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.
Oakland International Film Festival
September 9-19 , 2026
The 24th Oakland International Film Festival is coming back to the Town! Presented by Oakland Film Society, this year’s festival will bring together filmmakers, storytellers, and our community for screenings, panels, conversations, and more to celebrate film and the power of storytelling.
Good Medicine Comedy Show
September 12, 2026
Don’t miss Good Medicine Comedy at Oakland Museum CA featuring comics Brian Bahe, Jackie Keliiaa Cheyenna Sapp, and Marc Yaffee! Arrive early for live music, food by Wahpepah’s Kitchen, and a Native artisan market.
Oakland Chinatown Night Market
September 12, 2026
Oakland Chinatown Night Market is back for its third year! Come out for an unforgettable evening of street food, live performances, local vendors, family fun, and cultural celebration.
Wood Street Commons Movie Night Fundraiser
September 15, 2026
- Head to The New Parkway Theater for a screening of “Wood Street.” This award-winning documentary follows the residents of Oakland’s largest unhoused encampment as they organize to fight against city and state eviction.
Proceeds from this special screening of the film benefit Wood Street Commons.
Community Meal
September 19, 2026
Join Black Cultural Zone for a free community meal and afternoon of family, fun, and community at Sankofa Sanctuary!
BEAST MODE 510 Day
September 26, 2026
Oakland native Marshawn Lynch and artists, writers, and artisans are bringing BEAST MODE 510 to life at the Oakland Coliseum. Ahead of the action-packed graphic novel’s October 6 release, AWA is teaming up with Oakland Roots SC for a one-of-a-kind match-day celebration at the Oakland Coliseum packed with fan experiences, local flavor, and a few Beast Mode-sized surprises.
La Catrina
October 1-November 1, 2026
Each year, the Día de los Muertos Festival brings people together in Oakland to honor those who came before us and the journeys that connect the living and the dead. For the festival’s 31st annual celebration, The Unity Council in partnership with Visit Oakland, the City of Oakland, the Mexican Consulate, renowned artist Romain Greco of Artsumex, and cultural leaders in Mexico City have commissioned a monumental 34-foot La Catrina sculpture, handcrafted by master artisans in Mexico City.
Beginning October 1, La Catrina will make her Oakland debut at the Fruitvale Village, where she will stand as a striking symbol of Mexican culture, artistry, and the connection between Oakland and Mexico. She will remain on display throughout October, welcoming visitors and the community before becoming a centerpiece of the Día de los Muertos Festival on November 1.
Dimensions Dance Theater’s 54th Season Premiere
October 17, 2026
- Dimensions Dance Theatre celebrates its 54th season with the world premiere of Power Memory Freedom Joy (Healing to Joy Part 3) featuring new choreography by Alseny Soumah and Deborah Vaughan.
Power Memory Freedom Joy uses dance and music to shine a light on examples of Bangoura women and the women of the Black Panther Party who fearlessly challenged political systems, overcame oppression and inspired ordinary people to participate in extraordinarily transformative movements.
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.
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.
