Events Around the Bay – Week of September 7, 2018

San Francisco Celebrates Autumn Moon Festival 
September 15th and 16th, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

The streets of Chinatown will be a lively center of celebration during this year’s Autumn Moon Festival on iconic Grant Avenue in the heart of San Francisco. The two days of festivities will feature a grand parade, arts and crafts booths, cultural exhibits, children’s activities, and non-stop entertainment. Did I mention the fabulous Chinese food? Several vendors will be on hand to sell all sorts of treats, like an assortment of traditional moon cakes and other unique ethnic foods. And due to the mega popularity of the newly released movie, Crazy Rich Asians, the festival will host a Crazy Rich Asians costume contest and a chance to win the grand prize of a Crazy Rich Asians jacket designed by couture designer Victor Tung, along with a photo shoot in his studio. Other prizes include a gift card from China Live! and Kim + Ono kimono, a Wok Shop gift set, a freshwater pearl necklace, and other prizes! The famous dragon appears on Sunday at 5 p.m. as the grand finale of the event. The Moon Festival is often compared to a sort of “Chinese Thanksgiving” because of its spirit of gratitude and its inclusion of abundant food — including the popular moon cake.

Tickets and Information
Free admission
415-982-6306
moonfestival.org
Festival attendees are encouraged to use public transportation.

Photos courtesy of Autumn Moon Festival

Oakland Zoo Unveils New California Trail

It’s good to be an exotic animal at the Oakland Zoo, which recently unveiled the most desirable real estate in California. The long-awaited 56-acre California Trail Expansion welcomed several recent animal arrivals: Four orphaned, yet-to-be-seen Grizzly and Brown bear cubs flew from Alaska to Oakland on May 25, courtesy of FedEx. They join other native California species now home at the all-new California Trail, such as Gray wolves, California condors, Mountain lions, Black bears, Jaguars, Bald eagles, and now 24 buffalo – 10 unexpected calves have been born since their mothers’ arrival in April. The Oakland Zoo is home to more than 700 native and exotic animals and now they offer a ride on their newest installation: gondola rides, high above the grounds offering spectacular views on the animals and their habitat. The Oakland Zoo is dedicated to the humane treatment of animals and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the national organization that sets the highest standards for animal welfare for zoos and aquariums.

Tickets and Information
Prices start at $20
Discounts are offered to military families
510-632-9525
www.oaklandzoo.org
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Link Road in Oakland

Photos courtesy of Oakland Zoo

Train Days in Los Altos
 September 15 and 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All aboard! The Los Altos History Museum’s 10th annual Train Days event is designed to showcase the joys of model railroading. Train Days will feature elaborate layouts and intricate scenery, including scaled renditions of prototypes and whimsical engines and theme cars with steam, lights, and sound. Chat with the private collectors about the mechanics and electronics of their trains and layouts, as well as the history behind the locomotives and railroads that inspired them. Also, learn about proper rail safety. The fun activities include a LEGO Layouts models, a glitter tattoo station, and a train-themed marketplace. Stop by the Baskin-Robbins for a scoop of ice cream.

Tickets and Information
Admission is $5, free for kids 4 and under
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
650-948-9427, ext. 14
losaltoshistory.org
Los Altos History Museum (LHM)
51 South San Antonio Road in Los Altos

Photo courtesy of LHM

Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco 

September 8 and 9, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The sweetest festival in town will make your weekend even sweeter. Stroll along the San Francisco promenade with its picturesque views, watch culinary demonstrations, taste chocolate delicacies, and check out the Ghirardelli Chocolate Lounge, which offers gourmet treats, premium wines, beer, and spirits to the sounds of live music, breaking sea waves and chatting seals. The festival highlights a tantalizing array of chocolate-themed events and activities. Dessert demonstrations are held by local celebrity chefs, and a Ghirardelli Chocolate Master teaches “Chocolate School” at the Culinary Stage. There is something for everyone, and plenty to take home as souvenirs to remember the day. That’s our sweet city by the bay.

Tickets and Information
$26 to $55
ghirardelli.com/chocolate-festival
Ghirardelli Square on Beach Street

Photos courtesy of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England, she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, with no borsch or piroshky on her home cooking menu. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out, mostly sushi.