September marks the start of Oakland Pride, and we’ll dedicate next week’s roundup to highlighting some of the festivities kicking off then. But for now, there are still tons of other events to highlight as we reach the end of August. We’re particularly excited about a new transatlantic exhibit featuring work by artists from France and Oakland, including The Oaklandside’s own talented photojournalist, Amir Aziz. Read on for that and for a small glimpse at what else is happening around town.

Have an event that you’d like to promote on our calendar? You can use the self-submission form anytime by clicking on our homepage’s “Events” tab. Is there something you’d like me to consider highlighting in this weekly roundup? Email me at azucena@oaklandside.org.

In the Banlieues/Centering the Margin: Oakland/Saint-Denis

Photograph: Reine Ruthza by Sophie Comtet Kouyaté (left) and PAST PRESENT FUTURE by Oakland International Media Academy (right). Credit: California Humanities

Last month we wrote about how The Oaklandside’s visual journalist Amir Aziz’s work was part of an international exhibit in Saint-Denis, a municipality in the northern suburbs of Paris, France. The exhibition, In the Banlieues: Oakland/Saint-Denis, roughly translates to “in the suburbs.” Now, the exhibit will unveil at two different Bay Area locations, at SPUR in San Francisco (SPUR is one of the exhibit’s partner venues) on Aug. 23 and in Oakland at Oakstop on Aug. 25. Stop by the exhibit to see Amir’s work and that of other local Oakland artists like Favianna Rodriguez. 

Thursday, Aug. 25 through Sunday, October 20, 6 p.m., free to attend, register online, Oakstop, 1714 Telegraph.

Community Town Hall on MPX (Monkeypox)

The Alameda County Health Care Services Agency is hosting a virtual community town hall to discuss the current state of monkeypox. As of August 17, Alameda County had 148 probable or confirmed cases of the viral disease, which many health officials in California are now calling, MPX. Leaders will discuss data, public health response, guidance, and resources. In addition, those who register and attend will have the chance to ask questions about who can receive the vaccine and where to find vaccine sites. 

Thursday, Aug. 25, 5:30 p.m., via Zoom, register online 

Fresh Jamz at Korner Kitchen and Bar

A Fresh Jamz anniversary party. From left to right: DJs DC is Chillin’, Reggae Delgado, Hector Odiaka, and Crimson. Credit: Viet-Ly Gonzalez

Fresh Jamz started back in 2008 as an effort to bring some fun during a time when people were struggling financially due to the market collapse. Odiaka Gonzalez (DJ Odiaka) and Peter Delgado Van Tassel (DJ Delgado) turned this happy hour into a fan favorite among folks who mostly worked in education and nonprofits. In the decade-plus since its start, Fresh Jamz has seen different versions hosted at two now-defunct locations in Oakland. The party’s last home was The Legionnaire Saloon. During the pandemic, the duo kept the happy hour going virtually. This weekend, Fresh Jamz is making its triumphant in-person return to Korner Kitchen & Bar, a food incubator and outdoor cocktail bar located adjacent to Fruitvale Bart, where people can enjoy food and cocktails from rotating food vendors. The event is free to attend but will serve as a fundraiser for Oakland Leaf. A local nonprofit formed by a collective of East Oakland educators to help empower Oakland youth.

Friday, Aug. 25, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., free to attend, Korner Kitchen and Bar, 1014 Fruitvale Ave.

Fools Circle Comedy (Oakland Edition)

A previous Fools Circle Comedy event hosted by comedian, writer, and producer Jonathan Teklai. Credit: Sam Brooks

Much like Fresh Jamz, Fools Circle Comedy was also started out of a need for people, particularly Black and brown folks, to gather and break into some laughs. In 2018, comedian, writer, and producer Jonathan Teklai wanted to host a special celebration for his 30th birthday in Brooklyn, where he lived at the time. During the pandemic, the comedy circle took a pause, and in the summer of 2021, Teklai brought the event back, this time at Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Since, he expanded into cities like Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and, of course, Oakland. Teklai is returning to his hometown with the Fools Circle Comedy tour, outdoors with other Black comedians Chris Riggins, TammyTeaLove, and special guests. Live music will be provided by DJ MelesWave. Don’t forget to bring a picnic blanket and some snacks. 

Saturday, Aug. 27, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., free to attend, register online, Mosswood Ampitheater, 3612 Webster St.

Veterinary hospital tours at the Oakland Zoo

Veterinarians from the Oakland Zoo tending to a cub. Credit: Oakland Zoo

Have you ever wondered how rescued wild animals that end up at the Oakland Zoo receive care? And what goes on behind the scenes to keep all animals at the zoo healthy? The zoo offers special tours that give a glimpse of how the veterinarians safeguard the animals that we all love to see in person or through social media. The hospital tour includes checking out radiology and surgical suites, a small laboratory, a pharmacy, wide transportation docks used for large animals, and much more. There’s one last tour in August, with multiple dates from September through December. Get ready to see where Rose and Sage, the rescued mountain lions that arrived at the zoo in April, were treated.

Wednesday, Aug. 31, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., $20-$25, Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd.

Azucena Rasilla is a bilingual journalist from East Oakland reporting in Spanish and in English, and a longtime reporter on Oakland arts, culture and community. As an independent local journalist, she has reported for KQED Arts, The Bold Italic, Zora and The San Francisco Chronicle. She was a writer and social media editor for the East Bay Express, helping readers navigate Oakland’s rich artistic and creative landscapes through a wide range of innovative digital approaches.