It's time once again for the annual Temescal Street Fair, which for the ninth year will stop traffic along a stretch of Telegraph Avenue in North Oakland for a day of food, drink, live performances, and other family-friendly revelry. This year's festival features a jam-packed lineup of performers across four stages, three stomach-stuffing food courts, and more than one hundred craft-tastic vendor booths. Among the many offerings to take in: a performance by the Kinetic Arts Center's young circus troupe, drinks from The Avenue and bites from Barlata, and crafts from artisans at the new Temescal Alley. Between 42nd and 51st sts. on Sunday, July 8. Noon-6 p.m., free. 510-860-7327 or TemescalDistrict.org
freeEvery Friday, the Launching Pad (2649 Russell St., Berkeley) hosts the Friday Night Launch, featuring spiritually focused spoken word, discussions, and music for young adults. The events start at 7 p.m. and are free, although donations are accepted; there's a group vegetarian dinner available at 6 p.m., too. 510-859-3150 or LaunchingPadBerkeley.com
free/donation