About #WeLoveOakland
“We Love Oakland” is all about celebrating vibrant and joyful culture, relationships, and activism that rises above the current discourse around safety and community in Oakland.
Real Voices of Oakland
From artists to organizers, Oakland is full of incredible people shaping the future of our city. Here are four residents who opened up about their personal journeys and visions for a thriving Oakland. Watch their videos to discover what roots them in our community and how Oakland’s unique culture and history inspires their work.
Nairobi Barnes
2023 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate
Chef Nelson German
executive chef and owner of alaMar
Peggy Saika
Former ED of AAPIP and Common Counsel Foundation
Pendarvis Harshaw
Host and Columnist of RightNowish
Dear Oakland
Read these personal letters from community leaders, celebrating Oakland’s many gifts of connection, joy, unity, and resilience. Through their words, we honor the diverse stories and lived experiences that define what it means to love Oakland.
Malcolm Ryder
Marquita
Price
“The Hood Planner”
Caheri
Gutierrez
Demetria
Huntsman
Shana
Lancaster
Send us your very own ode to Oakland—whether it’s a story, a message of hope, or words of wisdom. We may feature it on the site or on social media!
Experience Oakland
We love uplifting events and campaigns from other community members and organizations that celebrate Oakland’s strengths and provide a platform for people to connect and feel a sense of belonging.
Have something to share? This is an evolving list, so please reach out to us at weloveoakland@akonadi.org if you have anything you’d like us to include on the site.
Temescal Street Fair
July 11, 2026
The Temescal Street Fair features three stages of music, outdoor dining from award winning restaurants, artisan cocktails, children’s zone, artisan vendor market, TURFinc dance competition, a local fashion show and so much more!
40×40 Community Safe Keeping Meeting
July 16, 2026
Help build a safer, stronger community at the 40×40 Community Safe Keeping Meeting, a bi-monthly gathering where members of resident-led community groups discuss neighborhood safety within the 40×40 block area of East Oakland.
This is a space to connect with neighbors, share your experiences, and shape real solutions.
Summer Renaissance Pop Up
July 24, 2026
Featuring local artists, makers, food vendors, live entertainment, and interactive experiences, the Summer Renaissance Pop Up celebrates creativity, supports small businesses, and creates opportunities for the community to gather and connect in Oakland’s Chinatown neighborhood.
Black Futures Ball
August 1, 2026
Join East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC) for their 5th Annual Black Futures Ball! This year’s theme is Ancestral Intelligence, and attendees should come ready to dance, to feel something, and to be part of something that matters.
Proceeds from the event support scholarships for Oakland’s young people.
Messages From Our Movement Narrative Power Summit
August 4-5, 2026
The Messages From Our Movement Narrative Power Summit is a 2-day gathering for young people and youth advocates to connect with one another to sharpen skills, strategize, storytell, and build narrative power.
In this current political moment, it’s clear that young people are the narrators the movement needs to capture the lived experiences of our communities. This summit is cohosted by the All Youth are Sacred and California Alliance for Youth and Community Justice (CAYCJ).
Oakland First Fridays: Oakland Vibes and Town Rides + Youth Fest
August 7, 2026
Summer isn’t over until Oakland says it is. August is a special edition of Oakland First Fridays celebrating the culture, creativity, and community that make The Town one of a kind. From candy paint to chrome, it’s a tribute to Oakland’s rich car culture and the people who keep it alive.
First Fridays is also celebrating Oakland’s next generation with Youth Fest, a special back-to-school experience featuring: free school supplies (while supplies last), youth-serving community resources , and live performances from Oakland’s talented young artists.
Comrade Sisters
June 13 – January 2027
Comrade Sisters is a powerful new exhibition at the Black Panther Party Museum inspired by the acclaimed book by Ericka Huggins and Stephen Shames, opening June 13 with a special public reception.
Comrade Sisters shines a long-overdue spotlight on the women of the Black Panther Party, whose courage, organizing, leadership, and sacrifice were instrumental to the Party and the broader struggle for Black Liberation. Through photographs, personal stories, historical materials, and first-hand accounts, Comrade Sisters explores the struggles, triumphs, and challenges faced by these remarkable women while underscoring the critical role they played in shaping history.
Oaktown Thursdays
Every third Thursday, June through October
Oaktown Thursdays is a monthly outdoor series bringing music, culture, and community back to Downtown. Every third Thursday of the month there will be live performances, DJs, vendors, and good TOWN energy on Telegraph Ave between Broadway and 17th!
Ceasefire Night Walk
Every second, third & fourth Friday
Oakland Ceasefire is a movement to stop murders and prevent more people from going to jail. Faith in Action East Bay is uniting with other leaders to build a culture of peace and healing. Their message to the community? “We love you, and we want you to be alive and free!”
Young People’s Community Garden
Weekly on Wednesday
Open to Oakland youth ages 13–26, this is a space for youth to learn hands-on gardening skills, grow their own fresh, healthy food and build community outdoors. Wear comfortable shoes and don’t forget your sunscreen! Snacks and water will be provided.
Zumba Classes
Weekly on Tuesdays
Join Mujeres Unidas y Activas for a free Zumba class every Tuesday at their Oakland office. Dance, get active, and connect with other women in a space full of energy and community. Please confirm your attendance with the instructor Yadira at 510-586-8945.
Show Love
Join the movement! Use our social media toolkit, which includes hashtags, posts and visuals, to amplify the campaign and share why you love Oakland.
