Maid Brigade

Experience the drama on stage at the TheatreFIRST. Oakland's resident professional theater company is home-grown talent at its best, with a knack for bringing the house down with provocative plays that excite and engage audiences. Past performances on the entertainment schedule have included The Grapes of Wrath, Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter, and Anton in Show Business.

Spend some time hanging out at Café Van Kleef. Gather with politicians, artists, entrepreneurs and a host of other very interesting people at a café bar. This nightlife destination is fast becoming the hippest spot to mingle with intellectuals, enjoy elegant drinks, and hear the best from local blues, jazz and contemporary musicians.

You'll get a punch in the mouth at the Eat Real Festival. Beginning on Friday and running through Sunday, more than 100,000 foodie fanatics savor the flavor when sampling an array of local food trucks, street vendors, and DYI demonstrations and workshops serving handcrafted foods, wines, beers and more.

Travel back in time at the Oakland Museum of California. The museum shares the extraordinary tales of the Golden State and its people through engaging collections, exhibits and attractions that explore the state's connection to its history, art and nature. Discover local artesian wares at the museum store and participate in art-related monthly community events.