Things to do in Oakland: 39 outings from the Alameda County guide, each linked to its source. Details can change. Check with the venue before you go.
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Outings near you
Oakland sits on the east side of the Bay, bordered by 19 miles of coastline to the west and rolling hills to the east. Outings here range from Lake Merritt and the zoo to theaters and museums downtown. Source: visitoakland.com
Free and budget-friendly in Oakland
Free entry, free admission days and low-cost outings from across the site.
10 picks
Section: Free and budget-friendlymuseum
Sunday, November 1, 2026Free
Free First Sunday at the Oakland Museum of California
On the first Sunday of the month, enjoy free admission to the Oakland Museum of California, with its galleries of California art, history and natural sciences and its gardens.
Walk through OMCA's landmark building and gardens with members of the Council on Architecture and learn the history and design of this award-winning structure. No reservations or tickets are required; about one hour.
Rocket Dog Rescue offers vaccines and essential treatments for local community pets, plus free custom pet ID tags and a free pet food and supplies pantry.
Dates
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Hours
12-4pm
Cost
Free pet ID tags and pet food pantry
Dogs
Community pet-care clinic; bring your pet for vaccines and ID tags.
A free, family-friendly day of shopping, music and holiday cheer: 40+ artisans and local retailers, a Kids Zone, live performances from 1 to 5:30pm and Jack London Square's annual Holiday Tree Lighting from 5:45pm.
Reserve free and low-cost passes to museums, science centers, zoos and theaters with an OPL card. For cardholders 14 and older who live in Oakland, Emeryville or Piedmont; up to two active reservations.
Trails around Round Top, the remains of a 10-million-year-old volcano. No parking fee at the main staging area. Dogs allowed; not on the adjacent Huckleberry Botanic trails.
Cost
Free parking
Dogs
Dogs are permitted at Sibley, but are not allowed on adjacent Huckleberry trails.
Fairyland's Halloween trick-or-treat event with bounce houses, crafts, live performances and STEM activities, 12-7pm. Costumes encouraged, not required.
On the first Sunday of the month, enjoy free admission to the Oakland Museum of California, with its galleries of California art, history and natural sciences and its gardens.
Hundreds of all-new animal lanterns light up the zoo after dark in its seventh year, themed on California forests, San Francisco Bay, Montana, the Everglades and Hawaii. Timed tickets go on sale 28 days ahead.
Dates
Nov 6, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027
Hours
Entry 4:30-6:30pm; all guests out by 9pm. Closed Nov 9, 10, 16, 17, 26; Dec 24-25; Jan 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
Cost
Parking included; members 10% off; ticket prices on the zoo site
W. Kamau Bell and Adam Mansbach read from their new picture book Rock Paper Scissors Cheese, talk about their creative collaboration and sign books; books are available from Marcus Books.
Children 3-8 and their grown-ups venture into the redwood forest with expert guides to discover fungi and learn the life cycle of mushrooms. Ticket includes Center admission.
Dates
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Hours
10:30am-12:30pm
Cost
$25 adult, $35 kids (age 3-8); includes Center admission
The Festival of Black Doll Show and Sale at the African American Museum and Library at Oakland, with doll artists from around the globe, a chance to win a Chaka Khan doll, and Oaktown JAZZ Workshops performing at 1:00 pm.
Oakland Zoo's Thanksgiving-week day camp for grades K-5, with zoo tours, animal close-ups, lessons, games and nature play. Before and after care cost extra.
Dates
Nov 23-25, 2026 (Mon-Wed)
Hours
Drop-off 9-9:30am; pick-up 3-3:30pm
Ages
Grades K-5
Cost
Members $300; nonmembers $330; before care $60, after care $120
A free, family-friendly day of shopping, music and holiday cheer: 40+ artisans and local retailers, a Kids Zone, live performances from 1 to 5:30pm and Jack London Square's annual Holiday Tree Lighting from 5:45pm.
Oakland Ballet brings the holidays to life with dancing, scenery and costumes as Marie rescues the Nutcracker Prince from the Rat King, set to Tchaikovsky's score. Ages 2 and over need a ticket; wheelchair-accessible locations available.
Dates
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Hours
1pm
Ages
Ages 2 and over require a ticket; children under 2 years are allowed and must sit on parent or guardian lap
Reserve free and low-cost passes to museums, science centers, zoos and theaters with an OPL card. For cardholders 14 and older who live in Oakland, Emeryville or Piedmont; up to two active reservations.
A redwood forest a few miles over the ridge from downtown Oakland. Parking fees are cash only. Part of the Stream Trail is closed for repairs through Oct 31.
Hours
October 8am-7pm; November-December 8am-6pm
Cost
Parking $5 per vehicle (weekends and major holidays, April-October)
Redwood-shaded picnic area with a barrier-free, wheelchair-accessible children's play area, playfields and a sand volleyball court. The pool reopens for the 2027 swim season.
Hundreds of all-new animal lanterns light up the zoo after dark in its seventh year, themed on California forests, San Francisco Bay, Montana, the Everglades and Hawaii. Timed tickets go on sale 28 days ahead.
Dates
Nov 6, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027
Hours
Entry 4:30-6:30pm; all guests out by 9pm. Closed Nov 9, 10, 16, 17, 26; Dec 24-25; Jan 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
Cost
Parking included; members 10% off; ticket prices on the zoo site
Shop beans, gear and holiday gifts, taste coffee and meet the people behind twelve of Oakland's hottest coffee brands inside the Rotunda Building. Every ticket includes a vendor voucher.
Dates
Sunday, December 13, 2026
Hours
10am-4pm
Cost
Half day $10, full day $15, VIP $50, tasting workshop + VIP $95
Kedrick Armstrong and the Oakland Symphony are joined by Bay Area artists for the orchestra's annual holiday party, a tribute to Quincy Jones at the Paramount Theatre, which offers wheelchair-accessible locations and assistive listening.
An instructor-guided acrylic painting workshop inspired by solar halos, with two drink tickets and snacks; a relaxed, creative evening for friends, partners or solo guests. 21+.
A redwood forest a few miles over the ridge from downtown Oakland. Parking fees are cash only. Part of the Stream Trail is closed for repairs through Oct 31.
Hours
October 8am-7pm; November-December 8am-6pm
Cost
Parking $5 per vehicle (weekends and major holidays, April-October)
Interactive 90-minute guided tours of the Paramount, starting 10am at the 21st Street box office entrance. Some areas are not wheelchair accessible and there is no elevator. Card payment only.
The Freedom Farmers' Market closes its season with a Sweet Potato Pie Tasting Contest, looking for the best in the West, among produce, fruit and healthy foods from local farmers.
Shop beans, gear and holiday gifts, taste coffee and meet the people behind twelve of Oakland's hottest coffee brands inside the Rotunda Building. Every ticket includes a vendor voucher.
Dates
Sunday, December 13, 2026
Hours
10am-4pm
Cost
Half day $10, full day $15, VIP $50, tasting workshop + VIP $95
Interactive 90-minute guided tours of the Paramount, starting 10am at the 21st Street box office entrance. Some areas are not wheelchair accessible and there is no elevator. Card payment only.
Kedrick Armstrong and the Oakland Symphony are joined by Bay Area artists for the orchestra's annual holiday party, a tribute to Quincy Jones at the Paramount Theatre, which offers wheelchair-accessible locations and assistive listening.
Oakland Ballet brings the holidays to life with dancing, scenery and costumes as Marie rescues the Nutcracker Prince from the Rat King, set to Tchaikovsky's score. Ages 2 and over need a ticket; wheelchair-accessible locations available.
Dates
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Hours
1pm
Ages
Ages 2 and over require a ticket; children under 2 years are allowed and must sit on parent or guardian lap
A redwood forest a few miles over the ridge from downtown Oakland. Parking fees are cash only. Part of the Stream Trail is closed for repairs through Oct 31.
Hours
October 8am-7pm; November-December 8am-6pm
Cost
Parking $5 per vehicle (weekends and major holidays, April-October)
Redwood-shaded picnic area with a barrier-free, wheelchair-accessible children's play area, playfields and a sand volleyball court. The pool reopens for the 2027 swim season.
Trails around Round Top, the remains of a 10-million-year-old volcano. No parking fee at the main staging area. Dogs allowed; not on the adjacent Huckleberry Botanic trails.
Cost
Free parking
Dogs
Dogs are permitted at Sibley, but are not allowed on adjacent Huckleberry trails.
Kedrick Armstrong and the Oakland Symphony are joined by Bay Area artists for the orchestra's annual holiday party, a tribute to Quincy Jones at the Paramount Theatre, which offers wheelchair-accessible locations and assistive listening.
Oakland Ballet brings the holidays to life with dancing, scenery and costumes as Marie rescues the Nutcracker Prince from the Rat King, set to Tchaikovsky's score. Ages 2 and over need a ticket; wheelchair-accessible locations available.
Dates
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Hours
1pm
Ages
Ages 2 and over require a ticket; children under 2 years are allowed and must sit on parent or guardian lap
On the first Sunday of the month, enjoy free admission to the Oakland Museum of California, with its galleries of California art, history and natural sciences and its gardens.
Walk through OMCA's landmark building and gardens with members of the Council on Architecture and learn the history and design of this award-winning structure. No reservations or tickets are required; about one hour.
Children 3-8 and their grown-ups venture into the redwood forest with expert guides to discover fungi and learn the life cycle of mushrooms. Ticket includes Center admission.
Dates
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Hours
10:30am-12:30pm
Cost
$25 adult, $35 kids (age 3-8); includes Center admission
Conversations, community activities and an interactive taiko performance by TaikoPeace honoring Japanese American immigrant ancestors, in OMCA's James Moore Theater.
An instructor-guided acrylic painting workshop inspired by solar halos, with two drink tickets and snacks; a relaxed, creative evening for friends, partners or solo guests. 21+.
The Freedom Farmers' Market closes its season with a Sweet Potato Pie Tasting Contest, looking for the best in the West, among produce, fruit and healthy foods from local farmers.
Every Saturday, rain or shine, in Splash Pad Park: 100+ market participants and over 40 farmers, with organic produce, flowers, coffee, pastries and prepared goods like dim sum. Accepts CalFresh EBT/SNAP, Market Match and WIC; no pets.
Rocket Dog Rescue offers vaccines and essential treatments for local community pets, plus free custom pet ID tags and a free pet food and supplies pantry.
Dates
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Hours
12-4pm
Cost
Free pet ID tags and pet food pantry
Dogs
Community pet-care clinic; bring your pet for vaccines and ID tags.
Trails around Round Top, the remains of a 10-million-year-old volcano. No parking fee at the main staging area. Dogs allowed; not on the adjacent Huckleberry Botanic trails.
Cost
Free parking
Dogs
Dogs are permitted at Sibley, but are not allowed on adjacent Huckleberry trails.
Oakland Zoo's Thanksgiving-week day camp for grades K-5, with zoo tours, animal close-ups, lessons, games and nature play. Before and after care cost extra.
Dates
Nov 23-25, 2026 (Mon-Wed)
Hours
Drop-off 9-9:30am; pick-up 3-3:30pm
Ages
Grades K-5
Cost
Members $300; nonmembers $330; before care $60, after care $120
Weekend party package with a private room, all-day admission, a scavenger hunt, planetarium shows and a craft for each child. No candles, helium balloons, glitter or confetti.
Hours
Sat-Sun, 10:30am-1pm (30 visitors) or 12-2:30pm (70 visitors)
Cost
Up to 30 guests: $750 ($600 members) + $100 refundable deposit; up to 70: $1,500 ($1,200 members) + $200 refundable deposit
Fairyland's Halloween trick-or-treat event with bounce houses, crafts, live performances and STEM activities, 12-7pm. Costumes encouraged, not required.
Oakland Zoo's Thanksgiving-week day camp for grades K-5, with zoo tours, animal close-ups, lessons, games and nature play. Before and after care cost extra.
Dates
Nov 23-25, 2026 (Mon-Wed)
Hours
Drop-off 9-9:30am; pick-up 3-3:30pm
Ages
Grades K-5
Cost
Members $300; nonmembers $330; before care $60, after care $120
A free, family-friendly day of shopping, music and holiday cheer: 40+ artisans and local retailers, a Kids Zone, live performances from 1 to 5:30pm and Jack London Square's annual Holiday Tree Lighting from 5:45pm.
One day only: local vendors fill the OMCA campus with locally made artisan goods for holiday gift giving, from jewelry and art prints to textiles and gifts for your four-legged friends.
Shop beans, gear and holiday gifts, taste coffee and meet the people behind twelve of Oakland's hottest coffee brands inside the Rotunda Building. Every ticket includes a vendor voucher.
Dates
Sunday, December 13, 2026
Hours
10am-4pm
Cost
Half day $10, full day $15, VIP $50, tasting workshop + VIP $95
Kedrick Armstrong and the Oakland Symphony are joined by Bay Area artists for the orchestra's annual holiday party, a tribute to Quincy Jones at the Paramount Theatre, which offers wheelchair-accessible locations and assistive listening.
Oakland Ballet brings the holidays to life with dancing, scenery and costumes as Marie rescues the Nutcracker Prince from the Rat King, set to Tchaikovsky's score. Ages 2 and over need a ticket; wheelchair-accessible locations available.
Dates
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Hours
1pm
Ages
Ages 2 and over require a ticket; children under 2 years are allowed and must sit on parent or guardian lap
39 outings in Oakland, from the Alameda County guide. The most are in Family outings (22), Free and budget-friendly (10), Seasonal and holiday (10). Listings can be in more than one section.
What is free to do in Oakland?
7 listings list free entry, including Free First Sunday at the Oakland Museum of California, OMCA Architecture Walk and Talk, Joy to the Town! Holiday Market & Tree Lighting at Jack London Square and Gardens at Lake Merritt.
What can we do indoors in Oakland?
4 listings are indoors, including Chabot Space & Science Center, Fox Theater, Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) and Oakland Public Library - Main Library.
Section: Free and budget-friendlymuseum
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