The holiday season is officially upon us, and Oakland has a number of events in store. Whether you're in the mood to start your Christmas celebrations early with a tree-lighting ceremony or catch a Grammy-nominated artist on tour, there's something interesting to check out this weekend.
Jack London Square Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Thanksgiving is still on the horizon, but Jack London Square is getting the holiday fun started early with its annual tree lighting this weekend. Festivities start at 5 p.m. with a local artisan market, holiday entertainment and family-friendly activities. The 55-foot tree will light up at 6:30 p.m.
When: Friday, November 22, 5 - 8 p.m.
Where: Jack London Square
Price: Free
Wizard World Bay Area
This pop-culture convention is a must for fans of comics, games and movies, with a chance for Q&As and photo-ops with cast members from "Firefly," "Charmed," "Legends of Tomorrow" and other hit shows. Snap photos with cosplayers, take a workshop on drawing comics or developing board games, or take part in a Disney or Marvel trivia contest.
When: Friday - Sunday, November 22 - November 24, 4 p.m.
Where: Oakland Convention Center, 550 10th St.
Price: One-day admission $30-45; three-day admission $60; photo-ops sold separately
Los Ángeles Azules at Paramount Theater
Mexican group Los Angeles Azules, which specializes in electronica-influenced cumbia sonidera, is headed to the Paramount Theater on their "Todos Somos Cumbia" tour. Formed by the siblings of the Mejía Avante family — Elías, Alfredo, José Hilario, Jorge, Cristina and Guadalupe — they've played in various configurations since 1983, even earning a spot at last year's Coachella festival. They're currently touring behind their 2018 album, "Esto Sí Es Cumbia."
When: Saturday, November 23, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway
Price: $82+
Brittany Howard at Fox Theater
Known for her work as the lead singer of Alabama Shakes, Brittany Howard broke out this year with her solo album "Jaime," which is nominated for two Grammy Awards. Dedicated to Howard's sister, who died of retinoblastoma as a teen, the album blends funk, jazz and hip-hop in a genre-bending salute to Southern culture.
When: Saturday, November 23, 8 p.m.
Where: Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave.
Price: $40
