Oakland has a broad and decentralized creative scene shaped by its neighborhoods, communities, and independent spaces. Many creatives work across disciplines and connect through local events, shared studios, classes, and informal gatherings rather than a single central hub.
This guide offers a practical overview of where creatives in Oakland tend to work, meet, and spend time, with a focus on real places and everyday ways to connect.
Discover the city’s most creative districts, from vibrant cultural quarters to emerging areas where artists, designers and makers shape the local scene.
Rockridge isn’t an “arts district” per se, but it’s frequently mentioned as a lively Oakland neighborhood with independent boutiques, coffee shops, and social spaces where freelancers, designers, and creatives live and work.
While more residential than strictly arts-focused, the Laurel District and adjacent North Oakland areas (near Temescal and Rockridge) often attract creatives because of local cafes, community events, workshops, and relatively accessible spaces compared with pricier parts of the Bay Area.
The areas around downtown and Uptown are where many galleries, studios, and arts events — including the monthly Oakland Art Murmur walks — are clustered. These neighborhoods are central to Oakland’s visual arts scene and host frequent openings and cultural programming.
Jingletown is a small arts district within the Fruitvale neighborhood that has historically been an artist enclave, with converted lofts and community arts initiatives supporting working artists and cultural projects.
Temescal is one of Oakland’s more noted neighborhoods for creative energy, with a mix of galleries, artisan eateries, independent shops, murals, and community events concentrated along Telegraph Avenue. It’s frequently described as having a thriving arts, food, and local culture scene that appeals to artists and makers alike.
Find inspiring coworking spaces where freelancers, studios and creative professionals work, collaborate and connect in a shared environment.
The Groundfloor in Oakland blends relaxed creativity with real focus. Open, airy spaces and a friendly crew make it easy to get things done. Great when you want room to think without feeling isolated.
Temescal Works is a friendly neighborhood coworking spot in Oakland with flexible desks, private offices, meeting rooms, and event space, plus a snack store and pet friendly vibes. Great for getting work done and finding community.
Port Workspaces is a friendly Oakland coworking and office community in beautifully restored historic buildings, with flexible memberships, Zoom-ready meeting rooms, bay views, and fun touches like a tube slide at Jack London Square. With spots at Jack London Square and Port Labs near Uptown, you get easy transit, unlimited coffee, and a supportive vibe to get stuff done.
RBA Creative is an Oakland spot for fine art and photography, offering exhibition space, a full-service studio, and community events. Stop by for Second Saturday shows or rent the studio when you need a solid setup.
ArtHaus Works is a 102-year-old warehouse turned creative hub with art everywhere, comfy lounges, and private workspaces in all sizes. Day passes plus perks like conference rooms, stocked kitchens, and a roof deck make it easy to get stuff done.
Explore the cafés, bars and restaurants loved by creatives for meeting, working, socializing or simply finding inspiration over great food and drinks.
The Cook and Her Farmer is a cozy oyster bar and cafe with fresh oysters, seasonal plates, and natural wines, perfect for a laid-back lunch or casual date night.
Grab a drink at Mad Oak Bar N Yard, a chill Oakland hang with a roof deck and patio, 40 beers on tap, fresh cocktails, and late night bites. Weekday happy hour runs 4 to 6 with drink deals and rotating food specials.
Parlour is a laid-back Cal-Italian spot in Oakland serving seasonal Bay Area plates from a wood-fired oven with classic and modern cocktails, plus a tasty weekend brunch.
Oakland’s go-to for strong cocktails and quirky vibes, Cafe Van Kleef is where you grab a fresh grapefruit greyhound and settle in for a good time.
ERA Art Bar and Lounge mixes curated contemporary art, diverse music, and boutique cocktails in a stylish two-level space. Think vaulted ceilings downstairs and vintage leather seating with a private bar upstairs.
Bay Grape is a cozy wine shop and hangout with a thoughtful selection and friendly vibes. Great spot for a glass with friends or grabbing something special to go.
A neighborhood favorite, Shandong Oakland is a laid-back spot for satisfying plates and easygoing vibes.
Tacos Sinaloa serves up delicious, authentic Mexican favorites in the East Bay with fresh ingredients and multiple spots in Oakland and Berkeley.
Awaken Cafe & Roasting is a lively downtown Oakland hangout for freshly roasted coffee, tasty bites, beer and wine, and community events.
A curated selection of galleries, museums and contemporary art spaces that showcase the city’s cultural pulse and creative expression.
The Compound Gallery is a contemporary art hub in Emeryville with rotating shows, a curated art shop, working studios, and hands-on workshops.
Check out the Oakland Museum of California for engaging exhibitions, a leafy garden, and community events that spotlight California art, history, and natural sciences.
Mercury 20 Gallery is an Oakland artist-run spot with rotating contemporary shows, from juried group exhibitions to intimate backroom features. Swing by on Fridays and Saturdays or set up an appointment to catch Bay Area artists pushing new ideas.
With roots in Jingletown and a new Uptown space, Gray Loft Gallery brings together contemporary artists and exhibitions. Drop by for First Friday vibes and rotating shows.
SLATE Contemporary is an Oakland gallery spotlighting contemporary abstract painting and photography alongside mixed media and sculpture, with a friendly team that helps collectors find, preview, and install the right piece.
Transmission Gallery is a contemporary art spot in Oakland showing figuration, funk, expressionism and socially engaged work.
Oakland Art Murmur is your hub for Oakland’s visual art scene, spotlighting gallery shows, artist talks, and community events like First Friday and East Bay Open Studios.
Browse design stores, bookshops and concept shops offering everything from art books to local design objects and creative inspiration.
Flowerland is a beloved Albany nursery and shop with lush plants, seasonal goodies, and charming gifts, already around since 1947.
Check out Reuse For Arts & Crafts, a friendly Berkeley spot for affordable, eco-minded art supplies and unique handmade finds. They champion creative reuse with donated materials and lots of inspiration for your next project.
At Book Society, shelves meet wine glasses in a cozy community spot with curated reads, monthly book and wine pairings at a self-serve sip station, light bites, and lively events like author talks and book clubs. Membership perks and a comfy lounge make it easy to settle in and connect.
Clio's Books is a chill Oakland spot where you can browse great reads, sip a drink, and catch regular events.
Check out Wolfman Home Bookstore, a chill spot for book lovers with a wide mix of new and used titles, small press gems, greeting cards and quirky limited editions.
Umami Mart is an Oakland shop for Japanese sake, shochu, whisky, and tea plus curated barware, pantry items, and home goods, with a bar for tastings, classes, and events.
Field Day serves up flattering, comfy pieces made from reclaimed and locally sourced materials, designed and made in Oakland, CA. Easy-going styles for everyday adventures, from dresses and jumpsuits to tops and bottoms.
Repping Oakland with iconic tree-logo gear and community-rooted collabs, Oaklandish has cool tees, hoodies, and gifts that show hometown pride.
A Great Good Place for Books is a friendly neighborhood indie in Oakland with thoughtful staff picks, regular author events, and shelves that make it easy to find your next favorite read.
Discover hybrid spaces, community hubs and relaxed hangouts where creatives gather, collaborate and exchange ideas.
Hit up the Old Oakland Farmers' Market on Fridays from 8am to 2pm for fresh produce, global bites, and a lively scene at 9th and Broadway near Chinatown.
Swing by the Grand Lake Farmers Market at Splash Pad Park in Oakland every Saturday 9am to 2pm for 100+ vendors, fresh produce, coffee, pastries, and easy picnic vibes among palm trees. They accept CalFresh EBT/SNAP, Market Match and WIC.
The Loom Oakland is a creative district with brick and timber vibes, spacious event venues, and flexible office and warehouse spaces for makers and teams. With Fabrik's container village, pop-ups, murals, and a supportive community, it’s a fun spot to build, host, and hang out.
Oakland First Fridays is a free monthly street festival where art, music, food, and community take over Telegraph Ave with big Oakland energy. Swing through on the first Friday to catch local artists, performers, and vendors bringing the Town to life.
Frank Bette Center for the Arts is a welcoming community hub in Alameda with rotating exhibits, fun classes, and creative events like plein air paintouts and poetry nights. Open Friday to Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm.
Creative Growth is a pioneering Oakland art studio uplifting adult artists with disabilities. Expect bold, joyful work and a welcoming community vibe.
Local Economy is a sunny Oakland community hub with coffee from Painted Leopard, creative workshops, readings, and game nights. It is an easy antidote to chaos and isolation. Swing by for member-powered events and indie-made goods.
Bathers Library is a community-supported art book library, shop, and delightfully weird work and performance space in downtown Oakland, with a storefront open Thursday to Saturday 12 to 6 and a mix of workshops, residencies, and events.
At ARTogether, creativity builds belonging for immigrants and refugees. From arts programs and wellness workshops to public projects and exhibitions, it’s a friendly space to connect and grow.
Moments Cooperative and Community Space is a volunteer run not-for-profit cooperative and community space supporting QTBIPOC, LGBTQ+ and local artists through shared resources, a curated collection of books and zines, events and artist residencies.
Three Thirty Three Arts sparks community vibes with collaborative public art, from hands-on mural jams to performances, while lifting up emerging artists with real-world experience and support. Come paint, create, and connect.
Join local meetups, creative circles and communities that bring people together through shared interests and collaborative energy.
Whether you are a graphic designer, a photographer, a marketer, or a filmmaker, the Creative Lunch Club gives you the chance to regularly meet other creatives in your city for lunch.
Made-in-Oakland, Chapter 510 helps young people tap the power of their stories with writing workshops, bookmaking, and publishing, creating a joyful, safe space for Black, brown, and queer youth.
At Rock Paper Scissors Collective in Oakland, you’ll find a friendly, volunteer-run arts hub with low-cost workshops, gallery shows, zines, youth programs, and community events. A good spot to learn, make, and connect with local creatives.
The key festivals, fairs and conferences that draw creative professionals together for talks, workshops, exhibitions and cultural experiences.
Explore local creativity with East Bay Open Studios, a free community event where artists across the East Bay open their workspaces to the public. Meet makers, discover new art, and get inspired while supporting a vibrant arts scene.
Oakland First Fridays is a free monthly street fest along Telegraph Avenue that brings together art, music, food, and community on the first Friday of every month. Each month brings a fresh theme and spotlights local artists, performers, and small businesses.
Hands-on spaces offering tools, equipment and workshops for anyone interested in making, crafting, experimenting or bringing creative ideas to life.
Ace Makerspace is a friendly 24/7 creative hub in Oakland with tools, classes, and a welcoming community for beginners and pros alike. Drop in for a tour or jump into laser cutting, 3D printing, textiles, woodworking, and electronics.
Get creative at Paint & Picnic Alamo, a charming outdoor studio and private garden (Storybook Glade) for not-your-average paint-and-sip parties, team-building, and special celebrations—by appointment only.
That Art Party hosts playful, art-filled experiences centering BIPOC adults, turning creativity and community into a self-care ritual. Expect watercolor, doodling, and vibes that help you unplug and reconnect.
Bandaloop Studios is the main training and rehearsal space for BANDALOOP, a performance company specialising in vertical and aerial dance. The studio offers workshops, classes and terrain specific training in movement and technique.
MUDWORKS STUDIO is a welcoming ceramics spot with classes in wheel throwing, handbuilding, and slip casting. Grab a membership if you want a creative community, and check out their private lessons and events.
Get your hands muddy at Cass Ceramics, an Albany, CA studio with wheel-throwing, hand-building, glazing classes and guided studio time.
Make something awesome, meet cool folks, and grow your creative practice at Mighty Mighty Studio with hands-on workshops, peer-led cohorts, and art-centered gatherings in Oakland.
The Crucible is a West Oakland industrial arts nonprofit where you can dive into blacksmithing, welding, glass, ceramics, woodworking and more, with classes for all levels plus youth programs, team builds, and scholarships.
Venues and stages that showcase live music, film screenings, performances and multidisciplinary shows across the city.
The New Parish is a beloved Oakland spot for live music and nightlife, known for intimate vibes, a cozy courtyard, and an eclectic lineup that keeps things lively.
Catch a movie at Grand Lake Theater, a classic Oakland movie palace with dual-projector 3D, the Mighty Wurlitzer before Friday and Saturday evening show.
Yoshi’s is an Oakland go-to for live jazz, soul, blues, and more, with a restaurant that’s perfect for pre-show bites and drinks.
Paramount Theatre is a beloved Oakland venue for concerts, comedy, talks and special events. It's also home to the Oakland Symphony and Oakland Ballet, so there's always something great on the calendar.
Catch a show at the beautifully restored Fox Theater, Oakland, a 1928 landmark with top-tier Meyer sound and room for around 2,800 fans. Right in Uptown, it’s a favorite stop for touring artists and locals alike.
Parks, lookout points and outdoor spaces perfect for taking a break, finding inspiration or meeting others in a more relaxed setting.
Fig Leaf Gardens is a relaxed backyard oasis in Oakland’s Redwood Heights with fruit trees, veggie beds, a chicken coop, beehives, a pond, and a 60-year-old fig tree. They host workshops and events and welcome volunteers to help the garden thrive.
Head to Lake Merritt for relaxed waterfront paths, wildlife watching, and skyline views, perfect for a chill stroll or picnic.
A selection of design-forward and boutique hotels offering creative atmospheres, thoughtful interiors and inspiring stays for visiting creatives.
Kissel Uptown Oakland is a stylish Uptown spot with Beaux-Arts vibes, chic rooms, and local art, steps from The Hive and the Fox Theater. Grab coffee at Otto’s downstairs, hang at the rooftop bar, and explore the neighborhood’s artsy energy.
Thanks for running such a great community! I'm so glad I took a chance and tried this for the first time, and I can't wait for the next month to roll around. Excited to see this network grow!
So lovely and energizing to connect with other designers, bonding over shared experiences, loves/qualms about our work, how to avoid creative burnout, what we’re looking forward to, and so on. Looking forward to continuing to make these thoughtful connections and have meaningful conversations.
When I joined Creative Lunch Club, I didn’t expect to connect with people who live in the same neighbourhood as me. It’s pretty cool to build a community of creatives in your vicinity, especially because it’s easier to nurture those connections when you live in a big city. I love it.
