One hears a lot in the news about Oakland California, which is right outside of San Francisco. Murders, protests, etc. But Oakland sometimes get too much of a bad rap. It also has some delightful areas to visit, including around Lake Merritt. And it also has a great museum.

When we found out about it Autumn Lights Festival, we signed up to go. This is a four-evening celebration of illuminated art displays held on the shore of pretty Lake Merritt. The displays, which include everything from one-of-a-kind light sculptures from area artists, to LED-based toys to a fire-breathing piano that can be played by visitors, are situated in the lake’s lovely, seven-acre Gardens at Lake Merritt.

The result: A lovely site in which visitors can see and meet the artists who created dozens of light and illuminated sculptures, children (and adults) can play with fascinating new LED-based toys and otherwise a lovely evening “walk in the park”