Featured Events in Berkeley in August, 2025 (July Updated)

How did ordinary people achieve such extraordinary accomplishments? At its heart, A Higher Purpose explores what becomes possible when people align their lives with something greater than themselves. Join us for an inspiring film screening in our beautiful meditation garden with director Barry Schieber. Seats limited, please reserve your place. We look forward to seeing you there! When : August 1, 2025 from 8:00 pm to 9:45 pm What : Join us for vegetarian sushi and a cheeseboard, film screening, and Q&A with the director. Where : Nyingma Institute's garden; please dress warmly, heat lamps and blankets provided. This event is in-person only, please note that our historic hillside venue has many stairs. Information Source: Nyingma Institute | eventbrite

The Claremont Hotel is a familiar landmark, but it also marks the entrance to an East Bay Regional Park: Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve. It’s surprising how many people are unfamiliar with this amazing resource that, quite literally, lies in our backyard. The 208-acre preserve comprises both sides of upper Claremont Avenue. Panoramic Hill rises steeply, 1,600 feet, on the north to stunning views of the Bay. The wooded Gwin Canyon rises more gently on the south and includes of Claremont Creek. Hiking trails pass through a variety of vegetation, from grasslands and coastal scrub, to stands of live oak, California bay, and eucalyptus. Visitors may spot black-tailed deer, coyote, gray fox, red-tailed hawk, or a garter snake or two. Dozens of varieties of wild flowers bloom every spring, and denizens know where to find chanterelles and other edible mushrooms after winter rains. Additional areas in the upper canyon are managed by the University of California and the East Bay Municipal Utility District. The City of Oakland owns Garber Park , a 13-acre woodland on the south side, above the hotel. Taken as whole, it is the largest, relatively undeveloped canyon on the western slope of the Oakland-Berkeley hills.  Jerry Kent, a local treasure himself, has long known the importance of Claremont Canyon and the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD). He has been called a walking encyclopedia of all things related to both.  In an illustrated presentation at Arts & Culture, on Wednesday, August 6, at 7 p.m., Jerry will explain the history and many attributes of Claremont Canyon as well as the important work of the Claremont Canyon Conservancy (CCC), which formed after the 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm. Tickets for this program are $5 for club members and students and $10 for non-members. Please register early so we can be sure to accommodate everyone comfortably.  Since its founding as a nonprofit, citizen-run organization, the CCC has tried to  ensure the best possible stewardship of the entire canyon. The Conservancy works with canyon stakeholders “to preserve or restore a healthy native ecosystem, reduce wildfire hazards, and foster education and research.”  Maps of the canyon and its trails will be available the evening of Jerry’s talk. “More than anyone else I know,” says Jon  Kaufman, CCC president, “Jerry Kent understands how the combination of the vegetation, topography, weather, real estate development, and climate change is affecting us as residents of the East  Bay hills. He’s also an authority on what we can do to prevent wildfire and when to get out of its way when we can’t.” Jerry’s relationship with the East Bay hills extends more than a half century. He says he had a “front-row-seat” during the expansion of the Park District, from six parks that totaled 6,000 acres in 1962 to 65 parks and 98,000 acres in 2003, when he retired. (Today there are 73 parks covering 126,809 acres.) He was involved in all aspects of management and formulating policy for the District and still volunteers every Wednesday to organize and preserve its historic records.  In his retirement, Jerry continues to advocate for expanding parklands, preserving their ecosystems, and making them resistant to wildfires. In addition to the CCC board, Jerry belongs to the Sierra Club Chapter Vegetation Management Task Force , the Regional Parks Association, the EBRPD Retirees Association, and the East Bay Fire Safe Alliance, which advises the East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments. Whether you have hiked in Claremont Canyon for years or merely driven through it but never left your car, you are sure to come away from Jerry’s talk with a new appreciation for the area. Invite your friends and neighbors to join you! Information Source: Berkeley City Club | eventbrite

Inspirational Whirling with Live Music (Ayin-i-Cem Sema) Sema is a gathering rooted in the Sufi tradition that combines devotional chanting, live music, and whirling dance meditation. This whirling dervish tradition was founded by the 13th-century mystic poet Rumi , whose poems of love and union with the divine spirit remain widely celebrated today. The Whirling Practice Through spinning movement and focussing on the music, you allow the ego to subside. The tangible world begins to melt away, tuning you into a greater unity. A sense of peace develops within. You remember that the divine life force is an inherent part of everything. The experience can be described as blissful, ecstatic, bewildering—definitely an altered state. Step out of the self and return feeling lighter, more at ease, and peaceful. The Ziker Practice Ziker is a physical practice that uses body movements and chanting to open the heart and experience the Unity of Love in the human body. Evening Flow The evening begins with a short explanation and demonstration of how to whirl and what the chants mean.We will have one hour of instruction in Sufi whirling techniques. Then we open the circle with invocations, the musicians start playing, and the whirling begins. Many first-time participants choose to take it slow, walking in meditation around the circle. This portion lasts around two hours. We’ll close with conversation, tea, and a chance to share reflections on the Sufi path. This event is in-person only. Everyone is welcome. If cost is prohibitive, please reach out to eventbrite@berkeleyalembic.org Come in peace with an open heart and mind—even if you’ve never whirled before. How to Prepare for Our Sema Events Bring passion, patience, comfortable clothing, good socks, and a snack to share. Please eat lightly beforehand. “Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you. Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.” — Rumi Aziz Abbatiello was raised in an American Mevlevi family and continues to walk the path of the mystics in the Sufi tradition. He was initiated as a Semazen (Sufi whirling dancer) in 1996 and has participated in Sema ceremonies with various Sufi groups in the United States and abroad. Anna Whirling is originally from Ukraine. At the start of the war, she moved to Turkey and later relocated to the United States. Anna has been practicing whirling since childhood and has performed on stage with various groups for over 20 years. Information Source: The Berkeley Alembic Foundation | eventbrite

Calling all I-House alumni! We're excited to host the third annual Alumni Reunion Brunch at International House on August 10, 2025. Gather your I-House friends and meet at I-House Berkeley for Sunday brunch in the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Dining Commons! Together we'll share memories, catch up, and celebrate our global community that continues to grow each year. We'll greet you with morning mimosas from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on the Von Kaschnitz Patio in front of I-House. Brunch is served in the Dining Commons from 9:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. (You can arrive to brunch at any time during those hours.) The cost is $30/person. This year, we'll offer an I-House tour at 10:00 a.m., a short program at noon, and a second tour at 1:30p.m. Information Source: International House at UC Berkeley | eventbrite

Bobby McFerrin Berkeley promises an unforgettable experience at the renowned Freight & Salvage, located at 2020 Addison St, Berkeley, CA. On August 11, 2025, at precisely noon, attendees will be treated to the unparalleled vocal artistry of Bobby McFerrin, a ten-time Grammy Award winner known for his innovative a cappella performances and improvisational skills. With a ticket price set at $212, this event offers a rare opportunity to witness McFerrin's unique blend of jazz, pop, and classical influences in an intimate setting. Freight & Salvage, a beloved venue in the heart of Berkeley, provides the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of musical exploration and inspiration. As anticipation builds, music enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike are drawn to this event, eager to experience the magic of Bobby McFerrin Berkeley.

The Tedeschi Trucks Band and Whiskey Myers are set to electrify the Greek Theatre in Berkeley on August 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Nestled at 2001 Gayley Rd, this iconic venue will host an unforgettable evening of soulful rock and Southern charm. With ticket prices ranging from $50 to $68, attendees will experience a harmonious blend of blues, rock, and country that only these acclaimed artists can deliver. The Tedeschi Trucks Band, renowned for their powerful vocals and masterful guitar work, will share the stage with Whiskey Myers, whose gritty sound and heartfelt lyrics have captivated audiences nationwide. This event promises a night of musical excellence, where the echoes of passionate performances will resonate under the Berkeley sky.

In the vibrant city of Berkeley, an unforgettable evening awaits at the iconic Greek Theatre, where the legendary Counting Crows and the dynamic Gaslight Anthem will take the stage. On August 13, 2025, at precisely 6:30 PM, music enthusiasts will gather at 2001 Gayley Rd to experience a harmonious blend of rock and storytelling. With ticket prices ranging from $50 to $75, this event promises an exceptional auditory journey, capturing the essence of both bands' unique sounds. Counting Crows, known for their soulful melodies and evocative lyrics, will share the spotlight with The Gaslight Anthem, whose energetic performances and heartfelt anthems have captivated audiences worldwide. This concert is set to be a highlight of the summer, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and new musical experiences in the heart of Berkeley.

Alabama Shakes Berkeley promises an unforgettable evening of soulful music at the iconic Greek Theatre in Berkeley. Nestled at 2001 Gayley Rd, this renowned venue will host the electrifying performance on August 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM. With ticket prices ranging from $51 to $77, attendees will experience the Grammy-winning band's unique blend of blues, rock, and Southern soul. The Greek Theatre, known for its stunning open-air setting and exceptional acoustics, offers an ideal backdrop for Alabama Shakes' powerful sound and captivating stage presence. As the sun sets over Berkeley, the anticipation builds for a night where music lovers gather to witness a performance that resonates with raw emotion and artistry. This event is set to be a highlight of the summer, drawing fans from near and far to celebrate the magic of live music in a truly remarkable setting.

Lucy Dacus and Julia Jacklin are set to grace the stage at the iconic Greek Theatre in Berkeley, a venue renowned for its stunning open-air ambiance and rich history. On August 16, 2025, at 8:00 PM, the enchanting melodies of these two acclaimed singer-songwriters will fill the night air, promising an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts. With ticket prices set at $82, attendees can anticipate an evening of soulful performances that delve into themes of introspection and storytelling, hallmarks of both artists' repertoires. The Greek Theatre, located at 2001 Gayley Rd, offers a perfect backdrop for this musical rendezvous, where the synergy of Dacus's poignant lyrics and Jacklin's emotive vocals will undoubtedly captivate the audience. This event, Lucy Dacus, Julia Jacklin Berkeley, is poised to be a highlight in the Bay Area's cultural calendar, drawing fans from near and far to witness a harmonious blend of indie rock and folk influences.