As the end of summer approaches, back-to-school energy is buzzing in Oakland. This weekend is full of events that celebrate community, culture, and the final days of the season.
This curated list is your guide to experiencing the best of the Town without opening your wallet. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a movie on the waterfront, sing karaoke, or listen to music at the Lake, there are plenty of free opportunities to connect with your neighbors.
Friday, August 15, 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 and connect with fellow coffee enthusiasts.
Friday Nights at OMCA with Amihan
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 a powerful live set from Filipino rapper and singer Amihan and her band, Diwa. The evening also features a dynamic DJ set from Jenset and a unique opportunity for live figure drawing with Sketchboard Co. While gallery access requires a ticket, all outdoor music and events are free.
Late Night Party at Plank
Time: 7:00 p.m. – Close
Place: plank, 98 Broadway
To kick off its 10-year anniversary weekend, Plank in Jack London Square hosts a late-night party. The event is free to attend and features a live DJ set by DJ Slyway from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., along with all-night happy hour specials.
Saturday, August 16, 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.
Afrobeats at the Lake Festival
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Place: Snow Park, 1999 Harrison St.
Northern California’s biggest outdoor celebration of Afrobeats returns to Snow Park. The festival features two stages with over a dozen performers, including internationally recognized headliner DJ mOma, plus a vendor village with over 40 merchants. The event is all-ages, and admission is free for children under 16, while tickets are required for adults.
Game Day at Plank
Time: All Day
Place: Plank, 98 Broadway
As part of its anniversary celebration, Plank hosts an all-day watch party for sports fans. You can enjoy the games at the bar or new lounge for free, and attendees who arrive wearing their team’s colors or jersey will receive a special game-day perk.
Black August Family Reunion
Time: 3:00 p.m. onwards
Place: Liberation Park, 7101 Foothill Blvd.
The Black Cultural Zone hosts a “Black To School & Black August Celebration” at Liberation Park. This family-friendly event is a time to celebrate Black excellence and honor the legacy of Black August with live music, food, local vendors and activities for all ages.
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 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.
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. This weekly event is free to attend, family-friendly, and features a dog-friendly patio, with the restaurant’s full food and drink menu available for purchase.
Waterfront Flicks: Clueless
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 90s comedy, “Clueless.”
Sunday, August 17, 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.
Barks & Beats at Plank
Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Place: Plank, 98 Broadway
Bring your pup to Plank’s sunny patio for the final day of its anniversary celebration. This laid-back afternoon event features live music starting at noon from local artists in Jack London Square’s only outdoor beer garden, with brunch available for purchase.
Spotlight Sundays at OMCA
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Place: Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St.
OMCA hosts a free, all-ages “Rituals of Care Celebration” in its Oak Street Plaza, led by painter and muralist Chelsea Ryoko Wong. In collaboration with community partners Cut Fruit Collective and Teaphile, the event explores rituals of care through a traditional Gongfu tea ceremony and hands-on activities. Attendees can participate in ‘make a wish’ origami and decorate handmade cards and paper hearts that will be distributed to seniors in Oakland’s Chinatown and Little Saigon.
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