Chinatown Lantern Festival and Free Museum Day Highlight Sunday in Oakland

Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse in Chinatown

The centerpiece of today’s local calendar is the 4th Annual Lantern Festival, taking over the heart of Oakland Chinatown. Held at the Pacific Renaissance Plaza from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, this all-ages celebration marks the Year of the Fire Horse with a vibrant display of culture and community. Visitors can expect an afternoon filled with traditional dance, drumming, and live music, alongside unique activities like mahjong, poetry storytelling, and community acupuncture. For those looking to shop, a night market featuring over 20 local makers and chefs will offer a variety of handcrafted goods and delicious street food. The event is free to the public and serves as a beautiful way to set intentions for the year ahead.

Free Admission at the Oakland Museum of California

Today is a “First Sunday” at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA), meaning general admission to the Galleries of California Art, History, and Natural Sciences is free from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This is a particularly significant day at the museum as it marks the final opportunity to view the special exhibition Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain before it closes its doors. Visitors are also encouraged to explore Good Fire: Tending Native Lands, an exhibition focusing on Indigenous land stewardship. While general admission is free, tickets for special exhibitions are available at a discounted rate of $6. Advance reservations are recommended to secure an entry time.

Cinema, Bingo, and Oscar Shorts

The New Parkway Theater has a packed Sunday schedule for those seeking a mix of social activities and film. The day kicks off on the mezzanine with a free session of Bingo & Brunch at 1:00 PM, featuring a special brunch menu. Film enthusiasts can catch the 2026 Oscar Nominated Short Films throughout the afternoon and evening, with separate screenings for Animation (4:10 PM), Documentary (6:00 PM), and Live Action (9:15 PM). For those looking to practice their language skills, the theater also hosts a free Spanish and English Language Exchange starting at 7:00 PM.

Fresh Finds at Sunday Farmers Markets

Early risers can head to Oakland’s renowned Sunday markets to stock up on fresh produce and artisanal goods. The Temescal Farmers Market, located at the Claremont DMV parking lot, and the Montclair Village Farmers Market both run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For a waterfront shopping experience, the Jack London Square Farmers Market is open from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, offering a wide array of local fruits, vegetables, and specialty food purveyors against the backdrop of the Oakland Estuary.

Evening Comedy at the Waterfront

Wrap up the weekend with a laugh at Quinn’s Lighthouse for Comedy Oakland. Starting at 7:00 PM, this award-winning showcase features a diverse lineup of professional comedians. Known for its intimate atmosphere and lack of a drink minimum, it remains a favorite for locals looking for high-quality stand-up in a historic Embarcadero setting.