
Major Events & Festivals in Oakland, California, United States
1. Oakland Pride Parade
Annual celebration of diversity, held in June. Features vibrant parade, live music, and family-friendly activities.
- Celebration of Diversity: A unique opportunity to experience Oakland's rich cultural tapestry.
- Community Bonding: A chance for the LGBTQ+ community and allies to come together in unity and joy.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music performances from local and international artists.
2. Art Murmur Gallery Stroll
Monthly event showcasing Oakland's vibrant art scene, with open studios and exhibitions.
- Local Art Scene: Explore a variety of artistic expressions unique to Oakland.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with local artists, collectors, and enthusiasts.
- Unique Venues: Discover hidden gems in the city's unique art spaces.
3. Oakland International Film Festival
Annual event showcasing independent films from around the world. Held in March.
- Independent Cinema: Discover fresh and innovative filmmaking talent.
- Cultural Exchange: Experience diverse stories and perspectives from global filmmakers.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry professionals, filmmakers, and fellow cinema enthusiasts.
4. Oakland Greek Festival
Annual event celebrating Greek culture, held in September. Features food, dance, music, and art.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience the richness of Greek culture in Oakland.
- Authentic Greek Cuisine: Savor traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava.
- Dance Performances: Watch captivating performances of traditional Greek dances.
5. Oakland Juneteenth Celebration
Annual event celebrating the emancipation of African-American slaves in June. Features live music, food, and art.
- Historical Significance: Learn about the importance of Juneteenth and its significance to African American history.
- Community Bonding: A chance for the African-American community and allies to come together in unity and celebration.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music performances from local and international artists.
6. Oakland Restaurant Week
Biannual event showcasing Oakland's diverse culinary scene. Features special menus and discounts at participating restaurants.
- Culinary Diversity: Experience a wide range of flavors from around the world, all in one city.
- Cost Savings: Enjoy special discounts at some of Oakland's top restaurants.
- New Restaurant Discoveries: Discover hidden gems and revisit old favorites during this culinary adventure.
7. Lake Merritt Music Festival
Annual event featuring live music performances at Lake Merritt. Held in August.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music performances from local and international artists.
- Community Bonding: A chance for the community to come together in unity and joy.
- Natural Beauty: Experience a beautiful outdoor concert setting at Lake Merritt.
8. Oakland Museum of California's Festival of Arts & Ideas
Annual event featuring art installations, live performances, and discussions on contemporary issues. Held in May.
- Artistic Expression: Experience a wide range of artistic expressions and ideas.
- Contemporary Issues: Engage in thought-provoking discussions on current social, political, and cultural issues.
- Cultural Exchange: Connect with artists, thinkers, and fellow enthusiasts from across California.
9. Oakland Asian Cultural Center's Lunar New Year Celebration
Annual event celebrating the lunar new year. Features food, dance, music, and art.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience the richness of Asian culture in Oakland.
- Authentic Cultural Cuisine: Savor traditional Asian dishes during this celebration.
- Dance Performances: Watch captivating performances of traditional Asian dances.
10. Lantern Festival at Jack London Square
Annual event featuring lanterns, live music, and cultural performances. Held in August.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience the beauty of Asian culture through colorful lantern displays.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music performances and cultural dances during this event.
- Community Bonding: A chance for the community to come together in unity and joy.
11. Dia de los Muertos at Fruitvale
Annual event celebrating the Mexican holiday of Day of the Dead. Features food, art, and cultural performances.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience the vibrant Mexican culture during this festive celebration.
- Authentic Cultural Cuisine: Savor traditional Mexican dishes like pan de muertos, tamales, and sugar skulls.
- Artistic Expression: Admire colorful altars, artwork, and face painting during this event.
12. Oakland Bay Festival
Annual event celebrating Oakland's waterfront. Features live music, food, and boat tours.
- Waterfront Celebration: Celebrate Oakland's beautiful waterfront with a variety of activities.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music performances from local and international artists.
- Boat Tours: Explore Oakland's waterfront on a scenic boat tour.
13. Oakland Jazz Festival
Annual event showcasing jazz music at Frank Ogawa Plaza. Held in August.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live performances from renowned and up-and-coming jazz artists.
- Community Bonding: A chance for the community to come together in unity and enjoy this timeless music genre.
- Historical Significance: Experience the rich history of jazz music, a significant part of Oakland's cultural heritage.
14. Oakland Restaurant Walk
Biannual event where restaurants in specific neighborhoods offer special menus and discounts. Held twice a year.
- Culinary Diversity: Experience the diverse culinary scene of different Oakland neighborhoods.
- Cost Savings: Enjoy special discounts at some of Oakland's top restaurants.
- New Restaurant Discoveries: Discover hidden gems and revisit old favorites during this culinary adventure.
15. Oakland Bites Food Tour
Guided food tour showcasing Oakland's diverse culinary scene. Held throughout the year.
- Culinary Diversity: Experience a wide range of flavors from around the world, all in one city.
- Local Insights: Learn about the history and stories behind Oakland's food scene.
- New Restaurant Discoveries: Discover hidden gems and revisit old favorites during this culinary adventure.