Oakland is a vibrant city that is known for its diverse culture and lively community. Throughout the year, there are several festivals that take place, showcasing the best of what Oakland has to offer. Whether you are a foodie, a music lover, or someone who appreciates art, there is a festival for everyone. Here are some of the top festivals in Oakland that you don’t want to miss:
Oakland Restaurant Week (March)
Dates: March 14th – March 24th, 2024
Oakland Restaurant Week is a 10-day event that highlights the city’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene. Participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus, allowing you to experience a taste of Oakland’s finest flavors at a fixed price. This is a great opportunity to explore new restaurants, revisit old favorites, and indulge in a delicious adventure.
Details:
- Over 150 restaurants participate, offering a wide range of cuisines and price points.
- Restaurants create special lunch and dinner menus for the week, showcasing their culinary creativity.
- The menus often feature discounted prices compared to the regular menu.
- This is a great chance to discover hidden gems and support Oakland’s local food scene.
Oakland Marathon (March)
Dates: March 15-17, 2024 (This year’s event)
Description: The Oakland Marathon is a popular running event that winds through the streets of Oakland, California. It offers participants stunning views of the city skyline and the San Francisco Bay.
Events: The Oakland Running Festival, which includes the marathon, offers a variety of race distances to choose from, including a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and even a kids run.
For More Information: Visit the official website of the Oakland Marathon at https://oaklandmarathon.com/
Black Food & Wine Experience (June)
The Black Food & Wine Experience is a celebration of Black culture through food, wine, and entertainment. The main event is the Grand Tasting, which will be held on:
- Date: Saturday, June 1st, 2024
- Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Location: The Bridge Yard, 210 Burma Rd, Oakland, CA 94607
- Price: $175 – $2,500 + Fees (Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-food-wine-experience-grand-tasting-2024-tickets-799076809247)
This event features a diverse array of Black culinary traditions, wines, cocktails, and cultural elements.
PrideFest Oakland (September)
Dates:
- Parade: Sunday, September 8th, 2024 (11:00 AM)
- Festival: Sunday, September 8th, 2024 (Noon – 6:00 PM)
Details:
This free (parade) and ticketed (festival) event is a vibrant celebration of Oakland’s LGBTQ+ community.
- The parade travels down Broadway from 14th to 21st streets.
- The festival takes place at 20th Street & Broadway and features:
- Live music
- Food vendors
- A space to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community
Tickets:
- Festival tickets go on sale in June 2024.
- Prices are:
- Adults: $20
- Seniors (65+): $15
- Children (12-18): $10
- Children under 12: Free
More Information:
For more information and updates, visit the Oakland Pride website: https://oaklandpride.org/
Laurel Street Fair World Music Festival (August)
Based on previous years’ information, there isn’t a confirmed date for the Laurel Street Fair World Music Festival in August 2024. However, here’s what you can expect based on past festivals:
- Dates: The festival typically happens on a Saturday in mid-August. Past festivals took place on:
- August 12th, 2023
- August 13th, 2022
- Location: MacArthur Blvd. between 35th Ave and Maybelle Ave, Oakland, CA
- Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Activities: Free live music representing various cultures, food vendors, craft booths, a beer garden, and a special area for kids.
Keep in mind: This information is based on past events. It’s advisable to check the official website (https://www.laureldistrictassociation.org/) closer to August 2024 for confirmation of the date and details.
Oakland Chinatown Street Festival (August)
This lively festival celebrates Chinese culture with traditional food, music, and dance performances.
Dates: Typically the last weekend of August (Saturday & Sunday)
Details:
- Free admission
- Two-day event, usually from 10 am to 5 pm
- Location: 9th Street and Franklin in Oakland Chinatown
- Features over 200 booths with delicious Asian foods, unique crafts, and entertainment
- Stages with live performances
- Cultural Village showcasing Asian traditions
Note: The next festival will likely be held in August of 2024. You can confirm the exact dates closer to August by searching online for “Oakland Chinatown Street Festival” or visiting the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce website.
Hiero Day (September)
Date: Hiero Day is traditionally held on September 3rd, coinciding with the release date of Souls of Mischief’s (a core group within Hieroglyphics) iconic album, “93 ’til Infinity.”
Details:
- Hiero Day is a day-long festival honoring the legendary hip-hop group Hieroglyphics and the vibrant rap scene of Oakland, California.
- It features live performances by Hieroglyphics members, alongside established and up-and-coming artists across various hip-hop and R&B subgenres.
- The festival offers a multi-stage platform, showcasing over 30 acts throughout the day.
- Beyond music, Hiero Day celebrates Oakland’s cultural richness with local food vendors and crafts.
- It fosters a family-friendly atmosphere, creating a space for people of all ages to come together and appreciate the art of hip-hop.
Oakland Black Cowboy Parade & Heritage Festival (October)
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location: DeFremery Park / Lil’ Bobby Hutton Memorial Park, 18th & Adeline, Oakland, CA
Description:
The Oakland Black Cowboy Parade is a unique cultural celebration that honors the often-overlooked role of Black cowboys in settling the American West. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the parade, which is organized by the Oakland Black Cowboy Association, a non-profit dedicated to educating the public about this important piece of history.
The event features a parade with horseback riders, carriages, and floats, followed by a festival with food, music, and activities. It’s a great opportunity to learn about Black cowboys, experience Western culture, and have a fun-filled day with the family.
More Informations:
This list just scratches the surface of the many festivals that Oakland has to offer. There are also events celebrating art, film, food, and more happening throughout the year. You can find a more comprehensive calendar of events on the Visit Oakland website https://www.visitoakland.com/events/annual-events/.
Conclusion
Oakland is a city that knows how to celebrate. From culinary delights to artistic expressions, there is a festival for every interest. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, these festivals offer a glimpse into the vibrant culture and community of Oakland. So mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in the festivities. Don’t miss out on the top festivals in Oakland that showcase the best of what the city has to offer.
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