A curated guide to the festivals, cultural moments, and local traditions that define life in the East Bay
East Bay Events for 2026
The East Bay isn’t just a place to live, it’s a place to participate. From waterfront festivals and outdoor concerts to neighborhood parades and art walks, the rhythm of the year here is shaped by events that bring people together again and again.
If you’re planning your year, or simply looking for reasons to fall a little more in love with the East Bay, this is your go-to guide to the most anticipated events across Oakland, Berkeley, Piedmont, Alameda, Walnut Creek, and beyond.
JANUARY ☃️❄️⛷️
Oakland Restaurant Week
Prix-fixe menus across Oakland’s most respected restaurants; a great snapshot of the city’s food culture.
https://www.oaklandrestaurantweek.org
Berkeley Restaurant Week
Chef-driven dining with a more international and intellectual flavor.
https://www.berkeleyrestaurantweek.org
Oakland First Fridays
A monthly Uptown art walk with galleries, street vendors, fashion, and live music.
https://www.oaklandfirstfridays.org
Oakland Museum Friday Nights
After-hours museum programming with DJs, talks, food trucks, and exhibitions.
https://museumca.org/on/friday-nights-at-omca/
Daybreaker Oakland
Morning dance and music events attracting a creative, wellness-oriented crowd.
https://www.daybreaker.com/city/oakland
FEBRUARY 💖💝💘
Oakland Lunar New Year Parade
A major cultural celebration rooted in Oakland’s Chinatown community.
https://www.oaklandchinatownchamber.org
White Linen Night Oakland
Uptown galleries and arts spaces open late for a dressed-up evening of art and performance.
https://oaklandartmur.com/white-linen-night/
Berkeley Art Museum After Hours
Late-night access to exhibitions with talks, music, and a donor-leaning crowd.
https://bampfa.org/program/after-hours
Orinda Theatre Special Screenings
Curated films and discussions in a historic Art Deco theater.
https://www.orindamovies.com
MARCH 🌸
Berkeley Kite Festival
Large-scale handmade kites flown over the Bay at César Chávez Park.
https://www.highlinekites.com/pages/berkeley-kite-festival
Temescal Street Fair
A lively neighborhood fair with food vendors, live music, and local makers.
https://www.temescaldistrict.org
Oakland Ballet Spring Performances
Intimate ballet performances blending classical and contemporary work.
https://www.oaklandballet.org
UC Berkeley Public Lectures
Public talks by nationally recognized thinkers, writers, and academics.
https://events.berkeley.edu
APRIL ☔
Oakland Art + Soul Festival
A celebration of Oakland’s cultural identity through art, music, and food.
https://www.artandsouloakland.com
Bay Area Book Festival
One of the most respected literary festivals in the country, held in Berkeley.
https://www.bayareabookfestival.org
Piedmont Garden Tour
Private home gardens open to the public; design-forward and quietly elegant.
https://www.piedmontgardenclub.org
Alameda Point Antiques Faire
A major destination for vintage collectors, designers, and stylists.
https://alamedapointantiquesfaire.com
MAY 🌷
Berkeley World Music Festival
Global music traditions performed in a relaxed, open-air setting.
https://www.berkeleyworldmusic.org
Moraga Pear & Wine Festival
Local wineries, food trucks, and small-town Lamorinda charm.
https://www.moragachamber.org/pear-festival
Montclair Village Wine Walk
Sip-and-stroll event through Montclair’s boutiques and cafés.
https://www.montclairvillage.com
Gourmet Ghetto Food Events
Pop-ups and tastings tied to Berkeley’s historic food scene.
https://www.berkeleyfoodnetwork.org
JUNE ☀️
Oakland Pride Festival
Large-scale celebration reflecting Oakland’s diversity, activism, and culture.
https://www.oaklandpride.org
Berkeley Juneteenth Festival
Community-centered cultural programming honoring Black history and achievement.
https://www.berkeleyjuneteenth.org
Rock Wall Wine Company Summer Events
Sunset wine tastings on the Alameda waterfront with skyline views.
https://www.rockwallwines.com
Lake Merritt Dance Festival
Outdoor dance performances set around Lake Merritt.
https://www.lakemerrittdancefestival.org
JULY 🏖️
Alameda Fourth of July Parade
A classic Americana parade with deep neighborhood roots and tradition.
https://www.alameda4thofjulyparade.com
Concerts in the Park (Walnut Creek)
Summer evening concerts paired with walkable downtown dining.
https://walnutcreekdowntown.com/events
Jack London Square Summer Nights
Live music and pop-up programming along the Oakland waterfront.
https://www.jacklondonsquare.com/events
SF Symphony at Stern Grove
Free outdoor orchestral concerts attended by many East Bay locals.
https://www.sterngrove.org
🍂AUGUST
Eat Real Festival
Chef-driven food festival emphasizing quality, craft, and regional sourcing.
https://www.eatreal.org
Uptown Night Market
Evening street market with food, music, and nightlife energy.
https://www.uptownnightmarket.com
Alameda Art Walk
Late-night gallery, studio, and small business openings.
https://www.alamedaartwalk.com
Sunset Sound System Events
Curated outdoor music events in unexpected Bay Area locations.
https://www.sunsetsoundsystem.com
SEPTEMBER
Montclair Village Street Fair
Local makers, food vendors, and Oakland Hills community spirit.
https://www.montclairvillage.com/street-fair
Piedmont Home Tour
Architecturally significant homes open to the public.
https://www.piedmonthometour.org
Broadway Plaza Fashion Events
Retail-driven fashion shows and seasonal launches in Walnut Creek.
https://www.broadwayplaza.com/events
Moraga Art Gallery Openings
Exhibition openings featuring regional artists.
https://www.moragaartgallery.com
OCTOBER
Oakland Open Studios
Artists across the city open their private studios to the public.
https://oaklandopenstudios.org
Día de los Muertos (Fruitvale)
Altars, music, and remembrance honoring Mexican traditions.
https://www.unitycouncil.org
Piedmont Harvest Festival
A seasonal gathering centered on schools and neighborhood life.
https://www.piedmont.ca.gov
Orinda Theatre Film Festival
Independent films shown in a historic theater setting.
https://www.orindamovies.com
NOVEMBER
Berkeley Art Museum Gala
A formal evening supporting contemporary art and cultural programming.
https://bampfa.org/support/gala
Oakland Holiday Makers Markets
Design-forward gift markets featuring local makers and artists.
https://www.renegadecraft.com
Walnut Creek Wine Walk
Retail-driven tasting event through downtown Walnut Creek.
https://walnutcreekdowntown.com/events
DECEMBER
Montclair Holiday Stroll
Festive evening shopping and neighborhood gathering.
https://www.montclairvillage.com
Piedmont Holiday Tree Lighting
Traditional seasonal kickoff for the Piedmont community.
https://www.piedmont.ca.gov
Downtown Walnut Creek Holiday Events
Lights, performances, and seasonal programming downtown.
https://walnutcreekdowntown.com/events
Oakland Ballet Nutcracker
A refined holiday ballet tradition with local cultural weight.
https://www.oaklandballet.org
Why Events Matter When Choosing Where to Live
One of the most overlooked aspects of real estate is how you actually live in a place, not just the house itself, but the traditions, walkability, and community rhythms that surround it.
Many buyers end up choosing neighborhoods based on:
- Proximity to events they already love
- A sense of belonging and participation
- The lifestyle they imagine building year after year
If you’re curious which neighborhoods align with your lifestyle, whether that’s art-forward, family-centered, quiet and green, or socially vibrant, I’m always happy to share insight.
Thinking Ahead
I’ll be sharing more neighborhood-specific guides throughout the year, from farmers markets and garden tours to architecture walks and local favorites worth bookmarking.
If you’d like personalized recommendations or want to stay in the loop on what’s happening (and what’s coming soon on the market), feel free to reach out.
Moya Robinson REALTOR®️| COMPASS 510-575-0629 moya.robinson@compass.com | DRE#01776635
