Bars and clubs across the Town will celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and identity Aug. 14–16.

Zachary Lipsett, 20, claps as drag quen Empress Astara does a flip during their performance at the Oaklash Block Party in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, May 16, 2026. (Juliana Yamada for KQED)

San Francisco might go all out for Pride in June, but Oakland keeps the party going. 

This year’s Oakland Pride parade and festival takes over downtown Oakland on Aug. 16, with a headlining performance by “1 Thing” hitmaker Amerie on the main stage. Organized by the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center, the festival features a Latin stage, a Mighty Real stage dedicated to dance music and a Sexy Town stage with adult entertainment for the 18+ crowd.

The extensive lineup reflects the many vibrant cultures and identities under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. Performers include Mexican hitmaker Fey; electronic singer-producer Star Amerasu, who’ll perform with ballroom collective Oakland to All; and singer Lady Alma, whose virtuosic vocals elevate house music into the spiritual realm.

True to the Oakland LGBTQ Cultural Center’s mission to help the queer community thrive, Oakland Pride includes activities for youth and elders, plus health and wellness services, including STI testing. 

As Oakland gears up for its big Pride celebration, the Town’s promoters, DJs and drag artists will be hard at work this weekend, lighting up Oakland’s bars and clubs with top-tier queer entertainment. These are the seven parties you shouldn’t miss. 

Luismi Munster poses for a portrait during the Oaklash Block Party in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Friday, Aug. 14, 5–10 p.m.
Calabash, Oakland

Oaklash is synonymous with drag in Oakland. Its Oakland Pride block party celebrates drag performers of all genders and genres, and encourages artists to bring out their most eye-popping reveals, tallest wigs and most athletic dance moves. Hosted by Luismi Monstruo Rude, a performer whose special-effects makeup lends itself to some truly freaky transformations, Oaklash’s Oakland Pride Block Party will feature numbers from Anna Tuesday, Princess Capri, Rosie Petals, Yayah the Artist and St. Germain. DJs Dalikamata, Zaalimaa, Ka’lonji and Ledao will be behind the decks, pumping club beats through the speakers all evening long.

Saturday, Aug. 15, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
Tallboy, Oakland

Queers who love to sweat it out on the dance floor should look no further than Maligrosa at Oakland martini bar Tallboy. DJs Lobottomy, Estrella and Boyprincess will spin Latincore and uptempo global club beats while go-go dancers Nala and Kisa keep the vibes sexy. 

DJ Shellheart plays a set for the Golden State Valkyries during a game at Chase Center in San Francisco on Aug. 19, 2025.

Saturday, Aug. 15, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
Golden Ratio, Oakland

DJ Shellheart keeps the crowd hyped at Golden State Valkyries games, and during Oakland Pride weekend she’ll be in the mix at Golden Ratio, the bar co-owned by fellow Valkyries DJ Lady Ryan. Keezy, the producer of the popular Klituation party for women, will join Shellheart for a fiery set of back-to-back twerk anthems, 2000s rap throwbacks and maybe even a line-dancing moment.

Sunday, Aug. 16, 4–10 p.m.
Hella Bees, Oakland

Queer Aunties is for the grown and sexy — a safe space for queer Black and brown women in their 30s, 40s and beyond to get down. The traveling party originated in L.A. but has spent the year roving to Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C. before touching back down in Oakland, where it has a devoted following. The Queer Aunties day party at the sunlit, spacious venue Hella Bees features DJ sets by Micahtron, DJ Ignacia and DJ Bill. 

Nicki Jizz host Reparations during the Oasis takeover of the Dolores’ stage at Outside Lands on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.

Sunday, Aug. 16 3:30–8:30 p.m.
7th West, Oakland

For 15 years, Soulovely’s day parties have provided a thoughtful space that centers Oakland’s Black and brown queer community, with feel-good music on a sunshine-filled patio. Soulovely Prom invites attendees to wear their most futuristic finery. Fela Kutchii, the Oakland Soul Soccer Club’s official DJ, will spin alongside Zuri Alexa and Koma Tee, with drag performances by Mojo Carter, Miss Bea Haven and Bobby. San Francisco drag star Nicki Jizz will host.