If you’re in need of a Toast-O-Lator or a collection of 8-track tapes, the Preservation Action Council’s annual rummage sale is for you.
Now, nobody actually needs a Toast-O-Lator — and I’d bet not many have even heard of the art deco kitchen appliance — but that is so beside the point. You don’t need an unopened can of Billy Beer or a bunch of glass vacuum tubes or a framed portrait of George Washington, either. But it might be cool to have one, right?
Finding a quirky treasure is a vital part of the allure of the annual PAC-SJ fundraiser, which includes more practical items like dining sets, vintage clothes and hot-again LP records and takes place this Friday and Saturday at 20 Barack Obama Blvd. in downtown San Jose.
The 2,000 square-foot warehouse, formerly Borsch’s Iron Works, is part of the stretch of buildings near SAP Center in the Google Downtown West footprint that have been activated as Creekside Socials by Jamestown for art events and yoga classes — and now the weirdest garage sale around.
PAC-SJ Executive Director Ben Leech says the group is taking advantage of the partnership with Creekside Socials by expanding the event with complementary programming that might be interesting for anyone not looking for a pachinko machine or three DVDs of “The Milpitas Monster.”
On Friday, the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society will conduct bird walks, with strolls through the Lake House and River Street historic districts. Former Santa Clara County Supervisor Rod Diridon will provide a walking tour of nearby Diridon Station. On Saturday, visitors can take part in a sketchwalk, a brush lettering workshop or a jewelry workshop.
The Creekside Rummage and Preservation Fair is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. You can check out the schedule of events and get more information at preservation.org.
HOP TO IT: Finally, some good beer news for fans of San Jose suds. Fox Tale Fermentation Project, which grabbed so much attention last year in the beer community, is celebrating its second anniversary all weekend at 30 E. Santa Clara St.
The festivities will include the release of four new bottles on Friday — including Green Grow the Lilacs, a Farmhouse Ale made with lilac blossoms from the historic Filoli Gardens in Los Altos, and Friend Blend, a natural wine/beer hybrid made in collaboration with their neighbors at Goodtime Bar in Fountain Alley. On Saturday, there’ll be an art pop-up featuring the work of artist Alisha Toni, and Sunday sees the return of the Funky Brunch, with a fermentation-forward menu available starting at 11 a.m., and an anniversary comedy showcase hosted by PX Floro starting at 7 p.m. Get more details at www.foxtalefermentationproject.com.
If you prefer your beer with a side of irreverent reverence, you’ll want to check out Clandestine Brewing‘s “Blessing of the Bocks” on Saturday, which is the centerpiece of Bockfest Weekend, celebrating the release of this year’s Maihem Maibock lager. San Jose comedian Ruben Escobedo III will lead the quasi-spiritual ceremony — which is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages — at 4 p.m. and will later host his live monthly comedy show, “(The Not Actually) Secret Show” at 8 p.m. at Clandestine, 980 S. First St.
WEEKEND PLANS: San Jose resident Patricia Callahan is getting the word out to golf fans about the Bay Business networking fundraiser she’s organizing on Saturday in Redwood City. The evening, which starts at 6 p.m., includes libations, shopping and golf competitions at the Lemo Foundation campus, 2575 E. Bayshore Road. Proceeds from ticket sales and a raffle will benefit the Silicon Valley Pet Project and the Lemo Foundation. Tickets are available for $15 at Eventbrite by searching for “Bay Business.”
The SoFA Street Fair is Sunday in San Jose, with dozens of bands playing 10 stages in the arty downtown district around South First Street. It runs from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and you’ll want to be there for the popular Drag Races — yes, drag performers racing down First Street on sofas — at 4 p.m. Get the lineup at sofaspring24.sched.com.