Best events in
Oakland

Events and things to do in Oakland, CA reflect the city's deep community roots and artistic spirit. The local rhythm often revolves around neighborhood-specific routines, from weekend farmers markets to evenings spent exploring distinct entertainment hubs like Uptown or Jack London Square. A strong creative current runs through the city, visible in street murals, independent music venues, and industrial arts spaces.

Uptown serves as the city's main entertainment district, where historic venues like the Fox Theater and the Paramount Theatre host major concerts and performances.
The city's culinary scene is a major attraction, with food-focused events and several year-round farmers markets, including the popular Grand Lake Farmers Market.
Annual celebrations highlight Oakland's diverse culture, from the community-focused Temescal Street Fair to Oaktoberfest in the Dimond and the independent music festival Hiero Day.

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After 8pm

TESFAY MENGESHA LIVE at CAVE OAKLAND

Saturday • 9:00 PM

266 14th St

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San Francisco Speed Dating for Singles Age 23-39 ♥ Oakland CA

Wed, Nov 18 • 8:15 PM

Alta Vina Wine Bar

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AfterGlow Chorus: Ring Dem Bells | Holiday Concert in Oakland

Sat, Dec 12 • 8:00 PM

St. Paul's Episcopal Church Oakland

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Wintersongs with Kitka - OAKLAND (Friday)

Fri, Dec 18 • 8:00 PM

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

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TESFAY MENGESHA LIVE at CAVE OAKLAND

Saturday • 9:00 PM

266 14th St

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San Francisco Speed Dating for Singles Age 23-39 ♥ Oakland CA

Wed, Nov 18 • 8:15 PM

Alta Vina Wine Bar

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AfterGlow Chorus: Ring Dem Bells | Holiday Concert in Oakland

Sat, Dec 12 • 8:00 PM

St. Paul's Episcopal Church Oakland

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Wintersongs with Kitka - OAKLAND (Friday)

Fri, Dec 18 • 8:00 PM

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

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Popular in Oakland

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Business Planning Clinic 2027

yesterday • 11:00 AM

215 Washington St

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Golden Ratio 1 Year Anniversary

Today • 6:00 PM

Golden Ratio

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Find Your Crew

Friday • 4:30 PM

Community Hub

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AFRO RAVE featuring DJ KO from the NYC (Presented by Afrobeats Oakland)

Saturday • 10:00 PM

Starline Social Club

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Seed People Docuseries

Thu, Nov 19 • 6:30 PM

Mills College at Northeastern University - Holland Theater in Lisser Hall

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Choir Rehearsal with Friends - OAKLAND

Sat, Nov 21 • 6:00 PM

Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church

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JTA's Thanksgiving Community Table

Wed, Nov 25 • 9:00 AM

Oakland Public Library: Melrose Branch

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DA COOKOUT

Sat, Nov 28 • 3:00 PM

Mad Oak Bar ‘N’ Yard

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Business Planning Clinic 2027

yesterday • 11:00 AM

215 Washington St

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Golden Ratio 1 Year Anniversary

Today • 6:00 PM

Golden Ratio

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Find Your Crew

Friday • 4:30 PM

Community Hub

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AFRO RAVE featuring DJ KO from the NYC (Presented by Afrobeats Oakland)

Saturday • 10:00 PM

Starline Social Club

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Seed People Docuseries

Thu, Nov 19 • 6:30 PM

Mills College at Northeastern University - Holland Theater in Lisser Hall

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Choir Rehearsal with Friends - OAKLAND

Sat, Nov 21 • 6:00 PM

Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church

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JTA's Thanksgiving Community Table

Wed, Nov 25 • 9:00 AM

Oakland Public Library: Melrose Branch

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DA COOKOUT

Sat, Nov 28 • 3:00 PM

Mad Oak Bar ‘N’ Yard

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Online Events

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This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Today • 7:30 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Tomorrow • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM EST

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Saturday • 1:00 PM EST

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SVPG Product Masterclass - Nov 16-18, 2026

Monday • 12:00 PM GMT

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HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable

Mon, Nov 23 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome

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This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Today • 7:30 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Tomorrow • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM EST

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Saturday • 1:00 PM EST

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SVPG Product Masterclass - Nov 16-18, 2026

Monday • 12:00 PM GMT

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HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable

Mon, Nov 23 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome

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This Weekend

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Find Your Crew

Friday • 4:30 PM

Community Hub

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Mads Tolling & Patrick Martin

Saturday • 7:30 PM

The Sound Room

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SOUL GLO 26! “UPSIDEDOWNGHOST BIRTHDAY POETRY ROAST!” AT TRAIN STATION BAR!

Saturday • 6:00 PM

Train Station Bar

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November Second Saturday's Sound Bath & Gratitude Journaling

Saturday • 12:00 PM

5226 Market St

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TESFAY MENGESHA LIVE at CAVE OAKLAND

Saturday • 9:00 PM

266 14th St

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Tantric Beginning (Level 1)

Saturday • 12:00 PM

Oakland

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Oakland Speed Dating Ages 24-39

Saturday • 2:00 PM

Oakland, CA

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Adult & Teen Learn-to-Ride Workshop

Sunday • 10:00 AM

Rockridge BART Parking Lot (37°50'36.8"N 122°15'12.1"W)

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Find Your Crew

Friday • 4:30 PM

Community Hub

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Mads Tolling & Patrick Martin

Saturday • 7:30 PM

The Sound Room

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SOUL GLO 26! “UPSIDEDOWNGHOST BIRTHDAY POETRY ROAST!” AT TRAIN STATION BAR!

Saturday • 6:00 PM

Train Station Bar

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November Second Saturday's Sound Bath & Gratitude Journaling

Saturday • 12:00 PM

5226 Market St

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TESFAY MENGESHA LIVE at CAVE OAKLAND

Saturday • 9:00 PM

266 14th St

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Tantric Beginning (Level 1)

Saturday • 12:00 PM

Oakland

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Oakland Speed Dating Ages 24-39

Saturday • 2:00 PM

Oakland, CA

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Adult & Teen Learn-to-Ride Workshop

Sunday • 10:00 AM

Rockridge BART Parking Lot (37°50'36.8"N 122°15'12.1"W)

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Points of Interest near Oakland

Oakland Aviation Museum

Snow Park

Oakland Zoo

Joaquin Miller Park

Knowland Park

University Of California Botanical Garden

Chabot Space Science Center

Grizzly Peak Blvd Overlook

Pyramid To Moses

Frequently asked questions about Oakland

Where are the best venues for live music events in Oakland?

The Uptown district is a great starting point for live music in Oakland. The historic Fox Theater and Paramount Theatre attract well-known artists, while The New Parish offers a more intimate setting. Yoshi's in Jack London Square is a renowned destination for jazz and other genres.

What are some good spots for comedy shows in Oakland, CA?

All Out Comedy Theater in the KONO District is dedicated to improv and stand-up shows. Larger venues like the Fox Theater also regularly feature touring comedians, and Yoshi's occasionally hosts comedy nights alongside its music programming, providing varied options for a night of laughs.

Are there free community events to attend in Oakland?

Yes, Oakland offers many free community events and activities. Oakland First Fridays is a monthly street festival with art and music, and the annual Black Joy Parade is a free celebration. Visiting neighborhood farmers markets is another great free activity on weekends.

What are some date night ideas in Jack London Square?

Jack London Square offers a scenic setting for a date night. Enjoy a meal and a jazz performance at Yoshi's, walk along the waterfront, or check for special events happening at The Bridge Yard. The neighborhood's many restaurants and bars provide additional options.

How can I experience Oakland's art scene events?

Dive into Oakland's art scene by attending the Oakland First Fridays street festival in Uptown. For hands-on experiences, The Crucible in West Oakland offers industrial arts classes and events. Keep an eye out for gallery openings and other art-focused community events throughout the city.

What kind of family-friendly outdoor events happen near Lake Merritt?

The area around Lake Merritt is great for family outings and events. The Grand Lake Farmers Market, held every Saturday at Splash Pad Park, is a lively event with food and local goods. The park itself also provides a wonderful space for recreation and community gatherings.

Where can I find food and drink events in Oakland?

Oakland's food scene is celebrated through various festivals and markets. The annual Oaktoberfest in the Dimond district is a popular event, while neighborhood farmers markets in Grand Lake, Old Oakland, and Jack London Square offer fresh produce and specialty foods from local vendors year-round.

What's the nightlife like in Uptown Oakland?

Uptown is the center of Oakland's nightlife, with a dense concentration of bars and venues. Catch a show at the Fox Theater or The New Parish, then explore the many bars and restaurants along Telegraph Avenue. It is a popular and walkable area for an evening out.