Oakland First Fridays
Oakland First Fridays is a monthly celebration of Oakland’s arts, culture, food and community. The festival evolved from a gallery crawl that began in 2005. In 2013, KONO was asked to assume management of it, and it’s continued to grow in scope and popularity.
Every first Friday we close Telegraph Avenue from W. Grand to 27th, and tens of thousands of people come down to enjoy galleries, artist collectives, street artists, local culinary artisans, performers, musicians, dancers, DJ’s, poets and more. It has featured pop-up attractions including classic cars, runway fashion shows, interactive art projects and a Kid Zone every month.
Oakland First Fridays is a major driver of business for dozens of small entrepreneurs, and its major and positive impact on Oakland’s economy is well documented.
Vendor & Attendee Survey 2017 Report
Non-Profit Partners
Visit the Oakland First Fridays website
2024 marks 11 years of KONO hosting Oakland First Fridays!
For 11 years, the Koreatown Northgate district has proudly hosted Oakland First Fridays, a vibrant festival that originated from local vendors, Art Murmur gallery owners, and the Rock Paper Scissors collective's "The 23rd Street Fair" in 2005. However, the event is currently grappling with financial constraints that jeopardize its continuation. As many of you may be aware, Oakland First Fridays has become a cornerstone of the local arts and culture scene, providing a platform for artists, musicians, and businesses to thrive. To ensure the sustainability of this beloved event, we urge you to consider making a donation. Your contribution will play a vital role in covering operational costs and essential expenses, safeguarding the future of Oakland First Fridays. Anything and everything is appreciated!
