There’s a heat wave, it’s fire season and smoke is in the sky, but there’s plenty of reason to be cheerful this mid-August. And there are plenty of fun and healthy things to do for people of all ages, interests and abilities.
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Indie rock and electro dream pop at The Golden Bull
Aside from Green Day and young rapper Symba, last weekend’s Outside Lands festival lacked a showcase of Oakland talent. Thankfully, here in The Town, the smaller venues usually offer strong lineups of local singers and bands from all different genres. The Golden Bull, which is co-owned by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, is one of those venues that helps keep live music alive. Located in downtown Oakland, the bar has a full calendar of live music every month. Next Thursday, four local acts – Asha Wells, Nowandformerly, Oakland’s James Wavey and Melanie Marie & K’in Sventa – will grace the stage for a night of indie pop rock and electro dreams.
Thursday, August 18, 8:00 p.m. 12 dollars21 and over, Golden Bull, 412 14th St.
Black Liberation Walking Tour
Join David Peters, founder of the West Oakland Cultural Action Network, and historian Gene Anderson, author of Legendary Locals of Oakland, on this tour to learn how West Oakland was established as a black cultural center by the second Great Migration during the 1970s. Learn why the 7th Street corridor was called the Harlem of the West and the importance of preserving this neighborhood’s heritage in an ever-changing city.
Saturday, August 20, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., free up to $40St. Andrews Baptist Church, 2624 West St.
Pop-up on the Parkway
If you like The Oaklandside logo or have purchased our merchandise before, you may be wondering who created our look. Well, look no further than Mike Nicholls. Nicholls is the founder of UMBER magazine, now an independent publishing house based in Oakland. Get the chance to meet Nicholls, chat about the future of Black media and buy back issues of UMBER at this pop-up party. The event will take place at one of Nicholls’ favorite West Oakland spots, Nunu’s Cafe. Here is your chance to support two local businesses.
Saturday, August 20, 12pm to 3am, NuNu’s Cafe, 1724 Mandela Parkway.
The Rise of the Black Neighborhood in the Oakland Hills
Some may know Bryce Savoy from his rap career. Or from the cannabis and CBD delivery service Euphorium Oakland, which he owns with his mother. Another Savoy venture is the Oakland nonprofit The Black Neighborhood, which hosts community events, a book club, food giveaways and hikes in the Oakland Hills. This weekend, Savoy and others are coming together for the TBN Mental Hike, a hike that offers people of color a space to connect with nature. This is a moderate 5 mile walk, not suitable for children or pets. The event is free to attend. Water and snacks will be provided.
Sunday, August 21, 10:00am. until 13:00, free participation, register onlineWest Ridge and French Ridge Trail (Metropolitan Horsemen’s Association Parking Lot), 10060 Skyline Blvd.
Free examination of Half a day
Half a day is a short film by writer and director Morgan Mathews that tells the story of a boy who learns about his estranged father through a visit to his stepfather’s house. The film, which was shot in the Bay Area with a local crew, will have its first public screening at The New Parkway. There will also be a panel moderated by KQED reporter Pendarvis Hershaw and a screening of additional behind-the-scenes footage. Please note that this site requires either proof of vaccination for COVID-19 or a negative test for COVID 48 hours prior to admission.
Thursday, August 25, from 18:30 to 20:30, free to attend, register onlineThe New Parkway Theatre, 474 24th St.