NEW ATTRACTIONS, DINING, AND EVENTS IN OAKLAND. WHAT’S NEW IN 2025!

By: Sorin Dutoiu | 26 May, 2025

Whether you’re a sports fan, a foodie, an art lover, or a cultural explorer, Oakland in 2025 is your ticket to an unforgettable year.

The Bay Area’s most dynamic city is unveiling a fresh lineup of experiences that spotlight its rich diversity, community pride, and creative energy.

From major sports moments to culinary innovations and cultural celebrations, “The Town” is making it clear: this is the year to visit—or rediscover—Oakland.

NBA All-Star Weekend Returns to Its Roots

Oakland will take center court as it plays host to major events during the 75th NBA All-Star Weekend at the Oakland Arena. Fans can catch the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on February 14, the NBA All-Star Practice, and the HBCU Classic on February 15, featuring a showdown between Morehouse Collegeand Tuskegee University. The festivities mark a full-circle moment for a city deeply connected to basketball history.

Oakland Roots Kick Off at a New Home

Oakland’s beloved Roots SC soccer team will play their first home game at the iconic Oakland Coliseum on March 22, following an away opener in Southern California. The 2025 season includes 34 matches, with 17 games hosted locally, bringing fans more opportunities than ever to rally behind their team in a new stadium setting.

A Culinary Renaissance Unfolds

Oakland’s food scene is as bold and diverse as the city itself—and it’s expanding with exciting new additions:

• Jaji, a modern Afghan restaurant from the team behind Parche, opens in January, promising a culturally rich experience with inventive cocktails and storytelling cuisine.
• Xingones Cantina in the Jack London District is already making waves with its casual vibes, local sports broadcasts, karaoke nights, and weekend brunches.
• Fixins Soul Kitchen, backed by former NBA star Kevin Johnson, will bring hearty comfort food and Southern favorites to the city’s growing dining landscape.

In addition to newcomers, local favorites are evolving. The much-loved Daytrip is rebranding as Daytrip Counter, offering more accessible fare with the same creative spirit. Saucy Oakland reopens in February with a refreshed space and menu, and Wright & Brown Distilling Co. now welcomes guests to a newly designed tasting room in West Oakland.

Food Festivals and Flavorful Events

Foodies take note: Market Hall Foods will host a trio of free, must-attend events in early 2025, including:

• Epic Cheese Fest – January 25
• Truffle Fest – February 8
• Indie Food Fest – May 10

And don’t miss Oakland Restaurant Week from March 20–30, a 10-day culinary celebration featuring over 165 participating restaurants, from Michelin-starred hot spots to food trucks and new gems.

Arts, Culture, and Family Fun

• Children’s Fairyland, a cherished institution on Lake Merritt, turns 75 this year, with special exhibits planned to honor Oakland’s multicultural heritage.
• Chabot Space & Science Center launches ROCKETFEST on March 13, and on April 18, skywatchers can witness a partial solar eclipse—the last visible in the region until 2045.
• The Bridge Yard’s BIG SING kicks off monthly singalongs on January 23, creating an inclusive, high-spirited event for all ages.

Oakland STYLE returns October 8–12, with fashion shows, art walks, culinary experiences, and live music. It’s a citywide celebration of Oakland’s creative soul, with something for every cultural connoisseur.

Public Art and Community Pride

Take a walk through the Laurel District’s Mural Tour, a self-guided art adventure celebrating the neighborhood’s vibrant history and diversity. Meanwhile, https://travelforsenses.com/san-francisco-celebrates-pride-month/ marks its 15th anniversary in September with expanded events, performances, and parades that highlight unity and inclusion.

Travel Made Easier: Oakland Airport Expands

Oakland International Airport (OAK) is stepping up its game, unveiling:

• New daily flights to Guadalajara via Viva Airlines
• Additional service to Zacatecas, Monterrey, and Los Cabos through Volaris
• A redesigned Terminal 1 check-in lobby
• Phase 1 restroom renovations introducing gender-neutral facilities
• The opening of A16 Pizza and Cancun Sabor Mexicano, with Forge and District joining mid-year
• 16 new retail shops spotlighting local artists and East Bay flair

A Historic Hotel, Renewed

The legendary Claremont Club & Spa continues its facade restoration while adding amenities like pickleball courts, upgraded tennis courts, and enhanced lighting—blending its 19th-century charm with today’s wellness trends.