Activity Sections
Our Sections
As our name suggests, the Activity Sections or interest groups are the heart of the club. Their number and activities are limited only by the imagination and energy of the members. At the moment there are 18 sections that mirror the richness of the Berkeley community. Section Club membership is required before joining an activity section.
For more information, please email
Birding
Monthly outings to different habitats, from shorelines to hills to observe birds and other interesting features. Bring lunch and water.
No experience needed.
First Wednesday,
9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Bon Appétit
Themed dinner or lunch parties for small groups, with two all-member events. Hosting rotates, and each host sets the date and assigns recipes.
The season runs from September to May.
Book Discussion
Open to members who love reading and discussing books. Monthly meetings feature lively discussions and refreshments in members' homes. The program runs September through April, culminating in May with a special author luncheon.
First Friday, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Drama
Member-hosted productions featuring readings (no memorization required) with one rehearsal, followed by refreshments. Members produce, cast, and manage props. Open to all who support good theater and enjoy fun times. Third Monday, 2 p.m.
French
For lovers of French culture to enjoy conversation, discussion and presentations in French on a variety of topics.
Meetings take place on the
first Tuesday, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
German
Programs on different aspects of contemporary life and cultural heritage in German-speaking countries. Monthly in-person meetings in both German and English at members’ homes. Third Tuesday, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
The season runs Oct. – May
(no meeting in Jan.)
Italian
Lectures on different aspects of Italian life (art, literature, science, politics) followed by a delicious lunch of mainly Italian cuisine, where the exchange of ideas always shape and spice up conversations!
Second Thursday,
11a.m.–2 p.m.
Japanese
Tea Ceremony (Chanoyu)
Experience a 500-year-old mindfulness practice in a traditional tatami tea room. Each gathering features tea, sweets, art, nature, and the company of others. Four sessions: second Thursday of October, January, April, and June. Time varies.
Movies
Each month we choose a movie and watch it independently. Then we gather in two separate groups at the home of a member to discuss the film on the third Wednesday or third Thursday at 4 p.m.
Music
Open to solo and group performers, as well as music listeners. Enjoy tea and concerts in members’ homes, first Thursday, 1:30 p.m. (except May meeting – 11 a.m. with luncheon). Join the chorus with conductor Andrew O’Donnell. Rehearsals every Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – noon.
Pickleball
Players meet weekly on Tuesday at the Cedar/Rose Park pickleball courts. Time varies from 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. depending on court reservation availability. Beginners welcome. Time will be confirmed via email the previous weekend.
Poetry
Monthly poetry discussions featuring one poet per session, with occasional multi-meeting deep dives. Members take turns reading selected poems aloud, then engage in open discussion about meanings, connections, and related works. Meetings rotate among members' homes on the fourth Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Sew and So
Provides a creative social setting to mend, sew, embroider, knit, or crochet together. Meetings held in members’ homes the third Friday, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Spanish
Improve your Spanish, share experiences, and celebrate the rich culture of the Spanish-speaking world.
Everyone is welcome—from beginners to advanced speakers. Monthly meetings on the fourth Monday at 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. in members' homes.
Tennis
A lively, friendly group plays on U.C. Channing Courts for drop-in tennis. Once a month we meet socially to celebrate birthdays. Reserved parking included.
Monday -Friday (except
Tuesday) 9 - 11 a.m.
University Art Museum
Meets four times a year for guided exhibition tours or presentations at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA). Second Friday, 10 – 11 a.m.
_edited_edited.jpg)
Walking
Enjoy mid-week solitude of nearby parks, hillsides, shorelines, and cityscapes. carpooling or meeting at each trailhead. Bring lunch and water.
Second Wednesday,
9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Writers’ Workshop
Meet monthly in members’ homes for a bag lunch and dessert. Read and receive feedback on our original works in progress: novels, memoirs, other non-fiction, poems, short stories, essays. All skill levels welcome in our supportive environment.
October-June, first Monday, 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.
