Oakland boasts one of the highest concentrations of LGBTQ+ households in the nation, and has long enjoyed LGBTQ+ leadership in local government. Oakland's vibrant LGBTQ+ community is complemented by a thriving LGBTQ+ business community. If you're coming to Oakland to enjoy its uniquely timed, family-friendly Pride Parade and Festival, here's an excellent itinerary.
Friday: Dinner and a Movie
Arriving in Oakland on Friday, check in to the colorful Moxy Hotel, a hip new lodge in the heart of the artsy, entertainment-focused Uptown District of downtown. From there, you have quick access to the heart of Oakland, and you’re just a few blocks from the Oakland Pride event.
Begin your Oakland Pride weekend with dinner and a movie! You can often find LGBTQ+-centric cinema at Oakland’s art-house movie theaters, including the Victorian-era Piedmont Theater, the extravagant Grand Lake Theater, or the unique New Parkway. The New Parkway sits close to the stylish, LGBTQ+ Friends & Family bar and eatery, and just steps from the lively, vegan-friendly Telegraph Beer Garden - all within three blocks of The Moxy.
For a more formal meal than local bar bites, you can find buzzy Parche a few blocks down W. Grand from The Moxy. The Michelin-recommended, Colombian-inspired restaurant enjoys a soaring reputation reflected in its hip patrons and a lively atmosphere. Don’t miss the creative cocktail menu featuring tropical fruits!
Saturday: Out on the Town
Start your Saturday at The Caffè by Mr. Espresso in downtown Oakland, a sleek and stylish spot known for its signature oak wood–roasted coffee. Grab a perfectly pulled espresso or creamy cappuccino, and pair it with a fresh pastry as you enjoy the warm, modern atmosphere of this locally loved café.
Stock up on everything you need for a picnic - including vegan and alcohol options - at LGBTQ+-owned Howden Market, a charming jewel box of a gourmet convenience store at 17th and Webster, just a few blocks from Lakeside Park.
After - or during - your picnic, visit the Gardens at Lake Merritt, which have long enjoyed a relationship with the LGBTQ+ community as patrons and volunteers. Stop for a photo at the campy entrance to Children's Fairyland, where rainbow letters spelling "Fairy" make for a delightful Instagram post.
While you’ll want to get plenty of sleep before the Pride festival, you could wind down your Saturday by visiting other LGBTQ+-owned businesses throughout Oakland.
Sunday: Oakland Pride Parade and Festival
Sunday is for enjoying the Oakland Pride Parade and Festival, a short walk from The Moxy. After the event winds down in the early evening, check out the LGBTQ+ bars around downtown with a bar crawl!
Celebrate Oakland Pride on Sunday, October 7! The Pride Parade kicks off at 11 AM, running down Broadway from 14th to 21st, free and open to all. Stick around for Pridefest from 12–6 PM, with live music, performances, and local vendors.
Make it a weekend! Book your stay at the Moxy or take advantage of amazing hotel deals across Oakland.
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