Meseret Y Zeleke, CPA

Set sail at Lake Merritt Boating Center. The waters of Lake Merritt can be calm or extreme when it comes to your interest in water recreation. Learn to sail, rent a paddleboat, canoe or kayak, or sign up to be on an exciting dragon boat team, the fastest growing water sport in the world.

Trace the Pardee family tree at the Pardee Home Museum. The museum tells the story of three generations of the Pardee family who lived at the residence for more than one hundred years and had their hands in everything from gold to politics. Stroll through the impressive home and gardens, sip tea on the veranda and shop at the gift shop.

Welcome to Camron-Stanford House, Oakland's last 19th century mansion on the shores of Lake Merritt. See the private residence and lifestyle of five prominent families who were instrumental in the development of Oakland and the statehood of California. The home has been authentically recreated through descriptions found in personal letters, newspaper articles, historical photographs, and architectural research.

Celebrate the sound of music at the Art and Soul Festival. Put your dancing shoes on for two days of the best jazz, rock, gospel, Latin, R&B, acoustic and blues performed by national artists and local superstars. Sample exotic foods, view great art and be sure to bring the kids to enjoy carnival rides, face painting, hands-on art projects and more!