Fun Within Five Miles

FUN FOR LITTLE KIDS:

Bill Nye's Climate Lab Exhibit Opening Weekend, Saturday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 21, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Chabot Space & Science Center. This weekend is the big opening of Bill Nye the Science Guy's new Climate Lab. Kids of all ages will have the opportunity to study climate changes with hands-on activities, enjoy climate shows, listen to music, work on Bill Nye's "Urgent Mission", and enjoy special activities for opening weekend only.

"The Wizard of Ahhhs" Magic Show, Saturday, Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m., Children's Fairyland. When the weather starts to change from sunny, warm days to rainy, cold days, sometimes being indoors can get really boring. Nothing stumps boredom like a wonderful magic show. Blake Maxam, a Fairyland favorite, will entertain kids with tricks of the trade and slight of hand.

Bellevente Wind Quartet Children's Free Concert, Sunday, Nov. 21, 11 a.m., Crowden School. Music is an integral part of the holiday season, and usual music choices change to holiday songs. The Bellevente Wind Quartet can add a new addition to your child's repertoire, incorporating the beautiful sounds on the clarinet, oboe, flute, and other wind instruments. This event also is the ensemble's launch party for their new album, Frogs and Friends. They'll be celebrating with $1 cookies and drinks.

FUN FOR BIG KIDS:

 The Vespertine Circus, Friday, Nov. 19, 8 p.m., The Vagabond Ballroom. The modern Vespertine Circus promises an evening that will leave you amazed.  With provocative costumes, aerial artists, and intimate atmosphere, you feel like you are part of the action, not just a spectator. Tickets are $20, which includes a year membership to the Vagabond Ballroom.

The Room, Saturday, Nov. 20, 12 a.m. - 2 a.m., Piedmont Cinema. This movie is a cult favorite—playing for over six years at midnight showing in Los Angeles. This tale of love and friendships asks the question, "Who can you trust, really?" Similar is audience participation to the Rocky Horror Picture Show, don't be surprised to see people standing by the movie screen, pantomiming the actors and reciting lines. Buy tickets here.

Meet Bobby Flay! Saturday, Nov. 20, 1 p.m., Books Inc., Berkeley. With the holidays coming closer, most of us are spending more time in the kitchen.  Bobby Flay, famous chef from Throw down with Bobby Flay!, will be signing his new cookbook, Bobby Flay's Throwdown!: More Than 100 Recipes from Food Network's Ultimate Cooking Challenge (he will sign only books purchased from Books Inc). Charismatic and funny, Flay will, no doubt, entertain those with past quips and experiences. Call 510-525-7777 for further details about tickets, $27.50.

FUN FOR KIDS AT HEART:

A Date with the Emperor, Saturday, Nov. 20, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., US Chinese Art Museum. One of the best reasons to live in the Bay Area is being able to explore its plethora of museums, especially on a rainy weekend. The US Chinese Museum has an awe-inspiring collection of clay statues that were buried with China's first Emperor (QinShihuangdi). These life-sized statues were placed with him to accompany him into the afterlife. They include generals, soldiers, athletes, and marksmen, as well as several other figures. All are different from each other, including hairstyles, clothing, postures, and facial expressions, and the details and workmanship are unsurpassed. Suggested donation is $25.

Jazz Pianist Legend Danny Zeitlin Special Appearance, Saturday, Nov. 20, 8 p.m., Piedmont Piano Company. As we expect rain this weekend, one of the best accompaniments to rain falling outside is jazz inside. Danny Zeitlin, legendary jazz solo pianist with over 30 albums to his credit, will thrill your ears with a riveting performance. Mixing improv with jazz standards, the audience will be treated to old favorites with a Zeitlin twist. Suggested donation is $20.

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Check out more events in the Piedmont Patch calendar.