The first weekend of August is here, and Oakland is buzzing with activity. This guide is your passport to the Town’s vibrant scene, and every event is free.
This curated list highlights can’t-miss cultural events across the city. The massive First Friday festival takes over Telegraph Avenue, while a classic comedy screens on the waterfront. You can explore the gallery scene, sing karaoke with friends or simply use this as an opportunity to connect with your neighbors.
Editor’s note: This weekend’s BAM Film Festival also includes free events.
Friday, August 1, 2025
Oakland First Fridays: “Oakland Made” Street Festival
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Place: Telegraph Avenue between 27th St. & West Grand Ave.
Oakland’s massive monthly street festival returns with this month’s theme, “Oakland Made,” a spotlight on the local makers, entrepreneurs and creatives that define the Town. Telegraph Avenue will be filled with a marketplace of local artisans, food vendors, live musicians and performers for an immersive community experience.
Oakland Art Murmur & “Window Seat” Exhibition
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Place: Various galleries, primarily in the Broadway/Telegraph corridor
Concurrent with the street festival, the Oakland Art Murmur invites you to explore the city’s art galleries, which hold special events and extended hours. A highlight this month is the opening reception for “Window Seat,” a solo exhibition by sculptor CJ Chueca at Johansson Projects (2300 Telegraph Ave), featuring ceramic airplane windows that explore themes of migration and transition.
Friday Nights at OMCA with KULARTS
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 live performances by KULARTS. The group will celebrate the Pilipino diaspora through ritual dance, Indigenous warrior choreography and joyful folk dances. While gallery access requires a ticket, all outdoor music and access to the Off the Grid food trucks are free.
Saturday, August 2, 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.
OPL End of Summer Celebration
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Place: Main Library, 125 14th St.
Join the Oakland Public Library for a family-friendly End of Summer Celebration. The event features a mobile aquarium from East Bay Regional Parks, free BBQ from Oakland firefighters (starting at 11 a.m.), an aerial performance by Gina the Fae and an appearance by Scrappy the Rally Possum.
Saturdays in the Zone: BCZ Community Skate!
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Place: Liberation Park, 7101 Foothill Blvd.
The Black Cultural Zone invites the community to its weekly skate party at the in Liberation Park at the Umoja Outdoor Skating Rink in Deep East Oakland. This recurring, family-friendly event offers an afternoon of music, movement and community vibes for all skill levels.
Author Talk with Lio Min
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Place: Oakland Public Library, Asian Branch, 388 9th St. Meet
Oakland author Lio Min as they discuss their upcoming Young Adult novel, The L.O.V.E Club, in conversation with fellow author Jenny Odell. The event includes a reading from the new book, a Q&A session and refreshments.
Saturday Night Karaoke at The Lumpia Company
Time: 7:00 p.m. onwards
Place: The Lumpia Company, 288 9th Ave.
Head to Brooklyn Basin for a free, all-ages karaoke night at The Lumpia Company. Whether you’re there to sing or just cheer on the performers, the event offers a full food menu, drinks and outdoor waterfront vibes.
Waterfront Flicks: Happy Gilmore
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 classic Adam Sandler comedy, “Happy Gilmore.”
Sunday, August 3, 2025
First Sundays at OMCA
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Place: Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St.
On the first Sunday of every month, the Oakland Museum of California offers free general admission to its Galleries of California Art, History and Natural Sciences. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore the museum’s core collections and enjoy the garden spaces.
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.
Heavy Petting Zoo Fundraiser
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Place: 7th West, 1255 7th St.
The Heavy Petting Zoo art car hosts its annual “Home Off The Playa” day party in West Oakland. The event is a free, family-friendly fundraiser featuring a long lineup of Bay Area house music DJs.
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 the Oakland Municipal Band during the 114th season of concerts at Lake Merritt. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a picnic while the band performs a free show for all ages at the historic Edoff Memorial Bandstand.
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