Oakland Art and Soul Festival - Oakland - Nightlife & Entertainment Reviews

The Art and Soul Festival is held annually Labor Day weekend in downtown Oakland. It is a three day festival with several stages and many genres of music so there is something for everyone. Typically there is a main stage that's sponsored by a local radio station where the more mainstream artists perform. There are several smaller stages that feature jazz, blues, local rock bands, world dance and world music.

Throughout the festival local artists and vendors have booths where they sell handicrafts. There are also several vendors selling food from around the world and county fair type food. It is a kid-friendly event and there is a "Family Fun Zone" with mural painting, a moon bounce and other activities for kids.

The festival used to be free and then it was $5. It looks like this year the price has gone up to $10 for those of us who are over 18. I'm not sure why the price keeps increasing given the obvious sponsorship by Comcast and Toyota! It is $5 for people ages 13-18 and free for kids 12 and under. The festival is conveniently located in the Oakland City Center. There are several entrances to the festival and it is right around the corner from 12th Street/City Center Bart Station.