When Spring arrives, lots of popular seasonal events make its way back into Oakland. First Fridays is all about the free outdoor festival in Uptown, Art Murmur, and the return of Friday Nights at OMCA. Two events we are excited to showcase include ‘Visible Labor: The East Bay At Work,’ an exhibit curated by podcast host and East Bay Historian historian, Liam O’Donoghue, and the Khmer New Year Festival at Peralta Hacienda.
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 it to our calendar for free.
Oakland School for the Arts showcase
The spring showcase, titled “Sanctuary,” will feature young artists from all 10 arts pathways at the school who will use visual art, storytelling, movement and music to reflect on what it means to belong, to feel safe in your community and to share humanity.
Thursday, April 2, 7 p.m., $20-$102, Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave.
Opening Reception: ‘Visible Labor: The East Bay at Work’
Liam O’Donoghue, the host and producer of the East Bay Yesterday podcast, curated this photo exhibit exploring those whose labor fuels our economy with visuals by 23 photographers including Alex J. Hernandez, Vincent Donovan, and Aditi Shah. The opening reception features refreshments and music by DJ Chungtech. The exhibition will be on display through May 24.
Friday, April 3, 6 to 9 p.m., free, Oakland Photo Workshop, 312 8th St.
Screening of ‘Palestine ’36’
This historical drama, set in Palestine under the British Mandate, tells the story of the Palestinian uprising against British colonial rule in 1936, just as Jewish refugees were fleeing Europe and arriving in the region during the establishment of the State of Israel. The film will screen in Oakland starting on Friday, April 3. The screening that evening will be followed by a discussion led by the Bay Area chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement.
Friday, April 3, 6 p.m.,$16, The New Parkway Theater, 474 24th St.
The popular seasonal series “Friday Nights at OMCA” is back starting this month and through October. Credit: courtesy of Andrew Jorgensen/OMCA
‘Friday Nights at OMCA’
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) will kick off the popular seasonal series on April 3 with live music by Yeny Valdés and TeamBahia, Drag Storytime with Per Sia, tunes by DJ Kream, and more. The family-friendly event that runs through October features a different roster of performers every week, along with Off the Grid food trucks located on 10th Street between Oak and Fallon streets. You are also invited to bring your own food and buy a beverage on-site.
Friday, April 3, then every Friday through October, 5 to 9 p.m., free, OMCA, 1000 Oak St.
Khmer New Year Festival
For the past 14 years, Peralta Hacienda Historical Park in Fruitvale has been transformed for a day into a venue for an intergenerational celebration honoring Khmer traditions, resilience, and community pride. The festival keeps the local Khmer community connected to their heritage through food, music, and dance performances. The festival opens with a special blessing by a monk.
Saturday, April 4, 10 to 4 p.m., free, Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Ave.
Hot Ticket in The Town this week: Goapele at Yoshi’s
It’s been 25 years since Oakland soul and R&B singer-songwriter Goapele released her now iconic debut album “Closer.” She’s playing six back-to-back shows this week in Oakland, and only one Thursday night show has tickets left.
Thursday, April 2, 9:30 p.m., $86.10, Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero West
Coming soon to The Town: Jack Harlow at the Fox
Rapper and singer-songwriter Jack Harlow knowing for tracks like “Lovin On Me,” “Whats Poppin,” and “First Class” is going on tour to promote his latest album “Monica” released on March 13. The performer will make two stops in the Bay Area, in San Francisco and Oakland.
Monday, Sep. 21, 7 p.m., $78.15 and up, Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave.
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