Ongoing Oakland Events
City of Oakland Free Walking Tours
From May to October, enjoy free 90-minute walking tours through Oakland’s downtown districts.
Schedule: Tours are offered Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Reservations are recommended but not required. Choose from one of eight tour itineraries.
Oakland First Fridays
Oakland Art Murmur (OAM) began organizing the free, monthly art walk — known as The Art Murmur — in 2006. Today, OAM is an organization of over 40 galleries that produces weekly art walks, guided tours and other exclusive events. Free.
Bicycle Tours of Oakland
From May through October, OMCA docents lead bike tours of this eclectic city; destinations include downtown Oakland, the port area, Lake Merritt, and Fruitvale. The free two-hour tours take place on the third Sunday of the month and depart from the Museum’s 10th Street entrance at 10 am. Bring your own bikes, helmets, and repair kits. For more information and to make a reservation, call 510-318-8470 or docentcenter@museumca.org. Free.
Black Panther Legacy Tours
Where: 1 Adeline, Oakland California; 510.986.0660
Investigate Oakland’s revolutionary history, the birthplace of the Black Panther Party, by partaking in one of these eye-opening tours. See where the Ten Point Program was written, stand where Huey P. Newton was murdered, walk where the BPP initiated the first free breakfast program for children. Tours are hosted by Huey P. Newton Foundation and must be set up ahead of time. By reservation. $25.
November/December
Oakland Museum’s Dia de Los Muertos Exhibition
Jack London Square Holiday Tree Lighting
Where: Jack London Square
Oakland Holiday Parade
Where: 11th St. & Clay to 19th St. & Harrison
January/February
Chinatown Lunar New Year Bazaar
Where: Oakland Chinatown
June
Bites off Broadway
When: May – October, Fridays from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Temescal (365 45th Street)
In Oakland, there’s one thing for certain – there is no shortage of tasty food. Get a sample of some of the best in town at Bites off Broadway. Hula-hooping and live music are an added bonus.
Temescal Street Cinema
When: June – July (Thursdays), films begin at 8:45 p.m.
Where: Temescal (49th Street @ Telegraph Ave.)
Get a glimpse at some of the creative minds behind the Bay Area’s film community at the Temescal Street Cinema free outdoor movie series. From heartbreaking documentaries to animated shorts, the program presents an amazing collection of films.
Jack London Square – Waterfront Flicks, Dancing Under the Stars, and so much more!
When: Fridays in the Summer
Where: Jack London Square
For all of you newbie dancers out there, Dancing Under the Stars is a FREE way to get immersed into dance of all varieties, held every Friday in the summer. Or cozy up for a FREE outdoor screening with Waterfront Flicks on Thursdays. Be sure to follow along with the events on the Jack London Square website to stay in the know.
Jack of All Trades
Where: Jack London Square
Think of this festival as a hodgepodge of all things Oakland – makers, designers, artists, vintage wares, food, craft beer and live music, all in one day. If you’re looking for the perfect sampling of Oakland, Jack of All Trades is not to be missed.
What The Truck!
Where: Jack London Square
Food trucks have become a coveted staple for events and festivals. But What The Truck! takes four-wheeled vehicles to the next level, including everything from gaming and art trucks to glam and accessory boutiques (on wheels). Visitors can bike, ferry, drive or BART to this FREE festival in Jack London Square.
Free Summer Sounds Concert Series
When: June – August; Wednesdays at noon
Where: City Center Plaza Stage
They had us at FREE J This ongoing concert series at the City Center Plaza is a welcome midday (and midweek) break for visitors and locals. Grab some lunch, soak up the sun and hear some new tunes in The Town.
Roof Garden Concert Series
When: June – September, Fridays at noon
Where: Kaiser Rooftop
Kick your weekend off with this special summer series of free concerts on the Kaiser Center Roof Garden. Take in some of the best views of Oakland and Lake Merritt as you enjoy the multicultural music from dozens of local musicians.
Dragon Boat Festival
Where: Lake Merritt
Whether you’re a spectator or a sporty type, Oakland’s Dragon Boat Festival is fun for all parties. Grab a spot on the lawn at Lake Merritt, or for prime seating, head to Lake Chalet to watch the races dockside.
Walk in the Wild: An Epicurean Escapade
Where: Oakland Zoo
Show some love for Oakland’s Zoo at the 22nd Annual Walk in the Wild. Sample the best of the best in the Bay Area, including bakeries, breweries, caterers, restaurants and wineries. Pro tip: Be sure to stay late for dancing and dessert after the main event.
Garden of Memory
Where: Chapel of the Chimes
Welcome the long days of summer with a music-filled celebration at Chapel of the Chimes, kicking off the summer solstice. A rare chance to walk through one of Oakland’s most beautiful historic buildings and enjoy live music all at the same time.
Montclair Fine Arts Sidewalk Festival
Where: Montclair Village
More than 80 of the Bay Area’s most talented artists will come together to display their crafts in the quaint neighborhood of Montclair. Sip on one (or two) of the 20 artisan wines and craft brews as you peruse.
July
July 4th Festival of Family Fun
Where: Jack London Square
Kick off the Independence Day weekend at Jack London Square’s annual 4th of July Festival, including tasty treats and entertainment for all. Note: Fireworks are not included.
Annual Temescal Street Fair
Where: Telegraph Avenue between 51st and 42nd streets
Oakland’s Temescal Street Fair is one of the most popular cultural events of the summer, showcasing The Town’s creative artists and entertainers. Be sure to bring the kids to this family-friendly festival, including a special kid’s stage for the little ones.
An Intimate Evening
Where: Dunsmuir-Hellman Historic Estate
Adorn yourselves in your favorite summer whites for Dunsmuir’s elegant annual event. Live music, line dancing, carriage rides, martinis – you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of a movie at this picturesque event.
Pedalfest
Where: Jack London Square
Get ready for a day of all things bikes, including pedal-powered food and sound stages, vintage bike collections, stunts by cycling daredevils, kids’ bike rodeos — the works!
Fire Arts Festival
Where: Jack London Square, Broadway at Embarcadero, Oakland California; Tel. +1 510.444.0919
Firepower without the military? Yes. Every year, Oakland’s Crucible, a think tank and shop for metal works and high-risk arts, hosts a gloriously bright Fire Arts Festival in Oakland’s Jack London Square. Held in the evening for maximum clarity, the Fire Arts Festival features fire dancers and amazing fire sculptures. Sip some wine, chill with a beer and prepare for the works.
Berkeley Kite Festival
Where: Cesar E. Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina (North End), Berkeley California; Tel. +1 510.235.KITE
Finally accessible by foot or bike via the new footbridge, the Berkeley Marina is just waiting for your affection. Come love it up during the biggest kite festival in the West-ern Hemisphere. This whimsical event features kite flying competitions, a kite ballet, kites as big as houses, kite-making workshops for kids, and even a (kite?) event for dogs. Combine all of this with great food, music, and a sturdy windbreaker and you’re set for a high flyin’ weekend. Free.
August
Oakland Art & Soul Festival
Where: Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 14th St. at Broadway, Oakland California; Tel. +1 510.444.CITY
With such a great name, this fest is bound to be a good one. Rumored to be the home of West Coast blues, the Oakland Art & Soul Festival features soul-stirring music and heart-warming visual art. (Don’t worry; there will be G-rated activities for the kiddies too.) Come celebrate Oakland at its heart, right down on Broadway. Free.
International Dragon Boat Festival
Where: Jack London Square, Broadway at Embarcadero, Oakland California; Tel. +1 510.452.4272
For more than 2,000 years dragon boat racing has been the reenactment of the Chinese legend of Qu Yuan, a Chinese poet and scholar who, in the 4th century BC, was so dismayed by the corruption of Chu Dynasty he flung himself into the Mi Lo River. Much beloved by his people, as the legend goes, Qu Yuan’s action spurred the local fisherman into frenzied paddling from shore to shore in an effort to save him as they scattered rice dumplings into the water to appease the river dragons. Today, slender boats as long as AC Transit buses adorned with dragon heads and tails are each manned with twenty paddlers in what has become one of the fastest growing water sports in the world. Come watch these spectacular boats and athletes zip across the water looking for Qu Yuan right down at Jack. Free.
Fine Arts Fair
Where: Jack London Square, Broadway at Embarcadero, Oakland California; Tel. +1 510.814.6000
Peruse the genius of California artists at this outdoor festival, and, if you stop by on Sunday, the genius of the Jack London Farmer’s Market too. Nosh on a carrot and admire a sculpture, bite into a peach, and buy a painting. Free
Oakland Chinatown StreetFest
Where: Oakland Chinatown, Ninth at Franklin, Oakland California; Tel. +1 510.893.8979
Join the thousands of visitors and locals from the Bay Area and beyond at Oakland’s annual Chinatown StreetFest celebration, a perfect way to experience Chinatown’s preserved traditions. Unique Asian products, live entertainment and delicious foods are just things to enjoy at this weekend-long celebration.
East Bay Gay Pride Celebration
Where: Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 14th St. at Broadway, Oakland California; Tel. +1 510.663.3980
San Francisco got one in June, now it’s the East Bay’s turn. Come show your Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex pride and support at this annual Oakland celebration. Complete with community exhibitors, arts and crafts, and fabulous entertainment, this festival will be a hoot. Free.
Laurel World Music & Food Festival
Where: MacArthur @ 35th Avenue
Head to the Laurel District for the neighborhood’s 15th annual Laurel Street Fair. Year to year, the event draws upwards of 8,000 people, and continues to raise the bar for some of the best music, crafts, fashion shows and food vendors of any neighborhood festival.
The Town’s Half Marathon
Where: Start/end at Frank Ogawa Plaza at City Hall
Lace up those running shoes – it’s time to explore The Town with this inaugural race! Not much of an athlete? Cheer on the runners at the finish line at the RunOak Festival, including local music, food, beer and wine.
2nd Annual Mezcal and Tequila Festival
Nothing says summer like Mezcal and Tequila. Sample the flavorful spirits as you learn the history and culture from the masterminds in the industry. Keep your eyes peeled for the exact date and time for this tasty festival.
Oakland Triathlon
Where: Begins in Jack London Square
Oakland is truly becoming the endurance capital of the West Coast. Not only is the city home to two annual running festivals, but it will also host the inaugural Oakland Triathlon Festival, the largest West Coast urban triathlon! Bike through Oakland’s downtown, run around Lake Merritt, swim in the Oakland Estuary – experience some of the best of Oakland all in one active day.
September/October
Eat Real Festival
Where: Jack London Square
Eat Real combines a state fair, a street-food festival, and a block party to create a celebration of good food. Free entry and no street food item costs more than $8, with all vendors featuring local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Additional hours of Eat Real are Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free.
Sundays in the Redwoods
Where: Woodminster Amphitheater, located at Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland, 94602
Tickets may be purchased in person at Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts (1428 Alice St, Oakland), Tuesday-Friday 3:30pm-7:00pm, and Saturday 10am-1pm and OPR Admin Office (250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite #3330, Oakland) Monday-Friday 2pm-4:30pm. For more information, contact (510) 238-3052.
Movies in the Park
Where: Redwood Heights Recreation Center, 3883 Aliso Avenue, Oakland, Ca 94619; 510-482-7827
All movies begin at dusk. Please note that this time changes, as the days get longer and shorter in the spring, summer & fall. We plan on starting the movies once it gets dark enough to see it on the screen.Be sure to dress warm and bring a lawn chair and / or blanket as the grass starts to get a little damp in the evening. We may have some mosquito spray, but you may want to bring some as well.We will again be selling popcorn, hot chocolate, drinks & hotdogs this year. All of the money goes towards our scholarship fund for summer day camp and after school Rockets program.