Oakland First Fridays

This is your standard art and music festival on Telegraph, from West Grand Avenue to 27th Street. Perhaps the cold winter has caused this event to be a little more low-key than it has been in the past, but it was slightly lacking when my friend and I attended last weekend. We arrived around 7:45pm (the event ends at 9pm), and there were no live bands, and even one of the art galleries closed early (around 8pm). But we did come across a few interesting spots, an art display by MiCO, double dutch for the crowd to enjoy jump-roping (or people-watching), a fashion show, giant jenga, several vendors, and some song and dance performances. I also loved discovering venues along the block that I would definitely return to visit outside of the Oakland First Friday event, so that was cool.There were a few food stands, including the typical bbq and fair food, but nothing that really stood out (though we did see a pretty long line for the jerk chicken). Lots of blocked streets in the area and almost impossible to find parking nearby, it's good we took Uber here. I wouldn't go out of my way to attend again, but if you like street fairs or night markets and want to experience the culture of the city, this a great representation of the Oakland community, a nice opportunity to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and free entertainment, and explore various businesses, art exhibits, and a range of music blaring from speakers at different corners and side streets of the event.

It's been about 2 years since I attended this event Entry is free but they do ask for "donations" Free street parking is HARD TO COME BY I ended up paying $20 to park GRRRRRR There are a lot of local vendors selling merchandise and food There was a free live music As well as a DJ playing house music I saw some cool break dancers Many food vendors to choose from Over all its a cool event to attend It's all outdoors So dress accordingly and also due to the weather it may be cancelled

Had a great time at First Friday although I meant to post a review on my first attendance to event. Always a great time from food to vendors and great music... This is a must attend.

So much culture. So much diversity. Various street vendors. Amazing music and art. Chill vibes. My friends and I like starting our evening at the Koreana Plaza where we would purchase bottles and bottles and boxes of soju to start the night. The parking lot used to have chairs and tables but they no longer have them, however, you could still purchase drinks and stay in the parking lot as it normally gets crowded! Walking down Telegraph Ave, there are a bunch of different food vendors. This past Friday, I only ordered steak n tots from 3-3-3 aka Mexican Korean Indian fusion for freaking $12, but it was sooooo gooood, my friends stole a bunch out of my bowl and then we got more lol. They ordered other foods from other food trucks and we all huddled around together, bought more soju, and had an amazing time. Thankful for First Fridays!

I would have not discovered Oakland First Fridays if it wasn't for Yelp. So, I'm a SoCal gal, right?! But I do find myself up here a few times a year for visits. This page somewhat came up on my feed when I was doing a search for whole different thing. As curiosity got the best of me, I went ahead and clicked on it. It got me interested, so I bookmarked it as a reminder in case I may find myself here on a first Friday. Months flew by and I've already completely forgotten about it, truthfully, at least up until I saw it again as I went through my "EAST BAY" list! Heed to what other Yelpers say: BART IT THERE. I got off 19th and walked a few blocks and found myself in the festival. (Parking is $20 and it's not much closer than the train station.) I got here at opening hour (heeding other people's advice) since I'm not one to really enjoy too much of a crowd. There were very many interesting things to look at. Plenty of vendors selling different kinds of trinkets and clothing. Some I found more expensive than others. But I really wasn't there to shop - I wanted to see what kinda eateries are being offered and wanted to experience the music. My mistake was going there solo - and not so hungry. Carribiean cuisine dominated the area. There were also a couple of BBQ places as well as desserts and the like. Plenty to choose from really. But because I wasn't hungry, I settled for an empanada from Empanadas Argentinas. (It was DELISH!!!) Sparkling ice was promoting their product so I got a drink for free! I did a lot of walking around for the next couple of hours. Naturally, the crowd started building up. The various kinds of music playing from their assigned sections were pretty entertaining. The next thing I knew, I was second hand stoned. (It's true what everyone says - they really love their cigaweed up in here!) It's one of those things one should do when in Oakland. I expected a little bit more, but still had an okay time. Should a next time happen, I'd prolly tag team with someone or go with a group.

Finally got the chance to check out First Fridays recently and it was a blast!Took the Bart to 19th St, because parking here was a no go. It took maybe 10 minutes to get to the actual streets, but there are a bunch of bars/restaurants along the way for you to grab some food or drinks beforehand. They closed down so many streets for this! We got there at 6:30pm, and it wasn't too crowded yet. So many food trucks! We strolled the entirety of the street to take a peek at all the offerings. We decided to go with Jamaican Jerk. It probably had the longest line, but there's a good reason! I got the jerk chicken fries, and I couldn't even finish it! They were very generous with the chicken and the fries. There were lots of vendors selling art and crafts, and booths for different organizations. There were a few different sections playing music and spaces for people to dance too. We went to the Korean grocery store to get some soju, along with everyone else at the event haha. The grocery store probably clears out their whole soju stock on these nights! The crowd was super diverse. It definitely encapsulated the whole melting pot vibe. They started clearing everyone out at about 9pm, but we stayed at a bar nearby for more drinks and music.

My husband and I have been coming here for ages and absolutely love it. Now my preference is to go earlier in the evening between 5 and 6 pm. It is totally diverse in the music/entertainment offerings, the food booths, and art shows. We've discovered some favorite gems. We've been going since it was a mad house, with a bit of craziness, to last year. Our date nights are now inside, but I look forward to going around and enjoying these venues again. This even offers a jolt of art and culture and I love participating in it.

Checked this place out per my colleagues recommendation on 8/2/19. This place was poppin'!!! Streets were blocked off. The Korean market parking lot was packed and soju bottles everywhere. Food smelled great but I didn't want to wait in line. Walked through one of the cross streets and checked out a bunch of art galleries. Def check it out! Just want to point out: there's people smoking everywhere so if that bothers you.. might not be the place to be.

This was my first First Friday and it was Ratchet!!! I've heard many stories from my friends who are from Oakland, on how crazy this event is, but seeing it first hand, boy oh boy!! The vibe was amazing, you could really have a feel of community here, diversity, no f***s given, and a drunken good time. Plenty of food trucks ranging from tacos to chicken and waffles to many more. I mainly hung out at the Koreana Plaza, where all the Asians would hang out. Apparently you can buy soju from the market and just drink in the parking lot full of tables. Everyone seem to be having a great time catching up with friends and also turning up. First fridays is the place to be to drink and socialize with your friends. A lot of places are cash only so make sure to bring cash!!!

FOOD, CULTURE, AND HIPHOPThis review is over due. BayArea is dramatically changing with hipsters and transplants taking over making "home" feel real different. But one thing I can appreciate is Oakland's First Friday's. Less hipsters, more locals. Natives I know from SF and the Peninsula would come to this event because some parts of Oakland has remained untouched by the transformation. Where sometimes it actually feels good to question if you should be in this hood this late... you know that's still hardcore untouched Oakland. This event doesn't really tap those areas but it's close enough.There's street vendor food and restaurants to hit up. Culture is everywhere, it's actually quite nice to see people of color hanging out in their neighborhood not being pushed out by gentrification, and always ending the evening at Parish because this bar always had the good and sometimes underground hiphop performances.Until the next review....