** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. ** I know this wasn't technically the annual Temescal Street Fair, but I don't believe the event on Sunday, October 25, had an actual name. It was referred to as a picnic which made sense if you took advantage of the neighborhood restaurants offering outdoor seating. Jamie W. and I did by having our first real outdoor dining experience together right outside of Daol Tofu & BBQ, a relatively new Korean spot that made an excellent Bo Ssam for two with tables that were properly distanced from each other. Even more than that though, this urban picnic offered us an opportunity to roam the neighborhood and take notice of all the ethnically diverse array of eateries at our own pace. I actually found the absence of mobile amusement rides, performance stages, and free salsa lessons blessings in disguise. This was held in response to Oakland's Flex Streets initiative, where restaurants and shops take over closed blocks for brief periods of time. During these challenging times, I welcome these picnics and hope more are scheduled. RELATED - Exploring Temescal? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2I0RAHj read more

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This is a big Street Fair!! I decided to take BART here, a super convenient way to go, just get off at MacArthur station, and it's literally around the corner. I also took my bicycle, lots of bike parking here also. Lots of food choices here, and I like how all the businesses in the area are open also for even more choices. There are 2 music stages, the one at the end had salsa going when I got there, with everybody doing the salsa. Lots to see, buy, and taste, I'll definitely be back!!! read more

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Today was the last day of my Staycation and it was a good day !!! Why you may ask Because today was the Day of the Temescal Street Fair . This Street Fair has a lot Flavor !!! There's 3 Band Stages setup . The Band Stage on 40TH Street has a Reggae Band and their Jamming Man all Love. There's another in the Middle of the Fair that Has the 57th Street Gallery with a Jazz Band and you can feel the Soul. Fun Fact 57th Street Gallery used to be located in Oakland for many years . But their Lease ran out and they were forced to closed their doors . To the Dismay of several Art and Jazz Lovers . But the good news they may have found a location in Emeryville and may open up again . I hope so as I love live music especially Jazz and Blues. On the 51TH Street Stage Juan Escovedo -Sheila E Brother was playing Funk and Pop Music with his Band on the 510 Stage .They were tearing the house There where Climbing Walls , Mini Carnival , Arts and Crafts Booths . Setup for the Kids. Plenty of Crafts , Art , and Clothes Booths for the Ladies . There were Beer Booths Setup and Numerous Food Booths setup. My Favorite food booth was the Nora Cocina Espanola Booth - They make the Yummy Shrimp Paella which I watched the Proprietor Sergio make today Fresh and Piping Hot . It was finger licking good. I also had the Korean Chicken Wings from BOWLD BBQ . They were Delish . Temescal is a Hot Bed of Restaurants and Specialty Eatery's Definitely one of my Favorite Parts of Oakland. read more

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I failed diversity training. They never should have sent me in the first place. I told them it was a bad idea. They said everybody had to go. Even me. Even though I was going to fail. I failed miserably because as the paid instructor said maybe the hundredth time that uber alles we should focus on our differences, that we should vive le difference, I raised my hand and when asked said yes this is fabulous but might it not be useful to also celebrate what we have in common? If peace love and understanding are what we're after wouldn't maybe perhaps it almost be better to celebrate this first? Like, establish that we're all in this together and of in an absolute sense a common ancestry and above all usually we're just simply struggling to make sense of it all and get through another day. Then, after this is more brightly illuminated, we celebrate our diversity. Not doing this is a slippery slope that more often divides, not unites. Though a world divided is a business opportunity for the "trainers" and in this day and age who'd want to deny anybody a chance to make a buck, even if it perpetuates a problem? Certainly not me. You want to check out the opposite of diversity training? You want to put yourself in the middle of folks who get the commonality and by association in their midst be reminded of it yourself? Go to the Temescal Street Fair. Without question, this is the best local example of how a better world could be. If this vibe could be bottled and released in the subways around the planet I kid you not - people would start behaving a little better to their brothers and sisters. People wouldn't need to be sent to the classroom (or to the woodshed after). Yesterday was the best fair yet. Right outside my front door and for blocks in either direction Telegraph Avenue was empty of cars and filled with booths and stages and people of all shapes and sizes and colors, all manner beliefs and political persuasions. And you know what? They were all smiling. Every single one of them. This neighborhood has hit its stride. This stretch of street has gotten its act together. If you missed the festival this year, come in 2012. If you're a stranger to this part of Oakland you're missing out. The street-filling at celebration-time is just an overtly obvious version of what's there now all the time. Come over. read more

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2nd Times the Charm! This was my second time at the Temescal Street Fair, and it was even better than the year before. The Temescal Street Fair is a wonderful way to bring local and non-local East Bay Residents together through music, shopping, and food. I brought two out of towners to give them a taste of East Bay life. East Bay seems so much more relaxed than the busy, chaotic nature of San Francisco events. This festival is also a good way to meet local vendors--from bicycle shops to restaurants. I've been to Temescal numerous times, so I'm already a big fan of Bakesale Betty, Sura Korean BBQ, Burma Superstar, and Donut Dolly. However, there are so many other places I have yet to try. In the spirit of the fair, I got food from the Cholita Linda stand. I had one fish taco, one pork taco, and the mango passionfruit smoothie. I practically inhaled each taco--it was that tasty. They were fresh, very Baja California-inspired. The smoothie transported me to the beach. The sweetness from the mango, a little pucker from the passionfruit, and to top it off a hint of lime...All I needed were a pair of flip flops and that gentle ocean breeze caressing my face. This paired well wil the foot-stomping music. The fair had eclectic music from jazz to salsa to reggaeton. It was a hip shaking good time. Couple of all ages dancing, smiling, and having fun! This street fair only comes once a year, so best come next year! read more

Temescal Street Fair - 2013 Poster - Festivals Near Me - Oakland, California

Having a great day before work at The Temscal Street Fair. Lots of coool venors. Plenty of food. read more

Temescal Street Fair - Black Belt show! - Festivals Near Me - Oakland, California

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REVIEWER # 16 My first time at the Temescal Street Fair and I have to say it was GREAT! The Temescal Street Fair was held on June 12th, 2016 from 12PM to 6pm. The location was on Telegraph Ave between 40th and 51st street. The blocks that they utilized where good and plus most of all the restaurants stayed open despite the festival which made it nice because if people didn't want to order food from the vendor they didn't feel like they had too. The Temescal Street Fair has been around for 13 years! Yes people!! 13 years and began in 2004 as a small group of vendors who has now flourished into such a great cultural event! The street fair offers everything festive from: Food, bike showcase, homemade art and crafts, multiple music stages, painters, and did I mention totally family friendly? They even have a side for children to play! It doesn't get any better than that! My first thoughts about this street fair were: -No Parking -No one is going to be there. -No good vendors -No music or anything to keep the crowd going And after I had arrived all the thoughts that I had about this fair was thrown out of my head! I was able to find parking in the shopping plaza which was open to the Temescal Street Fair. They had a great line up which featured: 12:45 - 1:45 - Kim Lembo (Blues guitarist) www.kimlembomusic.com 2:15 - 3:15 - John Brothers Piano Company (Early Jazz, Bebop, Swing) www.johnbrothers.net 3:30 - 4:30 - Jesse Strickman (Indie Folk/Rock singer-songwriter) www.willowsteps.com 5:00 - 6:00 - Zeal Levin (Funk/Rock guitarist) www.zeallevin.com And 12:45 - 1:30 - Fredreick Douglass Youth Ensemble of the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music 1:45 - 2:15 - Oakland Future Trio 2:30-3:15 - The Influence 3:20 - Lyrik Lazard 3:25 - Victoria Smith 3:30 - Dezeree Riley 3:35 - Ashanti Johnson 3:45 - 4:30 - 4 Minds One Groove 4:45 - 5:45 - Sisters Keeper Band They had tons of vendors from: -Cholita Linda-Famous for their tacos! -Lanespitter Pizza and Pub -La Calaca Loca -The Avenue -Taras Organic Ice Cream -Curbside Cremery Overall, TONS & TONS of fun. I spent about 1 hour and 20 mins here and most of the reason was because all the lines were long. It was a great turn out. I definitely look forward to coming to this again! Until next year! REVIEW 51/196 read more

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The Temescal Street Fair is a celebration of bountiful variety. Lots of energetic live music sending out the positive vibes. Lots of food vendor pop-ups on a street with lots of great restaurants too. Lots arts & crafts stands offering a bazaar of every imaginable knick-knack. & lots & lots of people of all sizes, shapes, colors, beliefs, orientations, & any other way you could possibly categorize human beings. All of them mingling about & having a good time in the presence of 1 another. For just a brief moment in time, each year, the Temescal Street Fair is a feel-good microcosm of a human ideal. So rich in variety & such a feeling of happiness because of it. read more

It was our first time at this fair! As it was noon when we got there, we had to get some grub right away! So many choices of food, but we settled for Cholita Linda for their delicious fish tacos and mango agua fresca. Can't go wrong with their tacos! We walked all the way to 40th St from 51st and saw a bunch of booths selling hats, clothing, t-shirts, jewelry, pottery, art work and etc...There were also booths with representatives from the offices of local politicians. Entertainment stages were set up in different areas for bands and performers. Lots of kids entertainment too--craft stations, jumpers and rock climbing. Truly, there's something for everybody! read more

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Trifecta of music, arts-crafts, and delicious food. Complete with sunny Oakland-hipster vibe and lots of Square around so I could spend more via credit card, I am already looking forward to next year's fair! Food: Bakesale Betty was open, so a definite plus. Lots of 5-dollar eats from Burma, Tara's, Lanesplitters, Barlata, Aunt Mary's, Sura, Donut Dolly, Cholita Linda, Whole Foods (strawberry agua fresco, score), Dona Tomas, Juhu. Shopping: So many women's jewelry baubles I thought I'd go blind. Oaklandish of course and a few other screen print vendors. Music: 3 live stages and lots of fun community dancing Ashkenaz style. Very bike friendly, kid friendly, pet friendly, wheelchair friendly, college student friendly... but not parking friendly. read more

My first Temescal Street Fair was a blast! I got to sample Lanesplitter's Pizza, which I can happily say, is NOT overrated. Foldable thin crust, with the perfect amount of cheese. Soo glad I was finally able to try it. I also tried some delicious Sangria from Barlata. After pleasing my stomach, I walked around and pleased my eyes with beautiful artwork and craftsmanship from the many booths. I finally ended up at the music stage and wasn't disappointed. The Cuban Ensemble onstage was playing everything from Salsa to Cumbia. I had a blast dancing my "1, 2, 3, kick, routine." I pleased my stomach as much as I pleased my eyes and ears. My senses were full & happy after leaving the Temescal Street Fair. read more

Maybe I'm bias because O-town is part of my hood but I think the festivals here are far better than all the other cities I've attended to so far. I've attended a lot! In fact, I've attended a marathon of festivals in various cities for 2013. First of all, Oakland is always sunny and warm, which makes hanging outdoors more pleasant than cold chilling weather. But at this very festival, you will get a combination of youthful hipsters, families with kids and dogs, singles that wanna mingle and couples holding hands. And the diversity of people here is unlike any of the other festivals I've attended. Grass roots is what I call this festival. Everything is local. Local bands, local performers, local restaurants, local markets, local people. It's all local. Which makes this festival distinct and unique to Temescal district. Reasons to attend this festival: 1) Bake Sale Betty - fried chicken sandwich and strawberry shortcake - WOW. It's the best you'll ever eat in any district. They have been around for a very long time because the food is very comforting. 2) Band stand for kids - you get to see Oakland high school kids perform on stage. You get to see kids from a local Karate school perform their Ha-Ya's! It's family oriented and makes it special for everyone. 3) Band stand for family - local bands perform to make the day feel extra relaxing. Belly dancers clapping away. 4) Acrobatic stage - I've never seen this before and it was so much fun to watch! 5) Piano and a saxophone player in the middle of the street. No other festival will have such a free form stage in the middle of the block to perform. People just gather around to watch them perform. 6) The food stands are definitely all local and unique. I didn't see a single Saigon BBQ food stand here. Instead, I saw Juhu Beach Cafe pork sandwiches, tropical drinks prepared in cups already, burgers, and other items that makes this distinct. 7) The merchandise is tailors Oakland, they sell Oaklanders t-shirts and crafts that I've never seen at any other festivals. Very unique. 8) Lastly, the festival is smaller, cozier, and seems much more friendly. I'm happy that you can still buy Sangrias and walk around the festival sipping them leisurely. The ones in SF restrict and confine you to a section which gets crowded. You end up feeling like one of the sheep's in a herd. Looking forward to next years Temescal's festival...and Bake Sale Betty's delicious fried chicken sandwich and strawberry shortcake = oh yum! :) read more

This Saturday (June 9th, 2007) is the 4th annual Temescal Street Fair, held from noon to 6:00 pm. The fair will have performances for kids and adults on two stages, 'delicious food and drinks,' art displays by local artists, performances and other crafts and community booths. This was a wonderful street fair! I learned more about this area of Oakland in one hour than in the last ten years of my life. This street houses a caring community of local artists, vendors, families and more. I saw countless small clothing and jewelry artisans, gourmet food vendors, artists, massage parlors, and cafes who had set up booths. I had a great time walking up and down the street, and will definitely go again next year. read more

Great weather with plenty of vendors. Wish they had more choices in food. There were a lot of advertisement booths and people just selling their local products. The kid section was nice though, at a price of course. read more

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I always have fun at this festival, the music is always good, friendly people, good selection of street food. Really love when local salsa bands play, like Pallejo Seco and Rumbache-they really make you dance! This year they had more jazz and rock, but the head liner was Makina Loca, which played some salsa songs but mixed it up with merengue and even some samba. No me gusta! Maybe they are trying to appeal to the younger crowds...with slower music...they played 2 Cha-chas, and merengues...meh... And the band left kinda early. Please bring back salsa dura! The dance community looks forward to this event every year...we want to dance! read more

1. Family friendly: rock wall and train for the kiddies. Coloring station for the ity bity ones! Face painting too! 2. AMAZING LIVE MUSIC. Get up an dance! 3. So much good food, drink and frozen treats! read more

The Temescal Street Fair is your typical street fair/block party that you would find in almost any city. However, there are SOME major differences... 1) Unlike many urban street fairs, the Temescal Street Fair is VERY diverse with people from different religions, sexuality, etc, openly hanging out and people watching or grooving their asses to the music provided by the local bands. 2) The food at the Temescal Street Fair is off the hook. Why? Since the majority of the upcoming and now established kick-ass eateries are located in the Temescal District (LANESPLITTER, BAKE SALE BETTY, etc...) you have an opportunity to gorge yourself on some of the finest food Oakland (or the Bay Area for that matter) to offer. And when you add in the EXCELLENT weather, the good music, and all the sexy women walking around looking for men to talk to or dance with, this year's event was worth going attending. read more

I vended this event 2 years ago and then this past year. The booth price is very reasonable, the music is widely eclectic and great, the food was great, and the most important part: The sales were extremely good considering how inexpensive the booth space is. It was also extremely convenient to have a Walgreens across the street. There were a LOT of jewelry vendors, so prepare for competition if that's what you sell. But other vendors didn't overpower.. I don't think I saw more than 2 or 3 bath and body people! It was very well mixed and I will definitely be going again next year. read more

Sweet 11 block street fair with live music, arts&crafts, good food and multiple beer/sangria stands.. Drunkin puppet tip-The laws on strolling and drinking are much more relaxed in Oakland compared to the overpriced caged beer gardens @ SF street fairs. #sipandstroll@Temescal.. read more

Love Love Love this Street Fair! My friend ( an Oakland Local) and I was told about this event by her friend from NY!! LOL. Sad to say we've never heard of this wonderful Fair till this year. For only $30/person (prepurchased tickets) we more then got our money's worth. almost 5-6 city blocks and a wide variaty of ethnic cuisines to choose from. The food was great, the booths were efficient and there is something for everyone! Thanks to this fair, we found a few local restaurants that will be getting our repeat visit :). We are difinitely coming back next year! It was also a charitible event to help local schools to boot. Can't wait till next year :) read more

Temascal Street Faire! Was the best time to cap off a fun-filled holiday weekend, including the 4th of July celebration. The Faire was totally awesome! Fun for everyone, kids, seniors, rides, performers, lots of good-times. It was totally all-good. The East Bay Church of Religious Science Choir, featuring Lady Sunrise, was uplifting, fun and enjoyable. You couldn't help singing along. I love the Flash Mob performance. And the kids, with their face painted, looked like they were enjoying themselves on the rides. Everyone was in a happy, harmonious, and in a loving mood! Even the pets were happy!!! I missed last year, and I made it to the Faire this year, and I already have it on my calendar for next year. For a fun time for the whole family, reunite with friends, and make a few new friends, by all means, attend the Temascal Street Faire! Ahhhhhhhhhhhh read more

Oh a whim, I checked out the Temescal Street Fair On 7/8/12. It was a beautiful, sunny and warm East Bay sorta day. One of those days in the summer when you look across the bay at the looming black cloud enshrouding the city and think to yourself "I'm so glad I moved here"! I spent way too much money but it was such a great day. The mayor had a booth and was there in her Birkenstocks chatting with the locals. I stayed for two performances. The first performance was this New Orleans Funk band that was off the chain! Next came the East Bay Church of Religious Science Gospel Choir. People had been dancing in front of the stage to the numerous performances. When the EBCRS Choir started, this girl, or I guess young woman who appeared to have some sort of disability - my guess was down syndrome- got in front of the stage and interpreted the choir music through dance. It was one of the most beautiful, surreal and pure things I have ever seen. I don't think there was a dry eye in the audience including me. It was completely spontaneous and unrehearsed, even members of the choir were crying. A moment I'll never forget. Thanks Oakland! read more