by The Oakland Season of Giving Festival is an annual highlight in Oakland, California, bringing together community, culture, and celebration under one roof. Scheduled for Friday, November 7, 2025, this event promises an evening of live music, local vendors, delicious food, and meaningful opportunities to give back. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the Bay Area, this festival offers a free‑entry way to engage with the city’s vibrant spirit and enjoy an inclusive, family‑friendly occasion. With accessible timing, a central venue, and plenty of activities, it’s tailored for maximum participation and community impact.
Dates & Timings of the Oakland Season of Giving Festival
- Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Location: Outdoors along Telegraph Avenue (between 22nd Street and 27th Street) in Oakland, California.
Venue of the Oakland Season of Giving Festival
- Format: Street‑festival—closed‑off segment of Telegraph Avenue serving as the main event zone.
- Large rides/rodeos: None specified; focus remains on community booths, arts, performance, and giving.
- Parking & transport: Street parking and nearby garages available; public‑transit or rideshare recommended given the urban layout.
Tickets & Admission
- General attendance: Free for all attendees.
- Vendor participation: Paid booth fees required for sellers or non‑profits occupying space.
- No ticket‑purchase necessary for general audience entry.
Theme: Season of Giving
- This edition is under the theme “Sharing the Spirit of the Town”, emphasising generosity, community support, and local non‑profit engagement.
- Goal: Combine festival enjoyment with purposeful community‑backing—food drives, charitable booths, and local artist support feature strongly.
Marketplace & Vendors
- Includes local artisans, designers, small‑business vendors, and community organisation booths.
- Items on offer: crafts, original artworks, local food products, non‑profit donation stations.
- Requirements for vendors: Valid California seller’s permit and City of Oakland business licence if conducting sales.
Food & Drinks
- Food vendors and food trucks offering a range of local cuisines and snack options.
- Non‑alcoholic beverages broadly available; alcoholic drinks may be subject to vendor licensing—check on‑site offerings.
- Festival‑style service: It’s advised to arrive earlier to avoid food‑vendor queues later in the evening.
Entertainment & Activities
- Live performances: Local bands, musical acts, possibly DJ sets aligned with the festival theme.
- Visual and street art: Displays, creative installations, and interactive booths themed around giving and community.
- Non‑profit engagement: Community‑organisation booths with volunteer invitation, donation drives, and information sharing.
- Note: No major carnival rides or rodeos listed; the experience is more cultural and community‑centric than thrill‑ride‑based.
Additional Facilities & Practical Info
- Restrooms: Portable toilet facilities likely positioned along the festival route.
- Accessibility: Event area is flat and pedestrian‑friendly—suitable for strollers and those requiring accessible access.
- Safety & security: Open public event—keep personal belongings secure and follow instructions from event staff or signage.
- Weather: Early November evenings in Oakland may be mildly cool—bring a light jacket or layered clothing.
- Arrival advice: Arriving shortly after 5:00 PM gives the best chance to explore vendor booths, find good food options, and secure a good viewing spot for performances.
Why Attend?
- Community‑spirit: The festival doesn’t just entertain—it supports local artists, vendors, and non‑profits, aligning fun with purpose.
- Free access: No entry fee means broad participation is possible for individuals, families, and friends.
- Unique experience: Combining live music, local craftsmanship, food variety, and philanthropic activity in one evening.
- Local culture: An excellent way to engage with Oakland’s creative and giving‑back community.
Summary
On November 7, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, the Season of Giving edition of the First Fridays festival on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland offers a memorable evening of culture, food, entertainment and community‑connection. With free admission, diverse vendor offerings, live performances, and a strong focus on giving back, it’s an event designed to be inclusive, meaningful and fun. Whether you go solo, with friends or with family, it’s a great way to experience Oakland and support local initiatives all at once.
