There’s a heatwave, it’s wildfire season, and smoke is in the sky, but there are plenty of reasons to be joyful this mid-August. And there are plenty of fun and healthy things to do for people of all ages, interests, and abilities.
Have an event that you’d like to promote on our calendar? You can use the self-submission form. Is there something you’d like me to consider highlighting in this weekly roundup? Email me at azucena@oaklandside.org.
Indie rock and electro dream pop at The Golden Bull
Aside from Green Day and up-and-coming rapper Symba, last weekend’s Outside Lands festival lacked in showcasing Oakland talent. Thankfully, here in The Town, smaller venues usually offer robust line-ups of local singers and bands from all different genres. The Golden Bull, which is co-owned by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, is one of those places helping to keep live music alive. Located in the heart of downtown Oakland, the bar has a full calendar of live music every month. Next Thursday, four local acts—Asha Wells, Nowandformerly, Oakland’s James Wavey, and Melanie Marie & K’in Sventa—will grace the stage for an indie rock and electro dream pop night.
Thursday, Aug. 18, 8 p.m., $12, 21 and up, The Golden Bull, 412 14th St.
Black Liberation Walking Tour
Join David Peters, founder of the West Oakland Cultural Action Network, and historian Gene Anderson, author of Legendary Locals of Oakland, on this tour to learn how West Oakland established itself as a Black cultural hub from the second Great Migration through the 1970s. Learn about why the 7th Street corridor was called the Harlem of the West and the importance of preserving the legacy of this neighborhood in an ever-changing city.
Saturday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., free to $40, St. Andrews Baptist Church, 2624 West St.
Pop-up on the Parkway
If you like The Oaklandside’s logo or have purchased our merch before, you may wonder who created our look. Well, look no further than Mike Nicholls. Nicholls is the founder of UMBER magazine, now an independent publishing house based in Oakland. Get the chance to meet Nicholls, chat about the future of Black media, and buy past issues of UMBER at this pop-up party. The event will take place at one of Nicholls’s favorite spots in West Oakland, Nunu’s Cafe. Here’s your chance to support two local businesses.
Saturday, Aug. 20, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., NuNu’s Cafe, 1724 Mandela Parkway.
The Black Neighborhood hike in the Oakland Hills
Some may know Bryce Savoy from his budding rap career. Or from the cannabis and CBD delivery service, Euphorium Oakland, which he co-owns with his mother. Savoy’s other venture is the Oakland nonprofit, The Black Neighborhood, which organizes community events, a book club, food giveaways, and hikes in the Oakland hills. This weekend, Savoy and others are getting together for “TBN Mental Hike,” an outing that provides Black people a space to connect with nature. This is a moderate 5-mile hike not suited for kids or pets. The event is free to attend. Water and snacks will be provided.
Sunday, Aug. 21, 10 a.m . to 1 p.m., free to attend, register online, West Ridge and French Ridge Trail (Metropolitan Horsemens Association Parking Lot), 10060 Skyline Blvd.
Free screening of Half-Day
Half-Day is a short film by writer and director Morgan Mathews that tells the story of a boy who learns about his estranged father through a visit to his stepbrother’s home. The movie, which was filmed in the Bay Area with a local crew, is having its first public screening at The New Parkway. There will also be a panel moderated by KQED journalist Pendarvis Hershaw and a showing of additional behind-the-scenes footage. Please note that this venue requires either proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID test 48 hours prior to admission.
Thursday, Aug. 25, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., free to attend, register online, The New Parkway Theater, 474 24th St.
