Why Shop Local at Oakland Independent Merchants?
Shopping local is a small but profound action that has almost limitless benefits. For example, it: reduces our impact on the environment, generates equitable and sustainable economic growth, and strengthens our communities. It enhances our own lives and the lives of those around us! It’s really an investment in ourselves and in our city.
What is your favorite reason to shop local? Please share!
Are you looking for inspiration to shop local at Oakland Indies and to live local in The Town? Then you’ve come to the right place. We publish this listing weekly to drive awareness about Oakland Indies sales, events, new product announcements, classes, author readings, wine tastings, celebrations, and more.
We continually update this listing as we get new information but please check directly with the merchants for more information about the event(s) that you’re interested in.
Merchants, this is a FREE service: If you want to add a listing, you can just message us here on our website. It’s that easy!
OAKLAND FEATURED EVENTS THIS WEEK
TODAY 9/28 2-6PM THE FUNDRAISER EVENT OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE. PLUS IT’S FUN. Yes, we just wrote that in ALL CAPS. Because it’s the 3rd Annual OUSD Home Brew Fundraiser at Old Kan Beer Co. brought to you by OUSD Dad’s Club.
We’ve been to the first two events. Here’s what we can tell you: You get to taste some surprisingly outstanding beer by very talented dads and moms. You meet some very fine people and it is a warm, fun, family friendly event.
It’s also a competition and someone is going to get the prize and bragging rights for best home brew. When the tagline is “We brew for the kids,” you know it is going to be good. Most importantly, the proceeds go to the A-Z fund to help OUSD kids. We shall not go off on one of our manifesto-y tangents… but… let’s just say that our Oakland Kids deserve so much better than what the OUSD gives them so we say, let’s all do what we can to help them out!
To 9/29 Get your tickets early for Oakland Cocktail Week. 9/19 Kicks off Cocktail Week at 3rd Thursdays at Latham Square! Throughout the week, over 50 bars and restaurants will offer cocktail specials for the week. AND, there will be very cool ticketed events that benefit the Oakland Indie Alliance! The OIA, perhaps not surprisingly, is an organization that is very near and dear to our hearts. The OIA works hard to ensure that independent merchants can thrive in Oakland.
To 9/29 is the 17th Oakland International Film Festival. Buy tickets at oiff.org! Maybe go for drinks after for Oakland Cocktail Week? On 9/21 see Where is East Oakland at Luka’s Taproom at 3pm.
9/28 11 – 5pm is The 2nd Annual Where Craft Meets Innovation Market & Showcase in Alameda. Look for over 40 Bay Area Made maker’s, artists, creatives. Check out Town and Country Mouse Design!
Almost Home Oakland Is Having a Fundraiser and Needs Donations from Local Businesses
WE LOVE IMPORTANT CAUSES. Almost Home Oakland is raising money to build cabin shelters for Oakland’s homeless community. They are hosting a FUNDRAISER 10/21 AT SHAKEWELL 3407 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland. Great cause, great speakers and a silent auction too! We hope to see you there!
WHAT THEY NEED from INDIES: They are looking for items or services that they can auction off. All donating businesses will be announced during the fundraiser!
Oakland Independent Merchants Sales, Events & New Stuff
Merchants A through M
9/26 7-8pm at Alchemy Bottle Shop is hosting a Portuguese Wine Class. Learn about the delights of the wine regions of this country from wine expert Rachel Farah and enjoy sips and snacks. Yum.
9/29 -2-6pm Women-owned Alyce On Grand is hosting a Fall pop-up featuring Neutral Ground. Women supporting women! There’s sure to be a chill Oakland vibe, bites, and spirits to celebrate the occasion.
9/28 3 – 7pm Another Anniversary for a fantastic Oakland Indie. Bay-Made is celebrating 2 YEARS! And they are celebrating with 15% off purchases plus snacks, class demos, pop ups, and more. A can’t miss PARTY!
Crush On College is loaded with new Fall items. The plaid jeans are calling out to us. Will we resist temptation?
Put this on your Calendar the 10/17 – 10/20 Semi-Annual BOOK SALE at The Bookmark Bookstore. All sales proceeds go to support the Oakland Public Library! Members get 50% off 10/17. All book lovers can enjoys SALES 10/18 at 30% off, 10/19 at 40% off and 50% off on 10/20!
Dress Best For Less reminded us that buying one used item over a new item reduces its carbon footprint by 82%! Perhaps that is just the justification you need to go vintage shopping this weekend?
To 9/30! In Full Swing Plus Sizes is still having a swinging SUMMER SALE with up to 60% off. It’s their biggest sale of the year!
9/29 11am-1pm Women Sound Off presents Real Plant Girl Sh*T at Maker’s Loft. It’s an exploration of personal growth and healing through plant care. Plus bottomless mimosas!
9/27 at the Oakland Museum of California and Merritt Ceramics are hosting a FALL MARKET featuring hand-crafted ceramics made by local artists. Lots of activities and fun.
Merchants N through Z
10/4 4 – 8pm Owl N Wood Is having a First Friday shopping event at their new design studio at Red Bay Coffee. It’s an opportunity to shop with a treasured Oakland Indie and other Indie Makers and Brands.
Now to 9/30 Rare Bird is offering 22% off all Workshops in celebration of the Autumn Equinox! And, if your read on, they are having two workshops coming right up. Check their calendar for more. Their always doing something!
It looks like Rockridge Furniture SALES are coming to an end soon.
Right now at Shoes on Solano, we don’t see any sales going on right now but we have been noticing some really cool new boot inventory arrivals lately, so…
Mika at Spoiled Boutique always has SALES on TEMPTATION TUESDAYS! And she is always getting NEW ARRIVALS. If you are in downtown Oakland, it is very much worth taking a peak. Plus Mika is awesome. She will style you up.
9/6 – 10/2 Studios Eleven presents “As Time Goes By: Past Works by Terry Furry!
9/27 – 9/28 Solespace is having a HUGE SALE. If you are looking for dope kicks, it is definitely time to go visit them and take advantage of the savings. OMG.
Right Now Tootsies Rockridge is having a SALE of up to 40% of SELECT SUMMER styles.
Oakland Independent Merchants: Workshops, Classes, and Other Events
Every single week our Oakland Indies host valuable events for creative and active souls who want to broaden their knowledge, discover new talents, or hone their skills! They teach us and they entertain us. You know what we alway say: #youcantbuythatontheinternet.
Regular Events
Every week, many local independent wine merchants host WINE TASTING EVENTS. Wow! It’s better than having to drive 2 hours ++ and you get to experience more variety. Check with a shop near you like: Bay Grape, Downtown Wine Merchants, Farmstead Cheeses and Wines, Minimo Wine Shop, Oakland Yard Wine Shop, and Wine on Piedmont.
Merchants A through M
Alchemy Bottle Shop has some amazing classes and events for those who want to learn or perfect the art of Cocktail making. They also do regular tasting events on Saturdays from 2-5pm! So, a lot is happening there. Best to check out their calendar!
Bay-Made: They are very excited about their September classes. They have beginner Screen Printing, a succulent plant workshop, and kids classes coming up. They load their calendar with events so check them out and see what’s inspires you!
Multiple events Blue Door Beads on Piedmont Ave. Are very excited about there September workshops and classes. Sign up in store, on their website, or over the phone.
It’s Your Move is the place to be if you are a gamer. They have so many event nights so it is just a matter of your gaming preferences. They even have a summer camp for teenagers.
It’s best to check out Maker’s Loft Calendar of Events as they have so many different kinds of workshops. They often bring in the makers and designers that they feature in their store to lead classes.
OMG! Mischief hosts one of the most cutest events ever: Little Folkies on Thursdays at 11:30am. OMG, parents bring their 0-5 year-olds and enjoy live music together. And they have another event on Sundays from 3-5pm called Babies + Beers Family Happy Hour(s)! OMG! Please let them know your going so they can plan appropriately!
Merchants N through Z
Rent Event Space! Yes, you can rent the beautiful backyard oasis at Neighbor for your special occasion. They’ve hosted baby showers, birthday celebrations, and engagement parties. They’ve even held a wedding!
Multiple events for Preserved. Workshops all summer from cheesemaking to pickling, jam making, and fermenting, and more! Check with Preserved for their calendar of events.
Rare Bird always has creative workshops and classes for you to learn new things or hone your already awesome skills. They host parties and corporate events as well. They do it all! It is worth checking out their calendar!
The Raven’s Wing Magical Co. hosts A monthly Astrology Salon every fourth Thursday from 7-9pm.
Weekly Sundays 10am Tip Top Bike Shop Meet at the shop and take a ride with them on their weekly group ride. All abilities welcome! All abilities and experience levels welcome.
Wednesday Warrior Runs are every week at 6:30 sharp by Transports. Check with them for locations as they change from week to week. P.S. They like to drink beer after the running events!
Wolfman Books in Downtown Oakland always has intriguing events. It is best to check out their calendar for details!
Upcoming Oakland Independent Merchant Events
September
9/27-11/28 Manna Gallery will present Serendipity 2: New Watercolors by Elaine Maute. Reception 10/4 from 6-8pm. Elaine will give a brief talk at 7pm.
9/28 we have a 2nd Anniversary at Bay-Made on Lakeshore Avenue! We don’t know the details yet but it is sure to be a lot of fun.
9/28 Dandelion Post and Gather Workshop share a space! And Gather hosts A LOT of workshops. Today’s is MODERN CALLIGRAPHY.
9/29 Dandelion Post and Gather Workshop share a space! And Gather hosts A LOT of workshops. Today’s is Tarot Card.
October
10/12 7-9pm Tiny Pink Drawings is showing up to E.M. Wolfman Books to “share the tiny but mighty lil zine i made about my dreams (sexy ones scary ones real sad ones) with some of my drawings featured alongside. some really kewl babes are gonna read dreamy ass po-ems and i’m working on a dream journal/coloring book for the party! i hope to see your sweet faces scarfing pizza and sipping prosecco.”
10/19 elikasage will be at Rare Bird to teach a workshop she is pretty excited about. This is what she has to say “I did it! I created a workshop so we can make Power Amulet necklaces together!! ? I’m offering this workshop for the first time on October 19th. Join me for magical energy, intention setting and jewelry making!
10/19 Join Oakland Art Murmur at the Jingletown Block Party celebrating the new mural collaboration. Too many cool things going on to write here but there will be an Art Walk from 2-4pm and the Community Block Party Runs 2-6pm. If you are an art lover, this is the party for you. Jingletown is the HOT ART SCENE in Oakland.
10/21 WE LOVE IMPORTANT CAUSES. Almost Home Oakland is raising money to build cabin shelters for Oakland’s homeless community. They are hosting a FUNDRAISER AT SHAKEWELL 3407 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland. Great cause, great speakers and a silent auction too!
The Oakland Notice Board:
Retail Space Available in the Flax Building!
Artists, makers, craftspeople, indie merchants, and independent brand designers that dream of having a retail space in Oakland. Howard Flax of Flax Art and Design has a beautiful vision. He is planning to transform his downtown Oakland 14,000 sq ft. retail space into a dynamic shared marketplace destination. So, he is seeking like-minded creatives and business people who dream of opening their own shop or office to lease space at the Flax Building.
Think: art supplies, art, handcrafted jewelry, home goods, decor, clothes, apothecary, health & beauty, and pretty much any category combined with theater troupes and pretty much anything else you can think of. Then imagine the power of a complementary merchant community all under one roof. It will be the Swan’s Market or the San Francisco Ferry Building of hard goods. Here in Oakland! A local shopper’s dream space!
The Downtown Oakland Specific Draft Plan
8/29 – 10/22 This important document has been released by the City of Oakland as of 8/29 and it is ready for your review. There are meetings and presentations all over Oakland in September and October so that Oaklanders can give their feedback. We’ve perused the chapter on Economic Opportunity section and we’re very concerned that they have not addressed the vision and future for our Oakland Indies in a very comprehensive manner. We think much more needs to be done to develop our Indie scene. We have until 10/22 to submit comments!
Nikki Fortunado Bas District 2
Nikki has posted some September opportunities for Oaklanders to get outside, meet neighbors, & help clean up the city we all LOVE! Please check out her instagram post for dates, times, and locations.
Community Services and Mission Driven Businesses News
10/21 Almost Home Oakland is raising money to build cabin shelters for Oakland’s homeless community. They are hosting a FUNDRAISER AT SHAKEWELL 3407 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland. Great cause, great speakers and a silent auction too!
Please contribute to the Tech Exchange mission! Donate your retired laptops and computers today! It is about supporting the community. Tech Exchange provides refurbished computers to families, students, and schools all in need. We can’t let Oaklanders fall behind! We love what they do!
Oakland Adult Job Fair
9/25 A message from Mayor Libby Schaaf: Oakland, local employers are looking for you! Meet with over 25 employers in person at the Oakland Public Library’s free #oaklandhasjobs Fall Job Fair for Adults.
When: Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 2pm to 4pm
Where: Oakland Public Library, Main Branch
125 14th Street, Oakland CA 94612
Other Things to do in Oakland: Local Events and Festivals
Check with hosts for more information.
Regular Events
Monthly 1st Fridays: Multiple events in Oakland:Friends of Lincoln Square Park Lincoln Summer Nights 2019, June-October 5-8pm.
First Sundays Indigenous Red Market at the Fruitvale Cedar Center. Plenty of activities. Featuring indigenous artists, vendors, performances, and so much more!
Also Monthly on 1st Fridays, Oakland Art Murmur hosts the Art Walk and it’s happening on 8/2 from 6-9pm. Galleries are open and then again on Saturday for the Stroll from 1-5pm. Studios 11 has a new show beginning tonight The Surreal Works of Bill Sala with Artist Reception! Get connected into Oakland’s art scene.
Monthly, 3rd Thursdays 4-9pm May-Oct Laurel Evening Market at Communite Table. A curated artisan and vintage market. Plus, the Laurel District has some great independent shops that are a must to check out!
Also on Monthly on 3rd Thursdays, Oakland Central at Latham Square, chill time, chill vibes in downtown Oakland!
Indigenous Red Market Every first Sunday of the month at the Fruitvale Cedar Center. Plenty of activities and features indigenous artists, vendors, performances, and so much more! Next event is 8/4.
And Toddler Gardens Lake Merritt hosts a variety of FREE activities and demos monthly. Email them at [email protected] for list of events. For example, 8/18 is Compost and Worms!
Upcoming Events September and October 2019
9/22 Women’s March Oakland is hosting a Gender-Based Violence conference. Islamophobia is a gender-based violence issue. Silence feeds violence. Supporting marginalized youth. What is commercial exploitation of youth? Gender Justice. Get more information and sign up from Women’s March Oakland.
10/5-10/6 12th Annual Dimond District Oaktoberfest! Family-friendly Craft Beer and Music.
10/12 Head West Marketplace The Barlow in Sebastopol
10/19 Head West Marketplace Hangar 1 Distillery in Alameda
Upcoming Events November 2019
11/2 10am – 5pm Dia De Los Muertos Festival in Fruitvale district. The Unity Council Día de Los Muertos Annual Festival is a free, outdoor festival that brings over 100,000 people to the vibrant, culturally-rich Fruitvale neighborhood to enjoy world-class live music, family-friendly games, rides and activities, traditional Latin American artisans, and the stunning altar artistic installations created by community members paying homage to los Muertos.
Plaid Friday Weekend! A can’t miss local shopping celebration in Oakland. It includes: shopping, music, food, kids activities, and adult beverages. Oakland will be lit! Skip the nightmare that is Black Friday and go local. You will have the best time ever!
11/30 Headwest Marketplace in Old Oakland. More info to come!
Upcoming Events December 2019
12/8 9-4pm 4th Annual Dimond Lights ARTISAN MARKET AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST! DIMOND PARK RECREATION CENTER. PANCAKES are being served to 11am by Ann’s Cafe. Arts, crafts, food, music, fun!
12/8 Temescal Holiday Fair
12/14 Girl Gang Craft is hosting a Holiday Market at the Oakland Scottish Rite Center. Here’s a little info on this awesome group of creatives “Girl Gang Craft was founded in August of 2017 to create an affordable and accessible space for local womxn makers to sell their goods. Since then, GGC has grown to include 2 big Oakland shows a year with 120 artists. GGC strives to create community and support small businesses with workshops, online resources, and events.”
12/14 Head West Marketplace Hangar 1 Distillery in Alameda Holiday Market
12/21 Head West Marketplace in Old Oakland. More info to come!
Upcoming Events in 2020
2/23 The Third Annual Black Joy Parade. It’s going to be bigger and even better. More to come but get this event in your calendar!
Before you go
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