Oakland Art Month has it all—from contemporary art galleries and eclectic studios to a wide array of dance, music, film, and cultural events.
Returning for its second year this May, Art Month will showcase a plethora of events, performances, and shows that spotlight The Town's cultural and creative diversity. This year's theme: Belonging.
"People's sense of belonging is tied to their ability to lead meaningful lives, to be connected to the place they live in and the people they live among, and to feel a part of something larger than themselves," according to the City of Oakland's Cultural Development Plan.
Here's a preview of some of the special events taking place during Oakland Art Month, a can't-miss celebration of the arts.
The Art Route at Oakland Art Month
Oakland is home to more than 50 art galleries that showcase both traditional and contemporary fine art as well as experimental works from up-and-coming local talent. Take to Art Route Oakland during the first two weekends of May for a chance to win prizes and shopping credits toward art purchases. The grand prize includes a weekend stay in Oakland and a $1,500 spree at a participating Oakland gallery.
Enriching Festivals at Oakland Art Month
Make your way to KONO for the May 3rd First Fridays Festival (5pm to 9pm)—an extraordinary street showcase of visual and performing artists. Head to the Oakland waterfront on Saturday, May 11th for the annual Jack London Square Art & Wine Festival. Savor tastings from more than 40 California wineries while enjoying small bites, live music, various vendors, and much more. The following weekend, May 17-19, you'll experience an authentic taste of Mediterranean culture and tradition at the Oakland Greek Festival. The celebration includes homemade delicacies, crafts, and lively Greek music and dancing. The festival takes place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension in the Oakland Hills.
Future Culture Summit at Oakland Art Month
On Saturday, May 11th (12:30pm to 4:30 pm), the first annual Future Culture Summit will be held at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. Using the frame of Method Sampling, which involves borrowing of other rationales and reframing them within one's own system thereby rendering a brand new system, the Summit features speakers who are leaders in their field. They will explore how we can create a future culture that can replace the old ideas/stories that are no longer working in the modern world. The Summit is broken down into three themes: What can we believe in? What do we consume? What do we create?
More Oakland Art Month Events
Don't miss Third Thursdays at Latham Square.
(Courtesy of Oakland Art Month)
Bay Area Dance Week, April 26th through May 5th; venues throughout Oakland
Cinco de Mayo Festival, May 5th
CAAMFest, May 10-24; venues throughout Oakland
West Side Story, 8pm to 10pm, May 10th; Oakland Symphony, Paramount Theater
Third Thursday, 5pm to 8pm, May 16th; Latham Square
Armenian Food Festival, May 17-18; St. Vartan Armenian Church
Temescal Public Art Walk, 11am to 1pm, May 18; Beauty's Bagels
East Bay Open Studios, June 1st, Oakland Scottish Rite Center
Beats & Minds Hip Hop Conference, 10am to 5pm, June 1st; Impact Hub Oakland
// For the latest Oakland Art Month information and updates, go to oaklandartmonth.com.
