If you’re still staring at your “learn Spanish this year” resolution… it’s late-March.

Time to get it in gear.

This week, our friends at Easy Spanish Para Ti — the premier Spanish language school based in Oakland — have partnered with Oaktown to give away 2 packages of 4 group lessons.

Two readers of this newsletter are going to win a 4-pack of group lessons.

That’s a $200-value, FREE.

Reply to this email with the word “SPANISH” to enter.

Winners will be chosen randomly and announced next week.

Buena suerte!

Our curated list of events for families, couples, and everyone in-between. Got an event you’d like to promote? Submit it here.

All Weekend, Mar. 19-22

Oakland Run Week X Oakland Marathon
The Oakland Marathon takes over Lake Merritt and Downtown this weekend. Multiple hosted shakeout runs are being hosted with exclusive giveaways and plenty of positive vibes. Caps off with the Marathon Sunday. WARNING: Do not drive downtown Sunday AM, you will regret it. | Get the full schedule of events →

Thursday, Mar. 19

The “1 Year of Shortgirl” Celebration at Tallboy
Get out and get a show in. Shortgirl, a drag show hosted by Oakland’s own @she_beef, takes over Tallboy tonight with guest performers Xochitl, Barracuda, and Mz. Sparkle Knuckles. | Thursday, 9-12am. Tallboy, Temescal. See Details →

Oaklandside’s Culture Makers at New Parkway Theater
Oaklandside takes over the New Parkway tonight with their latest installment of the Culture Makers event series. This event’s subject: local authors and booksellers who are bringing their work into the community. | Thursday, 6:30-8p. The New Parkway Theater, Oakland. See Tickets → 

Friday, Mar. 20

Boys 4 Life Show at Oakland Arena
B2k returns to the stage with an absolute stacked nostalgic lineup: Bow Wow, Pretty Ricky, Amerie, Wacka Flocka, and more. It’s your middle school dance playlist under the lights. | Friday, show @ 8pm. Oakland Arena. See Tickets → 

All-You-Can-Eat Pasta at The New Parkway
If you enjoy the sounds of public popcorn munching, you’re going to love a public pasta feed. Fortunately, the sounds of My Big Fat Greek Wedding will drown it all out. Listen, this description didn’t sell it, I know, BUT it does sound like a vibe. | Friday, show @ 6pm. The New Parkway Theater, Oakland. See Tickets →

Saturday, Mar. 21

Rock n’ Roll Flea Market at Faction Brewing
I’d argue all flea markets are pretty rock n’ roll at the core, but not all feature a lineup of 5 performances, 100+ vendors, and Faction beer. | Saturday, 11-6pm. Faction Brewing, Alameda. See Details →

Oakland Restaurant Week with Drink Thicc X Town Beef
Drink Thicc is hosting a ORW block party with Town Beef’s FIRST pop-up, live DJ, and their special electrolyte lemonade for…wait for it… $5.10. | Saturday, 11-2pm. 372 24th St., Oakland. See Details →

Hella Plants Market returns!
Hella Plants is back with another “plantreprenuer” market featuring local businesses focused on all things plants, plant supplies, crystals, candles, and more. Over 23+ vendors, food, and DJs spinning. | Saturday, 11-4pm. Hella Bees, Oakland. See Details →

The Golden Hour Social at Drake’s Dealership
I feel like this place came in hard, 2017ish. Since then, I rarely hear about it. BUT they’ve been pulling together some trendy events recently. They’re back with an open-format dining experience showcasing their new cocktail menu, oysters, and caviar. | Sunday, 5-9pm. Drake’s Dealership. See Tickets →

Sunset Groove returns with Sunset Party
Be honest: You joined this newsletter because you heard of DJ parties in the hills. This week, we deliver. Sunset Groove returns this weekend with new DJs, same vibes. You have to RSVP for the exact location. | Saturday, 4:30-sunset. Grizzly Peak Vista Point, Berkeley. RSVP here →

Sunday, Mar. 22

Ride 4A Reason Gallery Show in Downtown Oakland
If you’ve been keeping up with local news, you know… OUSD is in dire straights. Money always helps. Enter Ride 4A Reason. The benefit bike ride from Oakland to Sac raising money for public schools in Oakland and Alameda. Join them this Sunday for a gallery afternoon social. | Sunday, 2-4pm. 560 2nd St., Oakland. See Details →

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A historic Finnish Hall to be auctioned off — After accruing a $1M+ tab in backed property taxes the historic Berkeley property will be auctioned off this weekend. $5k to enter the auction. You in?

Meet the women bringing tackle football BACK to Oakland — Golden State Storm, a women’s professional football team kicks off it’s inaugural season in Oakland Mar. 28. Check out tickets here.

Remember that law from 3 years ago… — CA passed a law limiting oil companies profits during supply shortages, BUT legislators have yet to enforce it and most recently, delayed it by 5 years.

140,000 warnings in 5 weeks — The new Oakland speeding cameras are officially ticketing as of Sunday. And the volume of warnings is mind boggling. 140k warnings sent with 36% received 2 or more warnings.

I got a warning. And before I share my opinion, I want to hear your experience.

Did you get a warning? What do you think of the cameras? 

Send me a reply with your thoughts. I’ll share with class.

…because I guarantee this: these new speeding cameras WILL be a topic of conversation across town.

That’s a wrap.

Go grab this heat wave by the sweaty horns. Get outside folks.

Shout out if you’re running this Sunday in the Oakland Marathon.

I’m running the half. Say hi.

As always, thanks for reading.

See you in town,

-Kolby
Oaktown Weekly

P.S. Got a second to tell me what you think? 👇️ 

Or send me a reply. I read them alllllll.