Oakland’s deep roots in Black culture are celebrated through the city’s food, music, art, and creativity. Here are a few ways to spend a weekend celebrating The Town’s Black-owned businesses, events, and history during Black History Month!

Friday


Start your weekend off with a delicious house-made pastry and choose from a variety of coffee drinks, including a Rose Petal Latte at Oaklandia Cafe x Bakery

Next, head to the Henry J. Kaiser Memorial Park and admire the Remember Them: Champions for Humanity Monument. The incredible bronze sculpture includes 25 culturally-diverse humanitarians such as notable Black champions: Maya Angelou, Frederick Douglas, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and Dr. Marcus Foster. 

Can’t get enough of our amazing history? Check out the oldest independent Black bookstore in the nation, Marcus Book Store. Or head to the Oakland Museum of California and experience the Black Power exhibit.


Once you’re ready for a great meal, Oakland has no shortage of world-renowned Black-owned restaurants. Try the Ethiopian eatery, Enssaro or head to Calabashwhere Chef Nigel Jones and his talented crew of chefs are bringing flavors from Iran to Mexico to the Caribbean, and more!
 


Saturday


Begin your Saturday at the Home of Chicken and Waffles in Jack London Square. This family-owned restaurant serves delicious southern soul food with a warm and welcoming demeanor. Check out other Black-owned breakfast spots in Oakland.

Brown Sugar Kitchen chicken and waffles with a mimosa and coffee drink

More of a brunch person? No worries! We got you covered with The Cook and Her Famer's annual Jazz Brunch featuring music by Jazz Mafia. At this Old Oakland joint, you'll get an array of yummy seafood and other crowd pleasers.

The Cook and Her Farmer located in Swam's Market in Old Oakland
Photo courtesy of The Cook and Her Farmer by Sara Remington 

Did you know that the Black Panther Party was founded in Oakland in 1966? Trace their history safely, on your own with this guide outlining 13 significant locations in Oakland. Or join the Black Panther Party Legacy City Tour for a 2-hour walking tour led by Dr. Saturu Ned, an original Black Panther Party member providing you direct access and true stories of the Panthers in the historical locations in Downtown Oakland.


Also, make sure to take time to visit Black-owned businesses, a testament to the rich history you just witnessed. McMullen, Oakland’s luxury fashion boutique caters to the modern woman of color, Queen Hippie Gypsy is Oakland’s first Black-owned ‘crystal botanica’, while Dope Era, is a clothing brand founded and curated by rapper Mistah F.A.B. These are just some of the wide array out there. For more options, check out our Shopping and Leisure page.

One of the owners of Black Girls Greenhouse tends to a Red Abyssinian Banana Tree plant.
Photo courtesy of Blck Girls Green House

Set some time aside to attend the 13th Annual Black Vines Toast to Black Wineries and Diverse Art on Saturday, February 24, 2024. The event will take place at The Bridge Yard and promises to create a space filled with LOVE, JOY & CELEBRATION of BLACK FUTURE.

Group of women at the Black Vines Event
Photos courtesy of Black Vines®️

For dinner, head back to the Jack London District and visit an old Oakland favorite, Everett & Jones BBQ, for some savory BBQ. Or if you're closer to the Temescal district, you can check out Chef's Geoff Davis' latest creation, Burdell for some tasty, one of a kind soul food.

Sunday


Save your Sunday to attend and experience the annual Black Joy Parade! The Black Joy Parade is a hyper-positive non-profit based in Oakland that celebrates the Black experience and community's contribution to history and culture with its signature parade and celebration, partnerships and events. The parade will take place on Sunday, February 25, 2024. Come by and see iconic Black artists, learn about historic locations and support local Black-owned businesses.

Black Joy Parade attendees by Sabrina Sellers
Photo courtesy of Black Joy Parade

Check out more awesome Black-owned food spots for your last meal in The Town.
 



Ready to plan your visit? Book your stay at one of our awesome hotels.
 
Be sure to check out our Black History Month page for even more trip inspiration.