Getting your
Trinity Audioplayer ready...By Joshua Olawuyi Live music, cheering wrestling fans and the aromas of food trucks filled Oakland’s Latham Square on Thursday evening as residents gathered for the launch of Oaktown Thursdays, a monthly street festival organizers hope will bring new energy downtown while supporting local businesses and artists.
The free event series takes place on the third Thursday of each month through October. Organizers said Oaktown Thursdays is designed to draw more people to downtown Oakland, increase foot traffic for small businesses and showcase the city’s artists, vendors and cultural groups.
“We just need more excuses to get out of the house,” said Sean Sullivan, managing partner of Fluid510 and one of the organizers. “Sometimes after the pandemic, we need a little boost, a little suggestion, and this is just one way to do that.”
Sullivan said the event grew out of a desire among business owners and residents to restore the vibrancy of downtown Oakland and provide more opportunities for people to gather.
“We just don’t have enough events,” he said. “It’s not about what’s different. It’s about ‘How can we have more?'”
About three dozen vendors participated in the inaugural event, offering everything from clothing and artwork to African and Latino cuisine, desserts and ice cream. Spectators packed around a wrestling ring while local artists entertained crowds gathered around the main stage.
Nicole Gervacio of Oakland-based gym Radically Fit said the event represented more than entertainment.
“Our community is taking back the streets and being out together,” Gervacio said. “It’s really nice to be out in the streets.”
Isabella Guajardo, owner of Girl in the Truck and an East Bay resident for three decades, said events like Oaktown Thursdays help entrepreneurs gain visibility and connect with potential customers.
“These kinds of events really provide that opportunity,” Guajardo said. “People walking by see the business, they talk to you, and a lot of times it’s networking.”
Future editions of Oaktown Thursdays will feature themed programming tied to Oakland Pride, Latino Heritage Month and the Black Panther Party’s 60th anniversary.