Enjoy fun in the sun from Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend
Oakland, California is the hot spot for live music, outdoor adventure, Juneteenth celebrations, family fun, and so much more!
Oakland, CA - Oakland is an amazing place to soak up great summer vibes. With a variety of events and activities happening throughout The Town Memorial Day through Labor Day – there is something for everyone to enjoy. By day or by night, whether you are looking to plan the perfect date, get together with friends or enjoy lots of family fun - Oakland is the place to be!
Juneteenth Celebrations
Juneteenth is a significant holiday in the African American community. It marks the end of slavery in the United States and reminds us of the struggles and achievements of African Americans. The Bay Area, particularly Oakland, has a rich history of African American migration from the South, making Juneteenth an important celebration in The Town. On June 19th, experience events like the Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom Awards and the Hella Juneteenth The Cookout at OMCA. To learn more about Juneteenth and the many ways to honor African-American history in Oakland, check out our calendar listing all events, activities, and ways to participate in commemorating this important holiday.
Music, Festivals & Live Performances
The music, theater, and cultural scenes are live and vibrant with summer festivals, concerts and shows. Catch KPOP favorites, Barry Manilow’s last concert and Nine Inch Nails as they perform live at the Oakland Arena. Dionne Warwick kicks off the summer season at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts on May 31st. Yoshi’s has a robust lineup including All-4-One, Pete Escovedo & Family 90th Birthday Celebration, and Jeffrey Osborne. The Fox theater brings comedy, concerts, and theater to the stage throughout the summer. For more intimate settings, enjoy live music at intimate venues like New Parrish and the Continental Club. Festivals are happening throughout the Town with Oakland First Fridays and Friday Nights at OMCA. Seasonal events include the Montclair Beer, Wine & Music, Lakefest at Lake Merritt and more! Don’t miss BANDALOOP - Oakland’s vertical dance group, performing on the wall at City Hall throughout the month of July. See the full list of events here.
Outdoor Adventure
Oakland is home to 80 parks, 1200 miles of hiking trails, 19 miles of coastline with a marina waterfront attractions and Lake Merritt -an urban lake with a 3 mile surround perfect for jogging, walking and biking. Oakland’s Redwood Regional Park and Joaquin Miller Park offer thousands of acres of redwood forest and miles and miles of trails to explore. Whether kayaking along the estuary, cycling on mountain trails, or walking in the woods – Oakland is blooming with summer outdoor activities. Look here to find the perfect outdoor space for your next adventure.
Sports
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a great game! For soccer fans, the Oakland Roots are playing their first season at their Oakland Arena home with themed games that celebrate African Roots, Fourth of July, Pride, Hyphy music and more. Oakland Soul will be kicking it on the field at Merritt College throughout the summer. Baseball lovers can check out the Oakland Ballers at Raimondi Park and visit the new Prescott Market before or after the game. For a more international experience – Major League Cricket comes to The Town. June 12 -18 at the Oakland Coliseum.
Family Fun
When it comes to spending quality time with the kids during their vacation, Oakland definitely delivers. Check out the Oakland Zoo, Chabot Space & Science Center, the Children’s Playspace at OMCA, and Children’s Fairyland as they celebrate their 75th Anniversary all summer long! Bubble Planet bursts on the Oakland scene at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts and promises an experience to dream big! With the indoor and outdoor exploration – the entire family can expand their horizons with innovative, interactive learning at Oakland’s impressive museums and galleries, which showcase everything from art and history, to natural science, and space travel. For more information on Family Fun in Oakland go here.
Culinary Magic
Oakland is filled with restaurants and bars serving incredible global cuisine and delicious cocktails that celebrate The Town’s diverse culture. From restaurants with Michelin stars, James Beard recognition or locally loved family-owned establishments – you’ll see why Oakland in the #1 Best Food City by Condé Nast Traveler Readers and one of the top food cities in America. Throughout summer Oakland chefs are celebrating the best of the season and collaborating on dinners, creating pop ups, and organizing unique events to satisfy any appetite. Check out our calendar of events for foodie related activities.
Arts & Culture
Oakland proudly showcases more than 600 public murals and numerous galleries that celebrate local artists. Whether you choose to take a self-guided tour or participate in a walk led by a specialist from Oakland Art Murmur – the artistic possibilities are endless. Experience rich culture at spots like the Oakland Museum of California, the Black Panther Party Museum, and the African American Museum & Library. More details can be found here.
Whatever your Oakland Summer Vibes are, spending the season in Oakland promises exciting discoveries and the making of great memories! For more information check out our Oakland Summer Vibes page at Visit Oakland.com.
ABOUT VISIT OAKLAND
Visit Oakland is a non-profit organization marketing Oakland, California as a travel destination. Visit Oakland offers a wide variety of complimentary services and materials for travelers interested in visiting Oakland. For more information, check out VisitOakland.com. Want to share the Oakland love with the world? Follow @visitoakland on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. #visitoakland #oaklandsummervibes #oaklandloveit
