There is much to explore as Bay Area residents share their talents, their passions, their culture and in some cases a look at local history—lively, meaningful or a mixture of the two.

Over on the Peninsula, Portola Art Gallery’s October exhibit “Meraki” features the fired ceramics of Misako Kambe. The opening reception is on Saturday afternoon, October 5. Learn more at: www.portolaartgallery.com.

The Castro Valley Greek Festival will take place at Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church from October 4 to 6. The church will show the cuisine, dance, music and most importantly hospitality of Greek culture. Read the menu at resurrectiongoc.com

Plethos’ October comedy show Joketoberfest is coming to JP’s Restaurant in Castro Valley on October 5! Join five Bay Area Comedians for many laughs. Buy tickets at plethos.org.

Each year, members of different local tribes come to Coyote Hills Regional Park to share their history and culture with the general public. This year the “Gathering of Ohlone Peoples” is on Sunday, October 6. This is a drop-in program; parking fees apply. ebparks.org/parks/coyote-hills

The East Bay Regional Park District has updated its 90th Anniversary website page with the third album in a series of historical photo collections by Martin J. Cooney. This collection commemorates park workers through the years. View the first three albums at: www.ebparks.org/celebrating-90-years.