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.
Reach the World, But Touch the Town First
August 7 – November 21, 2026
Join Oakstop for the opening of ‘Reach the World, But Touch the Town First,’ the Oakland presentation of Deep East Oakland documentarian, Brittani Sensabaugh.
At its root, the work asks what it means to be held by a community. Moving through familial connection, collective memory, and inherited histories, Brittani invites us to reconsider how we remember, what we forget, and what it means to belong. On view at Oakstop August 7–November 21, 2026, with community programs and public events to come.
Oaklash Pride Block Party
August 14 , 2026
Kick off Oakland Pride weekend with Oaklash! They are bringing together queer and trans performers, DJs, and local small business owners for an unforgettable night of music, dancing, drag and art to show what Oakland is all about.
Back to School Health and Resource Fair
August 15, 2026
Get ready to kick off the school year with free health checkups, fun activities, and tons of helpful resources!
Join Roots Community Health for a back-to-school health and wellness fair. You’ll get to connect with the community, share resources, and support a healthy start to the school year with screenings, activities, programs, and more.
Free Back to School Haircuts and Braiding
August 15, 2026
Join Oakland Library to get ready for back to school season! There will be free haircuts and hair braiding for children ages 5-18. No appointments! It’s first-come, first-serve. There will also be a free backpack giveaway while supplies last.
BAY-Peace Outside
August 16, 2026
Join BAY-Peace for their first community hike at Lake Chabot Regional Park, East Shore Trail! They’re bringing the community together to reconnect with nature, build community, practice wellness, and create more access to the outdoors for our youth and families.
(This hike is family friendly, kid friendly, and dog-friendly. All experience levels are welcome and trail snacks and water provided.
Oakland Pride
August 16, 2026
Join Oakland’s official Pride celebration on Sunday, August 16!
Starting at 10:30am with the Parade on Broadway heading into the Plaza where there’s a stacked lineup of local artists, activation areas, community resources, and local vendors. Celebrate alongside thousands of people from across the Bay and beyond.
SF Black Pride Week
August 24-30, 2026
First started in August 2025, SF Black Pride is the official year round celebration of queer Black pride in San Francisco. This year’s SF Black Pride Week will feature sound baths, wellness events, drag shows, and performances by featured artists.
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.
