Things to do in Oakland, CA

3:30 PM – 5 PM·Main Library TeenZone, Oakland

Learn to use a sewing machine at the library! In this monthly drop-in program, we'll guide you through the basics of using a Singer Heavy Duty sewing machine. Perfect for the complete beginner or anyone needing a refresher. Join us in the Main Library TeenZone from 3:30-5:00pm on 1st Thursdays. For teens ages 12-18. Al…

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM·Eastmont Branch, 7200 Bancroft Ste. #211 Oakland, Oakland

Teens! Come to the Eastmont Branch TeenZone & DJ the music you love for the world to hear! Eastside Teen Radio takes place on the first Thursday of each month at 3:30pm!

Melrose Branch, Adult Area, Oakland

“Because of Our History” – Creativity Explored on African American history and artist’s place in the narrative. What is the role of the artist in the preservation and telling of history? “Because of Our History,” a quote from the late Creativity Explored artist Antonio Benjamin, speaks to the importance of Black cultur…

1 PM – 2 PM·Martin Luther King Jr. Branch, Oakland

Decorate press-on nails at the Martin Luther King Branch! Paint and use stickers to make your very own set of nails to take home. Materials provided! First come first serve, maximum 8 participants.

5 PM – 9 PM·OMCA campus · Oakland

This Friday Night at OMCA, Oakland-born vocalist and songwriter PHER brings his soulful sound to the Garden Stage with a powerful live performance. Blending contemporary R&B, jazz, and soul with heartfelt storytelling, the three-time Grammy-winning collaborator delivers an uplifting set of original music, reimagined cl…

Melrose Branch, Adult Area, Oakland

“Because of Our History” – Creativity Explored on African American history and artist’s place in the narrative. What is the role of the artist in the preservation and telling of history? “Because of Our History,” a quote from the late Creativity Explored artist Antonio Benjamin, speaks to the importance of Black cultur…

10 AM – 10 AM·Oakland Zoo

Join Oakland Zoo for a citywide celebration of Biodiversity Days, September 5-13! Using the free iNaturalist app, help us discover 30 native species that share Oakland with us–from ladybugs on sidewalk leaves to salamanders under logs, oak tress in parks, and pelicans along the Bay. Every observation helps tell the sto…

12 PM – 2:30 PM·Fruitvale Branch, TeenZone, Oakland

Come hang out with other teens and take part in a popular role playing game! No dice? No problem! Dice are provided and so are start characters for new players. With Dungeon Master Vic. Ven y juega con otros adolescentes un juego de roles popular! Sin dados? No hay problema! Nosotros proporcionaremos dados y personajes…

Melrose Branch, Adult Area, Oakland

“Because of Our History” – Creativity Explored on African American history and artist’s place in the narrative. What is the role of the artist in the preservation and telling of history? “Because of Our History,” a quote from the late Creativity Explored artist Antonio Benjamin, speaks to the importance of Black cultur…

1 PM – 2 PM·OMCA campus · Oakland

Walk through OMCA’s landmark building and gardens with members of the Council on Architecture. \n

2 PM – 4:30 PM·Main Library TeenZone, 2nd floor , Oakland

Teens! Do you like games that involve worldbuilding, narrative, and strategy? Come and meet other teens and play the fun Magic the Gathering (MtG) game Commander . Open to new and experienced players. All teens aged 12-18 welcome. All materials provided (including snacks!).

2 PM – 3 PM·Chabot Space & Science Center · Oakland

(40 Min) Developed in partnership and solidarity with Cafe Ohlone, mur taaraxtak , or Ohlone Skies, weaves science and storytelling into a rich tapestry of Indigenous Ohlone knowledge, heritage, and history deeply rooted right here in the Oakland hills. At this star-studded premiere, hear from multigenerational communi…

Melrose Branch, Adult Area, Oakland

“Because of Our History” – Creativity Explored on African American history and artist’s place in the narrative. What is the role of the artist in the preservation and telling of history? “Because of Our History,” a quote from the late Creativity Explored artist Antonio Benjamin, speaks to the importance of Black cultur…

1 PM – 3 PM·Golden Gate Branch, Located in adult room, on seed catalogue cart. , Oakland

Come pick up free sprouts for your garden! We offer a variety of flower, herb, fruit, and vegetable sprouts. Take your pick! Sprouts are seeds that have just started to take root in the soil. The sprouts come from seeds from the Golden Gate branch's seed library and from library patrons who have grown their plants to s…

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM·Eastmont Branch, Oakland

Teens! Watch Anime! Eat Snacks! Make Friends! Every Tuesday at 3:30pm, join us at the Eastmont Teen Zone to watch and discuss an episode or two of your favorite new and classic anime series. New anime fans are always welcome! (For Teens 13-18 years old).

6 PM – 7:30 PM·Rockridge Branch, Oakland

Draw Like Andy Warhol - Blotted Line Ink Drawing Taught by lellobird If you can trace a picture, you can make cool retro art reminiscent of Andy Warhol’s drawings! We’ll use nib pens and tracing paper to transfer an image to watercolor paper. Warhol used this easy technique to create advertising art early in his career…