Program Highlights
- 38 Event Sponsorships Awarded: These sponsorships will support over 120 community events across the city.
- Financial and Marketing Assistance: Sponsorship recipients receive up to $15,000 in financial aid and marketing support to help realize their events.
- Support for Local Businesses and Artists: Events will take place in 18 commercial districts, benefiting hundreds of small businesses, artists, and arts and culture organizations.
Featured Events
Weekly Panther Prowl Roller Skate Night
- Location: DeFremery Park
- Time: Every Thursday, 6-9pm
- Description: A free, inclusive, and accessible outdoor roller-skating event featuring live local DJs playing various music genres and performances by local musicians. Attendees can also borrow roller skates and protective gear from a free lending library.
Our Youth Matter Outreach Series
- Kickoff Event: December 23rd – 11th Annual Toy Giveaway at Rainbow Recreation Center
- Description: A series of youth outreach events, including a March Easter Egg Hunt, May Youth Resource Fair, July Children’s Business Fair, and August Back to School Bash. The Toy Giveaway will provide toys, books, and goodie bags to 500 kids and families, with additional activities such as games, crafts, and a hot cocoa bar.
Foothill Fiestas
- Location: Foothill Blvd between 35th and Fruitvale
- Time: Every second Saturday starting May 2024, 11am-3pm
- Description: Monthly block parties featuring dance, theater, and music performances, food demonstrations, and kids' arts and crafts activities. The events will highlight the culture of the Foothill community.
Chinatown’s AAPI Heritage Night Market
- Date: May 5th, 2024
- Description: Oakland’s first-ever Chinatown night market featuring a variety of food stalls representing global cuisines and showcasing Oakland Chinatown’s legacy businesses.
Prescott Night Market
- Location: 1620 18th St
- Time: First Tuesday of each month from May to September 2024, 4-8pm
- Description: A community gathering transforming Tuesday evenings in West Oakland into monthly events with local food makers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and businesses.
About the Program
- Funding Provided: $320,000 by the City of Oakland.
- Competitive Selection: The program received 732 applications requesting over $8.5 million in sponsorship funding. Applications were reviewed by a diverse team of 25 stakeholders, including arts and cultural practitioners, small business owners, nonprofit leaders, local event organizers, City staff, and professionals in marketing, organizational planning, and development.
Contact Information
For more information about the Activate Oakland program, please contact Visit Oakland at activate@visitoakland.com or visit Activate Oakland.
About Visit Oakland
Visit Oakland is a non-profit organization dedicated to marketing Oakland, California as a travel destination. Visit Oakland offers a variety of complimentary services and materials for travelers interested in visiting Oakland. For more information, check out Visit Oakland. Follow @visitoakland on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
About the City of Oakland Economic & Workforce Development Department
The Economic & Workforce Development Department works to foster a vibrant, innovative, and competitive economy in Oakland. The department supports the growth and success of Oakland entrepreneurs and small businesses, expands job opportunities, and enhances the City’s sense of place and quality of life. For more information, visit the City of Oakland Economic & Workforce Development Department.