Good Times at Peralta Junction in West Oakland

There’s a good ‘ol time to be had down at 40th and Grand, thanks to the steam punk schemings of Peralta Junction producers. While there last weekend, I recognized the Mouse Trap sculpture from a past Maker Faire, and M.T. Pocket’s Traveling Midway of Curiosities’ stylized carnival games like an alluring flapper-esque bean bag toss and an oversize marble maze. The atmosphere was well matched for Japonize Elephants, a brass-infused band that made revelers around me comment: “perfect party music.” A number of booths hosted local crafters vending their art and soap and reuse fashions, all dappled with the mechanical magic of the steam punk ethic. To those unfamiliar with this, er, subculture, I have found it rather difficult to define, but its style lies somewhere in the nexus between graphic mechanics and bohemian finery.

Unfortunately, I just got word that today the Junction is closed due to rain, but I’m crossing my fingers that tomorrow things will be back in full swing. The weekend after Thanksgiving there will be lots to pack in before the closing party November 30th. Check out this new West Oakland attraction before it tucks away until next year.