Two events I’m particularly excited about this week are the AI discussion at the Oakland Public Library, a timely topic our newsroom has been covering, and the Oakland Diwali Festival that showcases South Asian culture in the Bay.
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.
The Washington Post’s tech culture reporter Nitasha Tiku is coming to Oakland to lead a conversation about AI.
Credit: courtesy of Tiku
How AI can mess with our minds
Washington Post tech culture reporter Nitasha Tiku will be in conversation with librarian Ian Hetzner of the Oakland Public Library to discuss the effects artificial intelligence has on the human mind when used as a friend, companion, and therapist, and the effects AI chatbots are having on the economy, the environment and our social lives.
Thursday, Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m., free, no registration or advance notice needed, Oakland Public Main Library, 125 14th St.
2nd annual Bay Area Musical Improv Festival
Twenty-five acts from places like Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, and Hawaii are all coming together for this four-day festival. Musical improv is an art form where everything, from notes and melodies to lyrics and rhymes, is improvised on the spot. Expect acts like a Star Trek musical and a rock opera.
Thursday, Oct. 23 to Sunday, Oct. 27, check out the website for the full lineup and specific events
A group of South Asian dancers performing at the Oakland Diwali festival. Credit: courtesy of the festival
Oakland Diwali 2025
Two years ago, Oakland City Councilmember Janani Ramachandran, the daughter of Indian immigrants, launched the festival to highlight South Asian culture and cuisine. The family-friendly festival will feature various dance performances, music by DJ Damaniac, South Asian food vendors, and additional entertainment.
Friday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., free, RSVP online, BLOC15, 252 2nd St.
5th annual For the Love of the Bay 5K/10K
Last year, the For The Love of the Bay 5K/10K run drew 600 participants for the two races. The run is organized by 510 Hikers, a group that launched in 2013 to bring representation to nature and running. Interested runners can still register through Oct. 22. The race takes off from the Lake Merritt Sailboat House.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 8 a.m., see website for details
The dancing crew Rara Nago is part of the Dimensions Dance Theater organization. Credit: courtesy of Ed Miller
Dimensions Dance Theater’s The Reclaiming: Healing to Joy
Dimensions Dance Theater, a dance organization founded in 1972 that is part of the Malonga Arts Collective, is hosting the world premiere of “The Reclaiming: Healing to Joy Part 2” as part of its fall season. The two-day event honors the resilience and brilliance of Black dance traditions. Part one features Haitian drumming and a fusion of traditional and contemporary dance. Part two features a special collaboration with David Elliott (DJ Fuze), a producer, and longtime member of Digital Underground. Elliott created a soundscape that blends drumming, electronic beats and live vocals.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 26, 4 p.m., $15-$35, Valley Center for the Performing Arts in Oakland (formerly the theater at Holy Names University), 3500 Mountain Blvd.
Los Angeles-based musician Jacob Wendt will play a show in Oakland this month. Credit: courtesy of Brian Bixby
Hot Ticket in The Town this week: Jacob Wendt at the Sound Room
Los Angeles-based Jazz musician Jacob Wendt, who is originally from the North Bay, is having his first Bay Area show in a decade in support of his new album “Silver Street.” Wendt will be joined on stage by Bay Area musicians trumpet player Mike Olmos, tenor sax player Bob Kenmotsu, pianist Matt Clark, and bass player David Ewell.
Thursday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m., $33.85, The Sound Room, 3022 Broadway
Coming soon to The Town: The Mars Volta at the Fox Theater
Omar Rodríguez-López and Cedric Bixler-Zavala, the El Paso duo of rockers and core members of The Mars Volta are on tour in support of their new album “Lucro Sucio; Los Ojos Del Vacio.”
Tuesday, Nov. 25, 7 p.m., $83 and up, 1807 Telegraph Ave.
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