Berkeley City Council approves Art Bash and Pride Block Party, adopts multiple consent ordinances

The Berkeley City Council on Monday approved permits for two downtown summer events and adopted a package of routine ordinances and administrative items.

City staff and event organizers described the two approvals. Miss Vanble introduced the Berkeley Art Bash, which Ken Pringle, events coordinator for the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, said will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. "We currently have uh 208 artist vendors that want to sell their wares that day," Pringle said, and estimated "somewhere between 8 to 10,000 people" will attend on 12 Mile Road. Council member Elrod moved to approve the Art Bash permit; the motion was seconded by Council member Hennon and passed on roll-call vote.

The council also approved the Berkeley Pride Block Party, presented by the Downtown Development Authority. DDA director Nate Mack described the event as a community celebration scheduled Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., to be held on Robbina and Gardner south of 12 Mile Road and in the municipal parking lot between those streets. Council member Baker moved to approve the DDA event application; the motion was seconded by Council member Patterson and the conditional approval passed. The council noted that approval is contingent on the organizers submitting required documents before the event.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda: Approved (roll-call: Elrod, Hennon, Patterson, Baker, Gavin — yes). The consent package included minutes from March meetings; second readings and adoption of ordinances amending sections of the city code on nuisances and on streets/sidewalks; amendments to administration chapter 2-2; several city-initiated rezonings (PRZ-01-26 through PRZ-04-26 for properties on Sunny Noll and Franklin Road); procurement of Neptune R900I water meters; and a 2026 summer maintenance agreement with the Oakland County Road Commission. (Ordinance and ordinance numbers: not specified in the transcript.) - Art Bash permit (June 13, 2026, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., 12 Mile Road): Motion by Council member Elrod; second by Council member Hennon; outcome — approved. - Pride Block Party permit (June 28, 2026, 1 p.m.–5 p.m., Robbina/Gardner/municipal lot): Motion by Council member Baker; second by Council member Patterson; outcome — approved (conditional on required submissions).

Why it matters The approvals clear the way for two large downtown events that organizers say will bring thousands of visitors and local economic activity to 12 Mile Road. Organizers and staff emphasized coordination with city departments and permit requirements; the Pride approval was explicitly conditional on submission of outstanding paperwork.

Other council business and community notes During communications, council members highlighted local boards and community programs: Council member Baker reported on the Berkeley robotics team (Team 247, the "Dub Bears"), which finished the qualification rounds ranked 11th at a recent competition and whose captain, Sophia Rundy, received a leadership award. Council member Henan summarized tree program outreach with the DNR and the Tree Conservancy of Detroit and noted the city is leveraging its tree inventory for potential regional grant opportunities. Mayor Gavin announced an Arbor Day celebration on April 25 with a tree planting at 9:30 a.m. and a giveaway of 150 saplings to Berkeley residents (first come, first served).

Budget schedule City staff said final budget materials and a council budget presentation are scheduled for May 4, 2026.

The meeting adjourned following the scheduled business.