The new year is filled with exciting things to celebrate and experience in Oakland. With additions to signature city-wide annual events, a new LGBTQ District to explore, a beautiful historic venue re-opening, new restaurants popping up and cooking up tasty bites, happy trail experiences, family friendly fun, and more than 90 inspiring community activities - 2024 is going to be a really great year in The Town. Check out the many reasons to come to Oakland, and while you’re here, plan to stay awhile and enjoy all that The Town has to offer!
WHAT’S NEW IN OAKLAND FOR 2024
CULINARY
Oakland Restaurant Week – March 14-24, 2024
Enjoy 10 days of specially designed menus and offers from more than 130 Oakland restaurants. Check out local gems, food trucks, Michelin-starred and James Beard recognized spots, as well as newly opened eateries. With a culinary scene as diverse as Oakland’s culture, one can eat their way around the world - all while staying in The Town. Get ready to Eat. Drink. Repeat. Stay. oaklandrestaurantweek.com
New Chef Comes to Parche + Begins Lunch Service – January 10, 2024
One of Oakland’s hottest restaurants, Parche is thrilled to announce the arrival of Chef Juan Hormiga, a seasoned culinary virtuoso, to its passionate and tight knit family. This addition catapults Parche into a new era of gastronomic excellence, blending Colombian flavors with Chef Hormiga’s unparalleled expertise. Parche is not only expanding its team and culinary horizons - but also catering to the growing demand for lunch spots in Oakland. Starting January 10th, Parche will extend its operational hours to include lunch service every weekday from 11AM to 3PM. The enticing menu, expertly curated by Chef Hormiga, promises a delightful dining experience for all. 2295 Broadway | parcheoak.com
Sweet Fingers Launches Bottled Sauces – January 27, 2024
Sweet Finger's Chef Clive's Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce, Wet Jerk Rub and Secret Seasoning product line will be officially available by the bottle on January 27, 2024. To commemorate their product line and celebrate their anniversary – Sweet Fingers will host a party with sample tastings, a live Reggae band, their award-winning Jamaican food and Caribbean libations. 5859 Foothill Boulevard | sweetfingersrestaurant.com
Restaurant Openings
Mia – January 2024
Jack London Square welcomes Mia - a contemporary taqueria specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine at reasonable prices. From breakfast burritos with a Latin coffee to homemade tacos and chilaquiles, Mia provides traditional Mexican dishes centered around a variety of popular meats, including beef (such as carne asada or cabeza), pork (such as al pastor), shrimp and fish. Specialty menu items include Chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, and ceviche. The restaurant will also feature a full-service tequila and mezcal bar as well as counter service and a convenient takeout program for on-the-go customers. 439 Water Street | miaoakland.com
Pierre Pierre – January 2024
With a culinary journey that began from scratch, Chef Cleaz has built an empire rooted in his passion for food and a deep respect for cultural heritage. His vision is to establish a sanctuary of culinary artistry, where creole and soul food recipes take center stage. In this haven of flavor and culture, he aims to create a space that the community can proudly call their own, a place where shared meals become moments of togetherness and cultural celebration. 401 13th Street | pierrepierre.net
The Salty Pearl – January 2024
Led by the team behind Rocky Island Oyster Co., the East Coast style oyster bar formerly located at Richmond’s Assemble Marketplace – the Salty Pearl opens in Oakland’s Jack London District. The new incarnation will serve their signature platters of raw and barbecued oysters, lobster rolls and other simple, seafood waterfront fare. 550 2nd Street | website coming soon
Dragon Gate – Early 2024
An Oakland staple, Dragon Gate offers traditional Chinese and Taiwanese dishes, including perfectly prepared bun cha, tofu, fried prawns, and tasty pancakes – as well as a variety of teas, draft beers, wine or whiskey. The ambiance in Dragon Gate's new Jack London Square location will be cozy, yet sophisticated, with an upscale décor, reasonable pricing, and quick-take-out perfect for late-night snacks. 1 Franklin Street | website coming soon
Kuidaore Handroll Bar – Early 2024
Opening its first U.S. location at Jack London Square, Canadian-born Kuidaore Sushi specializes in a wide assortment of hand-rolled sushi, including salmon, tuna, crab, octopus and shrimp rolls, as well as beer, wine and sake. 431 Water Street | website coming soon
Bad Walter's Bootleg Ice Cream – Spring 2024
Bad Walter’s Bootleg Ice Cream began as a living room ice cream operation in Oakland, in the winter of 2020 during the pandemic (hence the “bootleg”). Bad Walters features one-of-a-kind, maximalist flavors that rotate on a weekly basis. In Spring 2024 (date TBA), the team is opening their first brick and mortar space in Oakland’s beloved Rockridge neighborhood. Keep watch and get ready for a delicious addition to The Town. 5800 College Avenue | badwalters.com
Tarts de Feybesse – Fall 2024
One of the Bay Area’s hottest bakeries will open its first permanent outpost in late 2024. Tarts de Feybesse, the high-technique French bakery from husband-and-wife team Paul and Monique Feybesse, has operated as an online shop since 2020. By the fourth quarter of this year, customers can get their favorite treats in Uptown Oakland. The bakery is planned to open at Vespr, a luxury residential community in Oakland. The new shop will include a walk-up counter featuring a rotation of classics and seasonal items as well as special savory creations. 312 24th Street | tartsdefebesse.com
EVENT VENUES
Henry J. Kaiser Building – January 2024
Henry J. Kaiser Building reopens after a major restoration. The beautiful, iconic building is conveniently located on the edge of Lake Merritt near Oakland’s Downtown and Chinatown districts. Over the decades, this historic building hosted countless performances, concerts, and recitals in its original 90-year run. Within its walls are 5 world-class venues, including a 25,000 square-foot arena, a 1,500-seat proscenium theatre, a speakeasy-style lounge, and 2 hotel-style ballrooms. Each space can operate independently or be programmed together to serve full user conferences. 300 Lakeside Drive | hjkarts.com
TRANSPORTATION
New Flights from OAK – January, June + July
Oakland International Airport welcomes new flights in 2024. Star Alliance carrier Avianca Airlines has launched seasonal nonstop flights to San Salvador (SAL) through January 29th, 2024. The service will increase accessibility and convenience for passengers traveling between the San Francisco Bay Area and El Salvador. Delta Air Lines, a leader in domestic and international travel, offers airline tickets and flights to over 300 destinations in 60 countries. In June 2024, Delta adds nonstop flights to Atlanta, Georgia from OAK. Mexico's Viva Aerobus will commence twice weekly Monday and Friday service between Oakland International Airport and Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, beginning July 1, 2024. Viva Aerobus will operate the new service on its Airbus A320 NEO aircraft, which seats 186 passengers and offers efficient engines and lower fuel consumption. The airline is a new entrant at OAK and this new flight will be the only nonstop service between Monterrey and the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information on how to Fly OAK go to oaklandairport.com
Woodstock Ferry Comes to Jack London Square – Late Spring 2024
In late spring, cyclists and pedestrians will get a reasonable, traffic-free alternative for getting between Oakland’s Jack London Square and western Alameda. The little yellow boat is named Woodstock. During hours of operation the boat will be "on call," so that when someone shows up at the dock, Woodstock will pick them up and shuttle them across the estuary - minimizing wait times. The plan is to operate four to five days per week, for nine to 12 hours per day, depending on funding and the season. The service will be free to riders.
HAPPY TRAILS
Oakland Cannabis Trail Launches the Equity Path – February 2024
To celebrate Black History Month, Visit Oakland will invite visitors to blaze The Equity Path along the Oakland Cannabis Trail. The Equity Path along the Oakland Cannabis Trail spotlights Equity owned cannabis shops, lounges, and brands in Oakland. During Black History Month, local Oakland-made and crafted black-owned brands will be featured and highlighted along The Equity Path. oaklandcannabistrail.com
The Emerald Cup Cannabis Festival 20th Anniversary – May 4-5, 2024
The iconic Emerald Cup cannabis festival will celebrate its 20th Anniversary in Oakland at the Kaiser Auditorium. The Emerald Cup is the premier cannabis cultural festival and awards competition. Known as the “Academy Awards of Cannabis”, The Emerald Cup festival is a one-of-a-kind festival and marketplace that brings together the global cannabis community and celebrates cannabis innovation, craft, and the best-in-class products alongside music, art, food, and speakers. theemeraldcup.com
Ale Trail Welcomes Dokkabier’s Chimaek Festival – May 2024
Dokkabier invites you to Oakland's second annual Chimaek Festival for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Chimaek (Chi from Chicken and Maek from Maekju, meaning beer in Korean), will gather diverse communities in Oakland together with beer, chicken, live music, and more. This family friendly event happens in the Jack London district. Food and drink have always been great unifiers. Celebrate the world of chicken and beer – two favorites across many cultures. Jack London Square | drinkdrakes.com
OAKDOG Trail – Summer 2024
Oakland is one of the most dog-friendly cities in California. With a plethora of outdoor activities, pet-friendly restaurants, bars, and hotels – our furry friends are more than welcome in The Town. In summer 2024, Visit Oakland will launch OAKDOG – a trail that highlights all there is to do with our pup partners. OAKDOG will share hotel and dining options, upcoming dog events, tail wagging tales, a directory of pet related shops and so much more. visitoakland.com
SPORTS
Oakland Ballers Baseball Club First Opening Game – June 4, 2024
There’s a new team in The Town – The Oakland Ballers and they believe that the true value of a sports team is its power to bring people together. The Oakland Ballers are for Oakland, by Oakland, forever Oakland. Come join The Town spirit as the Oakland Ballers put their inaugural team on the field with the first home game. Baseball is forever rooted in Oakland with the Ballers. oaklandballers.com
CULTURE & COMMUNITY
LGBTQ Cultural District Made Official - Welcoming Everyone, Every Day
The new LGBTQ Cultural District that honors the rich history and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, allies, and businesses is officially in Lakeshore! The borders for the new cultural district are Grand Avenue to the west, El Embarcadero to the south, Lakeshore Avenue to the east, and Boulevard Way to the north. The area nurtures a safe, vibrant, and welcoming community that creates opportunities for other LGBTQ+ business owners to move or open a business in the district. The city of Oakland will install an LQBTQ+ flag at the corner of Lakeshore and Lake Park, and a city grant will support the painting of crosswalks in the colors of the rainbow. Visit this diverse, inclusive and celebrated area in Oakland and support The Town’s LGBTQ+ owned businesses.
OMCA Thursday After Hours – Beginning January 11, 2024
Enjoy the perfect weekly night out for adults only with cocktails, culture and community every Thursday from 5PM to 8PM at the Oakland Museum of California. Programming includes activities and events including sketchboard live drawing, gallery chats, pop ups, live performances and more! It happens every Thursday night at OMCA and programs are free with admission. 1000 Oak Street | museumca.org
KaraOakland Competitive Karaoke League – February 12, 2023
Get ready to channel your inner rock star and join an exciting, unique karaoke experience in Oakland! KaraOakland, the city's first-ever team-based competitive karaoke league, will launch on February 12th, 2023, at the legendary Legionnaire Saloon on Telegraph Avenue. This league promises a one-of-a-kind blend of camaraderie, creativity, and musical talent that you won't want to miss. Expect Team-Based Competition, Themed Match-Ups, Audience Participation, State-of-the-Art Karaoke System, Great Fun while Supporting Local Arts. KaraOakland is committed to giving back to the community. A portion of the bar proceeds during league play will go towards supporting local arts non-profits, contributing to the vibrant cultural scene in Oakland. Monday nights at the Legionnaire Saloon 2272 Telegraph Avenue | karaoakland.com
Oakland First Fridays Returns – April 5, 2024
Excitement is in the air as Oakland First Fridays makes a triumphant return in April 2024, promising a vibrant revival of community spirit and artistic fervor. After a hiatus, this beloved monthly event is set to reclaim its status as a cultural cornerstone, celebrating the diverse talents of Oakland's creative community. This anticipated revival marks not just the return of an event but a testament to the resilience and creativity of Oakland. Save the date and join us in April as Oakland comes together to rediscover the magic of First Fridays, forging new memories and strengthening the bonds that make our city truly exceptional. oaklandfirstfridays.org
Crucolo Parade – October 12, 2024
Market Hall Foods in Rockridge will be hosting a Crucolo Parade, from 12PM to 3PM on Oct. 12, 2024. Market Hall is one of only two retail stores in the U.S. to import Rifugio Crucolo, a fresh, cow’s milk cheese from northern Italy. The arrival of the cheese is celebrated with a festive parade, where cheesemongers dressed in Italian attire cart the 350-pound wheel down Shafter Avenue. The delicious cheese is cut and shared with customers. East Bay cheese lovers and Italophiles mark your calendars for the 2024 parade and biggest Crucolo celebration yet. 5655 College Avenue | rockridgemarkethall.com
Oakland STYLE – October 9 – 13, 2024
The annual city-wide Oakland STYLE is back October 9-13, 2024. The five-day celebration of art, music, fashion, cuisine and culture will highlight the people, passion and creativity found only in Oakland, California. With style maker sessions, fashion shows, designer conversations, trunk shows, Haute Couture to thrifting shopping experiences, art walks, musical performances, culinary experiences, and more – Oakland STYLE is not to be missed! Events happen at locations throughout The Town | OaklandStyle.com
Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt 25th Anniversary – November 6, 2024
On November 6, 2024, the Golden State Bonsai Federation’s Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt will celebrate its first 25 years. The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt is home to significant historic and legacy trees including the historic Daimyo Oak brought to the U.S. during President Abraham Lincoln’s administration in the 1860’s, the 500 year old Japanese Black Pine donated by Mas Imazumi and featured at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, and legacy trees by famous bonsai pioneer artists; Harry Hirao, Jimmy Inadomi and John Naka just to name a few. To celebrate their 25th anniversary, a group of dedicated volunteers will publish a book which captures the history of the garden and presents the very best bonsai trees in the collection. The organization has also planned a series of events throughout the year. 650 Bellevue Avenue | bonsailakemerritt.com
Activate Oakland Events – All Year Long
The Activate Oakland Event Sponsorship Program is an initiative that launched in 2023 to activate public spaces and support events to revitalize downtown and neighborhood commercial areas while promoting economic recovery. The program provided grant funding for events and activations that support Oakland’s commercial districts, small businesses, and arts and culture community. There will be more than 90 events taking place in various neighborhoods in 2024. Every event is new and open to the public. To see the full calendar of happenings go to activateoakland.com
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About Oakland
Oakland celebrates its diverse community, artistic vibe, beautiful scenery, locally owned shops, multi-cultural cuisine and civic pride. Located on the east side of the Northern California Bay Area, Oakland is bordered by 19 miles of coastline to the west and rolling hills to the east. It is conveniently located near three major airports and can be easily accessed via railway, bus or ferry. Measuring 78.5 square miles, Oakland is the eighth largest city in California. The Town is home to numerous parks, family attractions, theaters, museums, live music venues and performing arts companies.
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 www.visitoakland.com. Want to share the Oakland love with the world? Follow @visitoakland on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn. #visitoakland #oaklandloveit
