Oakland First Fridays

A very pleasant experience as always.
Music, art, food… lost of fun. Great place to hang with friends and wander. The first time I went I was surprised how peaceful everybody was. There are big crowds and for the most part everybody is getting along. Sometimes when there are big crowds I expect pushing and what not like a black Friday sale at Walmart. Not here… A few police scattered about too enjoying the street food.
Went here after one of the best burgers I’ve had in a while at Scolaries Good Eats in Alameda. I will always prefer eating from an established restaurant rather than a fly by night food truck but there is no reason for that at all. Truth is these vendors are around and keep coming back they don’t flee anywhere. I remember one Pork taco cart there for years.
This type of thing is one of the reasons Oakland is so great to be in. Unique people — artists — variety. This is definitely not Anytown, CA.

Ahhhh I’m so mad at myself for not knowing about Oakland First Fridays until now even though it’s been around for years! As someone whose life pretty much revolves around food, this is simply inexcusable. After attending several Off the Grids in Berkeley over the past four years, I thought that Oakland First Friday was going to be similar — for those who are unfamiliar with Off the Grid, it is an event that occurs the same day every week (varies per city and time of year) where various food trucks gather and people can enjoy various finger foods and listen to live entertainment depending on how large the event is.
Well folks, Off the Grid is NOTHING compared to Oakland First Friday, which I can only describe as a food, arts, and entertainment festival — and it is glorious. Several blocks are closed off near 19^th St BART station where various food trucks, art stalls, street performers, live bands, and DJs all set up for four hours of non-​stop fun and good vibes.
My favorite thing about any festival is the food, and I was really happy by the unique foods I was able to try out at Oakland First Friday this past week. What I appreciate about this festival is that smaller businesses and mom and pop businesses have a chance to showcase themselves, and as I am always on the hunt for the most unique food out there, I was so excited to enjoy delicious food AND support some local businesses. The most delicious foods I was able to try were a sweet potato ginger pie and sweet potato peach pie — I was a bit skeptical about how sweet potato would taste in pie as a dessert, but my mind has been forever changed by those pies as they were light, sweet, and had a creamy texture from the sweet potato, and I cannot wait to come back for more.
Once I satisfied my belly, I was able to enjoy the street performances, admire the amazing and unique pieces by local artists, and even have a jam session with everyone else at the DJ area of the festival. Everyone was so friendly with each other, making this festival a very comfortable and inviting place to come with friends!
I may have only a few more months left in the Bay Area, but I will definitely be coming back to enjoy all the Oakland First Fridays I can before I leave!

I live in this neighborhood and I absolutely HATE this monthly event. The end of my block is cordoned off so I have to argue with some rented security drone to go to my reserved parking space. I have to shut my windows even when it’s blazing hot in order to have a measure of peace and quiet — the music is often louder than my TV. Drunk people end up arguing under our windows for hours after the event closes. Garbage everywhere, hipsters everywhere. NOISE NOISE NOISE. Do the people of this neighborhood a favor and stop going to this. Or better yet, move it somewhere else, like a convention center, or that Coliseum drive in parking lot, where the noise and mess can be contained in one area and not affect all the people that live here and have to deal with it for month after month for years on end.

So fun! Oakland First Fridays was a new discovery for me. The city comes alive, there are people out everywhere, enjoying the city! There are activities for everyone, from food, to bars, to music, to arts and crafts, First Fridays are a definite win.
The street gets closed down and a variety of vendors set up, with different offerings. The bars and restaurants along the street are also open to the public. Packed full of people, this is a definite recommendation if you are looking to discover something new and get out of the city.

I’m surprised there was a crowd of people, people were minding their own business. I love the lively music and how people are freely dancing away to the music.
For foods section, you have to walk further down almost to the end and then your start to smell the deliciousness.
Some accept credit card, some doesn’t depends where u go. Might be wise to bring cash. Also, it’s best to park somewhere public and walk here.
Felt a bit relief that the polices were around and some were enjoying themself. Just a little warning, there isn’t anywhere to sit except on the floor or the curb

I love First Fridays. It has always been such a beautiful experience. I met and purchased my first two pieces from an artist whom later I commissioned a painting. The food trucks are always awesome and it’s just so great to see all of the art. I hope this continues.

Located on telegraph Avenue between 27^th and West grand, about five blocks is first Fridays. With what seems to be hundreds of food trucks and tents alike, this place is simply bustling with life from all walks. It’s a melting pot is Oakland itself is, why would this be any different. I’m so glad I finally got the chance to go before I left, it was a long time coming but I wanted to go and never did. everybody’s just driving together, yet in their own zone.
Oakland gets a bad rap, although a rough city if you have common sense you can stay in your own zone and enjoy it. There’s plenty to do in Oakland, plenty of history and a lot of cool daytime activities. The nighttime is awesome as well, yes I won’t lie it can get rough and I have seen things happen, but like I said stay in your lane. Enjoy. Don’t miss out on this awesome city due to people talking down on it.

I love this festival! So many things to do! So many handmade things to buy. I love the food trucks and the funnel cakes are to die for! They have many awesome music performers and dancers from different cultural backgrounds. It is very cold at night but totally worth it! There’s also cool shops and restaurants and bars on the side to explore! Parking is a nightmare so I strongly suggest taking Bart or just pay $ 15 for the parking lots around there.

Live music, the art galleries are open, street vendors, tons of people, good times! Great for a date. I was able to find parking a few blocks away. Lots of good bars (some with more live music!) in the area to continue the fun once the event is over. :)

I can’t believe I’ve never been here before when I go to school literally down the street from where it takes place! I saw it one night leaving clinicals and I made sure I’d go the next month. My friend and I went during our lunch break which made me pretty nervous because I thought the lines would be long and it would make me late at clinicals. This wasn’t the case. There were a good amount of people there but there was just so much stuff and so much food that places weren’t over crowded of over congested with lines.
I will add though that I only went to the food end of the event. They had everything from food trucks to food stands and dessert stands. Just some of the different foods off the top of my head include tacos, bbq, Vegas Filipino food, burgers, diner style food, poboys, Hawaiian food, African food, Mexican food, Indian food and way way more. There were also dessert stands. I tried one stand that had caramel waffles and it was delicious. I order my food from Pelican Poboys and got their southern fried chicken poboy. It was so good and so filling. Usually I’d want fries with it but I didn’t even have room for a side. It had fried chicken and slaw and spicy mayo. I wish they had their shrimp poboy so I’d like to order that next time.
Overall it was great and I’ll definitely be there next time as well. It is difficult to find parking so just drive around till you do. Plus, there’s a ton of people who bring their dogs and that’s always a bonus for me :3

Always a fun time at first fridays. So many vendors and food and great music!

Saw this event at Unilocal.So when first Friday of October came, made it a point to be there.
As the name of the event says, First Friday in Oakland, this even happens every first Friday of the month in downtown Oakland. Telegraph St. is closed between Grant and 27^th for the event. It’s like a street fair with booths selling trinkets, foods etch. Couple of stage were erected on corners with bands, dj’s playing music. Very festive atmosphere.
Couple of things to consider before going:
1) Parking is hard. Take public transportation if you can. The closest bart station is 19^th St.
2) Carry cash. There’s no entrance fee but most stores/​booths only accept cash.
3) Use the bathroom before going. I didn’t see any restroom or portalet insight.
4) The smell of weed permeates the air. Not sure if it’s a good or a bad thing.
5) Come hungry cause the food trucks are amazing that you want to try more than one. Price vary between $ 5-​$ 11; reasonable portion!
6) It gets really crowded so I don’t suggest bringing children. My partner and I lost each other in the crowd. It would be terrible if that happened to a child.

First Friday’s are always a blast. It got kind of out of control a year or two ago with people creating problems for nothing. Security has tightened up since then and curfew enforced more. Regardless of that, first Friday’s are always a good vibe. I enjoy seeing the variety of art and creativity that vendors have to offer. I always find something I like to purchase. There’s also live music and entertainment, cool people to network with. I definitely recommend spending first Friday out here. Good vibes, good food, bring some drinks and good times.

Very vibrant, entertaining, delicious street food. Must visit if you are in Bay Area and happen to be during first Friday.

Hannah Y. is spot on… First Fridays in Oakland has definitely come along way. When I first attended Oakland FF in 2008, it was less structured (not a bad thing), and mostly focused on art & attendant local galleries (a bit more like SF FF). It was also overrun with scurvy-​looking, young white dudes drinking PBR who’d seemingly dispensed with with wearing deodorant many moons prior. I, too, recall getting tons of side eye & a few snide remarks from these kids as if I were some kind of interloper. Given that I’d moved into Oakland when these fools were entering Kindergarten, their behavior did not sit well.
But back to today’s new and improved FF – it’s become a solid street market with handmade crafts, mass-​manufactured items, and a goodly amount of food stands and food trucks. Some of the fare included: papusas, BBQ’ed ribs, dainty cupcakes & savory knishes. Music, initally DJ’ed then live, punctuates the event as does a smattering of Oakland police officers.
First Fridays stawart, Rock Paper Scissors, appeared to have a, sort of, collaborative-​DIY art happening going on in front of their shop. Had I had more time…
The market spans approximately six blocks along Telegraph Ave., easily reachable on foot from 19^th St. Bart station. I walked up Broadway and took a left on 23^rd, entering the market to little fanfare. Exiting at W. Grand Ave., however, was a bit of a to-​do as there are dedicated entry and exit points set up. A large sign reading ‘five dollar suggested donation’ hangs at the entry points and I saw many visitors being generous.
Street market aficionados would do well to visit this event, but, maybe, bring a parasol as the sun can beat down on you and there is little to no shade along the market strip. And folk with mobility issues may also find FF challenging as there is no seating for those in need.

It is hard for me to express what an awesome event this is. So many diverse groups of people come together to celebrate the cool-​ness that is Oakland. Capoeira, African drums, a magician, 2 live bands, food trucks, and tons of local vendors selling arts, jewelry, clothes, and more.
We took Bart to 19^th and walked maybe 3 blocks over. There’s metered and residential parking but the neighborhood is kind of borderline so I would avoid driving.
Definitely information overload here– so many sounds, colors, smells. Everyone is a character so I had a great time people watching. TONS of food to choose from. I got an empananda and also tacos (because you can’t just have 1 thing when there’s so much good food). My friend got schwarma tater tots (!!!) that were incredible.
There seems to be a little something for everyone here, and I can’t wait to come back next month. The event starts to boil down around 9, but no worries as there are tons of local bars and many of the live bands go on to play at some places down the street.
Come here for culture, diversity, and sensory overload.

Oakland gets a bad rap a lot of the time (understandably). First Fridays is a wonderful community event that takes place once a month in the KONO district. This area is where Koreatown meets North Gate. This area is known for all the art galleries and wonderful local businesses. I would encourage everyone to check out First Fridays at least once. Even if you are not a big art lover, there are also live music and lots of food vendors. FF really gives the community a chance to see what Oakland is all about — a melting pot of cultures and creativity. Keep in mind that this is not going to be your typical art and wine festival. There will be some traces of ganga smoke in the air, folks dancing in the streets and the young kids will be out late at night. It’s eclectic, it’s hip, it’s Oakland. Support local artists, musicians and businesses!

First Fridays Oakland has come a long long way. It gets better every time. The streets are fuller now, where people from different cities arrive, hoping to socialize, or find out what our Oakland, booming and growing Oakland, has to offer. Oakland is a mixture. Like San Francisco, but less snobby, and pricey. I will always love SF, and the rich districts, that one day explorations for each district, isn’t enough time, to truly get all that it has to show you. Actually that’s everywhere you go. But Oakland is where I live now, show this is my side show.
I love the vegan no worries food truck. It’s vegan delicious filipino fare. I love lumpia! I know it’s deep fried, with a sugary sauce, but i share this snack, and give the sugar fix, to my food pal. This time it was with Mike, our beloved security guard/​family member! He’s so awesome and real! :) I always feel safe, with his towering, secure, tree like presence!
Also, wow, the dance moves and live singing stars, live bands, taco stands, lotion and skin care lines, clothing of all kinds, jewelry, and reading books, also makeshift grills… my eyes are too busy! I must take a slow and steady pace, because of the many many people, who have different energy levels, either running, walking, gazing, standing, laughing, dancing, biking, skating, etc… i must maintain my balance. I must place weight on this muscle and that muscle, lift my bag, adjust my camera, adjust my focus… ADJUSTMENTS and BALANCE are KEY.
So, I can only stay for an hour at most. I’m with my ommah and our tennants downstairs, and my pops. Sometimes we’re together, but later I part, and tell everyone… we end at Gogi Time for dinner! Also, going alone means I can purchase things without the annoying over the shoulder, what are you buying? I don’t like shopping with others… with my mum i can handle. Or with other people I feel comfortable around. However, yesterday, wasn’t as comfortable for me. I don’t need to keep it all sugar… i hate doing that now… pretending that always, i feel just smiles, and fine and purty dandy. Sometimes I’m :P… sometimes i’m :)… sometimes i’m :/​… and sometimes i’m :O. If I’m around respectful, humble, sincere people, without snarky jabs and agenda’s… I’m cool as a cucumber. :)

Car broken into…
Police too busy dealing with protestors…
Vendors don’t follow rules.
Organizers don’t know who goes where or what is going on.
This event is wildly out of control.
I am a vendor and have had days of profits, but it’s not worth it.
IF YOU VALUE YOUR TIME AND PRODUCTS, DON’T DO THIS EVENT!

First Fridays are an experience. If you see a dude wearing a «Closet Spooner» t-​shirt with lavender dreadlocks, camouflage pants, a raspberry beret and grin that’d rip off and make the devil look naïve, say hello to me. I don’t bite. But I do eat the truck foods. They’re beyond intelligent three syllabled adjectives.
How trippy. First Friday’s this Friday and this is my 500^th Unilocal.On that note, look for that same dude described above with PBR in hand.