Good morning, Oakland.

On May 16, 2026, the Malcolm X JazzArts Festival drew community members to San Antonio Park, where Oakland hip hop artists RyanNicole and NuDekades traded verses on gentrification and empowerment while families enjoyed free jazz, hip hop battles, spoken word and food from local vendors (organized by EastSide Arts Alliance).

Alex Werth's book On Loop: Black Sonic Politics in Oakland (available at East Bay Book Sellers) explains how the city’s funk culture (full of deep beats and strong voices) helped shape local history and identity.

Amid rising gas prices here in Oakland, car dealerships report booming hybrid sales as some bike shops see more electric bike purchases.

Transit ridership has grown with AC Transit adjusting its schedules + BART experiencing surges during community events.

Oakland Unified has introduced a draft policy on AI that sets safe guardrails for classroom use while leaving decisions to teachers and students; the guidelines require citing AI contributions (to protect data and learning) and are still waiting for school board approval.

Tik Talk Interactive Storytelling

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Quinn's Lighthouse — Entry fee not specified — Experience captivating live storytelling with a mix of seasoned and emerging voices.

Kenny Lattimore Live Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Tickets available — Experience the soulful sounds of Kenny Lattimore with hits spanning over 20 years.

Adventures in Filipino American Genealogy

4:30-6 p.m. — FamilySearch center — Free entry — Discover tools for researching family history in the Filipino American diaspora.

Eric Darius Live Performance

7:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — Yoshi's — Ticketed event — Experience the captivating energy of saxophonist Eric Darius as he fuses Jazz with R&B and Hip-Hop at Yoshi's.

The Space Between the Stars: A Concert Experience

7:30 PM - 1:30 AM — Chabot Space & Science Center — Ticket prices vary — Explore the cosmos through an immersive concert blending music and science.

Smooth Jazz Alley Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Ticket info unavailable — Experience the fusion of jazz, R&B, soul, and funk from a top Bay Area collective.

Lindsey Webster Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Yoshi's Oakland — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of Billboard #1 artist Lindsey Webster as she performs her latest hits and timeless favorites.

An Evening Under The Stars: Grown Folks Prom

8-11 p.m. — The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill — $35-40 — Celebrate a sophisticated prom night under the stars with music, a photo booth, and delicious seafood.

2026 Oakland Carnival Wellness Festival

12-8 p.m. — Mosswood Park — Free entry — Celebrate vibrant culture with a parade, music, costumes, and delicious food.

An Evening with Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Sound Room — Ticket Info Available — Experience a night of original compositions influenced by jazz, blues, and free improvisation.