WELCOME TO KOREATOWN NORTHGATE!

YOU’LL FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR IN KONO!

The KONO District stands out as a distinctive and captivating neighborhood teeming with diverse communities. It serves as a hub for businesses catering to Korean-American, Somalian, and Eritrean populations, featuring an eclectic mix of mom-and-pop shops, traditional and modern restaurants and bars, and vibrant galleries. Notably, it is home to the Sutter Health Alta Bates-Summit Medical Center and new housing developments like Telegraph Arts, Town 29, and Forma, adding 482 residential units. The new Moxy Hotel, with 172 guest rooms and outdoor terrace space, offers convenient accommodations near Fox and Paramount Theaters. Established as an arts and entertainment district, KONO promises even more housing and businesses, ensuring a dynamic and thriving community.

We’ve recently updated the KONO Business Directory on our website. You’ll find what you’re looking for in KONO! Our directory showcases an array of local businesses, encouraging you to shop local and support the unique charm of our community. Please contact us for any changes or additions. Have an idea for a business you want to see in our district? Let us know!

District Projects

KONO is more than a cultural district—we’re a community in action. From safety improvements like district-wide security cameras and crime surveys to beautification efforts including murals, street art, and public space upgrades, our projects are designed to uplift and protect our neighborhood. Every initiative reflects our commitment to making KONO a safer, more vibrant, and welcoming place for all who live, work, and visit here.

Security Camera Footage Requests

The KONO District maintains a network of security cameras throughout the district to support community safety efforts.

If you’ve experienced an incident such as a break-in, vandalism, or other safety concern within the KONO District, you may submit a request for available camera footage related to a specific date, time, and location.

Footage requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are subject to availability, privacy considerations, and applicable policies. Submitting a request does not guarantee that footage exists or can be released.

Upcoming Events in KONO

Oakland First Fridays

Oakland First Fridays is Oakland's monthly celebration of arts, culture, food and community. It happens on the first Friday of the month on Telegraph Avenue from West Grand to 27th Street. It draws up to 30,000 people from Oakland and the surrounding area to celebrate our community. Over the years it has served as an incubator for many Oakland artists and small businesses, a driver of economic growth in KONO and the rest of downtown, as documented in this report on its economic impact, and a major factor in Oakland’s resurgence as an arts destination (evidenced by the fact that Oakland is the only North American destination in National Geographic’s Places to Visit 2019 cited for its culture).

Next event: TBD

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

💔 A MESSAGE TO OUR OAKLAND FIRST FRIDAYS FAMILY 💔

With heavy hearts, we announce that our November and December events are cancelled due to funding shortages.

We want to be clear: We are NOT cancelling because of crime. We are cancelling because of finances. Without the necessary funding, we cannot continue producing the events our community deserves.

💛🖤🩵 To the thousands of vendors, artists, performers, small businesses, and community members who have supported our platform over the years — THANK YOU!

Thank you for allowing us to serve you, showcase your talents, support your businesses, and bring our community together.

Although this pause is heartbreaking, we are keeping hope alive that Oakland First Fridays can return in 2027 if funding becomes available.

This is not the ending we hoped for, and we pray it is not the end of our story. Please continue supporting our local vendors and small businesses.

Thank you for the memories, the love, and the years of support. Oakland, you will always hold a special place in our hearts. 💛🩵🖤

With love and gratitude,
Oakland First Fridays Team

What’s New in KONO

KONO Is Glowing! Bistro Lights Are Up!

Telegraph Avenue is shining a little brighter! KONO is excited to celebrate the installation of the new Bistro Street Lights, bringing a warm, welcoming glow and fresh nighttime energy to the district.

The project enhances the Telegraph Avenue corridor from 27th Street to West Grand Avenue, with lighting installed along the corridor where reliable power sources are available. Built with long term durability in mind, the lighting system is designed for year-round use with an expected lifespan of approximately 7 to 10 years and minimal ongoing maintenance.

Beyond their visual appeal, the Bistro Lights are an important part of KONO’s ongoing efforts to create a brighter and safer environment throughout the district. Increased lighting helps improve nighttime visibility and creates a more comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for pedestrians, businesses, residents and visitors enjoying Telegraph Avenue after dark. The project was specifically developed with public safety, district ambiance and the pedestrian experience in mind.

Bringing the project to life included site assessment and mapping, coordination with local merchants, property owners, power source planning, vendor coordination, and the installation of guidewires, light strands and bulbs.

The Bistro Lights add another layer of energy to Telegraph Avenue by enhancing the nighttime atmosphere, encouraging pedestrian activity and increasing visibility for our local businesses.

This project represents another investment in a safer, brighter, more vibrant and connected KONO District.

Come take a stroll down Telegraph Avenue and see KONO in a whole new light!

KONO Street Ambassadors

Map of KONO District