Oakland weekend: Monster Jam, Beer Week festivities, animated short film fest, more

Oakland weekend: Monster Jam, Beer Week festivities, animated short film fest, more

Photo: Monster Jam/Eric Stern

MJ Carter
Published on February 13, 2020

It's Valentine's Day weekend, and nothing says love like ... monster trucks? If you're looking for an alternative to the roses-and-chocolate hoopla, it's time to make a date with Grave Digger, a festival of short animated films or a frosty pint of SF Beer Week goodness. And if you'd rather embrace said hoopla, how about some smooth R&B to get you in the mood? 

Here's where to go and what to do in Oakland this weekend.

Animation Show of Shows 

Photo: Alex Schodenfeldt/The New Parkway Theater

Want to see the very best in animated shorts from 2019? Look no further than the 21st edition of the Animation Show of Shows, bringing together 10 of the most lauded animated mini-movies from animators in seven different countries. Some are by students, others by professionals, and one was even nominated for an Oscar. Saturday's showing will also feature a Q&A with some of those involved.

When: Friday, February 14, 4 p.m.; Saturday, February 15, noon and 4:50 p.m.; Sunday, February 16, 4:25 and 7:55 p.m.

Where: The New Parkway Theater, 474 24th St.

Price: $8 - 10 

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KEM at Paramount Theater

Photo: KEM/Facebook

If you're looking for a smooth sound to get you in the mood for Valentine's Day, look no further than Grammy-nominated R&B singer KEM. After getting his start singing in a wedding band and waiting tables, the former Kim Owens has become an international sensation, with four studio albums, a Billboard Music Award, and hit singles like "I Can't Stop Loving You" under his belt. 

When: Friday, February 14, 8 p.m. 

Where: Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway 

Price: $76.75+

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Monster Jam

Photo: Monster Jam/Eric Stern

Love hurts sometimes, but there's no heartache you can't endure after watching monster trucks crush cars, do tricks and generally cause mayhem. Yes, Monster Jam is back in Oakland, and the likes of Grave Digger, Whiplash and El Toro Loco will be competing for world truck domination.

If your kids are fans, consider arriving early for each day's Pit Party, where you can see the trucks up close, snap selfies and get autographs from drivers. 

When: Saturday, February 15, 7 p.m.; Sunday, February 16, 3 p.m.

Where: RingCentral Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way

Price: $20 - 95 

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Craft Comedy at Federation Brewing

Photo: Federation Brewing/Facebook

Celebrate the conclusion of SF Beer Week this weekend at Federation Brewing, which is bringing in a murderer's row of local comics to spice up your Saturday night. The brewery's popular Tepache ale — a light, juicy beer with hints of cinnamon and pineapple — will make a special appearance outside of its usual summer season, and cupcakes will be on offer, too. 

When: Saturday, February 15, 8 p.m.

Where: Federation Brewing, 420 3rd St.

Price: Free admission

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