Whiskers, Wheels & Westlake Deals: Your Fresno Weekend Scoop

Hey fam!

Looking to add a little extra love to your life? This Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., head to the City of Fresno Animal Center at 5277 East Airways Boulevard for California Adopt-a-Pet Day and meet your new best friend—whether it’s a playful pup, a cuddly kitten, or even a sweet bunny or horse! 🐾 Adoption fees are waived, and with goodie bags, fun surprises, and plenty of wagging tails, it’s the perfect time to fall in love. All pets are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered, and shelter staff will be ready to help you find the one who’s been waiting just for you. 🎉

This second annual event, hosted by CalAnimals, the San Francisco SPCA, and the ASPCA, aims to find homes for 5,000 pets across California. Last year, over 3,600 animals were adopted during this one-day event, and this year’s goal is even bigger. So even if you’re just a maybe, come out, bring a friend, or help spread the word. You never know who you’ll fall in love with. Learn more and find a shelter near you at caadoptapetday.org. 🐶🐱💖

FRIDAY

1. Alex’s Retro Games Giveaway
Level up your Friday nights with Alex’s Retro Games Giveaway! Swing by Alex’s Retro Games & Collectibles (373 W Shaw Ave, Fresno) every Friday in June—starting June 6 at 6 PM—for your shot at spooky-good prizes. Score raffle entries with every purchase and you might just win two tickets to Hauntmare Expo, Fresno’s biggest Halloween and horror convention! Second place grabs a $50 gift card to stock up on retro treasures. Want bonus entries? Like, share, and comment “HAUNTMARE 2025” on Instagram—then catch the live drawing and see if you’re the chosen one! 👻🕹️

2. Donuts with Dad
Start Father’s Day early on a sweet note at Donuts with Dads!😍Enjoy delicious donuts, fun crafts, and quality bonding time at Inspiration Park on Friday, June 6 from 4:30 to 6:00 PM. It’s the perfect way for dads and kids of all ages to make memories together—plus, it’s completely free! (Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.) There will be hands-on activities and plenty of photo ops to capture the fun. Space is limited, so don’t wait—register here or call (559) 621-PLAY to save your spot!👪🍩

3. (After) Ragnarok
Dive into the aftermath at (After) Ragnarök, a powerful new exhibit by artist Sarah Elizabeth Theller, showing June 5–22 at M Street Graduate Studios. Inspired by Norse myth and personal trauma, this immersive installation uses sculpture, painting, and performance to explore survival after devastation. 💔✨ Don’t miss the ArtHop opening night on June 5, 5–8 PM with a live performance (video on display weekends, 12–4 PM). Step beyond Valgrind and witness the beauty of life after the end. 🌿🖼️

SATURDAY

1. Parkin’ at Northpark – 4th Annual Car Show
Cruise into summer at 2297 E Shepherd Ave, Fresno, Northpark Community Church on Saturday, June 7 from 9 AM to 1 PM for a fun, family-friendly car show! Register your car or check out awesome rides, enjoy great food, shop local vendors, and groove to live music. Don’t miss the 50/50 raffle and cool prizes! 🎉 Admission is FREE and all ages are welcome. Whether you're a classic car fanatic or just looking for a good time, there's something here for everyone. Shine up those wheels or simply stop by and enjoy the show! 🛻

2. Lavender U-Pick in Kerman
Stroll through rows of fragrant purple blooms at Solace Lavender Farm’s Community U-Pick Day on Saturday, June 7 at 9 AM & 12 PM! Located at 14545 W North Ave, Kerman, CA—just 20 miles west of Fresno—this charming family farm invites you to breathe deep, relax, and harvest your own beautiful lavender bundles for just $10 each. 📸 Bring friends for a peaceful, picture-perfect outing and enjoy lavender products and Hapa California Coffee on-site. No tickets or reservations needed—entry and parking are free!💜

3. Pine Decandling Workshop
Learn the art of Japanese pine pruning at the Shinzen Friendship Garden (114 W Audubon Dr, Fresno, CA) on Saturday, June 7 from 10 AM–12 PM. Led by Certified Aesthetic Pruner Steve DaSilva, this hands-on workshop will teach the traditional Matsu no Mekaki technique—decandling to promote healthy growth, balance, and beauty in pine trees. 🌿 Perfect for garden lovers and bonsai enthusiasts alike, this workshop includes demonstrations and guided practice. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now!

SUNDAY

1.SSS Summer Jams
SSS: Summer Jams is bringing the heat to Splash Bar (Fresno) on Sunday, June 8 at 6 PM! The first Second Sunday Show of Reign 52 kicks off with legendary host Morrigana, fierce performances, fabulous summer jams, raffle prizes, and all the drag-tastic energy your weekend needs. Grab your crew, your cash 💸, and your best vibe—it’s not just a show, it’s a party and a fundraiser! 🎉🌈 Expect glitter, sass, and electric energy all night long—plus, every dollar you toss supports a great cause. Don’t miss this high-energy celebration of self-expression, community, and summer magic!

2. Tea Ceremony Demonstration
Step into serenity at Shinzen Garden on Sunday, June 8 at 11 AM for a mesmerizing Japanese Tea Ceremony! Watch Kyoto-trained Terumi Takahashi perform the elegant Omote-Senke style while you sip matcha and enjoy a sweet treat in a lush garden setting—it's peaceful, beautiful, and unlike anything else in Fresno! 🌿✨ Learn the art, tradition, and meaning behind every graceful movement in this rare cultural experience. Space is limited, so grab your ticket and get ready to feel calm, centered, and maybe even a little fancy! 💫

3. Beetlejuice Jr.
Say his name three times and get ready to scream—with laughter! The cast of Beetlejuice Jr. brings the spooky, kooky chaos to life at California Arts Academy on Sunday, June 8 at 2 PM! 🖤🎭 Watch Lydia, Beetlejuice, and the whole afterlife crew conjure up big laughs, haunting tunes, and just the right amount of creepy. With double-cast stars and a talented youth ensemble, this frightfully fun musical will have you dancing with the dead and cheering for the weird. Tickets are just $15—don’t ghost this show! 💀🎶

Question: How do I get my home listed here?
Answer: Start by sending Jason an email ([email protected])

HAIKU OF THE DAY
Laughter fills the air,
tiny hands in hands held tight—
hearts bloom side by side.