The stage becomes a battleground for Hanifa and Adana. Their sisterhood is tested when a light-skinned woman, often labeled “privileged” or “favored” stands face-to-face with a dark-skinned woman who has been stereotyped as “too strong” or “less desirable.” Their emotional clash is rooted in a history of privilege, pain and survival. Beneath assumptions and side eyes lies a shared experience of being judged, boxed in, and measured by the shade of their skin.
Soul Mechanix presents The Isley Brothers Tribute!
Come to Yoshi’s Oakland on April 11th and join us for a special night as we celebrate the music of The Isley Brothers!!!
We’ll be performing all their hit songs and more on April 11th so come down to Yoshi’s Oakland and help us celebrate the musical legacy of one of the greatest bands of all time!!!
Featuring:
Dyson – Vocals
Luq Frank – Vocals
Codany Holiday – Vocals
Eamonn Flynn – Keys
Clark Sims – Bass
Darian Gray – Drums
Graal Swartz – Guitar
Special Guests:
Vernon Ice Black – Guitar
Martin Luther McCoy – Vocals
Flex
In a forgotten town in rural Arkansas, a high school girls basketball team fights its way toward an impossible dream: a state championship. As rivalries flare and personal struggles threaten to tear them apart, the players discover that winning takes more than talent. It takes trust, sisterhood and the courage to believe in one another. Written by acclaimed playwright Candrice Jones, one of the most exciting new voices in American theatre, this raw, electric new play explores resilience, identity, and the power of a team to rise together.
“Critic’s Pick! A slam-dunk New York debut! Candrice Jones excels equally in sly humor and in the swift-tongued rhythms of teenage and athletic talk.”The New York Times
“The whooping, sighing, applause and interactions of the audience make clear how sharply the play hits home.”The Daily Beast
‘Get to the Bag’ 2026 – Cannabis Graphic Art Show Opening
View the history of cannabis legalization as told through its product packaging. Selections from a collection of over 1,500 cannabis mylar bags spanning three decades and three continents Exhibits of Cookies, Alien Labs, Backpack Boys, Zkittlez, and the other brands that have defined cannabis culture. 90 feet of gallery wall space. 8 sections including Locals, All-stars, and Banned Art.
Western Ballet’s Don Quixote
In celebration of Western Ballet’s 50th Anniversary, Don Quixote premieres as a full‑length, comedic ballet in three acts, bursting with vibrant Spanish flair, exhilarating virtuosity, and joyful storytelling. This milestone production features all‑new sets designed by Peter Crompton and created by Rooster Productions, along with new costumes by Yanis E. Pikieris, bringing fresh visual richness to this beloved classic. With spirited ensemble scenes, brilliant classical technique, and dynamic character dancing, the ballet showcases the energy and artistry that have defined Western Ballet for five decades.
Cece Carpio’s “Tabi Tabi Po” Closing Reception
Join us for a memorable evening of storytelling and karaoke with TNT Traysikel, plus music performances by Diana Gameros and Naima Shalhoub, and a curated artist market, in honor of Cece Carpio’s closing celebration.
Mission Community Market First Day of the Season
Mission Community Market returns for the 2026 season on Thursday, March 19, 3:00 to 7:00 pm, at 22nd and Bartlett Streets in San Francisco’s Mission District. Stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables and delicious, handcrafted foods, and support your local farmers, food makers, and Mission community.
Feathered Field Sketch
In this hands-on class, we’ll explore the fascinating birds of Lake Merritt and Oakland, from elegant egrets to bold black cormorants and busy little songbirds. A local naturalist will introduce us to who’s who in our local ecosystem — how they move, what makes their feathers unique, the patterns they wear, and the quirky behaviors that make each species special.
Compassion: What it is/not, how it heals, from the individual, work, to global
We’ll establish a definition of this hot topic that has been studied and deployed for 1,000s of years, then explore through a science based talk sprinkled with a host of experiences to highlight compassion in a tangible way. While some might equate compassion with weakness, we’ll find it takes tremendous strength and fortitude to offer others and ourselves compassion, as well as having a willingness to accept compassion from others. We’ll also find that when the directions of compassion are being extended in each direction, ensuring safe equilibrium.
The Internet Economy Conference
Join business leaders, founders, and developers from the world’s most ambitious companies to learn about the latest advancements in payments and financial technology. Plus, hear how other experts in your industry are solving real-world growth challenges.
PHOTOS | Urban League Bay Area Releases State of the Black Bay Area Report at Inaugural MLK Jr. Breakfast
Event: Urban League Bay Area State of the Black Bay Area Report at Inaugural MLK Jr. Breakfast
Date: January 26, 2026
Location: UCSF – William J. Rutter Center
Photos: Urban League
As the nation marked the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, the Urban League of Greater San Francisco Bay Area convened more than 300 leaders, advocates, and community members for its inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast and the official release of the State of the Black Bay Area Report.
Held in partnership with the University of California, San Francisco, the event brought together policymakers, business executives, nonprofit leaders, and residents for a data driven discussion on economic equity in one of the wealthiest regions in the world.
The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic realities facing Black residents across the Bay Area, highlighting widening disparities in housing affordability, income inequality, workforce access, health outcomes, and wealth accumulation. Despite the region’s global reputation for innovation and prosperity, the findings underscore persistent systemic barriers that continue to disproportionately impact Black communities.
Several California gubernatorial candidates participated in the forum, including Antonio Villaraigosa, Betty Yee, Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, Ian Calderon, Tony Thurmond, and Tom Steyer. Each addressed the report’s findings and outlined how state leadership could help close equity gaps through targeted policy, investment, and accountability.
Elected officials and civic leaders in attendance included Barbara Lee, Matt Haney, Shamann Walton, Lateefah Simon, and Lisa Gauthier, signaling broad recognition that advancing economic justice requires coordinated leadership at the city, county, and state levels.
The event was made possible through the support of sponsors including Gilead Sciences, Genentech, Sierra Health Foundation, Stanford Health Care, and Perkins Coie, along with more than 35 volunteers.
Organizers emphasized that the report is intended to serve as a blueprint for measurable change and a tool for accountability and action across sectors.
As the Bay Area looks ahead to 2026, the Urban League is calling on public and private partners to recommit to building a region where economic opportunity is accessible to all, regardless of race or zip code.
For more information about the State of the Black Bay Area Report, visit www.ulbayarea.org.
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Puppet wars 4/11 – oakland
Get ready — Puppet Wars is coming to Oakland!
On Saturday April 11th, 2026, we officially debut at Prescott Market for a family-friendly night of wild, over-the-top, high-energy pro wrestling you won’t see anywhere else.
Taste of Montclair Village
The beloved Taste of Montclair Village returns Tuesday, April 7, from 5–8pm in Oakland’s Montclair Village, inviting guests to enjoy an evening of food, drink, and community celebration. Attendees can sample bites and libations — including craft beer and artisan wines — from more than 30 local restaurants and businesses.
Proceeds benefit the Montclair Village Association, a nonprofit business improvement district serving the community for over 75 years. Ticket holders receive a tasting Passport for access to culinary creations and beverage samples throughout the district.
Children’s AI Summit
Artificial Intelligence and Generation Alpha are currently growing up side-by-side. AI is already shaping the future of our children. We believe that children, in turn, must be given the voice to shape the future of AI. We are inviting all Bay Area Youth ages 8-12 to join our AI Summit and make their voices heard.
Our goal is to empower students to engage with this technologically critically and analytically, so that they may have well-informed opinions on AI, as well as the confidence to express said opinions. We also hope to give our students as wide of a platform as possible, publishing their work digitally and inviting the public to listen in.
Oaktown Jazz Workshops
Oaktown Jazz Workshops presents A Concert of Remembrance for CJ Johnson with Ashanti “Cas’ti” Johnson (vocals), Max Ehrhardt (trumpet), Jordon Dabney (tenor saxophone), Eli Goldlink (keyboards), Anthony Mills-Branch (bass), and Jayla Hernandez (drums) on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 7pm.
Jackson Wang – MAGICMAN 2 WORLD TOUR 2026-2027
Join Jackson Wang on his MAGICMAN 2 World Tour 2026-2027 for a night of electrifying performances, chart-topping hits, and unforgettable energy. Fans can expect a dynamic show full of music, dance, and magic that only Jackson Wang can deliver. Don’t miss this spectacular event at the Oakland Arena on April 2, 2026.
ThursDates at OMCA with The Bay Area Book Festival
Unwind into a reflective and creative ThursDates evening at OMCA, where storytelling, art-making, and music unfold at an easy, welcoming pace. OMCA and the Bay Area Book Festival team up this Thursday to present Maw Shein Win, Burmese American poet and inaugural poet laureate of El Cerrito, for a collaborative program that moves through the Museum. The evening begins with a performance by SPRINGTWIN (Win and guitarist Danny Allen), followed by a drop-in writing workshop in the Gallery of California History, inviting guests to reflect on personal and collective histories through free-writing exercises. The program culminates in Town Fare with an open mic, where participants can share their writings while enjoying cocktails and bites. All the while, DJ La Femme Papi provides soulful, expansive music throughout the evening, creating a warm and immersive soundtrack for the night.
Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer at Oakland Rotunda
Welcome to the Oakland Rotunda in the heart of Oakland, California, where on March 21, 2026, Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer will take the stage at 6:30 PM. Experience the magic of Hans Zimmer’s iconic soundtracks like never before, as Candlelight brings them to life in an intimate and enchanting setting.
Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons at Oakland Rotunda
Welcome to the Oakland Rotunda in the vibrant city of Oakland, California! Get ready for an unforgettable evening as Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons take the stage on March 21, 2026, at 8:45 PM. This event is set to be a one-of-a-kind experience, blending the iconic sounds of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons in a unique candlelit setting.
Boys 4 Life Tour featuring B2K & Bow Wow
The moment fans have been eagerly anticipating has finally arrived. After two decades, one of the most iconic R&B groups, B2K, who are celebrating their 25th anniversary, officially reunite for the “Boys 4 Life” Tour. The tour also marks more than 20 years since B2K and Bow Wow, who is co-headlining, first shared the stage during 2002’s Scream Tour II, a pivotal cultural milestone that helped define a generation.
ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing ft. Burlesque & Trivia Night
Step into ThursDates at OMCA and let the evening unfold at the pace of connection. In Town Fare, DJ Mark DiVita sets the atmosphere with incredible grooves perfect for cocktails and conversation. Guests are invited to test their wits with Trivia Night: Stories of Resilience, celebrating creativity, community, and unexpected insights.
Meanwhile, the Gallery of California History comes alive with Sketchboard Co.’s uninstructed live figure drawing sessions, where models Andy Rose and Kitty KaPowww will interweave spellbinding burlesque performances between poses.
Gipsy Kings at Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts
Welcome to the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts in the heart of Oakland, California, where the magic of live music comes alive! Get ready to be swept off your feet by the mesmerizing sounds of the one and only Gipsy Kings on March 19, 2026, at 8:00 PM. This legendary group is known for their infectious rhythms and soulful melodies that will have you dancing the night away.
Spotlight Sundays: Trans Ancestors in History and Creative Practice
During the month of Trans Day of Visibility, join us for a creative exploration of trans ancestors and their indelible legacies of resistance. Community historian Andrea Horne will give a talk about her life’s work unearthing histories of Black trans luminaries. Learn about her groundbreaking research that confronts a limited written record and unveils stories—from the fantastic to the everyday—of how Black trans women changed the world. This talk is open to all, and tickets are required.
Kamaiyah: A Good Night In The Ghetto 10 Year Anniversary Show
Kamaiyah is an Oakland-born rapper known for her nostalgic West Coast sound and confident, feel-good lyrics. She rose to fame with her 2015 breakout hit “How Does It Feel” and her acclaimed debut mixtape A Good Night in the Ghetto. After signing with Interscope and landing a spot in XXL’s 2017 Freshman Class, she later went independent, founding her label GRND.WRK.
Tammy McCann & Tamir Hendelman
At the end of the 1940’s, four women appeared on the scene – Ella, Sarah, Dinah, and Billie – whose distinct styles of delivery and mastery of improvisation changed the direction of jazz, as well as popular music. Internationally recognized jazz vocalist Tammy McCann pays tribute to these Ladies of Jazz, accompanied by pianist, composer, and arranger Tamir Hendelman.
ThursDates at OMCA with Jessa Calderon & Good Fire Pop-Up Talks and Demos
This Thursday, experience the latest exhibition Good Fire: Tending Native Lands through a series of intimate, in-gallery pop-up talks, performances, and demonstrations. The evening opens with a musical set by Tongva, Chumash, and Yoeme artist Jessa Calderon, whose songs and poetry channel Indigenous resilience and community healing. Interwoven between performances, experience pop-up talks and demos with regalia maker Tiśina Ta-till-ium Parker, artist Saif Azzuz, and basketry and cultural fire specialists Alice Lincoln-Cook and Dr. Brittani Orona, each offering hands-on insights into art, land stewardship, and ancestral practices.
New Music by Local Composers
Glenview Classical Series, a brainchild of two Oakland natives raised in the arts with a passion for contributing to their community, is presenting New Music by Local Composers, performed by The Bridge Collective.
Lewis Patzner and Derek Sup present monthly concerts from St Paul Lutheran Church of Oakland, where Derek serves as Music Director, featuring local artists and frequently spotlighting music by local composers. They champion creativity and the homegrown talent that surrounds them in our artistically rich area. They named their series after the neighborhood, Glenview.
Oakland Improv – All Out Comedy Presents: Challenge Tonight!
Our fast-paced, short-form improv is packed to the brim with side-splitting, unscripted comedy. Using the audiences suggestions, the comedieans challenge each other to make up characters and scenes on the spot. Similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway, but we don’t need the points. Each night consists of four professional comedians from our Main Stage cast.
Gardens at Lake Merritt
1st Saturday–Sensory Garden; 2nd Saturday–Palmetum; 3rd Saturday–Mediterranean Garden; 4th Saturday–Front Entry Garden
Gallery Chats at OMCA
Join us for Gallery Chats, an opportunity to chat with and ask questions of our enthusiastic and knowledgeable OMCA Facilitators. Gallery Chats put a twist on the traditional museum guided experience, by encouraging meaningful conversations and fresh interpretations to connect with the artwork, artifacts, and stories in our galleries.
Women of the Avenue Weekend
March 8th is International Women’s Day and what better way to celebrate than to support your favorite women-owned businesses on Piedmont Avenue! All weekend, participating businesses will hosting fun events, such as pop-ups with local makers, offering discounts or giveaways, having a special tasting menu, etc… For appointment-only businesses, check out their promotions on our website to save on future services. We hope to see you March 7th and 8th!
Saturdays in the Zone: BCZ Community Skate!
Don’t miss out on this weekly celebration of joy, culture, and movement—grab your skates, bring your friends and family, and let’s roll!
Oakland Art Murmur First Fridays Art Walk
Oakland’s galleries host special events and hold extended hours for visitors to check out exhibitions and meet artists. Make a plan and check out the Oakland Art Murmur digital map to customize your experience.
Friday Nights at OMCA with Off The Grid
Reconnect with family, friends, and community during our launch party for the new season of Friday Nights at OMCA. This exciting weekly event includes live music, hands-on activities, Off the Grid (OTG) food trucks, and late-night access to our galleries and special exhibitions. Member tickets are free!
First Friday Street Festival
Oakland First Fridays is an immersive art and community experience on the first Friday of each month from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Telegraph Avenue from West Grand to 27th Street. Oakland’s KONO district springs to life with for this event, with galleries, artist collectives, street artists, local culinary artisans, performers, musicians, dancers, DJ’s, and poets gathering for Oakland First Friday events.
Fairyland Toddler Storytime
This fun, interactive program encourages the development of language in young children. Each session provides 20 minutes of early literacy activities—reading aloud, singing, and movement—in a joyful environment, Fairyland itself! Come and play, Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and again at 3 p.m. and is included in park admission.
ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing ft. Burlesque and Drag & Mahjong Game Night
Relax into the easy, after-hours pulse of ThursDates at OMCA as the Museum forms an intimate hub of creativity, culture, and connection. This Thursday, Town Fare becomes a gathering point with signature cocktails and mahjong with The Mahjong Project. As you play, DJ Lady Ryan provides the perfect soundscape for mingling. All the while, Sketchboard Co. hosts uninstructed live figure drawing in the Gallery of California Art with a twist that’s sure to inspire. Models Nella and Q punctuate the drawing sessions with burlesque and drag performances, infusing the Museum with movement, expression, and a celebratory sense of Bay Area creativity.
Jazz Wednesdays
Once called “the coliseum of Oakland blues,” and then falling nearly silent for decades, the Continental Club gets a new life and a grand re-opening just when the community needs music and laughter most.
Originally opening its doors in 1945, the Continental Club is Oakland’s oldest and largest nightclub, hosting performances of some of the greatest talents in music and comedy in its heyday: from Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Tina Turner, and Richard Pryor to local blues greats like Jimmy McCracklin.
Trivia Night
Grab your crew, round up your genius friends, and make your way to the most epic trivia showdown in town! Get ready for challenging questions, mind-boggling riddles, and a whole lot of fun. Plus, there are fantastic PRIZES up for grabs!
While you’re flexing those brain muscles, enjoy our fantastic brews and delicious bites. Whether you’re a trivia enthusiast or just looking for a great time, our trivia nights are the place to be!
Lake Merritt Insitute – Lake Merritt Clean-Up
We remove litter and trash from the shorelines and waters of Lake Merritt, using nets and pickers. We clean up five days a week, year-round, rain or shine. We remove an average of 6,000 gallons of trash per month.
PopUp Play Date: Upcycle Workshop with Thread the Culture
Join us for a very special PopUp PlayDate where we’ll welcome in the Spring season and take what’s old and give it new life. In collaboration with visual artist Kimberly Antoinette (founder of Thread the Culture), we’re ditching the formal lesson plan for a creative textile jam session.
Virtual | Retro Reading Club
Go ahead and dust off your copy or grab one from your local library and meet us online for rich and reflective conversation as we explore another book that swept the nation in the 90s and influenced a generation of Black girls and women. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the culture and connection.
Virtual | The RECESS CRUISE on Labor Day Weekend 2026!
*PLEASE NOTE* This Cruise sails SEPT 5 – SEPT 10, 2026. Final Payment is due MAY 1, 2026. Lock in current pricing with your deposit TODAY.
RECESS FAMILY!
Get ready to kick it on the ship! Recess Labor Day Weekend Cruise is here!
Hybrid | Northern California Recycling Association to host 30th Annual Recycling Update at San Francisco State University
Join this high-energy forum on the latest in waste reduction and Zero Waste. For 30 years, NCRA’s Recycling Update has convened 500+ leaders for rapid-fire talks at SFSU and online.
Black History Month: The Black Experience in Focus
Join us for a special Black History Month Fireside Chat celebrating Auintard Henderson and his remarkable 30+ years of photography, documenting powerful images of Black beauty, culture, resilience, and excellence. This intimate conversation will highlight his journey behind the lens, the stories behind his most iconic captures, and the importance of preserving Black history through visual storytelling.
2026 Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival
Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival returns for its 5th year on May 9, bringing together outstanding California wineries, world-class jazz, and local cuisine along historic Main Street in Half Moon Bay.
Presented by the Half Moon Bay Downtown Association, this year’s festival will feature up to 50 wineries from top regions across the state, plus a main stage jazz program curated by acclaimed musician Marcus Shelby.
The Ayo Brame Experience
enor, Soprano, and EWI saxophonist Ayo Brame was born and raised in Oakland, California. Ayo began his formal jazz studies at the Oakland School for the Arts. Initially a clarinetist, drummer, and bass player, Ayo discovered his passion for the saxophone during the pandemic, studying under the esteemed Richard Howell at Oaktown Jazz Workshops, further refining his skills at the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, and later as part of the SF Jazz High School All Stars.
The Black Business Buyout at Marcus Book Stores
This Black History Month, we’re coming together in unity, pride, and purpose to support one of our cultural treasures — Marcus Bookstore, the oldest bookstore in the nation specializing in African-American literature, history, and culture.
Chico Debarge
Chico DeBarge (born June 23, 1966) is an American R&B singer and musician. DeBarge was formally a member of the DeBarge family musical group, DeBarge. As a solo artist, he scored a 1986 US Top Forty hit with the song “Talk to Me”.
He began a musical career of his own with Motown in the mid-1980s. His debut self-titled album was released in 1986 and featured the hit single “Talk To Me” (#21 US, #7 R&B). The album peaked at #90 on the Billboard 200, and a follow-up single, “The Girl Next Door,” which charted on the R&B chart.
The Phantom of the Opera
A revitalized production featuring Maria Björnson’s brilliant original design, which was rapturously received by London critics when it reopened at His Majesty’s Theatre in 2021, will launch in a multi-year North American Tour in November 2025, premiering at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco May 28–June 21, 2026.
