25th Annual Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival

About this event

Experience the Rhythm of the Town at the 25th Annual Laurel StreetFair World Music FestivalLooking for the ultimate free things to do in the Bay Area this weekend? Mark your calendar for a one-day-only celebration of global culture right in the heart of Oakland. On Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, the historic Laurel District transforms eight city blocks of MacArthur Boulevard (between 35th and Maybelle Avenues) into a vibrant, pedestrian-only cultural oasis.Admission is completely free ($0.00), completely wheelchair accessible, and fully curated for all ages.2026 Live Music Lineup & Entertainment HighlightsThis year’s silver anniversary features an eclectic mix of international beats, roots music, and local Bay Area legends across multiple performance spaces:Global Beats: Dance to the high-energy Punjabi rhythms of Non-Stop Bhangra and the authentic New Orleans second-line grooves of MJ's Brass Boppers.Soul & Roots: Catch powerful, moving sets from Nzuri Soul and roots-reggae mainstay Junior Toots.Interactive Pavilions: Lace up for the pop-up outdoor roller-skating rink, explore the youth-focused Kids Carnival, and shop handcrafted goods at the Akoma Market pavilion, proudly hosted by the Black Cultural Zone.Food, Drinks, and Local LogisticsCome hungry! The festival packs MacArthur Boulevard with dozens of local food trucks, multi-ethnic pop-up kitchens, and a dedicated craft beer garden highlighting East Bay breweries.Crucial Traffic Notice: If you are driving or taking transit, note that MacArthur Boulevard will be completely closed to all vehicle traffic from 4:00 AM to 11:30 PM on Saturday.How to Get There: Skip the traffic by utilizing AC Transit bus lines running directly through the district, or opt for ride-share drops near the 35th Avenue closure boundaries.Don't miss Oakland’s premier mid-summer block party! For vendor applications, complete stage set times, and local merchant maps, visit the official Laurel District Association StreetFair Portal.