Events In KONO
KONO is home to two vibrant cultural events that bring our district to life. Each month, Oakland First Fridays transforms Telegraph Avenue into a lively street festival celebrating local art, food, music, and community. Every fall, the annual Korean Culture Fest highlights the rich heritage of Korean traditions through performances, cuisine, and family-friendly activities. Together, these events showcase the diverse spirit and creativity that define the heart of KONO.
Oakland First Fridays
Oakland First Fridays is a vibrant monthly celebration of our city’s arts, culture, food, and community, held in the Koreatown Northgate (KONO) district. What began in 2005 as a grassroots gallery crawl—sparked by local vendors, the Art Murmur community, and the Rock Paper Scissors Collective’s "23rd Street Fair"—has grown into one of Oakland’s most beloved cultural events.
For the past 12 years, KONO has proudly hosted and managed this event, transforming Telegraph Avenue from W. Grand to 27th Street every first Friday into a lively street festival. Tens of thousands gather each month to experience artist collectives, street art, live music, DJs, dancers, poets, food vendors, and pop-up attractions like classic car shows, fashion runways, and a monthly Kid Zone.
Oakland First Fridays has become a vital platform for small businesses and local talent and a proven driver of economic and cultural vitality in Oakland. But now, we face serious financial challenges that threaten its future. To keep this beloved event going, we need your support. Every donation helps cover essential costs and ensures this space for creativity, connection, and community continues to thrive. No amount is too small—every bit makes a difference.
Coming Up: Express Yourself
🌈✨ Express Yourself: Oakland LGBTQ+ Art and Inclusivity Celebration
Celebrate creativity, identity, and community at Express Yourself, a powerful Oakland First Fridays experience uplifting LGBTQ+ voices through art. This vibrant evening honors the role of art as a force for self-expression, connection, and visibility. Explore captivating visual art and live performances that reflect the rich diversity of Oakland’s LGBTQ+ community. From bold creativity to heartfelt storytelling, this celebration invites everyone to embrace pride, individuality, and the shared joy of coming together. Join us in uplifting love, authenticity, and the transformative power of art in creating a more inclusive Oakland!
⬇️Interested in being part of the First Fridays community? Click the link below to learn more ⬇️
The Korean Culture Fest
Immerse yourself in a vibrant explosion of Korean art, culture, and achievement at the highly anticipated annual Korean Culture Fest, brought to you by the dynamic collaboration between KONO, the Oakland & East Bay Korean American Association, and the City of Oakland Culture Fair Division. Brace yourself for an unforgettable experience as we transform Oakland First Fridays into a captivating celebration like no other.
You will be stepping into a world where local dignitaries ignite inspiration, Tae Kwon Do demonstrations display awe-inspiring skill, and a mesmerizing vendor area offers a trove of unique treasures. Get ready to be swept off your feet as the First Friday stage comes alive with an exhilarating lineup of performances that span from enchanting traditional music and dance to the electrifying beats of K-pop.
Korean Culture Fest:September 5, 2025
