Featured Events in Oakland in February 2024 (May Updated)

Experience tabletop gaming like never before at D'UNHINGED & DRAGONS! This extraordinary event invites you to immerse yourself in a world of whimsy and camaraderie. With friendly hosts and no prior experience required, all you need is a sense of adventure and delight. Each 90-minute session is expertly crafted by the talented Dungeonmaster, Emmett, and brought to life by the co-host, Thumper, with live sound effects and immersive props. Prepare to jump straight into gameplay, collaborating with your five campaign-mates to solve puzzles and defeat the final boss. Along this fantastical journey, you'll encounter delightful new worlds, eccentric characters, and engage in truly ridiculous scenes. Characters and props are provided, ensuring a splendid time every third Wednesday at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. The inaugural installment, "All Abeard!", will transport you aboard a humble ship amidst thunderstorms and pouring rain. Will you stand and aid a forsaken sailor, wielding a beard as your weapon? D'Unhinged & Dragons welcomes participants of all experience levels, with no prior tabletop RPG knowledge required. Mark your calendars for the first session on February 21, 2024, at State of Play Pop-Up in Oakland. Remember, tickets are limited to six players per session, so secure yours soon for $25.

Join Nate Wooley, the 2024 Jean MacDuff Vaux Composer-in-Residence, for an enlightening introduction to his compositional and creative practice. This event, presented by the Center for Contemporary Music and Mills College at Northeastern University, offers a unique opportunity to delve into the artistic world of this renowned composer. Born in Clatskanie, Oregon, Wooley's musical journey began at a young age when he started playing the trumpet alongside his father, a talented saxophonist. Since then, he has made a name for himself as one of the most sought-after trumpet players in the vibrant Brooklyn jazz, improv, noise, and new music scenes. Collaborating with esteemed musicians such as John Zorn, Anthony Braxton, and Eliane Radigue, Wooley has garnered international acclaim for his distinctive trumpet language, pushing the boundaries of the instrument. In addition to his prowess as a performer, Wooley has also established himself as a composer of grandiose and socially conscious music. His groundbreaking series, "The Complete Syllables Music," inspired by the International Phonetic Alphabet, has been praised as revolutionary solo repertoire. On the other end of the spectrum, his monumental "Seven Storey Mountain" cycle has captivated audiences with its communal and spiritual essence. Wooley's compositional work extends to the concept of Mutual Aid Music, culminating in a full chamber ensemble piece and collaborations with esteemed artists and ensembles. Recognized for his contributions to the music industry, Wooley has received prestigious awards, including the Foundation for Contemporary Arts Grants to Artists Award and the Instant Award for Improvised Music. This lecture at Mills Music Now presents a unique opportunity to gain insight into the innovative mind and musical genius of Nate Wooley. Don't miss this extraordinary event on February 22, 2024, at the Ensemble Room, Music Building, Mills College at Northeastern University in Oakland, CA. Admission is free, so mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the world of this visionary composer.

Join the Illustrative Watercolor Workshop with Max Silver in Oakland for a delightful and interactive lesson in the art of watercolor illustration. Max Silver, a local artist, illustrator, and fantasy writer, will guide participants through the fundamentals of watercolor painting, allowing them to create unique and captivating artwork. Whether you are seeking a calming hobby or a fun activity to enjoy with friends or colleagues, watercolor painting is an excellent choice. Let your imagination run wild and be amazed by the magnificent creations you can bring to life in just one lesson. This workshop, held at the A.B.O. Comix venue, provides all the necessary supplies for your art projects, including premium watercolor paper, brushes, and paints. Max Silver, an experienced teacher and artist, specializes in cartoon-style illustrations but also offers various techniques to suit individual preferences. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the world of watercolor painting and indulge in your creative side. Reserve your spot now for the Illustrative Watercolor Workshop with Max Silver in Oakland.

Join muralist and artist T.Banksy for an unforgettable evening of creativity and camaraderie at the Sip, Puff & Paint event. T.Banksy, a talented self-taught artist and muralist, is on a mission to share her artistic gifts with the community. This special gathering is an invitation for all creative individuals and painting enthusiasts to come together for a guided and open painting session. During the event, T.Banksy will skillfully guide participants through a sketch painting, while also encouraging them to unleash their own imagination. The intimate and welcoming atmosphere of Third Eye Soul Kitchen in Oakland will make you feel right at home. No prior painting skills are necessary to partake in this experience, as T.Banksy creates a pressure-free environment for everyone to enjoy. The only requirement is to bring your positive energy and good vibes. Mark your calendars for February 24, 2024, and make your way to Third Eye Soul Kitchen at 3043 Martin Luther King Junior Way, Oakland, CA 94609. The tickets for this remarkable event are priced at $25-40, offering great value for an evening filled with artistic inspiration. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be a part of this 420-friendly gathering and connect with fellow art enthusiasts. Book your spot now for an enchanting night of painting and self-expression.

Join Max Silver for an engaging and enjoyable watercolor lesson in Oakland! Discover the art of illustration using watercolors and bring your imagination to life in this interactive watercolor painting class. Max, a talented local artist, illustrator, and fantasy writer, will guide you through the fundamentals of watercolor painting, helping you create one-of-a-kind artwork. Whether you're seeking a relaxing hobby or a fun indoor activity with friends or colleagues, watercolor painting is the perfect medium to explore. Unleash your creativity and be amazed by the incredible creations you can produce in just one lesson. This workshop is beginner-friendly and includes all the necessary supplies, such as premium watercolor paper, watercolor paint, gouache, brushes, and more. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from Max Silver, a respected San Francisco artist, and teacher. Max's expertise in watercolor painting, particularly in cartoon-style illustrations, will equip you with a variety of techniques to create beautiful paintings in your preferred style. Hosted by Hot Stuff Studios, a Queer events collective, this workshop celebrates and honors Queer creativity. The event will take place at A.B.O. Comix, a collective of creators and activists dedicated to amplifying the voices of LGBTQ prisoners through art. By participating, you not only support incarcerated artists but also contribute to the fight for liberation and equality. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of watercolor painting and unleash your artistic potential.

Join the Oakland Civic Orchestra for the second concert of their 31st season, the Oakland Civic Orchestra: Symphonic Dance Party. Experience an enchanting evening of music featuring three captivating compositions. Immerse yourself in the melodic brilliance of Doreen Carwithen's Bishop Rock, the rhythmic energy of Joaquin Turina's Danzas fantásticas, and the sweeping grandeur of Sergei Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances, Op.45. This extraordinary concert will run for approximately 90 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. To secure your spot, make sure to reserve your tickets in advance, as seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the concert, subject to availability. Remember to bring your physical tickets or e-mail confirmation for admission. Ensuring the safety of all attendees, the Oakland Civic Orchestra strongly recommends that audience members wear masks and be fully vaccinated and boosted. If you're feeling unwell, we kindly request that you stay home and take care of yourself. Located at the First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, the venue offers street parking (limited availability) and convenient access to BART at 19th Street, Oakland. Additionally, the church parking lot and Subaru parking lot are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage carpooling, ride sharing, or using public transportation to reduce traffic congestion. Please remember not to leave any valuables in your vehicle. Ticket prices cover only a portion of the Oakland Civic Orchestra's operating expenses. If you wish to make an additional donation to support OCO, please use the provided link. Don't miss this sensational symphonic experience! Reserve your tickets now for the Oakland Civic Orchestra: Symphonic Dance Party.