In-Person Event(ually)

Thirteen months in and I am finally listing more in-person events than online events. This is not to say, Hey, go ham on resocializing, folks! On the contrary. I would prefer that you were more careful and extra vigilant. That spring sun is a fat liar, luring you into a faux calm certainty that all is right and well. We’re getting there, but we aren’t out of the house just yet. Because we’re opening up, let us consider the folks whose health will not allow them out into the growing crowd. Wear those masks! Loose lips spread drips! Below, I’ve listed some events that feel a lot like an unofficial first Friday art walk. Folks, if we do this right and get rid of ‘Rona, we’ll see a true First Fridays sooner than you can say unconscionable. I love you, South Bae, and I cannot wait to see you in person.

WEDNESDAY

Funny Ladies Power Hour

Wed, Mar 31, 8pm–9pm | Free

More info at funnyladiespowerhour.com

Funny Ladies Power Hour says it all—hosted by Bay Area comedians Mel Michelle and Cynthia Annette every Wednesday on Zoom. This week’s show features the comedic talents of Stephanie Knowles (pictured), Emma Paxton, Keri Costa, and Autumn Bruewer.

THURSDAY

Monthly | Ladies Art Night

Thu, Apr 1, 7pm | $15 per session

More info at Eventbrite

School of Visual Philosophy presents a different craft or project online every first Thursday. This month’s project is rock painting. No experience needed and all skill levels are welcome. Invite your friends or meet new ones in this supportive session. Craft kits are also available for purchase with each session.

FRIDAY

Black Dagger: Group Exhibit

Fri, Apr 2, 5pm–9pm | Free

Anno Domini, 366 S First St, San Jose

More info at galleryad.com

In-person event: masks and social distancing required! Gallery AD is proud to present the debut exhibition of Black Dagger Books; a group exhibition of tattoo artists featured in their first year of publications. Black Dagger Books are a series of inspirational collections of works by prolific modern tattooers. Pictured: El Arenero, Deno (Madrid, Spain), now at Anno Domini.

Artists Jemal Diamond and David Mejia

Opening reception Fri, Apr 2, 5pm | Free

KALEID Gallery, 320 S First St, San Jose

More info at kaleidgallery.com

In-person event: masks and social distancing required! Beloved local artists Jemal Diamond (work pictured) and David Mejia will both debut new works at KALEID this Friday evening. Diamond’s “Pretty Things on the Upswing” is a collection of new one-of-a-kind paintings on paper in acrylic marker. With light at the end of a dark tunnel, pretty things grow from the ashes of the past. Mejia’s love of antiquity has led him to his newest installation “Ancient Greek Mythos” which studies Greek influence through the lens of Western Culture.

Virtual First Friday Stitch In

Fri, Apr 2, 6pm–8pm | Free

More info at sjquiltmuseum.org

Join San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles and new Spring Artist in Residence Abby Holmes for a virtual Stitch In. Meet other creatives via Zoom, finish up a sewing project that you’ve been working on and enjoy community with this free, drop-in style social event.

Seven Trees Spring Fest

Fri, Apr 2, 6:30pm–8pm | Free

Seven Trees Community Center, 3590 Cas Dr, San Jose

More info at Facebook

While this is a drive-through event, masks and social distancing are required! Seven Trees Community Center’s Spring Fest is a family drive-thru event for you and all your current household members. Join in on the fun with a drive-thru egg hunt, the spring bunny, goodie bags and a chance to win some awesome prizes in their raffle.

Exhibit | 408s and Heartbreak

Fri, Apr 2, 7pm–8pm | Free

MACLA, 510 S First St, San Jose

More info at maclaarte.org

In-person event: masks and social distancing required! The Teen Tech Center at MACLA will open an exhibit titled “408s and Heartbreak” featuring work by TTC members on heartbreak and life in the South Bay. This is the Teen Tech Center’s first in-person exhibit in over a year. For public safety, only four people will be allowed inside the space at a time, but there will be live outdoor performances to accommodate those awaiting entry.

SATURDAY

Eggstraordinary Easter Weekend

Sat–Sun, Apr 3-4, 10am–5pm

Roaring Camp Railroad, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton

More info at Facebook

In-person event: masks and social distancing required! This weekend, the Easter Bunny will make its way to Roaring Camp where you and your little ones will have a blast with easter crafts, candle making, blacksmithing and, of course, the world famous Roaring Camp Railroad train ride! Gifts and prizes with paid tickets.

SUNDAY

Westside Marketplace

Sun, Apr 4, 11am–4am | Free

Old Wrigley Parking Lot, 2801 Mission St, Santa Cruz

More info at Facebook

In-person event: masks and social distancing required! An outdoor market featuring local art, handmade and vintage shopping, plus food trucks, pop-ups and live music. A little bit of everything for everyone.