Richmond fills the weekend calendar with arts, family fun and a historic ship open house
This week Richmond residents have several free and low-cost options for evening entertainment and family activities, from a downtown open-mic night to a summer carnival at Pogo Park and a rare free public tour of the historic SS Red Oak Victory.
Tonight’s Open Mic on the Corridor returns to downtown Richmond and will be hosted by the city’s poet laureate, Stephen Sharpe. The evening features poet and cultural curator Reggie Edmonds-Vasquez, whose work explores Black, queer and gender-diverse identities, and will include food. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at CoBiz Richmond, 1503 Macdonald Ave., and admission is free.
Family-focused carnival at Pogo Park
Pogo Park stages its 4th Annual Summer Carnival on Friday at the Elm Playlot (720 Elm Ave.), offering typical fair attractions along with community favourites. Activities advertised include a dunk tank, mechanical bull, train ride, pony rides and carnival games. Entry to the carnival is free; individual rides and activities require tickets. Presale wristbands are available for purchase at the playlot for $10.
- Event: 4th Annual Summer Carnival
- Date and time: Friday, July 17, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Location: Pogo Park, Elm Playlot, 720 Elm Ave.
- Admission: free; presale ride wristbands $10
SS Red Oak Victory open house explores Port Chicago history
On Sunday the SS Red Oak Victory will be open to the public for a free tour as part of the Port Chicago Weekend: SS Red Oak Victory Experience. The ship’s open house runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and pairs the vessel’s history with live music and period displays.
The open house programme includes big band performances by the Albany Jazz Band, a display of 1940s cars, a 1940s Greyhound bus supplied by the Pacific Bus Museum, and on-site food from the Tacos Picantes truck. Organizers will also screen a film titled Mutiny, which recounts the story of 50 African-American servicemen who were court‑martialled after refusing to resume loading explosives at Port Chicago following the catastrophic July 1944 explosion that killed 320 men.
"The Port Chicago Alliance is co-organizing the open house," organisers said in event materials.
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Mic on the Corridor | July 16 | 7–9 p.m. | CoBiz Richmond, 1503 Macdonald Ave. |
| Pogo Park Summer Carnival | July 17 | 2–7 p.m. | Elm Playlot, 720 Elm Ave. |
| SS Red Oak Victory Open House | July 19 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | SS Red Oak Victory (Port Chicago Weekend) |
These offerings provide a mix of arts, family activities and historical programming across the coming days. Residents are advised to confirm times and any access requirements with organisers before attending.
