Today’s Partner:
We’re back!
This week, it’s back to regularly scheduled programming.
Got a stacked lineup of things to do in Oakland and the East Bay for your Outside Lands weekend.
And as a bonus, there’s a lil’ baby update at the bottom for those interested.
In other news:
The Laurel StreetFair turns 25
7 happy hours worth leaving the house for
Your chance to win 2 VIP tix
Breezy 6 minute read.
- see ya at the bottom.
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Today's Partner
Back-to-school Spanish for your kid in Oakland (that isn't an app)
OUSD returns August 10th and if your kid has Spanish on the schedule this year: hear me out.
There's a big difference between passing Friday's quiz and actually speaking. One's an app. The other's a real teacher, in the room, having a real conversation.
Oakland-based Easy Spanish Para Ti runs Spanish classes for students in-person and online.
Classes located in downtown Oakland.
Whether your kid needs to catch up, get ahead, or just build some confidence before the year gets rolling, ESPT meets them right at their level.
Certified, native-speaking instructors, small group (max 5) or private instruction, and a listen-and-speak approach — much better than cramming flash cards the night before.
Oaktown readers save $50 when they enroll.
Fall spots are limited, so grab a time before the back-to-school rush.
Town Giveaway
Win 2 VIP Tickets to Taste of Jack London
We’re one weekend away from Jack London’s premier food and beer fest: Taste of Jack London (Aug. 15). This week we’ve partnered with the Jack London Improvement District to give away two (2) VIP tickets to one lucky Oaktown subscriber.
What’s so special about VIP? Enjoy unlimited 5oz. samples of dozens of JL brews and snack on bites from restaurants. And as a VIP, you get to skip the lines and enter 1 hour earlier.
To enter: Reply “VIP” to this newsletter.
Winner will be selected 8/12 and announced in next week’s issue.
Don’t want to wait? Get $10 off any Combo/VIP ticket with Oaktown’s discount link →
Your Weekend
Things to do in Oakland Aug. 6-9
For those of us not heading to Golden Gate Park, Oakland and the East Bay have plenty of things to do. Here’s our hand-picked lineup:
FEATURED EVENT
East Bay Rowing Club wants to teach your kid to row
Next week, the East Bay Rowing Club is opening the boathouse for a drop-in info session on their upcoming fall student programs. The club offers a variety of free and paid programs teaching kids in grades 8-12 rowing. No experience necessary, and OUSD high school students can even earn PE credit. Come get info, touch a racing shell, and meet the coaches. | Next Saturday 8/15, 9am-12pm. Jack London Aquatic Center, 115 Embarcadero. See Details →
Looking for the full weekend calendar? See every Oakland event happening this weekend →
Oaktown Eats
Sponsored by Zest Maps
Presenting the best happy hours in Oakland right now
Happy hours are sacred.
These days, it’s rare to walk out of a restaurant and say, “now that’s a deal.”
…but even in 2026, there’s still a few select hours where deals do exist.
Here’s our selection of some choice happy hours in Oakland:
Acre — $1 oysters and $8 martinis on Tuesdays. Rockridge Market Hall, 5655 College Ave.
Ben ‘N Nick’s — $7 drinks and $9 food specials, 2-6pm, daily. 5612 College Ave.
Viridian — A $35 happy hour set menu, daily. 2216 Broadway.
The Star on Grand — $5 well drinks, $6 wine, $7 cocktails. Mon-Fri, 3-5:30pm. 3425 Grand Ave.
El Barrio — Taco Tuesday, 4-9pm: $5 tacos and $10 cocktails. 736 Washington St.
Portal — $5 pints and $5 pub bites, 3-6pm, daily. 1611 2nd Ave.
Degrees Plato — 5 tacos and a beer for $15, all day Monday. 4251 MacArthur Blvd.
Get the full list (with notes) here. Download the Zest app to stay updated.
Think I missed some? Let me know with a reply. We’ll add it to the list.
(This section is sponsored by Zest, a new Oakland-based dining app helping you find your next favorite spot. Follow Oaktown for our Hidden Gems list exclusively on Zest.)
Pet of the Week
Meet Riley from Redwood Heights
Hot take: every dog looks better in a scarf.
Want your pet to be a star? Hit reply, send me a photo, their name and their neighborhood. Cats, dogs, lizards… whatever eats your treats.
That’s a wrap, thanks for reading!
BTW: My family and I welcomed a healthy baby boy Monday night. Thank you for all the well wishes ❤️
Both mom and baby are home now happy and healthy. 3 kids is no joke folks.
And of course… baby is already subscribed.
See you in town,
-Kolby
Oaktown Weekly
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