One of Oakland’s most enduring traditions is on life support. First Fridays, a free monthly event that takes place along Telegraph Avenue from West Grant to 27th Street, will not be held in November, as announced by the organizers last month. And although December’s event still could happen, it looks like the future of the event series is in jeopardy.
“With heavy hearts, we announce that Oakland First Fridays will not take place in November due to ongoing funding challenges,” the organizers wrote. Budget woes also befell the organization in early 2024, when the event was canceled for several months.
The event typically attracts up to 20,000 participants with a wide array of offerings including live music, art openings, vendors and street food. First Fridays’ informal roots stretch back to 2006, when several art collectives held events. It was officially launched on Telegraph Avenue in 2011, and then the nonprofit Koreatown/Northgate Oakland Community Benefit District took over organizing duties in 2013…