It's officially the first weekend of summer — so plan on spending it outdoors in Oakland, enjoying the sunshine at Lakefest on Lake Merritt or dancing at a day party in Jack London Square. Looking to cool off indoors? Check out a concert at the Fox Theater or a female-focused craft market.
Here are our top picks for getting out this weekend around the Town.
Local Natives at Fox Theater
L.A.-based indie rockers Local Natives are dropping in on the Fox Theater on Friday night to support their fourth and newest album, "Violet Street," which came out in April. Australian rockers Middle Kids will open the show, and $1 from every ticket sold will benefit Youth Alive, which works to prevent violence and mentor at-risk youth.
When: Friday, June 21, 8 p.m.
Where: Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave.
Price: $38.50
Lakefest Oakland
Celebrate the start of summer at Lake Merritt with thousands of visitors and vendors from all over the Bay Area. This family-friendly event will feature a "kidzone" with games, obstacle courses and jump castles, a "foodzone" starring local restaurants and food trucks, a "healthzone" with wellness vendors and yoga classes, and a beer garden with wine and cocktails.
When: Saturday, June 22, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave.
Price: Free admission
Girl Gang Craft
This craft fair, designed by and for women and nonbinary people, is kicking off summer with one of its biggest events yet. Shop a variety of handmade products from more than 120 artists, including ceramics, jewelry, fine art, and clothing. And be sure to pick up an enamel uterus pin from Girl Gang's own in-house line — 10% of the proceeds will go to support Planned Parenthood.
When: Saturday, June 22, 12 - 6 p.m.
Where: Oakland Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Dr.
Price: Free admission
'Walk in the Wild' at Oakland Zoo
This "taste of Oakland" event is one of the Zoo's biggest fundraisers of the year — and if you can afford the hefty ticket prices, you'll get to sample food from more than 100 restaurants, caterers, breweries and wineries, all while enjoying the animals and dancing to live music. VIP admission allows ticketholders to skip the lines for the main event and get a special viewing of grizzly bears.
When: Saturday, June 22, 4 - 10 p.m.
Where: Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd.
Price: $170 - 350
Day party on the deck at Eve’s Waterfront
Celebrate summer on a deck overlooking the water at Eve's Waterfront, with a day party featuring DJs Heylove, Mario Dubbz and Wonway Posibul, plus plenty of food and drinks. Make a reservation and get there early for brunch, and admission to the day party is free.
When: Sunday, June 23, 3 - 8 p.m.
Where: Eve’s Waterfront, 15 Embarcadero West
Price: $10 advance (ends June 23 at 3 p.m.) / $20 door
