freight, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley 

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. 

Celebrate community, culture, and creativity every Friday night in Oakland.

Families and community members are invited to enjoy this beloved weekly event at the Oakland Museum of California, featuring live music, dance, hands-on activities, and food trucks curated by Off the Grid. With late-night access to museum galleries, lawn games, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend with fun for all ages.

Date: Every Friday

Time: 5PM - 9PM 

Cost: Free. (Museum gallery access requires a ticket; food and drinks available for purchase)

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 and access to local resources.

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 

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

Link: Click here for more information. 

Bring the family to a weekly food truck event in downtown Fremont. 

Fremont Street Eats is a weekly food truck event held in downtown Fremont at the Downtown Event Center, featuring a variety of delicious street food. It is produced by the Fremont Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Food Truck Mafia and offers a fun, community-focused atmosphere for all ages. 

Date: Every Friday 

Time: 5PM - 9PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Downtown Event Center, 3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont 

Link: Click here for more information. 

The Oakland Parks, Recreation, and Youth Development Department is offering a free, year-long playgroup. 

Community Adventure Pre-K Playgroups is a free program for parents and caregivers with children ages 0–5, featuring arts and crafts, outdoor play, snacks, quarterly field trips, and other activities. 

Date: Every Wednesday & Friday 

Time: 9:30AM - 12PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Rainbow Rec Center, 5800 International Blvd., Oakland 

Link: Click here to register. 

Enjoy a fun and engaging playgroup with your little one. 

This weekly playgroup is designed specifically for caregivers of children ages 3-5, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, family friends, and neighbors. Participants engage in hands-on activities, story time, movement, and opportunities to connect with other caregiving adults in a supportive, community-centered environment. 

Date: Every Friday 

Time: 10AM - 12PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: 4Cs of Alameda County, Hayward Office, 22351 City Center Drive, Hayward 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Join a fun weekly playdate for your little ones! 

Pop-Up Playdates offer a safe, clean, and engaging space where children under 6 can explore different activities while caregivers connect and build community. This event welcomes families to enjoy developmentally appropriate play stations in a friendly, social environment. 

Date: Every Friday 

Time: 10AM - 12PM 

Cost: $4.00 

Location: Cherryland Community Center, 278 Hampton Rd., Hayward 

          Castro Valley Community Center 18988 Lake Chabot Rd., Castro Valley 

Link:Click here for more information

Bring your little ones to a fun and interactive playdate experience designed to foster friendships and creativity. 

Children under 8 years old are invited to join the Pop-Up Playdates, where they can make new friends, play, and engage in exciting activities in a supportive environment. 

Date:  Every Friday 

Time: 10AM - 11:30AM 

Cost: $2.00 / week 

Location: Cherryland CC-Main Hall, 14100 Amador St., Hayward 

Link: Click here for more information 

Enjoy a fun and engaging session with your little one while learning from experts and playing together. 

Children ages 0-3 and their parents or caregivers are invited to enjoy open-ended play, art activities, and learn from community professionals about topics like nutrition and child development. There will also be a story and songs for everyone to enjoy. 

Date: Every Friday 

Time: 10:30AM - 11:30AM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Central Library, Community Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge St., Berkeley 

Link: Click here for more information 

Join the fun at the Halloween Spooktacular celebration! 

Families are invited to enjoy free face painting, balloon art, and treat-filled goodie bags at Alameda Landing. Don'tmiss out on this spooktacular event that promises fun and treatseveryone! 

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 

Time: 4PM - 6PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Alameda Landing, 2200 S Shore Center, Alameda 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Celebrate a spooktacular evening at the Howl-O-Ween event! 

Families and their furry friends are invited to enjoy a fun, pet-friendly costume contest and parade, along with plenty of treats for both humans and pets. Don’tmiss out on this paws-itively amazing event! 

Date:  Friday, October 31, 2025 

Time: 4PM - 6:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location:  Webster Park, 1435 Webster St., Alameda 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Families are invited to the Haunted Library @Claremont for a fun-filled afternoon of Halloween games and trick-or-treating for young children. 

The Haunted Library @Claremont invites young children to enjoy Halloween-themed games and trick-or-treating in a fun, family-friendly setting. This festive event offers playful activities designed for early childhood and elementary-aged participants. 

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 

Time: 3:30PM - 5PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Berkeley Public Library, 2940 Benvenue Ave., Berkeley 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Families are invited to enjoy a spooky and fun-filled Halloween celebration at Fourth Street's Trick or Treat Halloween Fest. 

Children and their families can dress up in costumes and take part in trick-or-treating, crafts, and Halloween-themed activities as they visit Fourth Street’s shops. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with fun and treats! 

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 

Time: 3:30PM - 5:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Fourth Street, 1786 Fourth St., Berkeley 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Join the Oakland Public Library for a spooky Halloween Parade and Trick-or-Treating event! 

Children and families are invited to dress in their best costumes for a fun-filled parade through the Main Library. Trick-or-treaters will enjoy allergen-free candy, stickers, and bookmarks along the way! 

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 

Time: 2PM - 4PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Oakland Public Library, Main Children’s Room, 125 14th St., Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Enjoy a frightfully fun Halloween night at Piedmont Rec. 

Families and community members are invited to bring their little monsters, witches, and ghouls for a spooktacular evening of treats and Halloween fun. Make this festive pit stop part of your night for a ghostly good time! 

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 

Time: 6PM - 8PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Piedmont Recreation Department, 358 Hillside Ave., Piedmont 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween celebration with games, treats, and more. 

Families are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes (no scary costumes, please) and enjoy trunk-or-treat cars, jump houses, games, a food truck, and plenty of candy. It's a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and create lasting memories. 

Date: Thursday, October 31, 2025 

Time: 5PM - 7PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Harbor lights Church, 4760 Thornton Ave., Fremont 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Get ready to have a spooktacular time and show off your Halloween spirit. 

Families are invited to enjoy a fun-filled evening of trick-or-treating with decorated trunks, games, and sweet treats. It’s a perfect way to celebrate Halloween safely and create festive memories together. 

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 

Time: 5PM - 8PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: East Oakland Youth Development Center, 8200 International Blvd., Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Celebrate fall with a fun-filled evening the whole family will enjoy. 

Families are invited to enjoy games, jumpers, trunk-n-treat, food, and plenty of candy at this free community event. Bring your friends, neighbors, and loved ones for a safe and festive Halloween celebration. 

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 

Time: 5:30PM - 8:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: 577 Manor Blvd., San Leandro 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Join Shiloh Church for a fun-filled evening of activities for the entire family! 

Shiloh Church invites you to their annual Harvest Festival, offering a free, exciting fair with jump houses, obstacle courses, carnival games, and plenty of candy. Enjoy pumpkin decorating, raffles, and a special creative dramatic presentation. 

Date:Friday, October 31, 2025 

Time: 5:30PM - 8:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Shiloh Church, 3295 School St., Oakland, CA 

Link: Click here to register 

Join the Alameda County Probation Department for a fun-filled Halloween night at the Trunk or Treat! 

Families are invited to enjoy candy, food, games, music, and raffles at the Juvenile Justice Center. Don’t forget to come in costume for a spooky good time! 

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 

Time: 5PM - 8PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Juvenile Justice Center, 2500 Fairmont Dr., San Leandro 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Enter if you dare to experience The Clinton Curse this Halloween! 

Join the fun with a haunted house, pumpkin art, candy, and a photobooth at Clinton Park. Don’t miss this thrilling and spooky event for the whole family! 

Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2025 

Time: 3PM - 7PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Clinton Park, 655 International Blvd., Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Drop in while you stroll through the E. 15th neighborhood festivities of the day! 

Families are invited to enjoy a photo booth, snacks, drinks, and candy stations at this fun, community-focused pumpkin patch event. It's the perfect way to celebrate Halloween while enjoying the neighborhood! 

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2025 

Time: 4PM - 6PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Community Lot, East 15th St., Oakland 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Enjoy a safe and fun Halloween alternative at Valley Community Church! 

VCC is hosting a Trunk or Treat event in the church parking lot, offering a safe and festive alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Families from the church and local community are invited to dress up and collect candy from decorated car trunks. 

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 

Time: 5:30PM - 7:30PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: VCC Parking Lot, 4455 Del Valle Pkwy., Pleasanton 

Link: Click here for more information. 

Families can enjoy a spooky, family-friendly trick-or-treating experience. 

The Oakland Police Department invites families to celebrate Halloween with candy, costumes, and community fun. Guests can explore decorated trunks hosted by local groups and enjoy treats in a safe, welcoming environment. 

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 

Time: 3PM -5PM 

Cost: Free 

Location:Verdese Park, 9600 Sunnyside St., Oakland 

Link:Click here for more information.