Shopping Local at Oakland Independents
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.
Right now, they are gearing up for Hallowe’en and the Holidays and you can be sure there will be more to do than ever.
We continually update this listing as we get new information. 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!
Why Shop Local?
There are so many good reasons to shop local and we write about them all the time. We like to sum it up this way: When we spend local, we enrich our own lives and the lives of those around us. It makes our communities stronger.
A burgeoning indie economy generates more revenue for our city to properly fund our schools, crime and safety, infrastructure, homelessness, and other valuable community programs and services. It also means lower taxes for us because the city has more sources of revenue and does not need to burden us. It means we get to live in and enjoy diverse and vibrant neighborhoods that bustle with business. And, it also profoundly reduces our impact on the environment.
The return on investment is almost infinite.
Save the Dates!
10/26 Starting 11:00 am. Piedmont Avenue Halloween! Piedmont Ave Halloween Celebration and Parade : Saturday : Oct. 26th …Trick or Treat at all of he businesses … and even enter your pet in a Pet Contest to win a bouquet from J. Miller Flowers!
10/29 Halloween / Dia De Los Muertos hosted Las Casitas East Oakland. Here is what they have to say “ON A TUESDAY!!! HALLOWEEN/DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION FOR ALL OUR LOVED ONES THAT PASSED BEFORE US!! EXITED ABOUT THIS EAST OAKLAND COLLAB WITH MY BROTHER @eastoaklandsmoke WE CELEBRATING LIFE!! KEEPING OUR LOVED ONES NAMES ALIVE. YOU ALREADY KNOW WE COMING WITH SOME DELICIOUS FOOD ON THIS COLLAB🍴🌳🔥. 🚨WE ALSO WOULD LOVE TO HAVE SOME LOCAL VENDORS🚨(tap into the dm) SET UP WITH US IN CESAR CHAVEZ PARK WE WILL BE SERVING FOOD AT THE AT THE PARK GIVING OUT CANDYS TO ALL KIDS WITH COSTUMES, MUSIC, PIÑATAS, PONCHE, LOCAL VENDORS GOOD PEOPLE & ONLY GOOD VIBES💀🎶👻🎃🤡🎉STOP BY SUPPORT LOCAL BLACK & BROWN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS. FUN FOR ADULTS AND KIDS!!🙌🎃🎃🎃 LOCAL VENDORS TAP IN @hijasdelmaiz DM OR @lacasitaeastoakland NOWWWWW🎃🎃🎃LET’S TAKE OVER CESAR CHAVEZ PARK WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL CELEBRATION OF LIFE🌳🌵🌌🦇🎊🎨🍴🍼🍭🍬🌶🌮🌭🤸🤹🌉👻🎃📷 (WE WILL BE SETTING UP A BEAUTIFUL ALTAR WITH OUR LOVED ONES PICTURES INSIDE @lacasitaeastoakland PLEASE FOLKS FEEL FREE TO BRING A PICTURE OF YOUR LOVED ONES AND PUT THEIR PICTURES UP TO DURING THE CELEBRATION)LET’S MAKE OUR ANCESTORS PROUD COME OUT AND SUPPORT OAKTOWN!!✊
10/30 4 -6pm Oakland Chamber hosts the Cocktails & Commerce Small Business and Non Profit Fair! Exhibitors, workshops, drinks and so much more. Registration link in their Instagram bio!
11/1 First Friday events all over the Town. Art shows, music, food, fun.
11/30 is SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY. We actually wish SBS was prior to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but beggars can’t be choosers. Having said that, if we all just buy one or two more gifts locally than we did the year before, that purchase power will resonate across our communities.
Oakland Independents Sales, Events, & New Stuff: Happy Hal-local-ween!
Merchants A through M
11/6 6:30pm Alyce on Grand has an EVENT ALERT: Sound Healing. “We are so excited to announce the first of many healing workshops we plan to begin offering. we are beginning with a sound healing workshop facilitated by @soulisticwellness tickets are linked in our Instagram bio and via the get ticket button.”
Fall fashion at Crush On College and they are loaded with cozy and cute Fall items for your Holiday wardrobe needs.
Dandelion Post has FALL New Arrivals too. You can visit their website to see what is new! Model: “Alex is wearing the Candy print Bell Pants, Honcho Mustard Mules, and Poppy Mock Neck Tee. Photography by @alexsteele.”
New Cycling Kits in stock at Cycle Sports to help you look good as you cycle through the holidays!
Be earth friendly and consider the environment impact of buying previously loved and vintage. Dress Best For Less reminded us that purchasing one used item over a new item reduces its carbon footprint by 82%! There are so many great merchants our there who can help fit you for the Holidays!
10/24 7-9pm Workshop at Gold and Rust: “Hey friends! We’re thrilled to have @westwindsucculents back in the shop for her succulent pumpkin workshop! Plus you’ll score 10% off the shop just for taking the class! Get crafty with us.”
A YUMMY PRODUCT from Kelly’s Corner Kids: They always have a supply of local honey from Dragon Egg Farm. And by local we’re talking about Allendale Park! What a great gift idea!
10/27 2pm Kosa Arts is hosting a Beginners Knitting Class! Is it time for you to expand your creative horizons? If so, ashalaura is leading UNRAVEL | First Stitch. “We will practice casting on, knitting, purling and casting off. If we get the hang of it, I will go over how to mix up stitches to make simple patterns. This workshop is intended for people making their first stitch, getting ready for a full project or just curious to try something new. Some materials will be provided to practice, feel free to bring your own favorite yarn or needles.”
10/27 – 10/28 This weekend, Maker’s Loft is hosting 3 classes for Pillow Talk: Beginner Sewing with @alexbackwards. These classes are extra special because students will have the chance to make their very own pillow using fabrics designed by @tinta_art!! Each class is limited to only 5 students, so sign up soon before it’s sold out! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🧵Saturday 10/27 at 12pm – 2pm & another one at 4pm – 6pm
🧵Sunday 10/28 at 4pm – 6pm
Let Maple Street Denim expertly help you with your Holiday wardrobe! They love layering with mismatched silhouettes this season. Check out this ensemble: the cropped, boxy shape of the Smart Crew from Naked and Famous over an untucked, fitted long sleeve button up from Bridge & Burn with high waisted straight leg black denim from A Golde.
New store on 9th Street in Old Oakland. Have you been to Muse yet? We need to visit soon. Something new, some vintage, and some one-of-a-kinds!
Merchants N through Z
New Arrivals at Oak Common for the Fall and Holiday Season too. For some reason, this sweater speaks to us! It’s from @palomawool ❤️ this Piero sweater comes in two colors!
@lucas.ahlstrand.design @lted @megangodino and more. “Oysters bar, outdoor food pop ups, beer and wine and other delights – and local artisan market from 12-5pm. See you there! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜.”
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 inspired and she will style you up.
10/30 2-5pm Tech Exchange Tech Fair! Tech that makes a difference! Yes, you can buy tech local! FREE REFURBISHED CHROMEBOOKS to the First 50 to arrive, everyone else gets a 30% discount on available devices. Bridging the digital divide one day at a time. Special thanks to @stockwellstores for allowing us to make this event happen.
Tootsies Rockridge Just got a boat load of new scarves. “Don’t be cold this fall! We just got a shipment of new super cute scarves! One for $20, two for $34!”
Urban Indigo already has great new HOLIDAY CARDS. Do you ever grow tired of the same old Holiday greeting cards? Have you shopped for greeting cards Holiday greeting cards and been truly uninspired? Then, you weren’t shopping at Urban Indigo or other great local merchants.
11/10 6 – 9pm You’re invited to Urban University Oakland the next Eastbay Women’s Fall Clothing Exchange in partnership with @zocalocoffee at the urban store 3237 Grand Avenue, Oakland. “Fun will be had as well as the great opportunity to jumpstart clearing out your space for 2020, gather with awesome women and exchange beautiful clothes, shoes, jewelry and accessories sitting in your closet for new and interesting pieces. Entry Fee: $20 per person. Snack bar and refreshments included.’See you here!”
Oakland Independents: 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 are running after school board game classes now on Wednesdays from 3pm – 6pm. Recommended for ages 8-16. This is an adult supervised drop-in class, come straight after school, hang out, relax and play some sweet board games. Come learn new board games or play your old favorites!
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!
Plan Ahead: Upcoming Oakland Independent Merchant’s Events
November
11/3 Gather Workshop always has fun events and we recommend you check their calendar. Here’s what they say about this today’s event: “Just 3 spots left for our brand new Punch Needle class! I had been wanting to add a punch Needle class for sometime now so was super excited when I found Caroline Powell of @punchcolorstudio and she had a beautiful modern style. In this class, you will create a 12”X12” punch needle piece of art for your wall, while learning the basic fundamentals of this traditional technique. All materials are included and no experience is required!
Each student receives a kit that consists of a 12”x12” wood frame, monks cloth for stretching, the #10 Oxford Punch Needle, a selection of rug yarn and step-by-step instructions. Also provided for the class will be tools for marking, measuring, stretching and cutting, as well as loads of inspiration to help get your creative juices flowing!
This two hour class also includes mimosas and light brunch snacks and a discount on merchandise at @dandelion_post (whom we share a space with). Register at gatherworkshop.com.”
11/10 10am – 1pm Kosa Arts Therapy Pants Mending Workshop with Susan Kim @therapypants and @mydeartejas.workshop. This looks like so much fun. If we had at least one creative bone in our bodies, we’d be on our way to this workshop.
“At Kosa Arts $150.00 includes an instruction kit with supplies and yummy breakfast treats! Please bring something to mend or embellish. No previous experience necessary. Workshop cancellations no later than November 3rd for full refund. Sign up through Kosa Arts site. We are so excited to host Susan Kim of My Dear Tejas.”
11/10 10am Conversation: BossMom Nation hosted by Alyce on Grand! “The amazing women @Bossmomnation are hosting a morning of motherhood reflections. “Fill Your Cup” is a down-to-earth conversation on motherhood and the various dynamics that intercept our ability to care for ourselves as we care for others. In Part II of the three-part series we discuss the growing toll of motherhood on our mental health.”
December
12/14 Holiday Wreath Making at Pollinate Farm and Happy Acre Farm. “The countdown to Christmas has begun! Relieve the stress of the inevitable hustle – join Pollinate Farm & Garden and Happy Acre Farm for a wreath crafting party! No experience is necessary. We’ll supply the tunes, the tools, the sparkle, the know-how, and nature’s gift of locally foraged greens. You’ll enjoy seasonal and holiday-inspired artisanal snacks from local farms, paired with mulled wine and sparkling mocktails. Bring a friend! Feel the stress melt away, and go home with your fabulous creation and the satisfaction of taking some time out for yourself!”
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 from 6-9pm. Galleries are open and then again on Saturday for the Stroll from 1-5pm. 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!
Halloween Events
We’ll continue to update this up to Halloween with any Oakland festivities that we can find.
Upcoming Events November 2019
11/1 – 11/2 Castro Valley 7th Annual Holiday Boutique Fundraiser for SOS Meals on Wheels. Of course this is not in Oakland but it features local artists, craftspeople, artisans, jewelers, etc. and it’s for a great cause. Plus, in truth, we love and support local everywhere.
11/2 – 11/ 3 The Port Art Bar is hosting a Polymer Clay Workshop. “Who wants to learn how to make earrings in Polymer Clay? Join us here at the Port Art Bar next weekend, Nov. 2 and 3 for a two day workshop with artist Sarah Bresler Baughn @beetle_and_bee. You’ll leave with 4 unique handmade pairs of earrings!” Go to their Instagram bio for link to buy tickets.
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.
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
1/11 – 1/12 10 – 5pm Oakland Chinatown Lunar New Year Bazaar! The 29th Annual LNY Bazaar is a FREE annual event hosted in the heart of Oakland’s Chinatown on 9th St. and Franklin St. to celebrate Chinese New Year. A live cultural entertainment stage with continuous live performances is featured along with over 80 vendors selling traditional new years decorations??, flowers?, gifts, candies?, and other items of interest. So come on out that weekend to celebrate Chinese New Year (1/25) and buy goodies for you and family and friends
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!
Community Notice Board
10/28 4pm oaklandnotforsale “We are pleased to announce that the victims from Wednesday’s attack on the community due to t
he @ousdnews police’s excessive use of force will be filing a law suit against the district, as well as the city of @oakland. Please join us for an Oakland Education Association press conference at 4pm on Monday Oct. 28th at the OEA office 272 E. 12th St. Oakland #ousd #policebrutality. Thank you to @blackorganizingproject for coming and speaking on the racial injustices plaguing our district #oea #bop #boss #blackorganization.”
11/9 Sheng Thao is driving awareness for “Growing Our Health: Food, Soil, and Carbon Community Day of Action.” She says: “Carbon sequestration is one piece of the puzzle when trying to fight climate change. This is an awesome event that teaches about carbon capture and participants will grow one of the first carbon sequestration school gardens in the world! Sign up here:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/growing-our-health-food-soil-and-carbon-draw-down-build-day-tickets-75245941637?aff=ebdssbdestsearch”
Tech Exchange: Need digital help? Maybe just a refresher? Or Tech Support? Visit The Tech Hub!! We got you! #techforall#digitalinclusion#digitaldivide#techsupport#digitalliteracy
Oakland Art Murmur: ATTENTION OAKLAND ARTISTS!📢 Three local calls of art you should know about: @temescaldistrict Holiday Art Fair, @communityfoodsmarket Front Porch Cafe call for artists, City of Martinez Public Art Pilot. You can find these listings along with grant opportunities, workshops, and other resources on our Artists Resource Page (Link in their instagram bio).
Before you go
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