Oakland’s monthly First Friday Art Walk, also known as Art Murmur is an event for all to enjoy. It offers art, crafts, music, food, beverages, and entertainment for all ages. The festival is held on Telegraph Avenue between 27th street and West Grand, as well as on several of the adjacent streets. People can wander around freely since the streets are blocked off from traffic. Many of the local Art Galleries offer a wide variety of goods for sale and viewing. Visitors can find jewelry, pottery, woodwork, paintings and much more.
At September’s First Friday event, food booths offered a wide variety of cuisine normally available to Oakland restaurants. Music performances were spread throughout the event and included jazz, disco, classic rock, and Latin American music. Kids also had much to enjoy from Dozo the clown, a display of Quessant sheep, characters dressed up in Halloween costumes, and breakdancers.
The public is lucky to have this kind of event, and a big thanks goes to the many artists and businesses who so graciously give their time and who help fund the First Friday Festivals for the enjoyment of all the participants.