Oakland First Fridays is a vibrant and diverse community event located on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, California. Known for its lively atmosphere and celebration of local art, music, and food, the event has become a staple in the Oakland community. Started as a gallery crawl, Oakland First Fridays has evolved into a city-wide festival that showcases the unique talent and creativity of local artists, musicians, and food vendors. With a focus on promoting cultural diversity and community engagement, the event draws numerous visitors who enjoy the lively street atmosphere, food trucks, and live music performances. Guests have praised the event for its affordable prices, good food, and friendly atmosphere. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the Bay Area, Oakland First Fridays offers an exciting and immersive experience for all.
Reviews
If you're lucky to be available and present on a first friday it's almost always the move. It will really give you a perspective on Oakland's melting pot. It originally started with a gallary crawl, and now it's almost like a city wide block party. You can dance, eat, drink, and move the scene elsewhere after on telegraph. The street is closed for pedestrians and event at this time.
I enjoy frist Fridays every time I go, I like to visit the art galleries over walking the streets, there are food, arts and crafts vendors and music on the streets. At some of the galleries the artist is there for Q&A, also some galleries serve d'oeuvres and wine for a fee. It is very crowded with lines of people waiting for food and walking the street. It starts from Jack London to 26th St. These are old pictures from 2013.
Another amazing example of people getting together to just have a good time and celebrate the Bay Area's diversity. Blocks of food trucks, performances, small demonstrations, Music, and LOTS OF PEOPLE! This was my first time at First Fridays and I had no idea it was so big! Plan early for parking, carpool, or take bart, but go.
Best event experience I've ever had. Great memories made at first Friday's
Vendors too spaced out. Or just not enough vendors, there some side street with different DJs for dancing, would be great on a dry sunny day to hangout, not when it's pouring with rain. very difficult to find parking, many sketchy people hanging around. There was however a decent variety of food trucks to check out, they are overpriced as it is a "street fair". Wouldn't go again.
If you want to experience turf wars and what they mean by goin dumb, this is the place to be. It's hella crowded, but a chill place to be. There are food trucks at the end and the lines are pretty long. I ended up drinking in the parking lot of the korean market and then going to a few of the bars. Parking is rough so take bart. There is a station maybe 2 or 3 blocks away.
Awesome event. Lots to eat, lots of people to see. It was hard to find water, so make sure to grab a beverage before you grab food!
So much fun, great food and music. I had a total blast and definitely will go again. So proud if my town!
Location
2633 Telegraph Ave Ste 109, Oakland, CA 94612, United States
Hours
- Monday Close
- Tuesday Close
- Wednesday Close
- Thursday Close
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Friday
05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
- Saturday Close
- Sunday Close
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