Spring in Oakland: 3(ish) Events You Should Know About
by Ari Takata-Vasquez
Spring is here! It's time to come out from hibernation and enjoy the sunny weather. There are so many amazing events happening on the sunnier side of the Bay so I wanted to put together a list of some of my favorites. As someone who lives and works in Downtown Oakland I only walk or take BART, so, all the things on the list are accessible by public transit (yay for being #BartAble)! Take advantage of the warmer weather and get out and explore Oakland!
P.S. none of this is sponsored, we just love our neighborhood something fierce.
1. First Fridays @ the Hive
First Friday Every Month
So you've probably already heard a lot about First Fridays in Oakland, but I suggest getting off the beaten path and instead of heading down Telegraph, check out the Hive on Broadway. It's home to Drake's Brewery, Red Bay Coffee Box, and People's Barber Shop. One of my favorite DJs and friend, Methods, spins at Drake's every First Friday. So while you might go for the beer, you'll stay for the music.
DJ Methods (rocking Shwood shades from Viscera). Photo @Methods1 Instagram
2. Friday Nights at OMCA
Every Friday
Photo @oaklandmuseumca instagram
If it's not First Friday, head over to the Oakland Museum of California for a night of live music and food trucks! Off the Grid pops-up every Friday at OMCA. You can get some delicious food and work it off after by dancing to live samba music. Plus, the museum's architecture is amazing and filled with absolutely beautiful terraces and courtyards.
2 (and a half) Oakland Indie Awards- May 18th
Photos @oaklandindieawards instagram
Also at the Oakland Museum of California, is the annual Oakland Indie Awards! It's not a regular happening but it's an awesome event so it made the list. The Oakland Indie Awards are all about recognizing local businesses who are making positive impacts in the community. In addition to the awards ceremony, there are local food vendors and an indie marketplace. Viscera will be a part of the marketplace with our USA-made goods AND we were been nominated for the Innovative Newcomer Award! If you haven't yet, get your tickets because it's going to be a blast.
Our friend Jamie (founder of Repair Revolution & last year's Greenie award winner) is organizing the event. She's a total badass so we know the Indie Awards will be great!
3. Jack of All Trades Market
2nd Saturday Every Month
Jack London photo via JackLondonSq Instagram
Monthly, the Jack of All Trades Market pops-up at Jack London Square. You can usually find some killer vintage from people like Natasha of The Consistency Project. I love being at the waterfront (mostly because there are usually a ton of dogs, and I'm a crazy dog person) and enjoying a sunny day with gorgeous views.
And yes, this is one of Natasha's adorable pups. Photo @TheConstistencyProject Instagram
Plus, my favorite little wine shop is not far. After you go to Jack of All Trades, relax with a glass of wine over at Minimo on 3rd street. My personal favorite is actually a blueberry wine called BlauHaus. Who doesn't love a good architecture pun?
Photo @Minimowine Instagram
So there you have it! It's spring and time to get out and about! Explore Oakland and see all the things!