It’s summertime in Oakland, and that means there are plenty of free or low-cost public events underway, often outdoors to take advantage of the warm weather. Here are a few regularly-scheduled ways to have fun on the cheap in Oakland throughout the summer:
Temescal Street Cinema: Free outdoor movies on Thursday nights.
Summer Sounds: Free lunchtime concerts at City Center Plaza on Wednesdays at noon.
Dancing Under the Stars: Free Friday night dance lessons, followed by a public outdoor dance, at Jack London Square.
Jack’s Night Market: A monthly bazaar for food, crafts and entertainment on First Fridays.
Bites Off Broadway: A weekly gathering of local food trucks every Friday at 45th Street and Broadway.
Summer Nights: A monthly late-night special event at the Oakland Museum of California with half-price admission and outdoor films.
Art Murmur: A monthly First Friday art walk in the Uptown area featuring open galleries, music, street food and fashion.
Bicycle Bingo: A Thursday night Bingo game at Actual Cafe where the donation fee (starting at $3) goes to a local charity.
East Bay Bike Party: A night-time themed bike ride on the second Friday of every month.
Senior dance lessons: Wednesday nights at the Lake Merritt Dance Center, lessons for $5.
FourSquare East Bay: A Thursday night game of FourSquare for adults at the Rockridge BART parking lot.
Know of any other free or low-cost regularly-occurring activities open to the Oakland public? Please add them in the comments below! (Links and information about time and cost greatly appreciated.)


