There’s so much going this weekend all around the Town. If you want to venture out to deep East Oakland, the 81st Avenue library branch has mounted an art show by Oakland artists of Maya Mam origin. Also, Vallejo rap star superstar plays at CryBaby this Sunday, and there are still some tickets available.
There were too many events to include in this roundup; some worth highlighting include a conversation with The Oaklandside’s senior news editor Darwin BondGraham happening this Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the Oakland Main Library, the grand reopening of the newly renamed Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts across from Lake Merritt, and #FABWEEK26, a series of events around the Town and the Bay Area hosted by Oakland rapper and community activist Mistah F.A.B. The rapper’s downtown clothing store has been shuttered after being damaged by a fire on Monday that ravaged the downtown apartment building where his shop occupied the commercial storefront.
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.
Indigenous Maya Mam Art Show
The winners of the 2024 Maya Mam art contest sponsored by La Clinica: Cultura y Bienestar, a Latino wellness organization and Desarrollo Maya, a Mam-led charitable group, and the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department are now on display at the 81st Avenue library branch, are now part of an exhibit at the 81st Avenue library branch. The original artworks on display through March 31 by Indigenous Oakland artists depict Maya Mam culture, history, and identity.
Through Tuesday, March 31, free, check website for hours, 1021 81st Ave.
Reopening of The Nature Rotary Center
The legendary Lake Merritt educational institution has finally reopened after a devastating fire forced the building across from the lake to close for extensive repair and renovations. The center runs environmental education programs, summer camps for youth, and efforts to protect wildlife in the lake.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., see calendar for list of events, 600 Bellevue Ave.
Imperfect Caregiving
This morning event for “caregivers of all types and all ages of dependents,” led by educational psychologist Sarah Wheeler, will help caregivers set intentions for the new year on how to navigate this work in emotionally healthy ways.
Sunday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., $10 suggested donation, Local Economy, 6028 College Ave.
People crowd surf as Osees perform at Mosswood Meltdown in Oakland on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Credit: Estefany Gonzalez for The Oaklandside
Adult Mandarin mixer at Kinfolx
The Little Sheep Chinese Learning Center, whose mission is to “blend the teaching of Mandarin Chinese Language with a touch of African Diasporic themes,” is hosting an adult mixer at Kinfolx coffee shop and community space for folks interested in — or already learning — Mandarin. The mixer will include games and a raffle.
Sunday, Jan. 25, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., free, RSVP online, 1951 Telegraph Ave.
Hot Ticket in The Town this week: LaRussell at CryBaby
Vallejo rapper LaRussell has been hosting free shows in his backyard for a few years now, but he also likes to put on shows in formal venues in the early afternoon. This weekend, he’s taking over CryBaby
Sunday, Jan. 25, 12 p.m., offer-based general admission or tickets $75-$250, 1928 Telegraph Ave.
Coming soon to The Town: Mosswood Meltdown
The “Pope of Trash” John Waters will be back this summer for the 13th annual Mosswood Meltdown. This year’s two-day festival will be headlined by “Godfather of Punk” Iggy Pop and legendary feminist punk pioneers Bikini Kill. Check out the website for a complete list of performers.
Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, $89-$399, 3612 Webster St.
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