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
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
Oakland Comedy Dash
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 Monkey, The 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)
Oakland Greek Festival
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
Pedro Fernandez at Paramount Theater
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