{"id":370608,"date":"2026-06-22T20:54:41","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T20:54:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/370608\/"},"modified":"2026-06-22T20:54:41","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T20:54:41","slug":"downtown-oakland-vibe-gets-a-boost-as-oaktown-thursdays-debuts-with-music-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/370608\/","title":{"rendered":"Downtown Oakland vibe gets a boost as Oaktown Thursdays debuts with music, food"},"content":{"rendered":"

Live music, cheering wrestling fans and the aromas of food trucks filled Oakland\u2019s Latham Square on Thursday evening as residents gathered for the launch of Oaktown Thursdays<\/a>, a monthly street festival organizers hope will bring new energy downtown while supporting local businesses and artists.<\/p>\n

The free event series takes place on the third Thursday of each month through October. Organizers said Oaktown Thursdays is designed to draw more people to downtown Oakland, increase foot traffic for small businesses and showcase the city\u2019s artists, vendors and cultural groups.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just need more excuses to get out of the house,\u201d said Sean Sullivan, managing partner of Fluid510<\/a> and one of the organizers. \u201cSometimes after the pandemic, we need a little boost, a little suggestion, and this is just one way to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"People gather at Latham Square during the inaugural Oaktown Thursdays event in Oakland on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Joshua Olawuyi\/Bay City News)<\/p>\n

Sullivan said the event grew out of a desire among business owners and residents to restore the vibrancy of downtown Oakland and provide more opportunities for people to gather.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just don\u2019t have enough events,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s not about what\u2019s different. It\u2019s about how can we have more?\u201d<\/p>\n

More than entertainment<\/p>\n

About three dozen vendors participated in the inaugural event, offering everything from clothing and artwork to African and Latino cuisine, desserts and ice cream. Spectators packed around a wrestling ring while local artists entertained crowds gathered around the main stage.<\/p>\n

\"\"People listen to musical entertainment during the inaugural Oaktown Thursdays event in Oakland on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The monthly series aims to showcase local artists, vendors and businesses while bringing more activity to downtown. (Joshua Olawuyi\/Bay City News)<\/p>\n

Nicole Gervacio of Oakland-based gym Radically Fit said the event represented more than entertainment.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur community is taking back the streets and being out together,\u201d Gervacio said. \u201cIt\u2019s really nice to be out in the streets.\u201d<\/p>\n

Isabella Guajardo, owner of Girl With A Truck<\/a> and an East Bay resident for three decades, said events like Oaktown Thursdays help entrepreneurs gain visibility and connect with potential customers.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese kinds of events really provide that opportunity,\u201d Guajardo said. \u201cPeople walking by see the business, they talk to you, and a lot of times it\u2019s networking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Future editions of Oaktown Thursdays will feature themed programming tied to Oakland Pride, Latino Heritage Month and the Black Panther Party\u2019s 60th anniversary.<\/p>\n

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