- Wednesday, October 8: Art Clash - Bloc15
- Thursday, October 9: Mixology Competition - The Rotunda
- Friday, October 10: High Tea & High Style - Claremont Resort & Club
- Saturday, October 11 Art Walk and beyond
- Sunday, October 12: Cuisine and Couture - Oakland Museum of California
Wednesday, October 8: Art Clash - BLOC15
On the Way: Chinese Garden Park at Lincoln Square
This compact park in the heart of Chinatown blends traditional pavilions, bright red archways, and colorful murals. It’s a lively spot where neighbors gather for tai chi and kids play under the shade of mature trees. A quick stroll here offers a vibrant slice of Oakland’s cultural richness before heading to the waterfront for the art competition.
Chinese Garden Park at Lincoln Square | PC: Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation
Keep Exploring:
Wilma Chan Park - Just a few blocks away, this open green space offers lake views, shady benches, and a peaceful place to pause near downtown.
Lincoln Square Park - A bustling recreation hub with basketball courts, a thriving playground, and a busy community center. Its standout feature is a giant red play boat that sparks kids’ imaginations while adding a splash of color to the park. This energetic space reflects the vibrancy of Oakland’s Chinatown.
Lincoln Square Park | PC: Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation
Thursday, October 9: Mixology Competition - The Rotunda
On the Way: Lafayette Square Park
This downtown park, dating back to Oakland’s earliest days, features tall oaks, shaded benches, and steady foot traffic from nearby offices and shops. Public art and historic buildings frame the space, which also includes a playground, creating a small but distinctive gathering place. It’s an ideal spot to pause and recharge before an evening of bold cocktails and lively conversation.
Keep Exploring:
Lakeside Park & Lake Merritt - Oakland’s most iconic landmark, set amid lawns, gardens, and a walking path that circles the nation’s first wildlife refuge. Enjoy skyline views, abundant birdlife, and a mix of formal and natural landscapes.
Lake Merritt
Friday, October 10: High Tea & High Style - Claremont Resort & Club
Nearby Park: Garber John Park
Just minutes from the Claremont Resort & Club, this peaceful one-mile loop trail winds through a shady canyon lined with coast live oaks, bay laurels, and California buckeyes. The gentle grade makes it an easy and refreshing walk before a day of fashion and tea. Sunlight filters through the canopy, offering a quiet escape in the Oakland Hills.
Garber John Park | PC: Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation
Keep Exploring:
Morcom Rose Garden - A lovely garden with terraced rose beds, winding paths, and a central fountain surrounded by thousands of blooms. The lush setting and old-world design make it a perfect complement to an afternoon of elegance and style.
Morcom Rose Garden | PC: Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation
Saturday, October 11 Art Walk and beyond
More Exploring:
Peralta Hacienda Historical Park
Known as "the birthplace of Oakland," Peralta Hacienda is an outdoor museum where history meets public art. Colorful murals and exhibits tell the stories of the diverse communities that have called Oakland home—from Ohlone stewardship to today’s diverse communities. This blend of historic adobe, community-created installations, and vibrant cultural expression makes it a fitting prelude to the day’s tours.
Peralta Hacienda | PC: Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation
Sunday, October 12: Cuisine and Couture - Oakland Museum of California
Nearby Park: Snow Park
Situated on the edge of Lake Merritt, Snow Park offers sweeping lake views where the city skyline meets calm waters. Open lawns and picnic spots make it a welcoming place to relax before or after the event. From here, the lakefront paths invite exploration of gardens, wildlife, and waterfront art.
Snow Park | PC: Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation
Keep Exploring:
Gardens at Lake Merritt - A collection of themed gardens, from bonsai displays to pollinator habitats, set within the lake’s scenic shoreline. Each garden offers a unique experience, blending beauty with community stewardship.
Gardens at Lake Merritt
About the Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation
Oakland is home to over 130 city parks. The Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation (OPRF) supports parks and recreation for everyone in Oakland. As a trusted nonprofit partner to the City of Oakland, we work with local groups and community members to expand equitable access to parks and recreation citywide. Visit the Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation website to learn more.
