Oakland Style, an annual five-day celebration of art, music, fashion, cuisine, and culture kicks off Oct. 18 and continues through Oct. 22. The inaugural event — including art walks, fashion shows, maker and designer marketplaces, culinary experiences, cultural conversations, musical performances, haute couture moments, vintage shopping and more — is produced by Visit Oakland.
“Inspired by the energy that Fashion Week creates in New York City, Oakland Style is a complete artistic expression of the creativity found in the Town” said Peter Gamez, president and CEO of Visit Oakland.
“Oakland Style has the entire town buzzing with excitement,” Gamez said. “The array of happenings offer something for everyone to enjoy. Oakland Style is a true celebration of our vibrant, diverse and talented community, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to experience these incredible events.”
With five days of more than 50 activities taking place throughout The Town, local hotels are extending special rates to welcome visitors to experience everything that Oakland Style has to offer.
Some of the upcoming events include . . .
Oakland Style Lab Reimagine Fashion, Oct. 20 -22
Oakland Style Lab, a fashion incubator, has put together a dynamic lineup of fashion arts activities featuring The Town’s talented maker community. All events will take place at 1500 Broadway in the heart of downtown Oakland at a 12,000-square-foot pop-up space. Free – $25 per person. Tickets at Eventbrite.
Sounds of Style with Soul Mechanix, Wed., Oct. 18
The band Soul Mechanix blends groove-based Soul improv and progressive Funk drawing from a diverse universe of influences. Born from a fire to create something funky and unpredictable, every Soul Mechanix show is a unique experience. The show will take place on Wed., Oct. 18, 8 p.m., at Yoshi’s, 501 Embarcadero West. $24-$49 per person. Tickets at Yoshis.com.
Bespoke cocktails + Stylish conversations, Thurs., Oct. 19
Guests will enjoy an evening of inspiring conversations with creative Oakland stylemakers. Handcrafted cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served before the enlightening conversations with a diverse panel of Oakland stylemakers:
“Conversation I” will feature Melecio Estrella, artistic director for Bandaloop, a vertical dance group that often performs on the sides of buildings, and Dorian Webb, an Oakland-based jewelry designer.
“Conversation II” will feature Taylor Smalls, an artist, and Taylor Jay, a fashion designer.
“Conversation III” will feature Mistah F.AB. Hip-Hop artist and founder of Dope Era and James Syhabout, the chef/owner of the Michelin-starred Commis restaurant.
The event will be moderated by ABC 7 news anchor, Jobina Fortson. Thur., Oct. 19, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Kissel Uptown Oakland, 2455 Broadway. $85 per person. Tickets on Eventbrite.
Oakland Love Life Day of Celebration, Fri., Oct. 20
The 2nd annual celebration will illustrate the city’s official motto of “Oakland Love Life”, with music, art, culture, community resources, food and fun. It will also honor community leaders with a presentation of “Oakland Love Life Hero Awards” by Mayor Sheng Thao. Live performances from Digital Underground, Kev Choice, Oakland Poet Laureate Ayodele Nzinga, and special guests. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Frank Ogawa Plaza. Free
100 Faces of Oakland photo exhibit, Sat., Oct. 21
Award-winning Oakland street photographers Brian Molyneaux and Kola Shobo are capturing stylemakers and the heart and soul of Oakland — our community. This will culminate with an exhibit of “100 Faces of Oakland,” a collection of photography celebrating Oakland’s vibrant, beautiful and diverse community, throughout 19 neighborhoods. The “100 Faces of Oakland” photo exhibit is free and open to the public, 4-6 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 21, at Uptown Station, 1955 Broadway. Register (free) at Eventbrite.
Ten hours of non-stop art, Sat., Oct. 21
Join Oakland Art Murmur for hourly events and art walks at 16 arts venues throughout Oakland. Tours may be enjoyed four ways — on an art walk, on a bicycle, on a bus tour, or on your own. Oct. 21, 12-5 p.m. Free-$49 per person. Tickets at Eventbrite.
Dr. Huey P. Newton Day, Sun., Oct. 22
Join a block party to commemorate Dr. Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party. The main stage in the heart of Downtown Oakland will feature live musical performances, inspiring speakers, and the sounds of music by local DJ Nina Sol. A street fair will showcase Black-owned businesses with vendors, food booths and more. Telegraph and 16th Avenue, Oct. 22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.
Bandaloop Oakland Style vertical performance, Sun., Oct. 22
Bandaloop, a performance group, will take Oakland Style to new heights and celebrate the human spirit, nature, and community through a vertical dance. The dance group is proud to collaborate with Oakland-based designer Devan Gregori of DG Collective to create the costumes for this very special Oakland Style performance. A solo piece will pay tribute to Huey P. Newton and the Black Panther Party. 2:45 p.m. on the Rotunda Building, 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza. Free.
50 years of hip-hop party
Head to the Home of Chicken and Waffles on Sun., Oct. 22, to celebrate a half-century of hip-hop excellence! This remarkable event will showcase the Fall 2023 Collection from Mistah F.A.B. and the iconic Dope Era. There will also be a tribute to the legendary Too $hort. 6-9 p.m., 444 Embarcadero West. $100 per person offers access to an open bar and delectable cuisine. Tickets at eventbrite.
Other happenings include a Chablis Celebration at Left Bank on Jack London Square, a very stylish lineup of events at Coco Noir Wine Shop + Bar on 13th Street, and a special mural tour hosted by BAMP! where guests will discover the city’s iconic murals and learn the stories behind them. For information on more events that are part of Oakland Style, visit OaklandStyle.com.
