Unity takes front stage this weekend, as Oakland Pride and Pridefest Oakland join forces in a stellar September celebration — sponsoring a lineup of diverse festivities that embrace, strengthen and honor the colorful Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer+ community in the East Bay.
Here’s a roundup of fabulous parades, festivals, drag shows and queer parties ready to showcase Pride in Oakland:
WE RUN THIS!!! Block Party
Start the weekend full of queer joy at WE RUN THIS!!, a community-led block party brought to life by Amber Lounge, The Hatch, Sessions and Nectar Social Club, which is celebrating its grand opening. The event, dedicated to connection and dance, will feature a queer market hosted by Gemini Moon Botanicals, local food vendors, performances by Bay Area drag and queer performing arts nonprofit Oaklash, and a soundtrack curated by artists like DJs Kream, Charles Hawthorne, Groove Theory, Ignacia, FLORIDAWTR, and Alice Stribling.
5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$10 – $15
15th and Franklin, Downtown Oakland
Event Info
Pride Vibes Mixer
Get set to groove and mingle at the Pride Vibes Mixer, hosted by the Black Lesbian Linkup and the Good VBZ Community. This kickoff event promises an immersive, energizing evening filled with vibrant conversation, laughter and connection at the heart of the festivities in Downtown Oakland.
8-10 p.m.
Free
Fluid Lounge, 1544 Broadway
Event Info
LVRGRL @ The White Horse
Is there a better spot to celebrate the first night of Oakland Pride than the longest-running LGBTQ bar in the United States? Trot over to the White Horse Bar for “LVRGRL” Friday night, where burlesque performers and a trio of DJs will be celebrating love, music and community on the dance floor.
3-9 p.m.
$10
White Horse Bar, 6551 Telegraph Ave.
Event Info
Oakland Pride Bar Crawl
Saddle up for a tour of eight queer and queer-owned watering holes with the Oakland Pride Bar Crawl. The afternoon will kick off at the White Horse Bar, make several pit stops — including The Hatch, Fluid510, Feelmore and the Port Bar — before ending up at the Town Bar in Uptown six hours later. A party shuttle will be provided to help attendees “crawl” to each location, where special discounted drinks and food will be up for grabs.
3-9 p.m.
White Horse Bar, 6551 Telegraph Ave.
$25 to $45
Event Info
Queer Magic Dance Party
Looking to build community and spark friendships with like-minded queer peers? Head over to Temescal Brewing, where this daytime speed mixer and dance party will celebrate all things astrology, tarot, and spirituality. House of Our Queer, a QTBIPOC-centered playspace for affirmations and spiritual guidance, will offer tarot and astrological insights. A portion of the money raised at Queer Magic will be donated to East Bay nonprofit TACT, the Trans Advocacy & Care Team.
4-9 p.m.
$5 – $30
Temescal Brewing, 4115 Telegraph Ave.
Event Info
FairyProud Pride Night
Fairyland isn’t just for the kids. Following a day chockful of LGBTQ-themed storytimes and magic shows, the park’s beloved storybook-themed sets will transform into a grownups-only affair Saturday night, complete with dreamy DJs, dancing and drinks. Additionally, Oaklash has a host of mystical, magical cosplay drag shows lined up, including performances by Lisa Frankenstein at Jack & Jill Hill, Kakfa X & Piranha at the Emerald City and KaiKai Bee Michaels, the evening’s host, giddying up in the Old West. Food trucks will help keep guests flying high with grub from Blocko Vegan Tacos, Mai Garlic Noodles, Macondo, Black Oak Hot Dogs.
6-10 p.m.
$35
Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave.
Event Info
“Protect Trans Kids” Pride Breakfast
Fuel up for a long day of fun at the 10th annual Pride Breakfast, hosted by the East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club. After hundreds of anti-trans bills were introduced in legislature across the US this past year, proceeds from this year’s breakfast will go towards the club’s Political Action Committee to support candidates who will defend the safety, dignity and freedom of expression of trans youth.
8:30-10 a.m.
$50 (50% discount available for seniors/students/low-income residents)
Fluid510, 1544 Broadway
Event Info
Pride Parade and Festival
The Oakland Pride Parade will be loud and proud Sunday morning, as floats and processionals strut along Broadway downtown and streaming online. The party continues with Deborah Cox, a multi-platinum R&B recording goddess, Broadway star and LGBTQ ally who headlines the festival’s Mainstage. Musical performances by Mexican singer Diana Reyes and Regina Voce, of Drag Race Mexico fame, will also light up Qué Rico Nightclub’s Latin Stage, located on the corner of 17th and Franklin.
10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free
20th Street & Broadway, Downtown Oakland
Event Info
Papi Chulo Pride After Party
Not ready to call it quits after the parade and festival fun wrap up? Head over to Que Rico Nightclub, where a “Papi Chulo” afterparty will feature Latin dancers and a special, encore drag performance by Regina Voce will close out Pride weekend in style.
4pm to 2 a.m.
$15-$20
Qué Rico Nightclub, 381 15th St.
Event Info
Source: www.mercurynews.com