City of Oakland Launches Summer Event Series to Drive Downtown Engagement

Oakland, CA - The City of Oakland, in partnership with the Downtown Oakland Association, is set to unveil an exciting lineup of summer events and activities in Downtown Oakland. Designed to celebrate local culture, promote wellness, and support businesses, this series aims to rejuvenate Downtown by encouraging Downtown residents and workers to come outside, build community and participate in fun free activities. Full event schedule: www.oaklandcentral.com/events-2/

The community is invited to join Mayor Sheng Thao, City leaders and downtown employees and small businesses for the launch event on Wednesday, July 31, 12-1pm at Frank Ogawa Plaza. The Downtown Summer Programming series features a variety of engaging events across Uptown and Downtown Oakland, including live music, fitness classes, and special promotions at local businesses.

During the launch celebration the following activities will take place for everyone to enjoy:

• Wellness Wednesdays free fitness class from Volofit 12-1pm
• The Party Starters free outdoor concert at Oakland City Center across 14th St 12-1pm
• Special Oakland Works Wednesday promotions and deals at more than 70 local businesses, like Buy One Get One 50% off at Brewja, morning toast and coffee specials at Zenful Juice, and free agua fresca with every order at Molcajete Cocina Mexicana

"We are delighted to showcase Oakland's vibrant spirit through our Downtown Summer Programming," said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. "These events not only enrich our community life but also highlight the diversity and creativity that define Oakland, with new kinds of programming this year and partnerships that include Activate Oakland applicants."

Highlights of the series include:

• AMP Oakland Series: Music and Live Performances
  AMP Oakland brings live music and performances to outdoor plazas in Uptown and Downtown Oakland every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 12-1pm until October. Featured artists include Christian Laremont, Louiza, and Tracy Cruz, among others.
  
  
• Oakland Wellness Wednesdaysat Frank Ogawa Plaza every Wednesday from July to October participate in free outdoor fitness and yoga classes by Pure Barre, Orange Theory, Soulflow Oakland and Volofit, offering a refreshing break in the heart of the city.
  
  
• TGI-Thursday Comedy Shows every Thursday, 12-1pm. Enjoy a mid-day live comedy show by Comedy Oakland, featuring industry pros alongside up-and-coming comedians starting mid-August to October at Frank Ogawa Plaza.
  
  
• Town Tuesday Performances at Frank Ogawa Plaza every Tuesday from late August to October showcasing Oakland musicians, dancers and spoken word artists.
  
  
• Summer on the PlazaHappy Hour at Frank Ogawa Plaza on the last Thursday of each month from July to October, featuring diverse programming such as silent disco dance parties and self-defense workshops.
  
  
• Oakland City Center Concerts
  Enjoy free outdoor concerts every Wednesday from 12-1pm at Oakland City Center through September, featuring talented local artists and bands such as West Grand Brass Band, Omega Live, and The Party Starters.
  
  
• Oakland Works Wednesdays
  Re-discover Downtown and Uptown Oakland with special Wednesday-only promotions at 70+ local businesses, including discounts at Awaken Café, Howden Market, and Rush Bowls Oakland. See participating businesses & promotion details at www.oaklandcentral.com/oww/
  
  
• Activate Oakland Events in Downtown Oakland
  Experience the vibrant cultural scene with upcoming events like BomBay to the Bay on August 3rd at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, featuring Garba dance, live music, and local artisans. Full schedule of Activate Oakland events at www.visitoakland.com/activate-oakland
• Love Our Lake Campaign
  Ignite joy and vitality this summer at Lake Merritt through Labor Day with free outdoor concerts, volunteer cleanups, free dance classes, Friday Nights at OMCA, and weekly Oakland Walks Wednesdays community walks around the Lake. See the schedule of performances, programs, and volunteer opportunities at www.visitoakland.com/loveourlake/

These events are offered free to the public by the Downtown Oakland Association, Oakland City Center and other Downtown partners, with funding support from the City of Oakland Economic & Workforce Development Department for Frank Ogawa Plaza events this summer, Activate Oakland-sponsored events throughout the year, as well as funding from the Downtown Oakland property-based Business Improvement District assessments.

"We are excited to collaborate with the City of Oakland to create these enriching experiences for our community," said Steve Snider, Executive Director of the Downtown Oakland BID. "Our goal is to foster a vibrant and inclusive downtown environment where residents and visitors can come together to enjoy everything Oakland has to offer - right in the heart of the city."

For more information on the Downtown Summer Programming series and a full schedule of events, visit www.oaklandcentral.com/events-2/.

About Downtown Oakland Association

Oakland Central, the lifestyle and destination marketing platform of the Downtown Oakland Association and the Lake Merritt Uptown District Association, has developed summer programming for Downtown. The Downtown Oakland Association is dedicated to enhancing the vitality of Downtown Oakland through public space management, cleanliness, and safety initiatives, as well as a robust calendar of events and promotions that support local businesses.

Join us this summer and experience the best of Oakland in Downtown!

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