Happy Thursday, Alameda!

It’s Super Bowl weekend, and there’s a lot going on around the island. There are watch parties, game-day events, dance nights, and fun things for families.

Even if you don’t care about football, there’s still plenty to do.

There are also crafts, ways to meet new people, and the very first Alameda Dinner Club starting up! It’s exciting to see neighbors getting together around the table.

We’re also sharing news about a local restaurant that is closing this week. It’s hard to see a familiar place go, but we’ll be watching to see what comes next for the space.

Let’s dive in!

In this week’s email:

• Featured Events: Super Bowl Fan Fest & Alameda Dinner Club

• Community Board: Special Needs Resources & Used Book Sale

• Island Updates: Monkey Thai Closing

• This Week’s Events

Read time: 5 mins

FEATURED EVENTS

Alameda’s First Ever Dinner Club!

Last week, we asked if you’d be interested in small, curated dinners around town. Six people. One table. A local restaurant. Easy, unforced conversation.

Over 200 of you said yes!

So, we’re making it happen.

Here’s how The Alameda Pulse Dinner Club works:

• You take a short quiz about your interests, age range, and preferences

• We match you with five others who feel like a good fit

• You meet for dinner and spend the evening getting to know each other

What makes this different:

• Small tables that make conversation feel natural

• Thoughtful matching so it never feels random

• A chance to support local restaurants and try somewhere new

Our first dinner is happening on Wednesday, February 25, at 7 PM, in the Park Street and Webster area.

If you’ve been looking for an easy, low-key way to meet new people on the Island, start here. Take the quiz, and we’ll take it from there.

East Bay’s Big Game Fan Fest

Big Game Fan Fest | Thu–Sat, Feb 5–7 | $56+ 📍Gold Bar Distillery, Alameda Point – A 3-day Super Bowl celebration with two events in one.

During the day, enjoy: (10 AM - 5 PM)

• Family-friendly football games, photo ops, giveaways, and sponsor booths

• Meet NFL legends like Joe Montana and other former players

• A 50-yard outdoor field with football challenges and goalpost kicking games

• A Kids’ Skills Clinic on Saturday morning for throwing, catching, and running drills

• Great SF skyline views while you play and explore

• Off the Grid food trucks with BBQ, burgers, ribs, and game-day snacks

At night, it flips into: (8 PM–Late)

• A 21+ outdoor concert party with headline acts

• Thursday, Feb 5: 2 Chainz

• Saturday, 7: 50 Cent

• Plus DJs, big crowds, drinks, and colder temps after sunset

Whether you're bringing the kids during the day or heading out with friends at night, this is Alameda's biggest Super Bowl weekend event.

COMMUNITY BOARD

Together with bttr.

In communities like Alameda and throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, thousands of adults live with disabilities and still face daily systems not designed with them in mind. Studies consistently show that people with disabilities experience higher rates of isolation, unemployment, and unmet support needs, even when services exist.

That is where bttr Living stands apart.

bttrliving.com offers disability services for adults with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, cognitive disabilities, and other neurodivergent conditions. The focus is on real-life stability, confidence, and independence built through consistency and trust.

By taking the time to understand each person’s goals, communication style, and daily realities, bttr Living supports individuals across the Bay Area in living fuller, more self-directed lives with dignity at the center.

Used Book Sale!

Friends of the Library Used Book Sale | Thu–Sat, Feb 5–7 | 10 AM–4 PM | Free 📍Alameda Main Library (Stafford Room) – Over 10,000 donated books, DVDs, and more at great prices! Final day features a $5-per-bag clearance sale. All proceeds support the library. More info

ISLAND UPDATES

South Shore Restaurant Closing

Monkey Thai in the South Shore Center plans to close by the end of next week, with its final days expected around February 13–15.

The spot has been part of the center for years and is known for its Thai street food and quick takeout for locals running errands nearby. No official reason has been shared for the closure.

The space will eventually turn over to a new tenant, and many in the area are curious to see what comes next for this busy corner of South Shore.

THIS WEEK’S EVENTS

Live Music & Entertainment

Live Music with Highway 13 | Sat Feb 7 | 3–6 PM | Free 📍Park Station, Alameda – Americana and indie set from Highway 13. Easy afternoon hang with live music, drinks, and a laid-back crowd. More info

Super Bowl Fiesta | Sun Feb 8 | All day | Free 📍Park Station, Alameda – Game day party with food and drink specials, halftime piñata, and a festive watch-party atmosphere for Super Bowl Sunday. More info

Live Salsa Music & Dance Party | Tue Feb 10 | 6–7 PM | Free 📍Park Station, Alameda – No cover salsa night with Viento y Marea. Cuban, Latin jazz, and space to dance. Come for the music and stay for the vibes. More info

Jazz Jam at Park Station | Wed Feb 11 | 6–8:30 PM | Free 📍Park Station, Alameda – Weekly jazz jam hosted by Caesar’s Empire. Musicians and listeners welcome for a relaxed midweek session. More info

Karaoke Friday | Fri Feb 6 | 9 PM–1 AM | Free 📍Hob Nob, Alameda – Weekly late-night karaoke after the restaurant closes. Sing, dance, or just grab a drink and enjoy one of the liveliest Friday night parties on the island. More info

Live Music with Sheena Lokelani | Sat Feb 7 | 6–8 PM | Free 📍Hob Nob, Alameda – Come for happy hour and stay for dinner and live music with Sheena Lokelani. Easy Saturday night set with drinks, food, and a relaxed crowd. More info

Shows & Entertainment

2 Chainz – Live in Alameda | Thu Feb 5 | 9 PM | $56+ 📍Gold Bar Distillery (Alameda Point) – Multi-platinum rapper 2 Chainz takes the stage as part of Alameda’s Big Game Weekend concerts. Ages 21+ show with general admission and VIP tickets (hosted bar for VIP). More info

Ty Dolla $ign – Live in Alameda | Fri Feb 6 | 9 PM | $67+ 📍Gold Bar Distillery (Alameda Point) – R&B/hip-hop star Ty Dolla $ign headlines a special 21+ concert night. Expect high-energy performances, guest DJs, and a festival atmosphere as part of the Big Game weekend nightlife events. More info

50 Cent – Live in Alameda | Sat Feb 7 | 9 PM | $67+ 📍Gold Bar Distillery (Alameda Point) – Rap icon 50 Cent brings an exclusive 21+ show to Alameda’s Big Game celebration. Enjoy an electric evening of chart-topping hits with food, drinks, and VIP options available (doors open earlier; concert at 9 PM). More info

Alameda’s Angels Drag Show | Fri Feb 6 | 7–10 PM | $10 📍Faction Brewing – Celebrate an early Valentine’s with a fabulous all-ages drag revue hosted by Summer Lynn Spears. Tacos by La Santa Torta and craft beer; show at 8 PM featuring top Bay Area drag performers in dazzling costumes. More info

Groove Is In The Start | Fri Feb 27 | 5–9 PM | $32 📍Faction Brewing, Alameda – Early-evening dance party for women who want all the fun without the late night. DJ heyLove spins hits from the 80s through today. 21+. Tickets online only, with a portion of proceeds supporting Midway Shelter of Alameda. More info

“Art Comes From Art” Exhibition | Sun Feb 8 | 12–3 PM | Free 📍Rhythmix Cultural Works – Community art gallery open hours featuring an exhibit of works by Bay Area museum staff artists. Explore paintings, comics, beadwork and more inspired by famous museum collections (gallery open Sundays through Feb 22). More info

Community & Classes

Valentine Craft Night (21+) | Thu Feb 5 | 6–9 PM | Free 📍Alameda Brewing Co. – A relaxed, hands-on craft evening to make heart-themed Valentine’s creations. All supplies are provided gratis; grab a beer and get creative with local artist Jenny while you mingle in a fun, casual atmosphere. More info

Valentine’s Craft Party | Sat Feb 7 | 2–5 PM | $5 📍Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru St, Alameda – Drop in for a relaxed afternoon of crafts, snacks, and card-making. All ages welcome. Make something sweet for someone special or just come get creative. More info

Soup-er Bowl Cooking Class & Meal | Sun Feb 8 | 3–8 PM | $65 📍Lincoln Ave, Alameda – Two teams. Two soups. Friendly cooking showdown. Learn to make authentic Bavarian soups (one meat, one veggie), then enjoy a shared meal together while the game plays on. Kids welcome.More info

Grain in the Frame: Opening Reception | Sat Feb 7 | 2–4 PM | Free 📍Frame 1A Gallery, 2500 Central Ave, Alameda – Opening for a new exhibit featuring 15 Bay Area film photographers working in black-and-white and color. Meet the artists and explore contemporary analog photography. On view Feb 7–Mar 21. More info

Local Business & Markets

Alameda Farmers’ Market | Tues & Sat | 9 AM–1 PM | Free 📍Haight Ave (at Webster St.) – Weekly open-air farmers’ market with local farms offering fresh seasonal produce, flowers, artisanal breads, and more. Enjoy a morning of community shopping and yummy finds, rain or shine.

(2) for $22 Tuesday | Tue Feb 10 | 11 AM–9 PM | $12 single / $22 for two 📍Pacific Pinball Museum, 1510 Webster St, Alameda – Two people can play all day for $22. Enjoy free play on 100+ pinball machines, exhibits, and in-and-out access for food breaks. More info

Little Flippers Pinball Class | Sat Feb 7 | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM | $12 admission 📍Pacific Pinball Museum, Webster St, Alameda – Monthly kids class (ages 5–12) covering pinball history, skills, and strategy. No experience needed. Includes unlimited play and in-and-out access until closing. More info

Vibes & Drinks

Pints & Pixels Retro Gaming | Fri Feb 6 | 7–9 PM | Free 📍Alameda Brewing Co. – Monthly throwback gaming night where classic video games meet craft beer. Join a friendly tournament on the big screen (Mortal Kombat this month!) and compete for prizes. All skill levels welcome; enjoy a pint while you play. More info

Big Game Watch Party | Sun Feb 8 | 3:30–7:30 PM | Free 📍Alameda Brewing Co. – Cheer on Super Bowl LX with the Alameda community! The brewery will show the championship game on big screens. Enjoy fresh beer releases, bring your crew, and celebrate game day with tasty brews and good company. More info

Trivia Night at Almanac Brewery | Tues | 6:30-8:30PM | Free 📍Almanac Beer Co., Alameda Point – Weekly pub trivia with prizes, craft beer, and team play. Easy to join and free to play. More info

Trivia Night at Alameda Brewing Co. | Tues | 7:00–9:00 PM | Free 📍Alameda Brewing Co., Alameda – Weekly team trivia night with rotating questions, craft beer, and prizes. Arrive early to grab a table and play along. More info

Connection & Dating

Uptown Speed Dating (Oakland) | Sat Feb 7 | 7 PM | $25 📍Iron & Oak, 1001 Broadway, Oakland – Fun and friendly speed dating night for singles (ages 25–39). Enjoy ice-breaker games and brief “mini-dates” over drinks in a laid-back lounge setting – a chance to meet new people face-to-face just in time for Valentine’s Day. More info

Alameda Beach Open Water Swim | Sat Feb 7 | 9–11 AM | Free 📍Crown Memorial Beach – Join a friendly group for a morning swim in the Bay. Open to experienced and new open-water swimmers (wetsuits recommended). Meet on the beach to exercise, socialize, and enjoy Alameda’s shoreline (weather permitting). More info

Kindred Running 3-Mile Social Run | Thu | 6:30–7:30 PM | Free 📍Park Station, Alameda – Easy-paced 3-mile group run followed by a casual hang. All levels welcome. Come for the movement, stay for the community. More info

Kindred Running Walking Group | Wed | 9 AM | Free 📍Kindred Running, Alameda – Moderate pace. Good company. Come for the movement, stay for the community. More info

Have something locals should know about? 👉️ Email: alamedapulse@gmail.com

Want your business in front of thousands of Alamedans? Email us at alamedapulse@gmail.com

— For Frankie