Oakland Style is The Town’s annual five-day celebration of art, music, fashion, cuisine, and culture—a complete artistic expression of the creativity found only in Oakland.
Taking place October 7-11, this year’s Oakland Style is preparing for an amazing lineup of events. See what’s in store:
Music + Mixology | Wednesday, October 7th
Join fourteen top mixologists from The Town’s hottest restaurants and bars as they compete to create their version of the 2026 Oakland Style cocktail. This exciting competition is presented by Dobel Diamante Cristalino. Register for the voting app, taste the fourteen cocktails, and choose your favorite. An official panel of judges will also rate the cocktails to determine the winners of the $5,000 first place, $3,000 second place prize, and $1000 third place prizes while guests enjoy delicious bites, DJ music, and dancing.
Courtesy of Oakland Style)
Inspired on the Runway | Thursday, October 8th
Experience Oakland Style live at this collaborative fashion show featuring looks from Oakland School for the Arts, Creative Growth, Oakland Style Lab, Kingmakers, and White Elephant Sale—all inspired by The Town itself.
High Tea + High Style | Friday, October 9th
Enjoy a contemporary tea service and informal preview of the designs from four of Oakland’s finest stylemakers; award-winning jewelry designer Dorian Webb, women’s fashion designer Lesley Evers, sustainable clothing brand Blue & Yellow, and Oxford Tailoring.
The Art of Sneakers, Vol. 3 | Saturday & Sunday, October 10-11
Enjoy a two-day exhibit showcasing sneaker culture’s dynamic impact on fashion and society. The Art of Sneakers features work by top artists and interactive programming that includes sneaker repair and customizing workshops, artist talks, and more.
Live Art Walk | Saturday, October 10th
The Live Art Walk is a specially curated walking tour through Uptown Oakland's most vibrant spaces, showcasing incredible work by local artists. Here, art meets performance, with dance, music, live art making, and more woven right into the gallery experience. Enjoy snacks and beverages along the way, and get a rare chance to meet the creative minds shaping Oakland's cultural landscape.
Creative Growth | Saturday, October 10th
On October 10th, Creative Growth opens its doors to the public, offering a tour of their studio’s fashion department led by Beyond Trend coordinator Amy Keefer and Creative Growth artists. Visit the renowned gallery space featuring a visual art exhibit inspired by music, and add style pieces to your personal collection made by Creative Growth artists.
Courtesy of Oakland Style)
The Town’s Threads: A Living Runway | Saturday, October 10th
The Black Cultural Zone brings A Living Runway to life in East Oakland in celebration of E.A.S.T.: Embracing Authentic Style Together! Enjoy a vibrant three-hour community celebration blending culture, local fashion, and kinetic street energy that transforms the park into a continuous runway. Timed spotlight performances, runway showcases, live music, and local cultural vendors (including featured designer Lee Rickie) will be guided by the master of ceremonies from the main stage.
Oakland Roots Home Game with Upcycled Jersey Fashion Show | Saturday, October 10th
Fashion design students from California College of the Arts, Oakland Tech, and Oakland School for the Arts will team up with Oakland Roots & Soul to give retired jerseys and apparel a second life, reworking them alongside pre-loved pieces from ThredUp into original, one-of-a-kind looks. The project culminates in a runway halftime show at the Oakland Coliseum spotlighting the next generation of Bay Area designers and proving that sport can be a launchpad for creativity, circular fashion, and community.
Made in Oakland Film Festival | Sunday, October 11th
On October 11th, Cinemama will present Oakland Made: A Celebration of the Oakland Film Scene Past and Present. Whether set in Oakland, filmed in Oakland, or led by an Oakland creative, these films are a sampling of The Town’s rich film history and a current film landscape that has folks buzzing. Grab your popcorn (and drinks) for one film or a whole day’s worth of them. Each screening is paired with a Q&A, so come prepared for great conversations and never before shared insights on some of your favorite—and soon to be favorite—Oakland masterpieces.
Brunch & The Runway | Sunday, October 11th
Get ready for brunch, bubbles, and a whole lotta style. Chef Michele McQueen is taking her decadent Sunday brunch to another level as she welcomes Bridgit Cain, owner of Proper Fashions, for an informal fashion show featuring looks for men and women. Enjoy delicious food, DJ music, a fabulous fashion show, and boutique shopping.
// Oakland Style is October 7-11; get the details at visitoakland.com
Courtesy of Oakland Style)
