upcoming Oakland events

Friday has too much going on, with Bites off Broadway, Dancing Under the Stars, Black to the Future, Fairyland for Grownups and more. Too bad if you don't have your tickets for Fairyland—it's sold out! What other events are going on this weekend in Oakland?

Friday

Opening Celebration for Latham Square - Friday, August 16, noon. Come celebrate the opening of Oakland's newest public space, Latham Square! (free)

Bites off Broadway - Fridays, 5:30-8:30pm. My favorite food truck event, held Fridays outside Studio One Art Center just off Broadway. Read more about Bites off Broadway. (free)

Dancing Under the Stars - Fridays, 8:30-10pm. The popular free dance classes at Jack London Square are back for another season. (free)

Black to the Future reception party - Friday, August 16, 7pm. Join Blackball Universe to explore the work of Norman Maxwell, Deadeyes and Nelson Enriquez in Black to the Future - Afro-Futurism Defined. The show runs at the Blackball Gallery until August 31.

Fairyland for Grownups - Friday, August 16. Your chance to visit Fairyland without a child on an adults only night. Ever wanted to drink a beer inside a whale? This is your chance. A fundraiser for Children's Fairyland. SOLD OUT!

Saturday

Oakland Walking Tours - Saturdays, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (free)

Sunday

Oakland on Two Wheels - bicycle tour with OMCA - Sunday, August 18, 10am. Explore Oakland and its environs with the Museum's bike-tripping docents on the third Sunday of the month. (free)

Wednesday

Oakland Walking Tours - Wednesday, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (free)

ongoing events:

• Oakland Walking Tours (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
• Bites off Broadway (Fridays)
• Off the Grid at OMCA (Fridays)
• Dancing Under the Stars at JLS (Fridays)
• Art Murmur (1st Fridays)
• Jack's Night Market (1st Fridays)
• Saturday Art Stroll (Saturdays)
• Oakland Urban Paths walk (2nd Saturdays)
  
• Mt. View Cemetery Tours (2nd and 4th Saturdays)
• Piedmont Avenue Stroll (3rd Thursdays)

looking further ahead:

Chinatown Street Fest - Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25. The 26th annual Chinatown Street Festival, featuring foods, arts and crafts, special services, and more. With music and other entertainment on two stages. (free)

Yoshi's Jazzfest at JLS - Sunday, August 25, noon-5pm. Celebrate all things music with Yoshi's at this free event at Jack London Square, with live music, food and more. (free)

Eat Real Festival - September 27-29. The annual food festival is back, with tasty eats, beer, music, and how-to sessions. (free)

Black Cowboy Parade - Saturday, October 5. The long-running Black Cowboy Parade, a staple of West Oakland for almost 40 years. Read about the 2011 parade. (free)

Rockridge Out and About - Sunday, October 6, 12-6pm. Food, music, activities for kids, crafts, and more at the annual Rockridge street festival. Check out coverage of Rockridge Out and About 2011. (free)