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    Solano Stroll

    4.3 (35 reviews)
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    Updated 1 month ago

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    Carol C.

    Date: 9/11/2016 Time: 1:10 PM 64° Mostly cloudy My sister mentioned Solano Stroll to me last week. At first, I wasn't sure if I wanted to attend it. Sunday football or Sunday stroll? Undecided until about 12 noon and approaching half time of the Raiders game that stepping out and heading to Albany to get my walk in for the day would be more beneficial for me health wise. This event started about the same time as the Oakland Raiders game against the New Orleans Saints. Before I arrived at this event, I wanted to make sure I familiarize myself with the area. Which BART Station did I want to get off at - North Berkeley or El Cerrito Plaza? There is public transportation nearby the El Cerrito Plaza, AC Transit #72. That bus travels southbound on San Pablo Avenue and I can get off at the stop on San Pablo & Solano. However, after reading another yelper's review (Ann L), and thanks to her I exited the North Berkeley station and caught the Solano Stroll shuttle. Also on the search was, where is a good place to dine at without buying food from the outdoor vendors? Shuttle bus drops a bunch of us passengers off across the street from the Solano Stroll. First thing I see are the rides, kids' games and activities and the giant slide. As I am walking along, admiring the vendors selling their wares, the various food booths, musicians entertaining the audience, martial arts demonstration, information booths, the Solano Stroll is more than just a stroll. It is about a mile long up Solano Avenue. That is no stroll along the avenue...not like Park Street in Alameda. It is walking up a slight incline to get from San Pablo Avenue to Colusa. I have to stop along the way to get lunch at a cafe highly spoken of by my fellow yelper, Victor G. Thanks, friend, your reviews are always on point. It's wall to wall people with children and pets. Since I am not too much into the rides at the lower end of Solano Avenue, the further I walked up Solano, the better and more entertaining it was. Highlights along the way: Berkeley High School Jazz Band, the wooden horse and dinosaur ride, the folk dancers, bands that played different types of music, even a karaoke singer singin' the blues. The only disappointment: the weather. It was mostly cloudy and slightly cold. The sun came out briefly, but disappeared in about 10 minutes. However, I will return for next year's Solano Stroll, knowing how to get there to and from utilizing public transportation. The upside of the Sunday Solano Stroll: About 9,000 steps on my Zip Fitbit and 3.5 miles of walking.

    Ann L.

    I went to Solano Stroll in Sun 9/13/15. I woke up late and so missed the parade. Took the shuttle from North Berkeley Bart station and that was fine, not crowded at that time. Walked around and got a bunch of freebies: reusuable bags Kind bars Jelly Belly pens bike reflectors for my pants when I'm out walking Milk from Andronico's Restaurants I need to try stil for future tripsl: House of Curries Bowl'd Kathmandu Restaurant Lao Thai Kitchen This yr out Kyoto - take-out sushi. Tasted ok, Cash Only.

    September 10th 2017. Hot day, don't forget the sunscreen!
    Steph M.

    BRING WATER FOR FIDO! In short, the Solano Stroll is an awesome annual mile-walk adventure on the closed-off Solano Street filled with tents for cool local organizations and companies, political candidate informational booths, local vendors, and food stands. There's a parade, and live music and dancers (see their website for scheduling). Transportation is easy, as it's about a mile from the El Cerrito BART station. We actually drove and parked about a half mile away. Beautiful neighborhood. The Solano Stroll an event that caters to families with small kids--there's lots of face-painting or crown-making opportunities, a couple epic rocking dinosaur or rocking horses, and even a few fair rides--and has lots of opportunities to support local high school or civic programs. This is a great event if you're looking to find ways to get more active and engaged in your community, whether that be by becoming a season ticket-holder to a local theater, or signing up to volunteer for a local non-profit. Many stores or restaurants on Solano have their own stalls--some giving out coupons. Lots of birthday or Christmas shopping opportunities--I know that I scooped up some cool socks, some discounted earrings, and a few flyers for local theater companies! Something that's really cool to me is that it's open to well-behaved dogs, which not many street fairs allow! However, when I went to this event yesterday (September 10th, 2017), I saw TONS of dogs and not a SINGLE water dish out anywhere. Dogs were stopping to lay down, panting, almost everywhere I looked... and their owners would usually just look around dumbly and let their dog rest. It was REALLY HOT yesterday, and if you are going to be bringing your dog to this event, please: bring your own water, both for you and your dog. And definitely bring sunscreen! An important tenement principle for anything like this is Have Fun And Be Safe--so be safe for yourself AND for Rover.

    Custom Embroidery By VV Fantastic Stroll
    Valerie V.

    So much to see 2019. Great artist, food and live music.

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    Good food,live band,games for kids and the parade!!!what can you ask for more! My second year and I just Love It!

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    Ask the Community - Solano Stroll

    Review Highlights - Solano Stroll

    The Solano Ave Association puts together a parade, kid-friendly entertainment, tons of demos, and of course yummy food.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    Temescal Street Fair - Ruby's Garden Fashion Show, Temescal Street Fair 07.

    Temescal Street Fair

    4.5(22 reviews)
    7.0 kmTemescal, North Oakland, Rockridge

    ** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. **…read more I know this wasn't technically the annual Temescal Street Fair, but I don't believe the event on Sunday, October 25, had an actual name. It was referred to as a picnic which made sense if you took advantage of the neighborhood restaurants offering outdoor seating. Jamie W. and I did by having our first real outdoor dining experience together right outside of Daol Tofu & BBQ, a relatively new Korean spot that made an excellent Bo Ssam for two with tables that were properly distanced from each other. Even more than that though, this urban picnic offered us an opportunity to roam the neighborhood and take notice of all the ethnically diverse array of eateries at our own pace. I actually found the absence of mobile amusement rides, performance stages, and free salsa lessons blessings in disguise. This was held in response to Oakland's Flex Streets initiative, where restaurants and shops take over closed blocks for brief periods of time. During these challenging times, I welcome these picnics and hope more are scheduled. RELATED - Exploring Temescal? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2I0RAHj

    This is a big Street Fair!! I decided to take BART here, a super convenient way to go, just get…read moreoff at MacArthur station, and it's literally around the corner. I also took my bicycle, lots of bike parking here also. Lots of food choices here, and I like how all the businesses in the area are open also for even more choices. There are 2 music stages, the one at the end had salsa going when I got there, with everybody doing the salsa. Lots to see, buy, and taste, I'll definitely be back!!!

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    Temescal Street Fair - Ruby's Garden Fashion Show, Temescal Street Fair 07.

    Ruby's Garden Fashion Show, Temescal Street Fair 07.

    Temescal Street Fair - Bike parking

    Bike parking

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    Berkeley Kite Festival - The professor on his way to the lab #BerkeleyKiteFestival

    Berkeley Kite Festival

    3.9(118 reviews)
    4.6 kmWest Berkeley

    This annual event is for sure a fun free event, I'd imagine a must-see if you are a kite fanatic…read more Bringing my son for the first time, it was fun for him to see the kites, although he was a little too young to truly appreciate them. :: He's 2.:: I'd say at anytime there were about 10-15 large balloons taking up the skies of Caesar Chavez park and loads of small, more amateur kites. :: Who knew the kite biz was so popular and thriving?:: The festival is in the main grassy area, which was crowded with booths, rides and people, but the main path along the water, no one. We were able to enjoy the walks and the views and then walk into the festival. We rode our bikes and there was ample free bike parking. They had free shuttles which had incredibly long lines. A lot of traffic and high priced parking, but I did see a ton of people walking over the bridge towards 4th St. Overall, a solid kid friendly event that lets you enjoy a beautiful park, the beautiful views, sunshine and some pretty epic kites!

    Warm and a fair amount of wind for the kites to fly itself and no need to run to get it up and…read moreself-flying! Breezy day and admirable kites to be looking over the waters and hills here. There are food trucks and jumpy jumpy play area for kids. One can set up campground here for the day if wanted! Family fulfilling fun!

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    Berkeley Kite Festival - Taiko Drumming #BerkeleyKiteFestival

    Taiko Drumming #BerkeleyKiteFestival

    Berkeley Kite Festival - Taiko Drumming #BerkeleyKiteFestival

    Taiko Drumming #BerkeleyKiteFestival

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    Jazz on Fourth - Jazz Event 5/17/15

    Jazz on Fourth

    4.8(4 reviews)
    3.7 kmFourth Street, West Berkeley
    $$

    I was rolling with a Group of Friends , That were going to Brunch and we happened upon this Blues…read moreFestival. It happen to be "The 20th Annual Jazz on Fourth Festival " . 20th Annual Jazz on Forth Festival is presented by the Fourth Street Merchants and KCSM/Jazz 91 . 20th Annual Jazz on Fourth Festival took place on Sunday May 17, 2015 from Noon - 5 PM. 20th Annual Jazz on Fourth Festival benefits Berkeley High School Jazz Program a very Worth While Cause. The Performers were : 2 Berkeley High School Jazz Combos Mal Sharpes Big Money In Jazz Band With Special Guest Kellye Gray Terrie Odabi and Edgardo + Candela - A Salsa band . The Jazz on Fourth Festival has raised over $175,000 for Berkeley Highs School Jazz Program since the Festivals Inception. Its a wonderful Festival that doesnt charge an Admission fee . It is Free.

    What a great weekend festival in Berkeley! I ran right into this event before going to brunch with…read morea couple of friends and didn't even know it existed! The 20th Annual Jazz on Forth Festival took place on Sunday 5/17/15 from 11AM to 5PM. I was on my way to have breakfast brunch with my dinner crew and seen all the stages and booth set up! It was such a delight. They had two music stages: One near Bette's Diner and the other near the Pasta Shop. Both stages were playing great music and had a lovely band that had me swinging my hips back and forth. They had tons of food booths even Bette's Diner selling many different varieties of foods such as: Corn on the cob, Pizza, BBQ and hotdogs. They even had a free photo booth from Photolabatory.com which is a photo print lab! Although I didn't get a chance to take a free photo I will definitely look for that booth next year! I will definitely be back to this again next year! It was tons of fun and so many venders! WAY TO GO JAZZ ON FOURTH!

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    Jazz on Fourth - Jazz Event 5/17/15

    Jazz Event 5/17/15

    Jazz on Fourth - Jazz Event 5/17/15

    Jazz Event 5/17/15

    Jazz on Fourth - Jazz Event 5/17/15

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    Fire Arts Festival - Julie Blaustein's "Serpent Mother"

    Fire Arts Festival

    4.1(21 reviews)
    10.4 kmWest Oakland

    NARRATIVE Approaching and passing the West Oakland BART…read moreStation giants and giantesses constructed from metal begin to fill the skyline. As the sun sets, fire tongues lick and leap from metal sculptures. Robots lumber and throw flames. Leather pants, and fire tools abound to the marvel and disbelief of the attendees and to the satisfaction of the artists and performers. CONTACT INFORMATION The Crucible 1260 7th Street Oakland, CA 94607 Phone: 510-444-0919 Email: info@thecrucible.org HOURS Wednesday-Saturday, 2nd week in July 8 pm - midnight * Fire & Arts Soiree is held on Saturday. PRICE RANGE Luxurious (but worth it!) or ask to volunteer! SUMMARY After 7 years of watching this flaming spectacle from the freeway and that BART-way I finally decided to volunteer to get a grounds-eye view of the goings-on. From the gorgeous Serpent Mother to the stories upon stories of metal sculpture gods and goddesses surrounded by a flaming garden of spectacle, art, robotics, pyrotechnics, demonstration, and interactivity (DANCE DANCE IMMOLATION!), the entire site is alight with elements that entice and delight all ages. Last night I served as a youth escort and worked with another youth escort to introduce the little 5 years olds to the fire arts and explain how it all worked. Their eyes (as well as mine) opened wide at the wonder of so much fire, noise, music, performances, and characters that abounded on the grounds. The Fire Oddesey combines dance, theater, opera, live and recorded music, humor, acrobatics, aerobatics that filled the bleachers and held the audiences delight. All hail the Fire Arts Festival and the Crucible for an excellent event! SERVICE Awesome. Well organized from the layout to the volunteer experience and the participant logistics. RESTROOMS Port-o-potties with handwashing stations! (Always appreciated.) SUGGESTION More demonstrations of the how these pieces were created or perhaps a pre-festival gallery walk where we can ask the artists how these pieces were created!

    So, there were some big improvements to the previous year's FAF. First, it is in a much larger…read morespace. You had to shuttle from Bart this year, but that looked very organized. I drove this year, and parking was very easy and the security for the event was on top of everything. Second, they do have a few new exhibits... not many, but the Pendulum of Fire, which I think is new, just rocked. On Saturday, it did full loops and it was amazing to photograph. Third, they did seem to improve the bathroom and food situations. Now, I'll speak from the photography side of things. First, I would recommend going on the earlier days as it is difficult to maneuver through the Saturday crowds. I love the ease of being able to get credentialed for the event, but you still have to battle people just walking in front of your shot. Since they paid the same price as you, you can't really get upset at it happening, but it did ruin some nice shots. Second, I did feel that I was repeating my shots from last year. The new exhibits were great, but after 2 hours of shooting I felt like I had exhausted my captures. Last, for some reason, I was not as impressed with the stage entertainment as I was last year. I can't really explain. Don't know if it was the acoustics or what, but it just seem to be off. I think I might be in the minority. http://www.flickr.com/photos/kicksaveandabeauty/sets/72157621569257643/

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    Fire Arts Festival
    Fire Arts Festival - Oakland Arrival

    Oakland Arrival

    Fire Arts Festival - Pendulum of Fire

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    Rockridge Out & About

    Rockridge Out & About

    4.1(11 reviews)
    6.5 kmRockridge, North Oakland

    After seeing the Raiders and the 49ers win .-Just Win Baby . It was time for ROA . I jumped in the…read moreWeekend Whip cranked some Black Eyed Peas and rolled to Rockridge . I was able to park on a side street 2 blocks away from the Festival. I street Hiked to ROA and started Wandering the Festival. I was Pleased to see Plenty of People , Plenty of Food Trucks and Booths , Beer Tents and Live Entertainment. I was entranced by Paul's Paella Booth and Got a Seafood Paella from them that was quite Yummy. I then found the Beer tent and got a Adams Black Lager Ale. The Festival is quite Big . Well worth attending . I really like the 57th Street Gallery Stage with the Live Jazz Band . I noticed a lot of Restaurants I haven't been to . Ill remedy that over time LOL. The ROA is a great way to feature the Rockridge Area and Local businesses.

    2nd yr to Rockridge Out & About Sun 10/9/11. From Union City Bart on Sundays gotta transfer at…read more19th St & take Pittsburg/Bay Point train. Got there kinda late. Spin the Wheel at Market Hall. Got a Grab Bag w/ Ancho Chicken Rub. Another ticket got a Magnet. Stood in line again the Market Hall Red Bag. Wanted the Gift Certificate but it's too hard to win. Wood Tavern - bought a $7 pastrami sandwich. Very good & filling. With a beer it's $10. Cash only. Window only, restaurant wasn't open. Southie's next door was packed. Food demo - tried a Spinach quiche & some chocolates from Bittersweet Cafe. Trader Joe's had samples of soda drank, peanut butter pretzels, & Jo-Jos Halloween cookie. Lots of food vendors & some food trucks. Worth going every yr!

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    Rockridge Out & About - Huge

    Huge

    Rockridge Out & About
    Rockridge Out & About

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    Solano Stroll - festivals - Updated May 2026

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