5 Oakland events from February 20 to the 24
The Black Joy Parade is the one event in Oakland that brings folks from all over to celebrate Oakland culture. This week’s roundup is about events highlighting history and resistance.
If you want us to consider an event for this weekly list, email me at azucena@oaklandside.org. You can also use the self-submission form on our events page to add events to our calendar for free.
Refusing Silence: Writing Women’s Lives at Womb House Books
Womb House Books is a “feminist bookstore in Temescal” that started as an online Etsy shop selling books by women and for women. This Thursday, the bookstore is hosting local authors Faith Adiele (Meeting Faith: The Forest Journals of a Black Buddhist Nun), Susan Ito (I Would Meet You Anywhere), and Grace Loh Prasad (The Translator’s Daughter) to talk about the importance of women’s stories at a time when women’s rights are being attacked, such as reproductive and voting.
Thursday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m., free, RSVP online, 470 49th St. (Temescal Alley)
‘The Camps America Built’ – Honoring Day of Remembrance 2025
The Oakland Asian Cultural Center will unveil this immersive portrait event featuring photos by photographer and National Geographic Explorer Haruka Sakaguchi from her travels to all ten Japanese internment camps. The opening event will include a screening of the short documentary Loyal American, directed by Haruka and produced by National Geographic Society’s Impact Story Lab, followed by a Q&A with Sakaguchi and the film’s protagonist. While the in-person event is sold out, the registration for the live stream is still available.
Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m., free, register online
From Chinatown to West Oakland: Community Portraits of Healing
This weekend, the Asian Health Services and Baywell Health will unveil a joint photo project by photographer Joyce Xi called the Asian-Black Racial Healing Project that was a response to the violence experienced by both communities. The project, started in 2021, involved more than 1,000 Asian and Black Oakland residents who engaged in conversations around race, violence, and how to heal from it by sharing their experiences. The event includes live music by blues and jazz guitarist Hideo Date, West African drumming, and Chinese lion dancing.
Friday, Feb. 21, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., free, RSVP online, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th Street #Ste 290
Black History Month Jazz Brunch
For the past ten years, the folks at The Cook and her Farmer inside Swan’s Market have hosted a jazz brunch series, where soulful musicians provide the live tunes while patrons enjoy the music and some delicious treats. In honor of Black History Month, Oakland native and vocalist Yvette Pylant will play alongside Jazz Mafia. The brunch menu includes shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, grilled jerk oysters, and more.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., free (food not included), 510 9th St.
8th Annual Black Joy Parade
Black History Month in the Town isn’t complete without the Black Joy Parade. The event celebrates Black culture and contributions, and, since its inception, it has evolved from a one-day parade to a week of festivities throughout Oakland highlighting Black artists and vendors. The parade kicks off at Frank Ogawa Plaza.
Sunday, Feb. 23, 12:30 p.m., free, Frank Ogawa Plaza
Hot tickets in the Town this week: Tyler, The Creator at the Oakland Arena
Tyler, the Creator is bringing Lil Yachty and hip-hop duo Paris Texas to open his Chromakopia tour stop in Oakland.
Monday, Feb. 24, 6 p.m., see website for ticket prices, Oakland Arena, 7000 S Coliseum Way
Coming soon to the Town: The Kooks at the Fox Theater
English pop-rock band The Kooks were part of the rise in popularity of indie music in the mid-2000s. Whether you know the band from hits like Naive or She Moves in Her Own Way, or recently discovered the band on TikTok, their Oakland show is one not to miss.
Friday, March 22, 6:30 p.m., $39.50 and $55, 1807 Telegraph Ave.
