First Fridays Are Back & the Colors Are Flying
Oakland's biggest street fest kicks off the season, Holi lights up the waterfront, and live music fills the East Bay all weekend long.
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The Town is waking up this weekend and the energy is all the way up. Oakland First Fridays returns for the 2026 season opener, colors are literally flying at the Holi Festival in Jack London Square, and live music is stacked from Telegraph Ave to Walnut Creek. Here’s your weekend blueprint.
🎨 Oakland First Fridays — 2026 Season Opener
Friday, Mar 6 @ 5:00 PM
Oakland First Fridays is back for 2026 and the season opener is going to be massive. Every first Friday, Telegraph Avenue from West Grand to 27th Street transforms into a sprawling, free street festival drawing upwards of 30,000 people to the KONO District. Expect galleries throwing open their doors, street artists painting live, DJs spinning everything from house to cumbia, food vendors stacking plates, and a community energy that’s pure Oakland. It’s the city’s signature cultural block party and the perfect way to kick off a Friday night — arrive early, explore the art, grab something to eat, and let the vibes carry you. The festival runs from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM and is all-ages.
The Move: The Hotboys Oakland at 1601 San Pablo Ave is just a quick ride from Telegraph Ave — fuel up before or after First Fridays with wings and fries to keep the night going.
📍 Event info at oaklandfirstfridays.org
🎵 DRAMA — Platonic Romance Tour
Friday, Mar 6 @ 8:00 PM
Chicago electro-R&B duo DRAMA brings their Platonic Romance Tour to the legendary Fox Theater on Telegraph Ave. Via Rosa’s silky, emotive vocals and Na’el Shehade’s lush, synth-driven production make for one of the most captivating live shows in indie pop right now. Their third album Platonic Romance dives deep into heartbreak, new love, and personal growth — and it hits different in a room like the Fox. Blank Sense opens the night. This is an all-ages show, and DRAMA has partnered with PLUS1 so $1 from every ticket goes to equity and access organizations. Doors at 7:00 PM, show at 8:00 PM. Pro tip: hit The Den one hour before doors for pre-show food and drinks.
The Move: The Fox Theater is right on Telegraph Ave, barely a 5-minute drive from Hotboys Oakland at 1601 San Pablo Ave — grab some heat before the show or a late-night bite after.
📍 Get tickets at ticketmaster.com
🌈 Non Stop Bhangra Holi Festival of Colors
Saturday, Mar 7 @ 1:00 PM
Non Stop Bhangra’s legendary Holi Festival of Colors takes over 7th West in Jack London Square for five hours of pure joy. Wear white and get ready to leave absolutely drenched in organic, biodegradable color — they provide the powder, you bring the energy. The afternoon features interactive Bhangra dance lessons, live dance performances, dhol drummers, DJs keeping the party moving, two full bars, and incredible food vendors. It’s all-ages with a kid-friendly arcade and activities zone, making it a true community celebration. The festival runs from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Tickets are available at $25 (early bird), $30 (GA), or $35 at the door — toddlers 3 and under are free.
The Move: 7th West is right in Jack London Square, a short trip from Hotboys Oakland at 1601 San Pablo Ave — swing by for wings and fries to refuel after five hours of dancing in color.
📍 Event info at eventbrite.com
🥁 In The Air Tonight — Genesis & Phil Collins Tribute
Saturday, Mar 7 @ 7:30 PM
If you’ve ever wanted to feel that iconic drum fill from “In The Air Tonight” rattle through your chest in a gorgeous theater, this is your night. The Hofmann Theatre at Lesher Center for the Arts hosts a full concert re-creation of Genesis and Phil Collins’ greatest hits — think “Sussudio,” “Invisible Touch,” “Against All Odds,” “Easy Lover,” “Turn It On Again,” and of course, the title track. It’s a high-energy tribute show running from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM in one of the East Bay’s finest performing arts venues. Walnut Creek’s downtown dining scene is steps away, making it easy to turn this into a full date night.
The Move: The Hotboys Walnut Creek at 1394 N Main St is right in downtown, just minutes from the Lesher Center — perfect for a pre-show meal or post-show late-night bite.
📍 Get tickets at lesherartscenter.org
🛍️ HEAD WEST Marketplace
Sunday, Mar 8 @ 11:00 AM
HEAD WEST transforms North Main Street in downtown Walnut Creek into a vibrant open-air marketplace filled with local makers, artisans, vintage dealers, and small businesses. Browse handcrafted ceramics, jewelry, art prints, home décor, fashion, and vintage finds while live music sets the vibe. The market runs rain or shine from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, is kid and pet-friendly, and has free parking nearby. This is the first HEAD WEST of the 2026 season on Main Street — the perfect laid-back Sunday activity to close out the weekend. Support local creators, soak up the East Bay sunshine, and discover something unique.
The Move: HEAD WEST is literally on N. Main Street — the Hotboys Walnut Creek at 1394 N Main St is right there in the mix. Grab wings and fries while you shop.
📍 Event info at headwestmarketplace.com
The Hotboys Connection
From the 2026 First Fridays season opener on Telegraph Ave to colors flying in Jack London Square to live music in the 925, we’ve got locations across the East Bay ready to keep you fed all weekend.
- Oakland: 1601 San Pablo Ave (9am – 10pm Sun – Wed)
- Walnut Creek: 1394 N Main St (9am – 10pm Sun – Wed)
- Hayward: 27826 Mission Blvd (10am – 10pm Sun – Thurs)
- Novato: 5800 Nave Dr, Suite D (10am – 10pm Sun – Thurs)
Hit the streets, throw some color, catch a show, eat some heat. See you in the East Bay. 🔥