We might be getting close to the end of summer, but in Oakland, August has been bustling. This week, we’re highlighting a free performance by rapper Kamaiyah in Downtown, a festival at Snow Park that celebrates the African diaspora, a celebration for the team behind the Oakland Review of Books, and more.
Have an event you’d like to see included here? We do our best to stay on top of what’s happening in our community, but we love a tip. Send us a note at azucena@oaklandside.org. You can also use the self-submission form on our events page to add it to our calendar for free.
Hot Ticket in The Town this week: 8th annual Afrobeats at the Lake
For the past eight years, Snow Park has transformed into a festival that honors the African diaspora with music, dancing, and merchants selling food and clothing. This year’s festival will feature Afropop British-Ghanaian DJ Juls, and DJ Neptune, from Nigeria. Enjoy the rhythms of Afro-pop and Afro-fusion while giving yourself a chance to support local vendors.
Saturday, Aug. 22, 1 to 8 p.m., $24+, children under 16 get in for free, Snow Park, 1999 Harrison St.
Oakland Review of Books Launchiversary
Oakland Review of Books is an online literary publication that honors Oakland culture and critiques the city’s political systems. This Thursday, the editors and writers that make the publication will get together to celebrate its “launchiversary.” Expect music, merch, and drinks.
Thursday, Aug. 20, 6 p.m., free ($15 donation requested), Eli’s Mile High Club, 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
The Afrobeats festival celebrates music and culture of the African diaspora. Credit: courtesy of Afrobeats Oakland
Oaktown Thursdays featuring Kamaiyah
Oaktown Thursdays is a new project, launched in June, that brings entertainment to Latham Square in Downtown Oakland. The monthly series, which runs through October, includes live music and food vendors. This month, East Oakland rapper Kamaiyah headlines. DJ Shellheart will be behind the turntables, with drag queen Amoura Teese hosting.
Thursday, Aug. 20, free, 5 to 9 p.m., Telegraph Avenue between 17th street and Broadway
Honky Tonk Karaoke
On every fourth Saturday of the month, Sante Adairus bar in Old Oakland transforms into karaoke heaven. This month’s theme is honky tonk. So, dust off your cowboy boots and find your favorite Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Willie Nelson songs, and get ready to belt it out among other country fans.
Saturday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m., free, 460 8th St.
Coming soon to The Town: Martin Lawrence at the Paramount Theatre
Comedian Martin Lawrence, best known for his roles in the sitcom “Martin,” the movie trilogy “Bad Boys,” “Big Momma” and HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam,” is coming to Oakland for a one-night stand up show.
Saturday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m., $70+, Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway
“*” indicates required fields