Oakland First Fridays is an immersive art and community experience, and the premier monthly arts event on the West Coast. Located on Telegraph Avenue from West Grand to 27th street. Every First Friday from 5 PM to 9 PM.  See you there! 

Celebrating our Diversity and a Cultural Renaissance through the Arts

Reception: Friday, May 3rd from 5-6:30pm at Oakland City Hall on the 3rd floor
Exhibit: May 1-May 31 at Oakland City Hall on the 3rd floor
Please join Mayor Quan, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Alameda County, local artists, and community members for a small reception in honor of Cinco de Mayo and of the art exhibit of talented artists: Aldyn Richmond, America F. Jimenez de Lara, Boris Ciudad Real, Gordon Pagnello, Lecy Brito, Letty McGuire, Mary T. Giancoli, Noemi Hernandez, Orlando Flores, TaniaMabel Scroggie, Laura Faya, and Paulo Acosta Cabezas. The Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco will also be present.
 
 
The City of Oakland in collaboration with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Alameda County and Artists from the Bay Area and International community feel honored to present you the first series of Art Exhibitions,"Celebrating our Diversity and a Cultural Renaissance through the Arts" Oakland City Hall Art Exhibit.
        
 
 
Thank you for considering,
Hatzune

First Fridays takes place the first Friday of every month throughout Oakland.  Oakland First Fridays Arts Festival is open from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and is centered around Telegraph Avenue from 27th to 19th Streets. Primarily featuring Oakland made, artisans, galleries, interactive art, pop-up venues, street vendors, food vendors, art cars, and entertainment - in the heartof Oakland, CA

CalTV E! checks out Oakland First Fridays in Downtown Oakland. They speak to mayor Jean Quan and other attendees about the food, shops, and art galleries the event offers. 

Watch @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSqGlNptP-Y&feature=youtu.be

Youth Radio explores how a shooting at First Fridays, Oakland's popular monthly street party, puts its future in limbo.

Watch @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=k5gUdsMnyvg.

Youth Radio explores how a shooting at First Fridays, Oakland's popular monthly street party puts its future in limbo.

View @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFHONrn2Pds

Youth Radio's headquarters, located in downtown Oakland, has a front row seat for the city's monthly First Friday event. One month ago, the event was rocked by the shooting of 18-year-old Kiante Campbell. Youth Radio interviewed artist, community leaders and First Friday organizers about their reactions (Part 1 and Part 2). View at http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4RLy5a-14cw 

Tonight, the highly popular event was downsized to its original location. The theme of this month's event addressed an issue that has sorrouded Oakland for generations, violence.

A month after a homicide near Oakland's popular First Friday street festival, the music Friday night was quieter and the liquor flowed a bit more slowly, but the party was still on. Thousands converged on the five closed-off blocks for the monthly event. Vendors hawked everything from soaps and handmade prints to communist pamphlets.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Oakland-festival-quiet-under-new-rules-4322226.php#ixzz2OIaD98Da

OAKLAND -- March 2nd At 7:30 p.m. Friday, hands shot up in the air and quiet replaced the din of First Friday around a stage on Telegraph Avenue near 25th Street.

It was one of two moments of silence held to commemorate the death of Kiante Campbell, an 18-year-old Oakland high school student shot and killed during the February First Fridays festival. Three others were wounded by gunfire that erupted near the heart of the street fest that until Friday stretched along Telegraph from the Fox Theater to 27th Street.
"If you love Oakland, throw your peace signs up," Councilwoman Lynette Gibson McElhaney said from a stage Friday night.

Read more at http://www.insidebayarea.com/breaking-news/ci_22702974/oaklands-first-friday-streets-festival-smaller-but-spirited

Oakland Holds Scaled Back First Friday Event Following 18-Year Old’s Murder

OAKLAND (KCBS) - The crowds that turned out for First Friday in Oakland found tighter rules and a smaller event, following the murder of an 18-year-old student near last month’s festival. Oakland city officials prohibited wine from being served in art galleries. There was also no beer garden and fewer music stages at a street fair which encompassed five blocks of Telegraph Avenue rather than ten.

More @ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/03/01/oakland-holds-scaled-back-first-friday-event-following-18-year-olds-murder/

In the wake of a shooting last month, Oakland officials have planned to curb the city's popular First Fridays street festival by cutting back hours, shrinking its official size and cracking down on public drinking. But those are just the structural details.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Oakland-tightens-First-Fridays-rules-4318460.php#ixzz2OIZb47vZ

First Friday Film in the making - community's response to Feb. 1 shooting. 

The tragic event that took place on Feb. 1 - the death of young 18-year-old Kiante Campbell, after being shot shortly following a First Friday event ended - shed light on the continuation of the monthly gathering, as well as solutions for the safety of the community, economy and cultural development. 

N' Jeri Eaton, an Oakland-based freelance producer, editor and youth media educator, has a vision to create a film that looks at the aftermath of the shooting. Read more @ http://oaklandlocal.com/article/first-friday-film-making-communitys-response-feb-1-shooting

https://www.facebook.com/firstfridayfilm?fref=ts

Let's Raise This Baby Outside the Box  By Pamela Mays McDonald

EXCERPT: 
Today, I call on all proud Oaklanders and art-lovers to save our cultural spirit and nurture the soul of creativity, born in our hills and flatlands. Take to the streets this Friday evening, March 1, to reclaim Art Murmur for art lovers. Visit the galleries and patronize local businesses. Then, at 9:00 pm, I call on you to observe a moment of silence, then to leave the area -- peacefully. Let's show the world the Oakland that shines in our ideals; everyone is watching. In spite of February's tragic, post-festival shooting death arising from a dispute between two young men, we as a community can join forces to ensure the future of our city's vibrant arts scene. We must take back our streets from violence and fear. And what better opportunity than when we have all gathered together to celebrate beauty? Come on, we can hella do this. Read more @ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pamela-mays-mcdonald/transforming-oaklands-fir_b_2766097.html

First Friday Youth Committee in partnership with youth advocates invite you to a “Solutions Salon” 4:00-6:00 p.m. @ The New Parkway Theater.

When you see the crowd giving a peace sign, please join us for a citywide Moment of Silence in honor of all the victims of gun violence in Oakland. Friday March 1st 7.30 - 9.00

First Fridays takes place the first Friday of every month throughout Oakland.  Oakland First Fridays Arts Festival is open from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and is centered around Telegraph Avenue from 27th to 19th Streets.  Primarily featuring Oakland made, artisans, galleries, interactive art, pop-up venues, street vendors, food vendors, art cars, and entertainment - in the heart of Oakland, CA

Every Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 PM at The Uptown Studios, 1738 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland. Open to all Oakland First Friday event participants: street vendors, food vendors, artists, artisans, performers, musicians, volunteers, and more.

The mission of First Friday is to bring unity and diversity through artistic creations for a harmonizing and better community that will be Oakland. To protect, evolve, spread a monthly event street event inclusive for Oakland artisans, brick and mortar, families, that showcases shares barters sells DIY artisan history arts culture and creations of Oakland. To create a platform for amplifying the concentrated creative brilliance of Oakland through curation of 10+ blocks filled with art sound taste and movement and construction of bridges which promote creative collaboration extending beyond the canvas, stage and plate.

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OAKLAND FIRST FRIDAYS ANNOUNCES EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY 1, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -January 30.2013 (Oakland, CA) More than just a murmur, Oakland First Fridays is a phenomenon. Hailed by the New York Times as “an abundance of there here,” Oakland First Fridays is an immersive art and community experience, drawing as many as 20,000 people of all ages each month. Recently, Oakland was listed as one of the Top 12 Cities for Art in America, for which “much of the credit can go to… [the ] First Friday artwalk,” according to Artplaces. Every First Friday between 5pm and 10pm, Oakland comes together with an ad-hoc street festival of art galleries, artist collectives, street artists, food trucks, food vendors, local artisans, performers, musicians, dancers, DJ’s, poets, and more. The First Friday “footprint” includes Telegraph Ave. between 18th and 27th streets, which will be closed to vehicle traffic. Additionally, many First Friday activities happen outside of the footprint, along 14th/Broadway, in Old Oakland and Jack London Square. After 10 pm, be sure to check out adjacent bars and restaurants and nearby club venues for after-hours fun. Check out OAKLANDFIRSTFRIDAY on Facebook for more info? 

OAKLAND FIRST FRIDAYS ANNOUNCES EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY 1, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -January 30.2013 (Oakland, CA) More than just a murmur, Oakland First Fridays is a phenomenon. Hailed by the New York Times as “an abundance of there here,” Oakland First Fridays is an immersive art and community experience, drawing as many as 20,000 people of all ages each month. Recently, Oakland was listed as one of the Top 12 Cities for Art in America, for which “much of the credit can go to… [the ] First Friday artwalk,” according to Artplaces. Every First Friday between 5pm and 10pm, Oakland comes together with an ad-hoc street festival of art galleries, artist collectives, street artists, food trucks, food vendors, local artisans, performers, musicians, dancers, DJ’s, poets, and more. The First Friday “footprint” includes Telegraph Ave. between 18th and 27th streets, which will be closed to vehicle traffic. Additionally, many First Friday activities happen outside of the footprint, along 14th/Broadway, in Old Oakland and Jack London Square. After 10 pm, be sure to check out adjacent bars and restaurants and nearby club venues for after-hours fun. Check out OAKLANDFIRSTFRIDAY on Facebook for more info? 

"It started off as a monthly art walk between eight galleries in 2006 as Art Murmur. Today, Oakland's
First Friday and the Art Murmur Artwalk has exploded, collectively drawing as many as 20,000 people to downtown for a vibrant street festival featuring live performances, artists, art cars,food  vendors, musicians, street vendors, interactive art, and more than 30 participating galleries and venues. We talk to the organizers of Art Murmur and Oakland First Friday about the event."
Listen to the broadcast here.

(Oakland, CA) More than just a murmur, Oakland First Fridays is a phenomenon. Hailed by the New York Times as “an abundance of there here,” Oakland First Fridays is an internationally-acclaimed immersive art and community experience, which draws as many as 20,000 people of all ages each month.
 
Every First Friday between 5pm and 10pm, Oakland comes together with an “Open House” / ad-hoc street festival of art galleries, artist collectives, street artists, food trucks, food vendors, local artisans, performers, musicians, dancers, DJ’s, and poets.  Attendees to First Fridays come from all around the Bay Area and beyond to experience eye-catching art, eat great food, enjoy live music from all genres, and stroll through the amazing, eclectic, creative scene which has transformed Oakland’s cultural identity. Over 20 blocks of streets will be closed to thru traffic, including Telegraph Avenue from 19^th to 27^th Sts. and various adjacent side streets; as well as 9^th St. bet. Washington and Broadway. Continue Reading

Community Organization Meetings:
We invite you as a participant to join us every Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 PM  at the Oakland First Fridays Community Organization Meetings so we can get to know you and work together to make Oakland First Fridays a continuing and amazing success for one and all.

Location: Uptown Studios, 1738 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland. ( please check the website for
The weekly meetings are for everyone that participates in or benefits from First Fridays—or would like to in the future.

Oakland First Friday Arts Festival

Date: December 07, 2012
Set up: Streets close to the public at 3:00 PM
Event Times: 5:00-10:00 PM (within the street closure)
Location: Telegraph Avenue from 19^th Street to 27^th Street and adjoining streets (street closure area), and Old Oakland 9^th Street and Broadway (street closure area)

The City of Oakland will host a meeting on Friday, September 28, for those planning to participate in FIRST FRIDAY on October 5, 2012. The informational meeting will be held from 6-7:30pm in Council Chambers located in City Hall on the 3rd Floor, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza.
 
 This is an informational meeting regarding First Friday street closures and location of vendors and musicians.
 
Food Vendors who have registered:  Sweet Treat Stop, Vesta Flatbread, Docs of the Bay, Liba Falafel, Whip Out Catering, My Shrimp Shack, Big Serg BBQ, SK Snacks, Gursha, The Barn Oak, Forbitten City, Victory Outreach.
 
If you know of others who are interested in participating in First Friday, please pass on this information.
 
Food Vendors:  Copies of your City of Oakland Business Tax Certificate, Seller’s Permit and either your Alameda County Health Certificate or a Temporary Event Permit must be turned in by Tuesday, October 2nd at noon in order to participate for Friday, October 5th.
 
For details for the meeting, please contact Nancy Marcus at (510) 238-3294 or nmarcus@oaklandnet.com.
 
 
Nancy Marcus
Administrative Assistant
Special Activity Permits
Office of the City Administrator
One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 11th Floor
Oakland, CA  94612
Phone:  (510) 238-3294
Fax:  (510) 238-7084

Inviting ALL people who participate directly or indirectly in Oakland First Fridays and all who benefit from it to our WEEKLY Community Organization-Action meetings every Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 at The Stork Club, 2330 Telegraph.

Our most recent First Fridays was double the size of any previous First Fridays with an estimated 20,000 visitors.

The FF community of street vendors, food vendors, artists, musicians, performers, and community organizations have been working together over the last month to co-create, co-produce, and coordinate this incredible event.

We invite EVERYONE who participates in or benefits from First Fridays to join us in the process of growing, nurturing, co-creating, and coordinating the best monthly Art and Culture Festival on the West Coast.

If you want to put something on the agenda to discuss, please email us 24 hours in advance to info@oaklandfirstfridays.org

The next First Fridays Community Organization Action Meeting #3
Wednesday, August 29th 5:30-8:00 PM
Location: The Stork Club, 2330 Telegraph

ALL who participate in First Fridays or benefit from it are inviting and encouraged to attend.
If you are a street vendor, artist, performer, musician, non-profit organization, neighbor, merchant, or food vendor and are involved in the amazing Oakland First Fridays or you want to be- please be there.
If you want to put something on the agenda to discuss please email info@firstfridays.org at least 24 hours in advance of the next meeting.

Please check the blog, the calendar, and The Buzz to stay up on whats happening.

??If you plan to participate in First Friday, on Friday, September 7th, please join us on Monday, August 27 from 6-7pm in Council Chambers, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza – 3rd Floor.    This is an informational meeting regarding First Friday Street Closure and location of vendors and musicians.

The next meeting of the First Fridays Organization-Action Meeting will be this Wednesday, August 22nd, 5:30-7:30, at the Stork Club, 2330 Telegraph.

This will be a nuts and bolts meeting for people to pick their roles for next First Friday September 7th, align with their block, pick block by block coordinators, elect a member of each block and stake holder group to participate in the FF Community Counsel, and more. Agenda to be posted before the meeting on the blog on the website. IF you have anything that you would like to make sure is on the agenda please email your suggestions to info@oaklandfirstfridays.org

If you cannot make it, please check the www.oaklandfirstfridays.org website and look at the street closures proposed for September.  If you are a legal street vendor in the city of Oakland you can set up anywhere there is a space on a first come first serve basis- in co-ordination with the block coordinator of that block. If you are not permitted as such you will want to be in the areas of the street closure and covered under the Special Event Permit.

Please keep your eye on the calendar section and the blog for updates and contact information -after Wed. regarding the contact information of each Block Coordinator.

Thanks and looking forward to creating an awesome next First Fridays together.

Felix

Tuesday, August 14th, 2012
Time: 5:30-7:30 
Location: The Stork Club, 2330 Telegraph
Facilitator:   Amber McZeal 
Minutes Taker: Hoang Banh ? (TBD) 
Time Keeper: TBD
 All Oakland First Fridays Participants are invited:
 
Artists, Musicians, Food Vendors, Community Organizations, 
Performers, Merchants, CBDs, and Volunteers.

 Based on input from many members in the community, this  meeting will address, discuss, and try to work on the following:
1. FF's Street Closure  Map Proposal Review - discussion, input, & finalization: 
2. "What does the process look and feel like?  How do we as a total inclusive community of First Friday participants ensure pedestrian safety, fire safety, public health (trash and public facilities-reuse zones), community coordination 
3. Create smaller workgroups addressing, summarizing, and representing, the collective voice and needs of all the different stakeholder groups including Vending, Food Vendors, Policy and Ethics, Business Incubation, A Green Plan, Long term sustainability and self-governence, Website / Communications group, etc
4. Creating a First Fridays Advisory Counsel comprised of one group nominated member of each work group / stakeholder group to represent, communicate, and act as an all inclusive working body and to  facilitate each block before and during First Fridays

Agenda Suggestions? email them to info@oaklandfirstfridays.org

Read More Here