October Oakland events are in full swing. Start the weekend by attending Oakland Comedy Festival, Autumn Lights Festival, or heading over to Paramount Theater to soak in the sounds of Joe Bonamassa. On Saturday, bar hop around Jack London Square for Oktoberfest. You can also celebrate Day the Dead this weekend at Oakland Museum of California.
Oakland Comedy Festival
Catch more than a few laughs this weekend in Oakland at the 1st Annual Oakland Comedy Festival. The event kicks off on Wednesday and runs through Sunday. Ticket prices are reasonable, and each venue provides a different experience, all in the spirit of laughter.
The comedy event extends through the weekend at locations such as All Out Comedy Theater, The Layover, The New Parkway Theater, and more.
When: Wednesday - Sunday, October 16 - October 20, times vary
Where: various locations in Oakland
Price: Free - $30+
8th Annual Autumn Lights Festival
The Autumn Lights Festival is back. Take the entire family to see this display of mesmerizing light sculptures by Bay Area artists. The event is a fundraiser for Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt. The festival will include lights, music, art, food and drinks.
When: Friday - Saturday, October 18 - October 19, 6 - 11 p.m.
Where: The Gardens at Lake Merritt, 666 Bellevue Ave.
Price: $7 -25
Joe Bonamassa at Paramount Theater
American rock star Joe Bonamassa will perform live at Paramount Theater for two nights. The singer, songwriter and guitarist has recorded over a dozen solo studio albums and fifteen solo live albums from 2000 - 2018. You can sample Bonamassa's music, and download a full album for free, on the artist's website.
When: Friday - Saturday, October 18 - October 19 , 8 p.m.
Where: Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway
Price: $59+
Oktoberfest Brewery Crawl at Jack London Square
Head over to Jack London Square this weekend for Oktoberfest, featuring four participating venues: Original Pattern Brewing Company, Federation Brewing, Oakland United Beerworks and Independent Brewing Company. Oakland Pedal Tours will provide free transportation between the bars all day long, starting at 1 p.m. (the venues are also within walking distance). Visit all four breweries with your event map, collect stamps, and win a special beer mug.
When: Saturday, October 19, 12 - 11 p.m.
Where: Jack London Square
Price: Free Admission (RSVP)
25th Annual El Día de los Muertos Community Celebration
Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at Oakland Museum of California on Saturday and Sunday. The two-day event features dance, music, crafts, food and other Mesoamerican traditions. Also see the new exhibition inspired by Chicano activists called "¡El Movimiento Vivo! Chicano Roots of El Día de los Muertos," which is on view from October 16 - February 16.
When: Saturday - Sunday, October 19 - October 20, 12 - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St.
Price: $0 - 18+
