Oakland First Fridays is back…now what to do after it closes at 9?
It’s one of the vibiest street festivals West of the Mississippi. And First Fridays brings together thousands of joyous folks to absorb art, eat street food, dance to live music and enjoy the Oakland vibes. Oakland First Fridays started organically when art events like Art Murmur and The 23rd Street Fair grew into a larger street fair run by the Community Council, a group of local vendors, to offer a loosely coordinated gathering.
Back in those days, there was no start or end time. People just casually came together to shop or eat and eventually went their separate ways after visiting. Now First Fridays is formally organized and run by the KONO District – Koreatown Northgate Oakland Community Benefit District – and there are more fun things to do during the street fair…and long after.
That’s why Vibemap partnered with the KONO District to publish this guide to help you figure out what to do after First Fridays is over to keep the joy going. All of these spots are open late! (Read: after 9 p.m.)
Keep the Fun Going
Your vibe: Buzzing, Energetic, Vibrant, Wild
If First Fridays is just a starting point for your night, then you are in luck because you’re right in the center of the East Bay’s most vibrant nightlife scene. Energy is in the air, people are in the street, and for a late night of laughing and dancing with the crew, the best places to go for the after party are below:
Drake's Dealership
Beer garden
- amazing
- beautiful
- loud
- local
Moxy Oakland Downtown
Hotel
- fancy
- staycation
- vibrant
- social
Hello Stranger
Bar
- vibe
- chill
- creative
- relaxing
Au Lounge
Bar
- vibe
- drinking
- amazing
- art
The Legionnaire Saloon
Cocktail bar
- vibe
- creative
- friendly
- hidden-gem
25th St. Taproom Bar & Restaurant
Sports bar
- friendly
- amazing
- creative
- local
Starline Social Club Ballroom
Event space
- inclusive
- adventurous
- active
- indie
The New Parish
Live music venue
- creative
- vibe
- chill
- friendly
Modern Times Beer Oakland
Brewery
- colorful
- vibrant
- drinking
- fun
Chill Spots to Post Up
Your vibe: Chill, Quiet Energy, Calm
Looking for a low-key spot to chill or just post up and munch on some late night snacks after First Fridays? The party is not over. It’s just time to take it down a notch. Keep it light and fun with these friendly places and wind down a bit with your peeps.
Bar Shiru
A Tokyo-inspired cocktail den with high ceilings & an extensive, jazz-centric record collection.
- creative
- vibe
- analog
- beautiful
Hal’s NY Hot Dogs
Hot dog stand
- nightlife
- tasty
- popup
- authentic
Blind Tiger
Bar & Grill
- pretty
- drinking
- hot
- lively
Gogi Time
Korean barbecue restaurant
- family
- authentic
- vibe
- busy
The Good Hop
- casual
- indie
- delicious
- chill
The Double Standard
Bar
- afternoon
- magical
- happy
- peaceful
Town Classics
Your vibe: Classic, Old School, Throwback, Deep Cut
Some of the vibiest places in Oakland have a timeless quality to them. So tap into the history, culture and roots that make this city so rich. These places express what the Town is all about. Art, activism, civic pride…these places offer a special experience that can only be found in Oaktown.
Cafe Van Kleef
Watering hole with a patio offering greyhounds & other cocktails amid funky art & knickknacks.
- unique
- art
- artsy
- jazzy
Somar Bar and Lounge
Bar
- adventurous
- pretty
- art
- relaxing
Dan Sung Sa
Korean restaurant
- vibe
- creative
- lively
- authentic
Fox Theater
Live music venue
- positive
- energetic
- authentic
- entertaining
Luka's Taproom & Lounge [merged into c4e08d47-2a56-42ae-9a9a-eb7827d6fba8]
Bar and restaurant
- love
- chic
- busy
- diverse
![The Port Bar [merged into e5b5c0fe-3ca4-43ad-949d-19a5aaa22833]](https://ik.imagekit.io/vibemap/original_images_349328_eJs8ds1V-wOkpP70_0sFA7MPRveZjGvkdv45qlF5AC0_ESJSe_hoi.jpg)
The Port Bar [merged into e5b5c0fe-3ca4-43ad-949d-19a5aaa22833]
Gay bar
- diverse
- indie
- activist
- vibe
Where My Kids At?
Your vibe: Family, Fun
Who said kids don’t like late nights out on the Town? We’re not raising fragile and sheltered children here people. Nothing will help your child appreciate the beauty of the world they live in than a fun night at Oakland First Fridays. To make sure your little homies have the best time possible, here are some places to check out that are kid friendly:
Oakstop Telegraph
Oakstop’s newest location at 18th & Telegraph offers a full range of services including coworking, meeting and event space, …
- delicious
- art
- savory
- boozy
Amazona's Pizza
Pizza restaurant
- creative
- tasty
- local
- cheap
Yoshi's Jazz Club & Japanese Restaurant
Japanese restaurant
- unexpected
- unique
- amazing
- intimate
![Complex Oakland [merged into e3f80d5c-0f42-4989-9b12-70eeecab492f]](https://ik.imagekit.io/vibemap/original_images_event_calendar_A4eGa9vMt.jpg)
Complex Oakland [merged into e3f80d5c-0f42-4989-9b12-70eeecab492f]
Live music venue
- vibrant
- young
- lit
- lively
Humphry Slocombe
Ice cream shop
- cool
- hip
- creative
- local
Friends & Family
Restaurant
- chill
- patio
- creative
- vibe
Fentons Creamery and Restaurant
Ice Cream
- unique
- delicious
- quiet
- amazing
Style and Elegance
Your vibe: Classy, elegant, colorful, inspired, imaginative
It’s Friday night. Time to put on your best fit and live it up. Imagine yourself in a metropolitan dream and feed your soul with artsy experiences that are bubbling up all around Oakland First Fridays. These magical places will provide the vibe you need for a fantasy filled night on the town:
The Kon-Tiki Room
Cocktail bar
- vibrant
- vintage
- yummy
- wild
![Palmetto [merged into 6dc3f11e-d3b1-4bd8-92a3-0bc9cd304606]](https://ik.imagekit.io/vibemap/original_images_image_-0GuHakdq.jpg)
Palmetto [merged into 6dc3f11e-d3b1-4bd8-92a3-0bc9cd304606]
Palmetto Oakland, a restaurant and bar in downtown Oakland California with the Kon-Tiki Room at Palmetto tiki bar attached. In the historic Oakland Floral Depot Building.
- dreamy
- vibe
- vibrant
- amazing
Sobre Mesa
Sobre Mesa offers a vibrant Afro-Latino kitchen, blending Chef Nelson German’s Dominican roots with flavors from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and beyond. The tapas menu, crafted from fresh, local ingredients, pairs perfectly with their refined cocktails. With lively music and lush surroundings, it’s a place to relax, chat, and savor every bite.
- delicious
- vibe
- vibrant
- visionary
Blüm
Cannabis store
- dreamy
- amazing
- busy
- friendly
Viridian
Cocktail Bar & Desserts
- social
- happy-hour
- delicious
- lively
Hopscotch Restaurant & Bar
American restaurant
- exciting
- busy
- hearty
- interesting
The Sound Room
Live music venue
- creative
- moody
- intimate
- local
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