Alameda’s west end — yes, that’s the part right through the tube — is hosting a big street festival full of live music, beer, and good eats. From noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17, four blues bands will provide a bumpin’ soundtrack for intense, meaty feasting. Apart from Oakland’s longstanding Phat Matt’s BBQ, most of these barbecue vendors are likely to be new to you. For example, there’s Mae Mae’s Kitchen and Mario’s French Dips, which both hail from Livermore; The Boneyard food truck, which usually parks around San Francisco; and Alameda’s WesCafe, a charming spot more known for omelets than smoky brisket. Pair your grub with a drink from one of 15 breweries — or two wineries — such as the extremely local Faction Brewing or Alameda Island Brewing Co. Other participating breweries stem from elsewhere in Northern California, and note that you can never go wrong with something from Berryessa Brewing of Winters.
Sunday, Sept. 17, noon-6 p.m., free. Webster St. at Central Ave., Alameda. facebook.com/westendendartsdistrict
