A Specialist By Nikki

Pick up tickets to the Oakland Ballet. From opening night to closing night, you'll be poised to experience classical ballet entertainment, including performances of favorites like The Nutcracker. The stunning shows are made even more dramatic by the accompaniment of the Oakland East Bay Symphony. Your trip to the ballet will be made even more memorable because the performances are at the historic Paramount Theater.

Hit a home run when you watch the Oakland Athletics. The Major League Baseball team based in Oakland is a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and loads the bases at home games played at The Coliseum. The sports team is known to locals as the A's, the White Elephants or the Elephants.

Experience the drama on stage at the TheatreFIRST. Oakland's resident professional theater company is home-grown talent at its best, with a knack for bringing the house down with provocative plays that excite and engage audiences. Past performances on the entertainment schedule have included The Grapes of Wrath, Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter, and Anton in Show Business.

Love hiking and just being outdoors? At Bay Area Ridge Trail, over 330 miles of scenic trails are open for hikers, cyclists, walkers, joggers and anyone who loves the peacefulness of being outdoors. Enjoy eye-catching views, precious open spaces, and all the fresh air you can breathe!