Oakland weekend: Wendy Williams, Art & Soul Festival, Root Beer Float Day with the A's, & more
Photo: Wendy Williams/Facebook
We're expecting 80 degree weather in the East Bay this weekend, and whether you want to be outdoors or indoors, Oakland is the place to be. We have two headliners in town, Wendy Williams and Jill Scott. In addition, the Art & Soul Festival is Saturday and Sunday.
Below you'll find a guide to the best events around the Town.
The TOaG Quartet Album Release Party
Oakland jazz collective TOaG Quartet release their new live double album on Thursday at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. TOaG Quartet plays original jazz compositions –– you can hear a sample here.
The quartet, led by bassist Benjamin Lee, also leads jazz clinics for Oakland High School students, some of whom will join the band on stage at the album release event. Students get a discount on admission.
When: Thursday, July 25, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Where: Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 Ninth St., Suite 290
Price: $15 - 30
Jill Scott at Fox Theater
Three time Grammy Award winning artist Jill Scott comes to the Fox Theater in Oakland on Friday. Her soulful sounds have stirred her fans since her debut album in 2000. Her latest, a greatest hits album titled "By Popular Demand", features 11 of her most popular songs such as He Loves Me, Cross My Mind, Golden and more.
When: Friday, July 26, 8 p.m.
Where: Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave.
Price: $69.50+
Wendy Williams at Paramount Theater
Talk show host Wendy Williams just celebrated her 55th birthday in July. Coming off the heels of a major breakup after filing for divorce in 2019 and battling an illness, Williams has a lot to say. She will be in Oakland for one night talking to her fans and telling her story her way.
When: Saturday, July 27, 8 p.m.
Where: Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway
Price: $49.75+
Art & Soul Festival
The annual Art & Soul Festival is back for its 19th year. The street festival features four stages, along with major acts like Estelle on Saturday and Fantastic Negrito on Sunday. The event also features local vendors with all types of food, drinks, beer and wine, art and crafts, clothing and more. There will also be a family-friendly kid zone. For attendees taking BART, this event is best accessed via 12th Street City Center Bart Station.
When: Saturday - Sunday, July 27 - July 28, 12 - 6 p.m.
Where: Downtown Oakland, 14th St. and Broadway
Price: Adults $12-18, 18 & under free admission.
Oakland A's & Root Beer Float Day
Have a root beer float with the A's at the game on Sunday versus the Texas Rangers. The 20th Annual Root Beer Float Day is a tradition put on by A&W. Head over to the Eastside Club to get your root beer float for $5 with unlimited refills. Autographed 32oz cups with unlimited refills will be available for $50. Local celebrities and leaders will be serving up floats, such as media personalities, athletes, coaches, local police and firefighters.
When: Sunday, July 28, 10:30 am - 2 p.m. (float service) 1:07 p.m. (game time)
Where: RingCentral Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way
Price: $17+ game tickets
