Oakland Pride takes place every September. It’s a month-long celebration of the diversity and cultures of our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer communities. And the biggest event is the Pride parade and festival, which typically begins downtown the first weekend of the month. The parade, which has been running uninterrupted since 2008, paused in-person festivities last year due to the pandemic. This year, organizers were getting ready to restart the parade and festival, only to change gears and move it online again.
“Our number one concern in producing Oakland Pride is safety. We want our event to be a safe place for all,” the organizers said in a statement.
Although the parade is canceled, other pride events will take place all around the city this year.
As we have been doing for our weekly roundups, we’re highlighting only outdoor and virtual activities. If there’s an event you think we should feature, email me at azucena@oaklandside.org, or fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
We also welcome your feedback. Are you enjoying this weekly roundup? Let us know.
Pride in the Park
The Oakland LGBTQ Community Center celebrates its 4th anniversary with its inaugural “Pride in the Park.” The event will focus on spreading health and wellness resources in the community. In addition to free HIV testing, those who attend will be able to receive their free COVID-19 vaccination. If interested, you can register here. This year’s festivities will pay homage to Black and queer originators of house music. Expect a rotation of DJs to play all the house and disco tracks you might be familiar with, and some unsuspected tunes as well. Dance music diva Cece Peniston is headlining this free event. Bring a picnic blanket and basket, and remember that there won’t be any alcohol sold, this is a sober event.
Saturday, September 11, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., free, Oakland LGBTQ Center, Edoff Memorial Bandstand, opposite the Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave.
4th annual Pride Family Fun at Fairyland
Families are welcome to bring their little ones to Fairyland, which celebrates its 71st birthday this year. Oakland’s venerable children’s amusement park will be hosting a day of games and painting in the Teddy Bear picnic area. For families in need, the LGBTQ Center has a limited number of free passes. Click here to find out how to request a free pass.
Saturday, September 11, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., free-$13, Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave.
Lady Ryan and Social Life Present: Hella Pride
DJ Lady Ryan and entrepreneur and cannabis activist Chaney Turner are hosting this music-filled event. You’ll get to dance to mixes courtesy of Lady Ryan, Lexappeal, and Kream. Although the event will take place outdoors at 7th West, the organizers are limiting capacity and require masks as an extra precaution. For fans of day parties, this one’s for you!
Sunday, September 12, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m, $10-$20 suggested donation at the door, 7th West, 1255 7th St.
Good VBZ Presents: VIEWS an Oakland Pride rooftop celebration
The Good VBZ crew has two events to celebrate Oakland Pride week. On Friday night, the organizers are hosting the “It was a hella gay night” at 7th West. On Sunday, the festivities continue with a rooftop party at Skylab, a new coworking and event space in downtown Oakland. Eastbay singer-songwriter Netta Brielle will be performing. She’s currently promoting her new single, “Missin’ You.” DJs Feel A Way and Rapture will be behind the decks, and attendees can enjoy food by chef Hahlil and drinks by Kocktails She Wrote.
Sunday, September 12, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., $20 Eventbrite, Skylab, 918 Alice St.
Big Gay Trivia at Port Bar
Port Bar is kicking off Oakland Pride with go-go dancers on Friday night, a drag show hosted by Amoura Teese on Saturday night, and Pridefest on Sunday outside of the bar which will span over two blocks. The celebrations will continue on Tuesday with a trivia night hosted by choreographer, and dancer Jeremy Jones. So, if you are looking for a nightcap, then this is the event for you. And, stay after the game for another drag show.
Tuesday, September 14, 8 p.m., free, Port Bar, 2023 Broadway.
Correction: The Hella Pride event at 7th West has a suggested donation at the door, no more online RSVP.
