Oakland weekend: Armenian and Greek food festivals, Oakland Comedy Dash, Pedro Fernandez, more

Oakland weekend: Armenian and Greek food festivals, Oakland Comedy Dash, Pedro Fernandez, more

Photo: Pedro Fernandez/Facebook

MJ Carter
Published on May 17, 2019

Outdoor festivals on the cheap, comedy shows and a live performance well worth the price — all are on tap this weekend in Oakland, weather permitting. Check out our shortlist of the hottest events around The Town.

Armenian Food Festival

Photo: St. Vartan Armenian Church/Facebook

Celebrate the cuisine and culture of Armenia at this special event, which features everything from kebabs to stuffed grape leaves to vegetarian fare, along with Armenian coffee and desserts. The event will also feature local vendors, games for kids, and live music and dancing. Catch a free shuttle to the festivities from the from Oakland High School and Trinity Lutheran Church parking lots.

When: Friday - Saturday, May 17 -18, start times vary

Where: St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church, 650 Spruce St.

Price: Adults $3, children free

Click here for more details

Oakland Comedy Dash

Photo: Spice Monkey Restaurant & Bar/Facebook

Three venues, six shows, two nights, 30 comedians and a ton of laughs: the Oakland Comedy Dash (OCD) is the first event of its kind in Oakland. Each night, 15 comedians will begin performing at one of the three venues — Spice MonkeyThe Washington Inn and Awaken Cafe — then circle to the next two, ultimately hitting all three. The lineup includes veterans of Comedy Central, HBO and late-night shows, like Shanti Charan, Joe Klocek and Samson Koletkar.

When: Friday - Saturday, May 17 - 18, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Where: Various locations in Oakland

Price: $20 -25 (18 and over)

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Oakland Greek Festival

Photo: Oakland Greek Festival/Facebook

If the Armenian festival doesn't satisfy your appetite for food and culture, there's also the Oakland Greek Festival, featuring signature eats like roasted whole lamb on a spit, loukoumades (honey donuts), traditional pastries and a Greek wine tasting booth. Visitors can also expect vendors, live music, dancing and family-friendly amenities for kids. 

When: Friday - Sunday, May 17 -19, times vary

Where: 4700 Lincoln Ave. 

Price: Adults $6, kids 12 and under free

Click here for more details

Pedro Fernandez at Paramount Theater

Photo: Pedro Fernandez/Facebook

Renowned Latin singer Pedro Fernandez has recorded 39 albums, in addition to being a well-known actor and television host. The winner of four Latin Grammys, his latest album is 2018's "¡Arránquense Muchachos!" He'll be joined by special guest Lupita Infante, a traditional mariachi singer carrying on the legacy of her grandfather, Pedro Infante.

When: Sunday, May 19, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway 

Price: $59.50 - 125

Click here for more details