Thank God the heat’s broken, yes?

While that may be true for most of you, I’m in L.A. and it’s still sweltering here. But as of this morning we’re under the triple-digit mark so things are improving…

I’ve been out of town much of the week and galavanting with my girlfriend so I haven’t had a lot of time to do extensive research, but here are a few very cool things happening this weekend that I’m sure you’ll enjoy!

41st Annual Oakland Greek Festival (FRI/SAT/SUN)

It is that time of year again when the wonderful aromas of Souklavia and Loukoumades waft through the air and the sounds of traditional Greek music and shouts of OPA! resonate in the hills of Oakland. The Oakland Greek Festival 2014 is already in full swing…. If you haven’t ever been, this is a great event to check out!

WHEN: 10am-11pm Friday & Saturday; 11am-9pm Sunday
WHERE: On the beautiful grounds of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland hills, below Highway 13, (510) 531-3400
COST: Adults $6, Children 12 & under are free. (Free admission on Friday from 10am-2pm and on Sunday from 5pm to closing.)

Aeolian Day – A New Festival Of Music Made By The Wind (SAT)

Aeolian Day is a free community festival exhibiting and celebrating musical instruments that are played by the wind. The festival fosters creative collaborations between artists, students and teachers; and promotes awareness of Middle Harbor Shoreline itself, with its unique history, habitat and design. In addition to the four wind-powered works at the center of Aeolian Day, the festival will feature live music, food trucks, and hands-on learning for families.

WHEN: Saturday, Daylight Hours (I’m assuming this, the site doesn’t say specifically)
WHERE: Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, 2777 Middle Harbor Rd, Oakland, CA 94607
COST: Free!

The Bay Area Guitar Masters Series: Eric Symons (SUN)

The first of three performances by noted classical guitarists in the Bay Area features Eric Symons, who will perform a program of original arrangements of Beethoven, Giuliani, Granados, Villa-Lobos, plus original compositions. I’m super excited about this series, especially since I will be out of town (again!) for the always inspiring and interesting Solstice Music Festival held at the neighboring Chapel of the Chimes (see upcoming events at right).

WHEN: Sunday, 2-4pm
WHERE: Tower Chapel at Mountain View Cemetery, 5000 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611
COST: Free!