About Oakland
Oakland offers an array of vibrant attractions, from its iconic Bay Bridge to its stunning waterfront and thriving street food scene. The city has also become a mecca for music events in recent years, from mainstream stars and indie acts playing at the Oracle Arena and Fox Theater to countless smaller venues holding shows each night. This cultural abundance gives Oakland an exciting and unexpected edge for a metropolitan area of its size. Moreover, it has one of the largest Chinatown districts in North America, giving it unparalleled diversity. All these make Oakland one of the most remarkable cities on the West Coast.
Music Event Options in Oakland
- Musicians
A Bay Area band bringing their equipment and set up could play the event for a lower price than hiring a DJ and ensure all the favorite numbers are setup in advance. Local bands will also know what the crowd likes to hear and keep switching the music accordingly.
- Photography
Hire a skilled photographer to take unforgettable pictures of the attendees throughout the event, providing them with memories that will last a lifetime.
- Decor
You could set up decorations in the venue to create a festive atmosphere. Decorations like streamers, balloons, and flowers can liven up a room.
Music Event Vendors in Oakland
- Julia Miho Photography
As a photographer, Julia understands that a picture is worth a thousand words, and that number goes up exponentially for a music event. Her photography seeks to capture the feeling of an event by intentionally snapping exciting, energetic, and passionate moments. Her goal is to capture the feel of an event, whether it's a rock concert or a jazz festival, through her photos. She has many services, including portraits, pregnancy photography, engagements and weddings, traveling, and more.
- Ivy Hill Entertainment
Ivy Hill Entertainment is known for unique music events. They strive to provide fantastic opportunities for their fellow artists by curating a great selection of gigs. They believe that a community of artists who are happy, healthy, and creatively fulfilled will create more robust artwork. They dedicate themselves to providing local Bay Area artists with performative opportunities to support this belief. They cover everything from original music performances and private event bookings to music teaching, recording, and touring.
- Georgie's Party & Flowers
Georgie has been in the party planning business for ten years, so she knows how to make an event special. The team knows music events are about the perfect setting. They have the ideal supplies for any size event, whether you're just hosting a few friends or putting together a huge concert. They can supply tent rentals and table runners, making your event stylish and unique. Georgie also offers its exclusive line of musical instruments and equipment for those who want something extraordinary. With Georgie's, your musical event will be one to remember.
Pros and Cons of Music Events in Oakland
Oakland has recently become a go-to destination for music events, catering to concerts of all sizes. You'll find something here, from small, intimate performances to large-scale music festivals. Although there are numerous advantages that the city offers for such occasions, you should also be aware of some potential drawbacks.
Advantages
- Music events are a great way for people to come together and enjoy their shared love for a specific genre of music.
- In Oakland, there are a variety of music events that occur throughout the year.
- You can expand cultural knowledge and appreciation for different forms of music.
Disadvantages
- Parking can be difficult and expensive in some areas of the city.
- Such events have increased noise levels that can disrupt nearby neighborhoods at night or on weekends.
- Lack of security at late-night concerts and afterparties can lead to disorderly and potentially dangerous behavior from intoxicated individuals.
Tips on How to Organize Music Events in Oakland
Hosting a musical event in Oakland can be a great way to unite the community and celebrate the Bay Area's vibrant culture. However, a few things to remember when planning such an event.
- Choose the location: When planning an event in Oakland, it is essential to pick a music venue that will fit the atmosphere you are going for.
- Hire the professionals: Because Oakland's population is so varied, scheduling performers that everyone will enjoy is crucial.
- Encourage the event: Advertise your event heavily if you want a successful turnout; Oakland's nightlife scene is world-renowned.
Following these tips, you can host an outstanding musical event in Oakland that all your friends and family will love.
Famous Locations in Oakland
- Cathedral Building
The 12-story, gothic-style Cathedral Building is located on Broadway and Telegraph Ave. The roof is adorned with delicate terra cotta spires that give the building its name. The "Wedding Cake" was given its nickname by the love and care of the construction team. For its time, the structure was seen as unique due to its size and ocean-liner-like framework. Built in 1914 by Benjamin Geer McDougall, this impressive feat of architecture was initially called the Federal Realty Building. However, due to its uncanny resemblance to New York's Flatiron Building, constructed just a few years prior, it quickly gained steam among locals and travelers alike.
- Champions for Humanity Monument
Mario Chiodo's large bronze sculpture, the Champions for Humanity Monument, is in Oakland, California. It contains 25 figures of people from different cultures who have significantly contributed to peace and freedom throughout human history. The monument comprises well-known figures that fought for peace internationally, like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, and national icons, such as Abraham Lincoln and Cesar Chavez. The Unknown Rebel of Tiananmen Square is immortalized on the 60,000-pound monument often called Mount Rushmore of California.
- Lake Merritt's Bonsai Garden
The Lake Merritt's Bonsai Garden should be atop any Bay Area plant-lovers must-see list. With a constantly rotating collection of 50 bonsais on display, there's always something new. For the best experience, visit several times throughout the year. The permanent collection ensures that future generations can appreciate the artistry of these masterfully-crafted bonsai trees and stones. The Golden State Bonsai Collection, located near Pasadena at the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino, is a sister collection. A self-guiding key sheet describing each tree and stone is available from volunteer docents at the Bonsai Garden, considered a treasure by locals living near Lake Merritt.
