What To Do This Weekend: 7/15–7/17

Ugh, I am tired. Harry Potter wore me out, as did sleeping diagonally in my bed so kittah could stretch out. Enjoy some fun this weekend while I work a double and continue to get no sleep. Bastards.

Friday, July 15:
Gay Rum Party: Mount Gay, that is. Havana will be hosting a Mount Gay Rum "tasting invitation" tonight, featuring complimentary tapas, tastings of Mount Gay Old Rum, some famous punch by a guy named Chester (not sketchy at all!), and 1/2 off all other rum cocktails until 6pm. The first 20 attendees will also get a tiki mug and a cigar.
1516 Bonanza St., Walnut Creek
website

Rockridge Summer Jazz and Wine Stroll: I love that everyone rolls out a wine stroll when summer hits. They should really do it during the winter when everyone hates life and I'd get the added pleasure of seeing bedraggled cougars melting in the rain. But I digress. Presumably there is both wine and jazz at the event, judging from the name, but in what capacity is a mystery in their press release. You can expect specials and sales from participating merchants. 5–8pm.
College Ave., Oakland
website

Friday, July 15–Saturday, July 16:

i mean, look at this guy

Inferno: A Fire Circus: Now, normally I hate circuses, because of the whole clown thing, but light that clown on fire and I am there! Or would be, if I wasn't working. There will be dancing skulls, fire sword balancing, and all other kinds of fiery shit that proves that fire makes everything more interesting. Tickets are kinda steep at $45–55, so you may want to wait until they actually promise sacrificial clowns before handing over the dough. 7pm.
1260 7th St., Oakland
website

Saturday, July 16:
Oakland BBQ: 32 teams heat up their grills and put on their game faces to square off in the Bay Area BBQ Championship. They'll be competing in four categories (chicken, brisket, pork, and ribs). It'll also be a showdown between bay area football teams (go Niners!), since each team's tailgate crew (The Bad Boyz of BBQ for the Raiders and Q Masters for the Niners) will be competing against each other and an Iron Chef team during a three-hour live throw down. Get there at 9:30am for the people's choice round, and feel free stay for a live performance from American Idol finalist La Toya London. They woulda had me there had it been La Toya Jackson. 9:30am–3pm.
Oakland Coliseum Creekside Lot, Oakland
website

Saturday, July 16:

i mean, look at this fucking bear

California Beer Festival: Okay, so I know this is in Santa Cruz and nowhere near East Bay suburbia, but I love beer and would feel remiss in not sharing. $40 will get you a souvenir cup and access to over 60 craft brews, such as pours from Deschutes, Lagunitas, Speak Easy, and Ninkasi. You can also enjoy live music, play bocce ball (an admirable drunk pastime), and get sloshed guilt-free knowing proceeds benefit the Gen Giammanco Foundation, which supports student athletes. 12:30–5pm.
Aptos Village Park, Santa Cruz
website

Sunday, July 17:
East Bay Adoptathon: Last week, I was literally two steps away from buying a kitten. My judgement may have been impaired from two bloody marys, but how can you not love cute tiny balls of fur with their sleepy faces and penchant for attacking evil apples? In addition to adorable kittens and equally as adorable pups and dogs, there will also be a turtle and snake at the event for you reptile lovers, and adoptable bunnies from SaveABunny. Don't mind me if I smell like Bloody Mary and am holding three Siamese kittens. 10am–3pm.
Jack London Square, Oakland
facebook event page