Join Black community events in Oakland, CA celebrating your cultural heritage. Find cultural festivals, professional networking events, religious celebrations, educational workshops, fundraisers, and social gatherings that bring the Black community together. Stay connected with events that honor your traditions and create meaningful connections.
Join us in celebration of the 12th annual Black History Month Closing Ceremony (2027), hosted by Malia Cohen and assorted guests!
The event date and time as stated here are not yet confirmed, and actual details will be shared as the event approaches. We intend to use this event page to capture interested attendees information and reach out directly via email!
Wednesday, 24, 17.00 -
Wednesday, 24, 21.00
San Francisco,
CA
_$25
FREE concert celebrating Afro Filipinx music roots and traditions only at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Few artists have appeared at the Festival more frequently than flutist, percussionist and arranger John Calloway. Whether he’s leading his own band, performing in the sextet of longtime creative partner John Santos, or directing the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble of San Francisco, Calloway is a Bay Area icon who’s been at the center of the San Francisco Latin jazz scene for some five decades. But his latest and most personal project yet, the Afro-Filipino Jazz Project, takes his music in a new direction. Founded in 2022 as a creative, interactive space, the Project is intended to bring together Afro Filipinx, African American and Filipino American musicians to explore a broad range of musical styles, with a particular emphasis on jazz idioms, African American roots and traditional and folkloric Filipino music. It’s one component of the larger Afro-Filipino Project, a platform dedicated to highlighting and celebrating, individually and collectively, the art practices and artists of the African American and Filipino American communities whose contributions have profoundly shaped our nation's artistic narrative. For this performance the AFJP features bass star Marcus Shelby, inveterately grooving drummer Deszon Claiborne, Latin jazz piano specialist Murray Low, saxophonist TJ Milan, Conrad Benedicto on kulintang, vocalist and dancer Ting Alvarez and guest vocalist Anna Maria Flechero.
Saturday, 24, 14.00 -
Saturday, 24, 15.30
San Francisco,
CA
_$25
FREE show with the legendary Joe Bataan in San Francisco, only at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Opening Set from MeloDious
Festival favorite Joe Bataan, a Latin music legend since the mid-1960s, returns to the Gardens for his third performance in the past four years. He made an indelible mark as one of the early stars of Fania Records with a seductive combination of doo-wop vocals and boogaloo, one of the era’s defining sounds. Born Bataan Nitollano to a Filipino father and African-American mother and raised in Spanish Harlem, he is the father of the Latin soul sound, crooning hits like “Gypsy Woman” and “Ordinary Guy.” But Bataan never stayed in one groove for long. He went on to expand his sound in the ’70s with his Ghetto Records releases, co-coining the apt moniker “salsoul,” though he adapted to changing currents at the end of the decade with forays into disco and hip-hop (scoring the early rap hit “Rap-O Clap-O” in 1979). Stepping back from performing in the early ‘80s, he largely disappeared from the scene while working as a youth counselor in detention facilities. It’s a dramatic story that he recounts with humor and searing detail in his 2024 memoir Streetology: The Legacy of the Afro-Filipino, King of Latin Soul. Since returning to music in 2005, he’s reclaimed his crown and is still going strong in his 80s, a fact made evident by his triumphant YBG Festival performances.
The last time MeloDious appeared at the Gardens the group was serving as house band for Cava Menzies’ glorious CO-LLAB choir in 2024. This year the rapidly ascending Oakland trio presents their own program of eclectic, soulful sounds. Grounded by keyboardist Micaiah, bassist Matthias and drummer Memphis Dempsey, MeloDious draws on a rich musical lineage that spans gospel, jazz, R&B and soul. Since forming in 2016, the band has captivated audiences with dynamic vocal harmonies, inventive arrangements and unmistakable creative chemistry. Their versatility and musicianship have led them to sharing stages with several Grammy Award-winning artists, solidifying their stature within the Bay Area’s vibrant musical ecosystem as stars on the rise.
Pre-show music from KALW DJ Marcus at 1pm.
In partnership with:
KALW
Museum of the African Diaspora
Saturday, 17, 14.00 -
Saturday, 17, 16.30
San Francisco,
CA
_$25
Fillmore After Dark Presents a Special Hot August Nights Edition & Night Market celebrating soul, art and community.
Rooted in the legacy of the “Harlem of the West,” Fillmore After Dark transforms the neighborhood into a dynamic nighttime marketplace featuring Hot August Nights!
Where Summer Comes Alive on Fillmore.
Retail & artisan vendors offering handcrafted goods and unique products
Live music & entertainment highlighting Bay Area talent and cultural expression
Casino Gaming w/Roulette, Craps and Blackjack
Kids Zone with painting and activities for the whole family.
Bingo, with a cultural twist, celebrating the history and stories of the Fillmore and Western Addition, with the brick and mortars on the Fillmore corridor
Local food vendors & culinary experiences showcasing diverse and culturally inspired cuisine along the corridor
Community engagement spaces connecting residents, organizations and visitors
The historic Fillmore District will come alive after dark with the launch of a series of night markets throughout the year. Fillmore After Dark Night Markets brings a vibrant cultural experience, celebrating the rich legacy, flavor, and energy of the Fillmore.
Brought to San Francisco by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, the Civic Joy Fund, Livable City, Citizen Film, and Burge LLC, these immersive events blend food, music, art, and community connection into an unforgettable evening experience.
The Fillmore Holiday Night Market has been a great success for four years running, and now we’re expanding the fun into a year-round series of events, kicking off with “Bingo & Bites” on May 22. Other 2026 Fillmore After Dark events will take place on August 21, October 31, and December 11.
For media inquiries, Sophie Constantinou
415-206-1880
Vendor opportunities,Tamara Walker
415-851-1752
Sponsorship information, please contact:Tamara Walker
About the Partners
The Office of Economic and Workforce Development supports economic vitality, workforce development, and neighborhood growth throughout San Francisco.
The Civic Joy Fund is a San Francisco-based nonprofit re-energizing public spaces across San Francisco by investing in and organizing projects that bring joy to the streets.
Livable City works to create vibrant, people-centered public spaces that foster community and connection.
Citizen Film is a storytelling nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying community voices through media and film.
Burge LLC specializes in producing culturally grounded events and experiences that celebrate community, creativity, and connection.
Friday, 14, 16.00 -
Friday, 14, 21.00
San Francisco,
CA
_$25
Black Health Connect is the nation's largest interdisciplinary network of professionals in the healthcare ecosystem — 40,000+ members strong, spanning 24 markets and 4 countries.
The Bridging Healthcare Communities Mixer is where this network comes together.
Who's In The Room
Entrepreneurs. Physicians. Pharmacists. Nurses. Public health leaders. Lobbyist. Healthcare entrepreneurs. Hospital administrators. Pharma and health tech professionals. If you work in healthcare and want to be in a room with people who get it — this is your event.
What To Expect
This isn't a stiff networking event with name tags and awkward small talk. BHC Mixers are curated experiences, great venues, good vibes, and a crowd of ambitious professionals who came to connect, not just collect business cards.
The format:
- 5-6 PM — Doors open, early networking
- 6-9 PM — Main mixer, mingling, music
- 9 PM+ — Social hour for those who want to keep the conversation going
Why People Keep Coming Back
"I've made more meaningful professional connections at one BHC mixer than a year of conferences." — BHC member, Atlanta
Whether you're new to healthcare or a seasoned executive, you'll find your people here.
The Details
✅ 21+ event
✅ Dress code: Smart casual to stylish
✅ Tickets are limited — we cap attendance to keep the experience intimate
✅ No refunds — but you can transfer your ticket
Friday, 01, 17.00 -
Friday, 01, 22.00
Oakland,
CA
_$25
Join us for a soulful in-person vibe celebrating Black cis & trans womyn's creativity and self-care!
Find Your Light Black Cis and Trans Womyn's Creative Wellness Experience
Join us for a 3-day in person journey designed exclusively for Black cis and trans womyn! Dive into creative wellness activities that help you connect, heal, and shine. It's all about embracing your light, expressing yourself, and supporting each other in a safe space. Don't miss out on this chance to nurture your spirit and creativity surrounded by amazing womyn just like you!
Thursday, 09, 17.00 -
Thursday, 09, 22.00
Oakland,
CA
_$25
MHTI Conference centers the care & support for those who sit at the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality.
Mental Health at the Intersections: From Joy to Justice uplifts the mental health and well-being of Queer and Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color (QTBIPOC) communities and practitioners. Rooted in community care, trauma-informed practice, and collective liberation, this gathering explores how joy, cultural wisdom, and shared healing move us toward justice.
Thursday, 21, 08.30 -
Thursday, 21, 16.00
Oakland,
CA
_$25
Get ready to dance the night away and immerse yourself in the vibrant psychedelic culture of 2026 at the ultimate afterparty!
Psychedelic Culture 2026 is keeping the energy flowing with our official Afterparty at El Rio SF, a beloved queer, BIPOC‑run neighborhood bar and community space in the heart of the Mission District, just a short trip from the Brava Theater.
We’re creating a night that feels true to Chacruna’s vibe: warm, welcoming, and lively with conversation, music, and celebration alongside our beautiful community of attendees, speakers, and Chacruna's extended family.
El Rio offers a beautiful mix of indoor and outdoor space, with a dance floor, patio, and plenty of room to move between party and chill, connection and integration. Join us to unwind after the conference, keep the conversations going, and celebrate the many voices and stories that make Psychedelic Culture so special.
🪐 Sunday, April 19th ~ YES, Bicycle Day!
🪐 From 9:30pm to 12:30am PT
🪐 At El Rio SF (3158 Mission St, San Francisco)
Come savour the best psychedelic holiday with a wonderful crowd, and stay tuned for more details on music and special moments as we get closer — can’t wait to see you at the Psychedelic Culture 2026 Afterparty at El Rio!
Sunday, 19, 21.30 -
Sunday, 19, 23.59
San Francisco,
CA
_$25
An intimate poetry showcase and workshop honoring Black love, creativity, and reflection for National Poetry Month.
A year ago, we created something intentional.
A space where Black love, Black artistry, and Black expression could exist without shrinking.
A space for words to land, for community to gather, and for creativity to be honored as sacred.
This April, in celebration of National Poetry Month, Black Love returns with a special edition centered on poetry, reflection, and creative practice.
Join Everything Angelique Estella and Netmiixx Social Events at Akoma, Oakland’s Black-owned entheogenic church and community healing space, for an intimate evening of spoken word, writing, and connection.
This experience blends a poetry showcase with a guided writing workshop, inviting both artists and attendees to engage not just as witnesses—but as participants in the creative process.
✨ What to expect:
Powerful spoken word performances
A guided poetry & writing workshop led by Angelique Estella
Community reflection and shared moments
A curated, intentional atmosphere rooted in care and presence
Akoma will have select offerings available for purchase on-site, including their signature Magic Mocktails and other community-centered specials.
As part of the workshop experience, participants will receive a branded notebook and prompt book to support their writing during the event and beyond.
This gathering honors Black love in its many forms—self-love, collective love, healing, joy, memory, and becoming. No prior writing or performance experience is required—only a willingness to show up as you are.
This is not just a show.
This is not just a workshop.
This is a space to listen, to write, to feel, and to remember that our stories matter.
Friday, 17, 19.30 -
Friday, 17, 23.00
Oakland,
CA
_$25
Join us for Radical Rest for BIPOC every last Friday of the month! This trauma-informed offering will include Restorative Yoga, meditation, Radical Rest for Bipoc with Azhar
Radical Rest is a monthly pop-up held every 4th Friday of the month. This is a trauma-informed Restorative Yoga offering that welcomes soul nourishment to BIPOC / People of the Global Majority. You can expect breathing practices, gentle movement, and Restorative postures with props. This will be an invitation towards the sacredness of co-regulating with the community as we deepen our liberation movements.
Join us for Radical Rest for BIPOC every last Friday of the month! This trauma-informed offering will include Restorative Yoga, meditation, and community connection.
We invite self-identified BIPOC (Black Indigenous and People of Color) and People of the Global Majority into this class. We ask white allies to respect the need for affinity space and donate if they would like to be in solidarity with radical rest for people of color.
Meet the instructor:
Azhar Khanmohamed is a 1st generation Pakistani organizer with roots in California, Georgia, and Texas. They have been practicing yoga for ~10 years, and started teaching 2 years ago at the Tree Yoga Co-op, a BIPOC focused yoga studio in South Central LA. In addition to their yoga practice, Azhar has worked as a farmer, community organizer, and educator across a variety of food sovereignty, housing justice, and climate justice projects across the country. They are currently building Huitlaco, a regenerative mushroom and compost farm in Richmond, CA. When holding space as a yoga teacher, they emphasize student autonomy, the mind-body-breath connection, and holding space for healing within the violent context of racial capitalism.
Friday, 27, 18.15 -
Friday, 27, 19.30
Oakland,
CA
_$25
Join us in celebration of the 12th annual Black History Month Closing Ceremony (2027), hosted by Malia Cohen and assorted guests!
The event date and time as stated here are not yet confirmed, and actual details will be shared as the event approaches. We intend to use this event page to capture interested attendees information and reach out directly via email!
Friday, 27, 18.15 - Friday, 27, 19.30
San Francisco, CA
0.00
FREE concert celebrating Afro Filipinx music roots and traditions only at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Few artists have appeared at the Festival more frequently than flutist, percussionist and arranger John Calloway. Whether he’s leading his own band, performing in the sextet of longtime creative partner John Santos, or directing the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble of San Francisco, Calloway is a Bay Area icon who’s been at the center of the San Francisco Latin jazz scene for some five decades. But his latest and most personal project yet, the Afro-Filipino Jazz Project, takes his music in a new direction. Founded in 2022 as a creative, interactive space, the Project is intended to bring together Afro Filipinx, African American and Filipino American musicians to explore a broad range of musical styles, with a particular emphasis on jazz idioms, African American roots and traditional and folkloric Filipino music. It’s one component of the larger Afro-Filipino Project, a platform dedicated to highlighting and celebrating, individually and collectively, the art practices and artists of the African American and Filipino American communities whose contributions have profoundly shaped our nation's artistic narrative. For this performance the AFJP features bass star Marcus Shelby, inveterately grooving drummer Deszon Claiborne, Latin jazz piano specialist Murray Low, saxophonist TJ Milan, Conrad Benedicto on kulintang, vocalist and dancer Ting Alvarez and guest vocalist Anna Maria Flechero.
Friday, 27, 18.15 - Friday, 27, 19.30
San Francisco, CA
0.00
FREE show with the legendary Joe Bataan in San Francisco, only at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Opening Set from MeloDious
Festival favorite Joe Bataan, a Latin music legend since the mid-1960s, returns to the Gardens for his third performance in the past four years. He made an indelible mark as one of the early stars of Fania Records with a seductive combination of doo-wop vocals and boogaloo, one of the era’s defining sounds. Born Bataan Nitollano to a Filipino father and African-American mother and raised in Spanish Harlem, he is the father of the Latin soul sound, crooning hits like “Gypsy Woman” and “Ordinary Guy.” But Bataan never stayed in one groove for long. He went on to expand his sound in the ’70s with his Ghetto Records releases, co-coining the apt moniker “salsoul,” though he adapted to changing currents at the end of the decade with forays into disco and hip-hop (scoring the early rap hit “Rap-O Clap-O” in 1979). Stepping back from performing in the early ‘80s, he largely disappeared from the scene while working as a youth counselor in detention facilities. It’s a dramatic story that he recounts with humor and searing detail in his 2024 memoir Streetology: The Legacy of the Afro-Filipino, King of Latin Soul. Since returning to music in 2005, he’s reclaimed his crown and is still going strong in his 80s, a fact made evident by his triumphant YBG Festival performances.
The last time MeloDious appeared at the Gardens the group was serving as house band for Cava Menzies’ glorious CO-LLAB choir in 2024. This year the rapidly ascending Oakland trio presents their own program of eclectic, soulful sounds. Grounded by keyboardist Micaiah, bassist Matthias and drummer Memphis Dempsey, MeloDious draws on a rich musical lineage that spans gospel, jazz, R&B and soul. Since forming in 2016, the band has captivated audiences with dynamic vocal harmonies, inventive arrangements and unmistakable creative chemistry. Their versatility and musicianship have led them to sharing stages with several Grammy Award-winning artists, solidifying their stature within the Bay Area’s vibrant musical ecosystem as stars on the rise.
Pre-show music from KALW DJ Marcus at 1pm.
In partnership with:
KALW
Museum of the African Diaspora
Friday, 27, 18.15 - Friday, 27, 19.30
San Francisco, CA
0.00
Women of Color Collective at UC Law SF is a student organization rooted in the commitment to diversity and community that defines UC Law San Francisco, located in San Francisco, CA. Established within one of the nation's oldest law schools—founded in 1878 as the first law school of the University of California system—the collective carries forward a 150-year legacy of placing legal education in the heart of where law is practiced.
The organization brings together women of color law students in a shared space of belonging and mutual support. Unlike traditional academic settings, the Women of Color Collective recognizes that meaningful legal education extends beyond the classroom. It creates opportunities for students to build relationships with peers who share similar backgrounds and experiences, fostering a sense of community that sustains students throughout their legal education journey.
As an affinity group at UC Law SF, the Women of Color Collective embodies the school's core values of inclusion and equity. The organization is open to all students, reflecting UC Law SF's belief that diverse perspectives strengthen the entire law school community. Members benefit from mentorship networks, professional development events, and social gatherings that connect them with accomplished women of color in the legal profession.
UC Law SF's recent transformation—including its name change from UC Hastings and the opening of its new state-of-the-art campus at 333 Golden Gate Avenue—represents the institution's commitment to building an extraordinary future for legal education. The Women of Color Collective participates in this evolution, ensuring that women of color have visibility, voice, and leadership opportunities within the law school. Through the collective's work, students are empowered to pursue their legal careers with confidence and community support rooted in San Francisco's vibrant legal landscape.
The UC Law SF Black Law Students Association represents a vital affinity organization within the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco community, established to serve Black law students with intentional support, professional guidance, and community connection. As part of UC Law SF's comprehensive approach to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, BLSA embodies the law school's core commitment to ensuring that students from all backgrounds can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives to legal education and practice.
Founded on principles of unity, professional excellence, and social justice, the Black Law Students Association at UC Law SF works to create meaningful change both within the law school and in the broader legal system. The organization recognizes that Black law students bring invaluable viewpoints and experiences to legal education, and it provides a supportive community where members can develop their professional identities, build lasting relationships, and prepare for successful careers in law. BLSA actively engages with the San Francisco, CA legal community, facilitating connections between students and established legal professionals of color who can serve as mentors and role models.
The association's mission extends beyond individual student success to encompass systemic advocacy and community impact. By articulating the needs of Black law students and advocating for meaningful legal system reform, BLSA contributes to UC Law SF's vision of developing lawyers and leaders who will shape the future of the legal profession. Operating within a law school that has been training legal professionals since 1878, BLSA honors the institution's legacy while advancing its commitment to preparing diverse, equitable, and inclusive generations of attorneys prepared to serve all communities with integrity and justice.
Associated Real Property Brokers (ARPB) represents a historic legacy of civil rights advocacy and equal housing opportunity rooted in Oakland, California. Established in 1948 as a predominantly African American real estate trade association, ARPB emerged from a critical moment in American history when Black real estate professionals were constitutionally denied membership in predominately white real estate organizations. The organization was officially chartered in 1954 as the Oakland chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), which was founded in 1947 with a foundational mission to secure equal housing rights regardless of race, creed, or color. For over seven decades, ARPB has remained steadfast in its commitment to the REALTIST Creed of Democracy in Housing, championing fair, decent, and affordable housing opportunities throughout Northern California. The organization continues this vital work through innovative programs such as the 2 Million New Black Homeowners (2Mn5) initiative, designed to educate Black consumers and policymakers while expanding homeownership opportunities. ARPB's influence extends beyond local boundaries—past presidents have achieved historic firsts, including the first Black president of a Realtor local board in the nation in 1973 and the first Black state-mandated Real Estate Advisory Commissioner appointed in 1978. Today, ARPB remains part of NAREB's network of over 90 chapters nationwide, the largest minority real estate trade association in America. The organization serves the Oakland community with unwavering dedication to professional excellence, social justice, and the fundamental belief that housing is a democratic right for all Americans.
