It’s hard to believe we’re already in the second week of May. Blink and before you know it, summer will be at our doorstep—hopefully bringing warmer weather.
All of the events we’re featuring this week are taking place outdoors, so make sure to bring extra layers in case it gets chilly. (Saturday is expected to be the hottest day of the week.)
If you’ve been out and about socializing with friends and strangers, don’t forget to get tested. We continue updating our COVID-testing guide.
Know of an event that should be featured? Email me at: azucena@oaklandside.org
510 Day
Since 2016, folks from Oakland have been coming together on May 10 to celebrate “510 Day”—an unofficial city holiday established to honor Oakland’s culture, and the people who make it thrive. Until the pandemic forced the block party to go virtual in 2020, it was held at Lake Merritt across the street from the Cleveland Cascade staircase on Lakeshore Avenue. Last year’s event was partly virtual and included a car caravan. This year’s event, the seventh annual, will again take place fully in person after a two-year hiatus. There will be performances by musician Kev Choice, turf dancers, and more. Davey D, DJ Black, and DJ Styles will be behind the one’s and two’s. Interactive booths will be spread throughout the event to facilitate discussions around displacement, school closures, public land, and other issues affecting Oakland residents.
Tuesday, May 10, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m, free to attend, Lakeshore Avenue across from the Cleveland Cascades, stretching to the Pergola
Bachata by the Basin
Oakland residents can’t get enough of Brooklyn Basin. The housing development with a waterfront space has become a favorite for families with kids, skaters, dancers, and lovers of the outdoors. This Sunday, bachata music fans and dancers alike will meet at the waterfront park for a full day of music and dancing with DJs Danny-G, JSmooth, DJ Encanto, Thiencito, and KrisKros. The music will start promptly at noon. Want to learn how to dance to this Latinx music? Ngoc Huynh will teach a class at 1 p.m.
Sunday, May 15, 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., free to attend, Brooklyn Basin, 288 9th Ave.
Meet your neighbors at Dimond Park
The 22x Neighborhood Council and the city of Oakland are teaming up for “CoNee G,” a cooperative neighborhood gathering. Located at Dimond Park, residents will have the opportunity to meet with candidates for local office, participate in a book swap, and attend discussions on a variety of topics ranging from environmental concerns to neighborhood safety. Food will be provided by the Oakland Police Department via Roasted and Raw, a Black-owned, plant-based Oakland restaurant.
Saturday, May 14, free to attend, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Dimond Park, 3860 Hanly Rd.
Good Medicine Native Comedy Show at OMCA
The stand-up comedy show, “Good Medicine,” which features all Native American comedians, held a sold-out show last July at Orinda’s Cal Shakes Bruns Amphitheater. This year, the show is coming to the Oakland Museum of California’s gardens for a day of laughter, al fresco. Stand-up comedians Siena East, Kasey Nicholson, Dash Turner, and host Jackie Keliiaa are on this year’s lineup. Guests can bring picnic blankets and their own food, or buy food from one of the Off the Grid vendors that will be on-site the night of the event.
Saturday, May 14, $20-$25, OMCA, 1000 Oak St.
Town Up Tuesday – Live Music Festival
Urban Peace Movement is hosting “Town Up Tuesday,” a music festival at Lake Merritt. Oakland educator, media maker, and 510 Day co-founder Leon “DNas” Sykes, and artist, emcee, and author Rocky Rivera will be MCing the event, which will feature performances by vocalist Kamaiyah, turf dance crew Turf Feinz, and DJ D Sharp, among others. Goapele is also on the bill as a special host. The first 150 guests will receive a free commemorative t-shirt.
Tuesday, May 17, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., free to attend, Edoff Memorial Bandstand at Lake Merritt, 666 Bellevue Ave.
