Did you know that fall is the best season to start a native plant garden in Oakland? The seeds you plant between now and November will have plenty of time to develop into colorful flowers come next spring. You can get all the guidance you need at two upcoming events at East Bay Wilds Nursery. And if you’re a millennial who loves to go out dancing but hates the thought of staying out late, there’s a day party at Crybaby catered to you.

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: ‘Dayshift’ day party

This day party was created for the millennials who miss dancing the night away, but no longer want to stay out late. If you want to reminisce about your college years without staying up past 10 p.m., then this party was made for you. Expect all the hits, from Pitbull to Lil Jon, Blink-182, and beyond. 
Saturday, Oct. 17, 5 to 9 p.m., 21 and up, $25, Crybaby, 1928 Telegraph Ave. 

Gardening talks at East Bay Wilds

This weekend, Pete Veilleux, the founder of East Bay Wilds Native Plant Nursery in East Oakland is hosting two events where gardeners can not only buy native plants but learn how to grow a thriving native garden that helps pollinators in your neighborhood. On Friday, he’ll teach the best techniques on how to grow native plants in containers. Then, on Saturday, he’ll teach how to get your garden started now to take advantage of the upcoming rains. 
Friday, Oct. 16, 1 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free, 2777 Foothill Blvd. 

Dimensions Dance Theater’s: ‘Power Memory Freedom Joy’

Dimensions Dance Theater, a dance company founded in 1972 that is part of the Malonga Arts Collective, is staging a one-day performance featuring new choreography by Alseny Soumah and the company’s co-founder and artistic director, Deborah Vaughan. “Power Memory Freedom Joy” uses dance and music to shine a light on examples of fearless Black women like those who were part of the Black Panther Party, who challenged political systems, overcame oppression and inspired ordinary people to participate in extraordinarily transformative movements.
Saturday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m., $21.95+, Valley Center for the Performing Arts (at the former Holy Names University), 3500 Mountain Blvd.

Scottish DJ Calvin Harris kicks off an 18-date tour in April 2027. Harris will play a show at the Oakland Arena in May. Credit: courtesy of the artist

Literary Festival at Joaquin Miller Park

Founded in 1909, the California Writers Club meets every year at Joaquin Miller Park for a chance to share a meal and listen to writers read from some of their favorite books or stories. The event will roam around to various sites in the park including the Woodminster Cascades and the Funeral Pyre, ending at the Writer’s Grove. The event features a reading by Oakland’s only Poet Laureate, Ayodele Nzinga. 
Sunday, Oct. 18, 12 to 4 p.m., free, Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Rd.

Coming soon to The Town: Calvin Harris at the Oakland Arena

Scottish global superstar Calvin Harris, the DJ and producer known for his collaborations with Rihanna on tracks such as “We Found Love” and “This is What You Came For,” is hitting the road on an 18-date tour. Harris will play at the Oakland Arena on May 7, 2027. Sign up for presale ticket access at CalvinHarris.com; tickets are available starting Monday, Oct.19 for Spotify Premium subscribers and the artist presale begins on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 12 p.m.
Friday, May 7, 2027, 7:30 p.m., general tickets sale begins Thursday, Oct. 22, 12 p.m., Oakland Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way

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