As mid-summer arrives, Oakland’s vibrant cultural landscape is on full display, offering a weekend rich with music, art and community connection.
This curated list of free events is your guide to experiencing the best of Oakland without opening your wallet. Whether you’re looking to sketch at a museum, learn about community safety, or enjoy a movie under the stars, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with your neighbors and enjoy the Town.
Friday, July 18, 2025
Morning Coffee Tasting with Mr. Espresso
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Place: The Caffè by Mr. Espresso, 1120 Broadway
Start your Friday with a complimentary coffee tasting from one of Oakland’s signature roasters. This intimate session at Mr. Espresso’s flagship coffee bar offers a chance to sample new and signature oak wood-roasted beans, ask questions and have some coffee before the weekend begins.
Friday Nights at OMCA with The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Place: Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St.
The Oakland Museum of California continues its popular Friday Nights series with performances from Bay Area legend The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol & Her Sextet. The evening also features a genre-bending DJ set by Hauna Bauna and a unique opportunity for live figure drawing with Sketchboard Co. inside the galleries. While gallery access requires a ticket, all outdoor music and access to the Off the Grid food trucks are free.
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Grand Lake Farmers Market
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Place: Splash Pad Park, Grand Ave & Lake Park Ave
One of the East Bay’s largest farmers markets returns to Splash Pad Park this Saturday. As a weekly hub for local commerce and fresh produce, the market is held every Saturday and features over 40 local farmers and 30 specialty food purveyors.
BANDALOOP presents Somewhere to Oakland
Time: 12:00 p.m. – onwards
Place: The Rotunda at Oakland City Hall / Khan’s Alley
As part of its month-long public art series, the vertical dance company BANDALOOP hosts an afternoon of free events. Activities include a community “Circlesinging” workshop with facilitator Destani Wolf in the Rotunda, followed by an open rehearsal in the Rotunda and Khan’s Alley.
Ceasefire Teach-In Session
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Place: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Avenue and Grand St
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee is hosting a teach-in on Oakland’s violence prevention strategy, “Ceasefire.” The event features Mayor Lee, Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell, and Department of Violence Prevention Chief Dr. Holly Joshi. RSVP here.
Saturdays in the Zone: Community Skate & Melon Jubilee
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Place: Liberation Park, 7101 Foothill Blvd.
The Black Cultural Zone hosts a full afternoon of community celebration in Deep East Oakland. The “Melon Jubilee,” a festival dedicated to all things melon, will feature juicy treats, themed games and contests. This event runs concurrently with the “Saturdays in the Zone” skate session at the Umoja Outdoor Skating Rink, which will offer a slate of food, music and family-friendly fun.
Waterfront Flicks: The Princess and The Frog
Time: Dusk (around 8:30 p.m.)
Place: Marina Lawn near Heinold’s: First and Last Chance Saloon, Jack London Square
This Saturday, head to Jack London Square for a free outdoor movie night on the Marina Lawn. Bring your own blankets and chairs to enjoy a dusk screening of the animated film “The Princess and The Frog.”
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Jack London Square Farmers Market
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Place: Jack London Square, Broadway and Embarcadero
The weekly Jack London Square Farmers Market, operated by the Golden State Farmers Market Association, returns this Sunday. The market offers a variety of local produce and artisan products from vendors set up along the scenic waterfront.
Celebrating our Elders – Every Day is Black History VII
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Place: Jasper P. Driver Plaza, 61st and Adeline, North Oakland
The Self-Help Hunger Program hosts its 7th annual “Everyday is Black History” event honoring elders with food, healing, and culture. The event features live performances by Atmospheric Funk, Soul Good Music, DJ Ball D, Kwic, Esebio the Automatic, and others. In addition to free food, the event includes healing spaces and onsite medical and community resources. More info at selfhelphunger.org.
Lakeside Park Band Concert
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Place: Edoff Memorial Bandstand in Lakeside Park, 666 Bellevue Ave.
Enjoy an afternoon of live American band music from Oakland Municipal Band during the 114th season of concerts at Lake Merritt. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a picnic while the Oakland Municipal Band performs a free show for all ages at the historic Edoff Memorial Bandstand.
Hosting a free community event? Email your event to Oakland Voices’ Community Calendar.
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