Oakland, California is a vibrant and dynamic city with a rich cultural heritage and a bustling community. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy a diverse range of events, from festivals and parades to concerts and exhibitions. Whether you’re interested in art, music, history, sports, or food, there is something for everyone in Oakland. This guide to Oakland events highlights twelve free things to do that visitors can attend each month, offering a unique opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant culture and engage with its community. So whether you’re a local, looking to rent an apartment in the area, or possibly wanting to put down more permanent roots and buy a home in Oakland, be sure to mark these events on your calendar and plan to attend one or more of them this year.
January: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at the Paramount Theatre
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at the Paramount Theatre is an annual event held in January to commemorate the life and legacy of the civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. This celebration takes place at the historic Paramount Theatre in downtown Oakland. The event typically features a program of music, speeches, and performances that pay tribute to Dr. King’s contributions.
The celebration is a vibrant and inspiring gathering that brings together people from all walks of life to honor Dr. King’s legacy. The music and performances are carefully selected to reflect the cultural richness and diversity of Oakland, and often include gospel choirs, jazz and R&B bands, and spoken word artists. The speeches and presentations are delivered by prominent community leaders, politicians, and activists, and provide insight into the ongoing efforts to advance Dr. King’s vision of equality and justice for all people.
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February: Love Your Park Day
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Love Your Park Day is an annual event held in February promoting community involvement in the maintenance and preservation of Oakland’s parks. On this day, volunteers gather in local parks to participate in clean-up and beautification efforts, such as planting flowers and trees, painting benches, and picking up litter. The event is a fun and rewarding opportunity to get involved in the community and give back to the city’s parks.
Throughout the day, there are also a variety of activities and games for visitors of all ages, such as nature walks, scavenger hunts, and live music performances. The event is a great way to spend a day outdoors, connect with the community, and enjoy the natural beauty of Oakland’s parks. Whether you’re a local resident or a first-time visitor, be sure to mark Love Your Park Day on your calendar and plan to attend.
March: Oakland Running Festival
The Oakland Running Festival is a highly anticipated event that takes place each March, attracting runners and spectators from all over the Bay Area. This festival features a range of running events, including a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and a kids fun run, making it a fun and inclusive event for people of all ages and abilities.
The festival route takes runners through the heart of Oakland, showcasing the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and iconic landmarks. Along the way, runners are cheered on by enthusiastic crowds and treated to live music, entertainment, and refreshments, making the event a lively experience.
For runners, the Oakland Running Festival offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to push their limits and test their endurance. The marathon and half marathon routes are particularly challenging, featuring steep hills and tough terrain, but the supportive and energetic atmosphere of the event helps runners to keep going and cross the finish line.
For those who prefer to spectate, the Oakland Running Festival offers a unique opportunity to get out and explore the city, cheer on friends and family members, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The event draws a large and diverse crowd, making it a fun and lively experience for all who attend.
April: Art + Soul Oakland Festival
The Art + Soul Oakland Festival is an annual event that takes place each April, celebrating the vibrant arts and cultural scene of Oakland, California. This festival brings together a diverse range of artists, musicians, and performers from all over the Bay Area for a weekend of live music, food, art, and entertainment.
The festival features a wide range of music and performance styles, including jazz, blues, R&B, hip-hop, and more. With multiple stages set up throughout the festival site, visitors are treated to non-stop entertainment and music, with something to suit every taste.
In addition to the music, the Art + Soul Oakland Festival also features a variety of food vendors and craft vendors, offering a range of delicious and unique foods and crafts to sample and purchase. From handmade jewelry to artisanal baked goods, the festival has something for everyone. There are tons of fun and educational activities, including face painting, balloon art, and more.
May: Bay Area Book Festival
This annual event takes place in the heart of Oakland and features a wide range of book-related activities, including author readings, panel discussions, book signings, and more. With a focus on diverse voices and perspectives, the Bay Area Book Festival showcases the best in contemporary literature, featuring both established authors and up-and-coming writers.
Visitors can explore a bustling outdoor marketplace filled with books, food, and other vendors, attend live readings and discussions, and engage with the literary community. The festival also offers a variety of educational and interactive activities for children and families, making it a great opportunity to expose the next generation to the world of books and the written word.
Whether you’re a book lover, an aspiring author, or simply looking for a fun and educational unique thing to do in Oakland, be sure to check out the Bay Area Book Festival..
June: Oakland Pride Festival
The Oakland Pride Festival is an annual free event that takes place each June. This festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration of diversity, inclusion, and equality, attracting thousands of visitors each year from all over the region.
The festival features a range of activities and events, including live music and entertainment, food and drink vendors, and a variety of other activities and attractions. With multiple stages set up throughout the festival site, visitors are treated to non-stop live music and entertainment, with performances by local and national artists and bands.
In addition to the music and entertainment, the Oakland Pride Festival also features a variety of food and drink vendors, offering a range of delicious and unique foods and drinks to sample and purchase. From traditional festival food to contemporary street food, there is something to suit everyone’s taste and budget.
The festival also features a variety of interactive activities and demonstrations, including dance workshops, arts and crafts activities, and more. These activities provide an opportunity for visitors to celebrate diversity and unite communities.
July: Fourth of July Celebration at Jack London Square
The Fourth of July Celebration at Jack London Square is an annual event that takes place each July 4th in Oakland, California. This celebration is a festive and patriotic event that brings together the local community to celebrate the birth of the United States and to honor the country’s rich history and heritage.
Jack London Square’s July 4th celebration is a lively event that boasts a range of exciting activities and attractions. With multiple stages set up throughout the festival, visitors are treated to a continuous flow of live music and entertainment, featuring performances by local and national artists and bands.
Foodies will have a blast as the celebration offers from classic foods to innovative eats on the street. The crowning jewel of the celebration is the mesmerizing fireworks display over the water at Jack London Square. This pyrotechnic spectacle is sure to take your breath away and is a must-see for visitors of all ages. Get ready for a truly unforgettable experience.
August: Eat Real Festival
The Eat Real Festival is an annual event held in August that celebrates local food, drink, and sustainable agriculture. This multi-day festival showcases the best in local cuisine, with a focus on artisanal food and drink, street food, and sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients.
At the Eat Real Festival, visitors can sample and purchase delicious foods from a range of vendors and food trucks, including local restaurants, breweries, and wineries. With a focus on sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients, the festival is a great opportunity to taste and learn about the best of local cuisine, from traditional dishes to contemporary creations.
In addition to the food and drink, the Eat Real Festival also features a range of activities and events, including cooking demonstrations, workshops, and educational activities. These events are designed to educate and inform visitors about the importance of sustainable agriculture and to promote the local food community in Oakland and beyond.
September: Oakland Greek Festival
The Oakland Greek Festival is an annual event held in September that celebrates the rich culture and traditions of Greece. This multi-day festival is a celebration of Greek food, drink, music, dance, and history.
At the Oakland Greek Festival, visitors can experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Greece, with a range of activities and events designed to engage and entertain. From delicious Greek cuisine to traditional music and dance performances, there’s something for everyone at this lively festival.
The biggest highlights of the Oakland Greek Festival is the food, with a variety of authentic Greek dishes available for visitors to sample and purchase. From delicious moussaka and spanakopita to gyros and baklava, there’s no shortage of tasty eats to try. In addition to the food, the festival also features a range of drinks and treats, including Greek wines and beers, coffee, and pastries.
In addition to the food and drink, the Oakland Greek Festival also features a range of cultural activities and events, including dance performances, live music, and historical displays. Visitors can also explore the festival’s marketplace, where they can purchase traditional Greek goods and souvenirs, or visit the chapel on-site.
October: Oakland International Film Festival
The Oakland International Film Festival is an annual event that takes place in October and showcases the best in independent and global cinema. Held in Oakland, this festival is a celebration of film and the art of storytelling and attracts filmmakers, film lovers, and industry professionals from around the world.
The Oakland International Film Festival is renowned for its diverse selection of films, which includes a range of genres and styles, from documentaries and short films to feature-length narratives and experimental works. The festival is dedicated to supporting and promoting independent film, and provides a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their work to a wider audience.
One of the highlights of the Oakland International Film Festival is the variety of film screenings and events, including red carpet premieres, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and industry panels. Visitors can also attend a range of parties, workshops, and networking events, making it a great opportunity for film lovers and industry professionals to connect and engage with one another.
In addition to the film screenings, the Oakland International Film Festival also features a range of special events, such as the Filmmaker Lounge, where visitors can relax and mingle with filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts.
November: Chabot Space & Science Center’s Starry Nights
Chabot Space & Science Center’s Starry Nights is a magical and educational event that takes place in November. This event is a celebration of the night sky and provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the wonders of space and astronomy.
The highlight of Starry Nights is the chance to gaze at the stars through the Center’s state-of-the-art telescopes, which are some of the largest and most powerful in the world. Visitors can also participate in a range of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, such as planetarium shows, laser light shows, and science demonstrations, all of which help bring the night sky to life.
In addition to the star-gazing and interactive exhibits, Starry Nights also features a range of educational programs and workshops, including presentations by astronomers and experts in the field of space and astronomy. These programs are designed to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the night sky and the universe beyond, and are suitable for all ages and levels of experience.
December: Oakland Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall
The Oakland Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall is a festive and joyful event that takes place each December, bringing the city of Oakland together in celebration of the holiday season.
Held at Oakland’s historic City Hall, the tree lighting ceremony is a cherished tradition that marks the start of the holiday season in the city. The ceremony features a range of festive activities, including live music performances, caroling, and spectacular light shows.
In addition to the tree lighting ceremony, the event also features a range of other holiday-themed activities, such as food and craft vendors selling holiday gifts and treats, and children’s activities, such as face painting and cookie decorating. The event is designed to be fun and engaging for all ages, making it a perfect way to spend a chilly December evening in Oakland.
More free year-round events shared by locals
1. MOMLETA monthly community events
“We love MOMLETA Oakland, and your first class is free,” suggests business owner Mary McQueen. “Our interval-based 60-minute stroller fitness classes cater to all fitness levels. MOMLETA is much more than a great workout – we provide a fantastic community and fun, free monthly events and more.”
2. Block Party at the Ronald McDonald House
“Join us on May 20th for a free community block party to celebrate the opening of Oakland’s Ronald McDonald House with music, activities, and local food,” suggests Communications Coordinator Katie Kelly. “The free event will be at the new Ronald McDonald House Oakland at 5217 West Street, Oakland, California, just across from UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. Come of you’re looking for a fun experience and to learn about how Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Bay Area is there to support our communities when and where they need it most.”
3. Oakland Chinatown activities
“There are plenty of fun free activities that take place around Oakland Chinatown in celebration of Lunar New Year. They typically occur at the end of January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar,” suggests Clementine Studio SF. “The Oakland Chinatown Lunar New Year Bazaar is a really fun way to join people from all walks of life in celebrating the lunar new year. I love being able to share this major cultural event from my childhood with my own family and friends. It’s a great opportunity to share memories of what I used to do with my parents or have my parents share memories of how they used to celebrate when they were growing up. Additionally, experiencing all the different ways that other nationalities celebrate and trying all the amazing food available is a big highlight of the event.”
Celebrating culture, community, and creativity: Experience the best of Oakland
Oakland is a city with a rich and vibrant cultural scene, offering a diverse range of events and experiences for visitors throughout the year. From the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration in January to the Oakland Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in December, there is always something happening in this vibrant city. These twelve events represent just a small selection of the many opportunities available for visitors and locals alike to experience the best of what Oakland has to offer. Whether you’re a local resident, first-time visitor, or someone closely watching the local housing market because you plan on moving there soon, be sure to take advantage of these free events and enjoy all that the city has to offer. With its diverse cultural offerings, friendly community, and dynamic atmosphere, Oakland is a destination that should not be missed.
Learn more about Oakland:
Locals Rave About These 10 Beautiful Places in Oakland, California
10 Fun Facts About Oakland: How Well Do You Know Your City?
6 Most Affordable Oakland Suburbs to Live In
8 Cities Near Oakland to Buy or Rent in this Year
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