Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA

Oakland, CA – Visit Oakland, the Destination Marketing Organization for Oakland, CA announces the return of Oakland Style, an annual five-day celebration of art, fashion, music, cuisine, and culture.  The event kicks off October 8th and continues through October 12th 2025.

Locals and visitors will enjoy vibrant art events, fashion shows, sneaker exhibits, musical performances, cocktail and culinary experiences and more.  Inspired by the energy that Fashion Week creates in New York City, Oakland Style is a complete artistic expression of the creativity found only in The Town.

Visit Oakland has planned several exciting signature events and the Oakland community has organized an impressive lineup of happenings with a calendar that continues to develop. 

With five days of activities taking place throughout The Town, local hotels are extending special rates to welcome visitors to experience everything that Oakland Style has to offer.  When visitors book a room at one of the participating hotels, they receive two tickets to one of three signature Oakland Style events. Learn more here.

“Now in our third year, Oakland Style continues to grow as we celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of Oakland’s creative talent”  Commented Peter Gamez, President & CEO of Visit Oakland. “With amazing hotel packages and an incredible lineup of events to enjoy, Oakland Style is the perfect time to come to Oakland, stay awhile, and experience all that The Town has to offer.  We can’t wait to share our beautiful destination with visitors and welcome everyone to Oakland.”

OAKLAND STYLE EVENTS

 

ART CLASH  |  WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8th

Visit Oakland and Bay Area Mural Program (BAMP) bring together six rising star artists as they create art right before your eyes.  Guests will also experience works in progress from talented Bay Area artists Angel Jesus Perez, Anthony Jimenez, Jamiani Shante Gray, Janaeah Nieto, Joaquin Tinh, and Lizzy Kramer. All of the amazing art will be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting BAMP.  Visit the Pop-Up Gallery and shop for treasures created by the guest artists. Enjoy signature cocktails from Centenario, Pendelton and Hangar One, delicious bites, live music, and an immersive art experience that celebrates true Oakland Style!  Art Clash will take place on Wednesday, October 8th from 6:00PM to 9:00PM at BLOC 15 252 2nd Street  |  $75 per person  | Tickets available at Eventbrite

LAKSHORE CULTURAL DISTRICT DINING IN STYLE  | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8th

Enjoy a delicious progressive dinner and the chance to experience four incredible Lakeshore Cultural District bars and restaurants and live music – in just one night! Dine your way through one of Oakland’s most beloved neighborhoods and enjoy The Cat HouseBardo Lounge & Supper ClubMimosa 2, and The Barbary – all while supporting  the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center!  October 8th from 5:00PM to 9:00PM  | Lakeshore Cultural District  | $170 per person  | Tickets available at Evenbrite

 

MUSIC + MIXOLOGY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9th

Join twelve of Oakland’s top mixologists from The Town’s hottest restaurants and bars as they compete to create their version of the 2025 Oakland Style cocktail. This exciting mixology competition is presented by Coramino Tequila and Proximo. Register for the voting app, taste the twelve cocktails, and vote for your favorite. An official panel of judges will also rate cocktails to determine the winners of the $5,000 first place, $3,000 second place prize, and $1000 third place prize. Guests will enjoy delicious bites and DJ music by Christie James. MC’d by Bay Area Foodie Chap, Liam Mayclem. Mixology + Music will take place on Thursday, October 9th from 5:30PM to 8:30PM at the Rotunda Building 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza |$95 per person | Tickets available at Eventbrite

HIGH TEA + HIGH STYLE | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10th

An elegant, tasteful afternoon that celebrates Oakland style. Guests will enjoy a contemporary tea service paired with Cosmopolitan cocktails from Hangar One, Old Fashioned cocktails from Tin Cup,  and informal modeling, previewing the designs from three of Oakland’s finest stylemakers; award-winning jewelry designer Dorian Webb, women’s fashion designer Lesley Evers, and men’s fashion designer Lee Rickie. Get your tickets and shop at the stylish pop-up boutiques for exquisitely designed jewelry, accessories and clothing. High Tea + High Style will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at the Claremont Resort & Club 41 Tunnel Road | $110 per person | Tickets available through the Claremont

 

THE ART OF SNEAKERS | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11th & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12th

Enjoy a two-day exhibit showcasing sneaker culture’s dynamic impact on fashion and society. Produced by SoleSpace Lab, The Art of Sneakers features work by top artists and interactive programming including sneaker customizing workshops, artist talks, and more. The Art of Sneakers takes place in downtown Oakland October 11th and 12th. Daytime events are free, evening events are ticketed. For more information, follow @SoleSpaceLab on Instagram and visit solespacelab.org

ARTS ALIVE | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11th

On Saturday, October 11, Oakland Art Murmur invites you to Arts Alive: Art Tours with Live Performances” that celebrate the bold, brilliant, and diverse creativity of Oakland during Oakland Style Week. Join one of two specially curated Oakland Style Art Tours that bring you inside the city’s most vibrant art spaces—each showcasing incredible work by local artists. From contemporary galleries to artist collectives, every stop will feature a live performance or interactive experience, including dance, music, spoken word, or hands-on art making. Enjoy light bites, a wine reception, and the rare chance to meet the artists and creative minds shaping Oakland’s cultural landscape. Arts Alive will take place on Saturday, October 11th at locations throughout The Town  |  $45 – $65 | Tickets available at Eventbrite

CREATIVE GROWTH FASHION LABS  |  SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11th

Drop into Creative Growth’s immersive Fashion Lab and create something you can’t wait to wear. Spend the afternoon engaging in hands-on fashion workshops, upcycling, and art-making for all ages, guided by Creative Growth artists and local professional creatives. From experimental textile techniques and couture-esque beading to inventive mixed-media approaches, you’ll find endless opportunities to spark your imagination and make something truly your own. Your ticket includes access to artist-led instruction, plus all the materials and tools you’ll need. Bring your creativity and a piece from your closet ready for reinvention! Onsite, there will be vintage clothes available for upcycling, with a suggested donation. Creative Growth Fashion Labs will take place at Creative Growth Art Centers 355 24th Street on Saturday, October 11th from 1:00PM to 4:00PM  |  $45 – $75 | Tickets available here

 

CUISINE + COUTURE  |  SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12th

Join the talented students from Oakland School for the Arts (OSA) as they present their innovative designs inspired by the cuisine and culture of Oakland’s diverse culinary scene.  Eleven chefs from the #1 Best Food City in the U.S. have teamed up with OSA students for this incredible, creative event.  Enjoy delicious cocktails, cultural bites, a runway fashion show, a Q+A with the student designers and top Oakland chefs complimented by beautiful music from OSA musicians.  Cuisine + Couture takes place on Sunday, October 12th from 11:30AM to 1:30PM  |$25 – $75  | Tickets available on Eventbrite

 

THE TOWN’S THREADS: A LIVING RUNWAY | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12th

Oakland Style Week’s “The Town’s Threads: A Living Runway” is a three-hour celebration of East Oakland’s culture and style at Liberation Park, taking place on October 12th. The event is guided by an MC who introduces the E.A.S.T. (Embracing Authentic Style Together) vision and directs attendees through six different districts, each with its own theme and unique Style Pods. The districts highlight the city’s various communities and creative expressions, from the historical “Roots & The Revolution” to the “Fun & The Family” and the “Movers & The Adorners.” The event will culminate in a grand finale where all participants, including models, community leaders, and lowriders, take a final bow together on the main promenade. No reservations are needed for this event.  For more information visit Blackculturalzone.org.

 

SELF-GUIDED VINTAGE SHOPPING TOUR | ONGOING

There are over forty stores selling vintage and antique clothing, records, furniture, and housewares throughout Oakland. They reflect the diversity, creativity, and unique style only found in The Town, and the city’s ethos of sustainability. Discover The Town’s eclectic vintage shops on this self-guided tour that is also a journey through Oakland’s vibrant neighborhoods. Take advantage of the curated map to plan your very own treasure hunt.

For more information on Oakland Style, visit OaklandStyle.com

Tickets are available on Eventbrite

About Visit Oakland

Visit Oakland is a non-profit organization marketing Oakland, California as a travel destination. Visit Oakland offers a wide variety of complimentary services and materials for travelers interested in visiting Oakland. For more information, check out visitoakland.com. Want to share the Oakland love with the world? Follow @visitoakland on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, and LinkedIn. #visitoakland #oaklandloveit #oaklandstyle