We are kicking off 2026 with two events to keep you on the dance floor. If you like to move to the sounds of cumbia and salsa, Eli’s and Mad Oak are where you need to be. The Eli’s event is a one-off, but you can become a regular at the salsa night at Mad Oak, which takes place three times a month.
We want to know what kind of events you want to hear about! If you would like us to consider an event for this weekly list, please email me at azucena@oaklandside.org. You can also use the self-submission form on our events page to add events to our calendar for free.
Romance author Talia Basma at the Oakland Public Library main branch
A new “Meet the Author” series at the Oakland Public Library’s main branch will launch this Thursday. The series will feature a mix of fiction and non-fiction authors discussing their latest releases. This Thursday, self-published Muslim author Talia Basma will talk about her debut romance release titled “Love Not Required.” The story follows Safiyyah, a biracial Muslim woman, as she marries her childhood friend Aayan out of convenience and the emotional journey that follows her decision. The second event of the series will feature The Oaklandside’s news editor Darwin BondGraham where he will discuss his book with Ali Winston “The Riders Come Out at Night.” The book discusses the Oakland Police Department’s history of corruption and reform. He will also talk about the current state of local journalism.
Thursday, Jan. 8, 6 p.m., free, register online, 125 14th St.
Cumbia Vinyl Night at Eli’s Mile High Club
Three cumbia DJ Collectives from Mexico City (Disco Movil Salazar, Sonido Aztlán, and Discoatl Producciones) are visiting the Town for a night of nothing but cumbia sounds on vinyl to get the dance floor hopping.
Saturday, Jan. 10, 8 p.m., free, 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
The “Each One Teach One” exhibit at the Black Panther Party Museum in downtown Oakland will showcases the radical legacy of the Oakland Community School. Credit: Ashley McBride/The Oaklandside
Salsa at sunset at Mad Oak
Every first Sunday, second Saturday, and third Sunday of the month, Mad Oak’s rooftop transforms into a dance floor for salsa music lovers led by DJ Juan Love. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. with a dance class led by Pablo Dinamico.
Saturday, Jan. 10, 4 p.m., free, 135 12th St.
Hot Ticket in The Town this week: “Each One Teach One: The History of the Oakland Community School”
The Black Panther Museum in downtown Oakland will be closing out its inaugural exhibit, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the launch of the school in deep East Oakland, with an evening of discussions, music, and refreshments.
Saturday, Jan. 10, 6 p.m., free, register online, 1427 Broadway
Coming soon to The Town: Oakland Roots home opener
The Oakland Roots are hoping to repeat the full house at their inaugural home opener when 26,000 fans packed the Oakland Coliseum last year. This season kicks off in March and will run through mid-October.
Saturday, March 14, time to be announced, 7000 Coliseum Way; check the Roots website for when tickets go on sale.
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