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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KISMAT | Bollywood Rooftop Night at TORCH Oakland ft. DJ Brown Buoy

Friday • 9:00 PM

Torch Oakland Rooftop Bar

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FELA ON VINYL: A Fela Kuti Tribute Dance Party

Fri, Oct 16 • 8:00 PM

starline social club

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Mercury : A Night before Halloween

Fri, Oct 30 • 9:00 PM

Fluid510

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HALLOWEEN RAVE: DEMON TIME Bay Area (18+)

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

Continental Club

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KISMAT | Bollywood Rooftop Night at TORCH Oakland ft. DJ Brown Buoy

Friday • 9:00 PM

Torch Oakland Rooftop Bar

Check ticket price on event

FELA ON VINYL: A Fela Kuti Tribute Dance Party

Fri, Oct 16 • 8:00 PM

starline social club

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Mercury : A Night before Halloween

Fri, Oct 30 • 9:00 PM

Fluid510

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HALLOWEEN RAVE: DEMON TIME Bay Area (18+)

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

Continental Club

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Popular in Oakland

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Music + Mixology | Oakland Style 2026

Wednesday • 5:30 PM

Rotunda Building

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FREE: Drunken Film Fest Oakland 2026 (Oct 3-9)

Friday • 7:00 PM

Oakland, CA

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Claudia Rankine: Triage

Saturday • 7:00 PM

First Presbyterian Church of Oakland

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2026 Bay Area Contractor Networking Mixer

Wed, Oct 14 • 4:00 PM

Oakland Museum of California

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15th Anniversary Autumn Lights Festival

Thu, Oct 15 • 6:00 PM + 2 more

Gardens at Lake Merritt

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Benioff Children's Hospital: Truck or Treat

Sun, Oct 18 • 9:00 AM

807 51st St

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Oakland Civic Orchestra: Rachmaninoff and Mussorgsky

Sun, Oct 25 • 4:00 PM

Valley Center for Performing Arts

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Halloween On The Rooftop | The Biggest Halloween Party in Oakland

Sat, Oct 31 • 9:00 PM

Torch Oakland Rooftop Bar

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Music + Mixology | Oakland Style 2026

Wednesday • 5:30 PM

Rotunda Building

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FREE: Drunken Film Fest Oakland 2026 (Oct 3-9)

Friday • 7:00 PM

Oakland, CA

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Claudia Rankine: Triage

Saturday • 7:00 PM

First Presbyterian Church of Oakland

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2026 Bay Area Contractor Networking Mixer

Wed, Oct 14 • 4:00 PM

Oakland Museum of California

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15th Anniversary Autumn Lights Festival

Thu, Oct 15 • 6:00 PM + 2 more

Gardens at Lake Merritt

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Benioff Children's Hospital: Truck or Treat

Sun, Oct 18 • 9:00 AM

807 51st St

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Oakland Civic Orchestra: Rachmaninoff and Mussorgsky

Sun, Oct 25 • 4:00 PM

Valley Center for Performing Arts

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Halloween On The Rooftop | The Biggest Halloween Party in Oakland

Sat, Oct 31 • 9:00 PM

Torch Oakland Rooftop Bar

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Online Events

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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KISMAT | Bollywood Rooftop Night at TORCH Oakland ft. DJ Brown Buoy

Friday • 9:00 PM

Torch Oakland Rooftop Bar

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Natalie Cressman & Ian Faquini

Friday • 7:30 PM

The Sound Room

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Claudia Rankine: Triage

Saturday • 7:00 PM

First Presbyterian Church of Oakland

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Lake Merritt Modernism: Architecture, Recreation & Play— Walking Tour

Saturday • 1:00 PM

900 Fallon St

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2SIQ: Still Here Fest

Saturday • 6:00 PM

Oakstop

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AAPI Women Lead's 2026 ImReady Conference

Saturday • 9:00 AM

Oakland Asian Cultural Center

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LIVE ART WALK

Saturday • 11:00 AM

inStudio | Empowerment Avenue

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MTA Fixed-Partner Mixed Doubles Tennis

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Montclair Tennis courts

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KISMAT | Bollywood Rooftop Night at TORCH Oakland ft. DJ Brown Buoy

Friday • 9:00 PM

Torch Oakland Rooftop Bar

Check ticket price on event

Natalie Cressman & Ian Faquini

Friday • 7:30 PM

The Sound Room

Check ticket price on event

Claudia Rankine: Triage

Saturday • 7:00 PM

First Presbyterian Church of Oakland

Check ticket price on event

Lake Merritt Modernism: Architecture, Recreation & Play— Walking Tour

Saturday • 1:00 PM

900 Fallon St

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2SIQ: Still Here Fest

Saturday • 6:00 PM

Oakstop

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AAPI Women Lead's 2026 ImReady Conference

Saturday • 9:00 AM

Oakland Asian Cultural Center

Check ticket price on event

LIVE ART WALK

Saturday • 11:00 AM

inStudio | Empowerment Avenue

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MTA Fixed-Partner Mixed Doubles Tennis

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Montclair Tennis courts

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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.