Oakland First Fridays is Oakland's nonprofit signature monthly celebration of arts, culture, food and community. It happens on the first Friday of the month from 5pm-9pm on Telegraph Avenue from West Grand to 27th Street. It draws up to 30,000 people from Oakland and the surrounding areas to celebrate our unique community.
It is a free event open to people of all ages, and we keep vendor fees low so we can create opportunities and reduce barriers to entry for Oakland’s small businesses and artistic entrepreneurs. Monthly themes focus on the communities of Oakland including LGBTQ Pride, Black Love, Latin Pride, Youth, Women and more.
Join Oakland First Fridays as we observe Juneteenth on June 3rd, also known as “National Freedom Day”, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Join us in the celebration of freedom and inclusion through the expressions of art, music, dance, and more! June 3rd, 5pm—9pm. Oakland First Fridays is located on Telegraph Avenue from West Grand to 27th Street.
Shop Merch Below or Click Shop at the Top Menu Bar
Oakland First Fridays celebrated Latin Pride on May 6th from 5-9PM along Telegraph Avenue between West Grand and 27th St. May’s theme was Latin Pride in honor of our diverse and beautiful population of those with Latin heritage. “Come down to celebrate our Latin folks who have contributed to our beautiful city of Oakland!” says Greg Harris, Oakland First Fridays Festival Coordinator.
The Kids Zone was back this month on 23rd St and will feature coloring tote bags with crayons, a craft and carry bag all in one. Proudly sponsored by Xfinity, the Kids Zone was fun for children and parents alike! Opposite of the Kids Zone, the One Time More band performed an eclectic fusion of musical styles out of the Latino diaspora. May’s event also featured Oakland First Fridays established side attractions such as Mario B Fashion Show bringing on Latin acts and SoulBeatz Oakland providing a community drumming circle.
Juan Escovedo performed on mainstage bringing latin magic with the sounds he’s mastered over the years. Playing instruments such as the bongos, trap drums, or timbales. Returning to the stage was Dos Four and Gambizi, Dos Four brings the heat with sounds that are a blend of hip hop, reggaeton, salsa, and mambo!
A digital gallery featuring unique, contemporary artwork from emerging Bay Area artists
The Spark Artist Collective online shop features art for all tastes and budgets, from prints and paintings to clothing, jewelry and photography.
Supporting local artists is critical because they are the drivers of creativity and change in Oakland.
By buying art from creators in our community, you’re supporting creative growth and freedom for all of us.
In 2019, we applied for several grants from The California Arts Council. We've been awarded both a Local Impact and an Artists in Communities grant to help support local artists. The programs pitched will be adapted to accommodate COVID restrictions.
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