Oakland’s thriving arts and culture scene offers great live music, events, eats and outdoorsy fun all year round, but we are always super excited for the summer festivities. From dancing and day drinking at festivals and sampling food from all different cuisines to museum and gallery hopping, Oakland has got you covered. Whatever their interests, family members of all ages will make exciting discoveries and great memories while spending the day on the Sunny Side of the Bay.

Here is our list of outdoor street fairs, music festivals and other specially curated experiences to put on your calendar this summer. This list may not include every summer event in Oakland. 

  1. 14th Annual Juneteenth Festival | June 17
  2. Pablo's Alley Summer Series | Every Third Wednesday
  3. Alicia Keys: Keys to the Summer Tour | August 1
  4. Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival | August 12
  5. Zach Bryan | August 21
  6. Hiero Day | September 4
  7. PrideFest Oakland | September 10
  8. Art & Soul Festival | September 17
  9. More Events This Summer

14th Annual Juneteenth Festival | June 17
 

Crowd at Juneteenth Festival in Oakland California

Oakland's 14th Annual Juneteenth Festival is a celebration of Black/African culture that has become a family friendly tradition of thousands of Bay Area residents. Oakland's Juneteenth Festival is a platform to preserve the community’s rich cultural heritage and provides a great variety of music, food and merchandise vendors, wellness workshops, art installations, and more.
 

Pablo's Alley Summer Series | Every Third Wednesday
 

Pablo's Alley Music Series

Join us for an exciting evening on the plaza! Third Wednesdays at Frank Ogawa Plaza. Enjoy live music by local DJs and musicians, shop from local vendors, indulge in delicious food and drinks, play games, and soak in the community vibes. Afterward, keep the party going by exploring nearby bars and restaurants. Lineup includes Good Peoples on June 21, Tosin Aribisala on July 19 and N.T.B on August 16. Don't miss out on the fun!
 

Alicia Keys: Keys to the Summer Tour | August 1
 

Alicia Keys Concert Poster - August 1, 2023

The KEYS TO THE SUMMER TOUR will bring the GRAMMY Award-winning global superstar, Alicia Keys, back to Oakland on August 1. The tour will feature Keys, for the first time ever, in a 360-degree, “in the round” production setup which will allow fans to experience her live performance in an entirely new and exhilarating way. Get tickets today!
 

Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival | August 12
 

Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival

The 22nd Annual Laurel StreetFair World Music Fest returns to Oakland’s Laurel District on Saturday, August 12, 2023! Join us as we reimagine and recreate Oakland’s beautiful Laurel District as a global celebration of music, cuisine, folkloric arts, artisans, cuisine and more.
 

Zach Bryan | August 21
 

Zach Bryan in Oakland Arena August 21

Zach Bryan is an American singer-songwriter from Oologah, Oklahoma and he is bringing his Burn, Burn, Burn Tour to the Oakland Arena on August 21. Get tickets now!
 

Hiero Day | September 4
 

Hiero Day

This festival began as a day of celebration for fans on 9/3/2011, a nod to 93' til Infinity, to listen to and appreciate Hieroglyphics music. Following suit, the collective responded to the fans with Hiero Day. Hiero Day plays an integral role in the Oakland music festival culture which exists in the city today. Voted the best hip hop music festival in the Bay Area, it is recognized for fostering a unifying atmosphere while maintaining a commitment to groundbreaking music and community development. Tickets coming soon!
 

PrideFest Oakland | September 10
 

Pride Parade 2017

Pridefest Oakland was born in 2021 after the faltering of the existent Oakland Pride. Out of love for Oakland’s LGBTQ/Queer Community, a half dozen of Oakland’s BIPOC business & nonprofit leaders have come together to re-envision Oakland’s LGBTQ pride celebration. Join us as we come together to celebrate the diversity and beauty that is held within Oakland on Sunday, September 10!
 

Art & Soul Festival | September 17
 

Art & Soul Festival

Art + Soul returns to downtown Oakland’s Frank Ogawa Plaza on Sunday, September 17, 2023 with their 21st annual festival! Free to the public, this year’s event will feature live Blues, Gospel, Jazz, Hip Hop, Dance, and more on three stages, children’s activities, as well as scores of artisan, commercial, nonprofit, community, and food booths.
 

Other Fun Events to Check Out This Summer:

 



Looking to fill up your calendar even more? Check out our events page for an up-to-date list of what’s happening in The Town.

Top