Free “Where’s Waldo” Scavenger Hunt: 26 Shops + Prizes (July 1-31)
Rockridge | 5660 College Ave.,Oakland, CA
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Free “Where’s Waldo” Scavenger Hunt: 26 Shops + Prizes (July 1-31)
Families, book lovers, and local shopping enthusiasts are invited to spend July searching for one of the world’s most recognizable characters as Where’s Waldo? Local returns to Oakland’s Rockridge District from July 1–31.
Presented by the Rockridge District Association in partnership with Pegasus Books and Market Hall, the free, month-long community scavenger hunt transforms Rockridge’s vibrant College Avenue business district into an interactive adventure featuring 26 locally owned businesses.
Find Waldo Local
July 1-31, 2026 | 10a-5p
Rockridge District, 5560 College Ave, Oakland
FREE & All agesThe celebration concludes with a Where’s Waldo Local Party on Thursday, July 31, at 5p.m. at Pegasus Books (5560 College Avenue). Participants can enjoy refreshments while winners are drawn for books, stickers, gift cards, and fun prizes. Winners do not need to be present to claim their prizes.
Prizes include gift cards and items from: Bella Vita, Cactus Taqueria, Cole Hardware, Crossroads Trading, Delicious Thai Kitchen, Love + Chocolate, Market Hall Foods & Bakery, Nathan&Co., Phoenix Optical, Planterday, Rockridge Library (Bad Walter’s & Swag), The Chocolate Dragon, The Yoni Temple, Tootsies & Crush on Rockridge, Vero for Hair, Vino! (21+), 510Families tote bags… and a $50 Rockridge e-Gift Card redeemable at 40+ locations!
PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES:
1. Bad Walter’s, 5800 College Ave
2. Bambino Thrift Shop, 5290 College Ave
3. Bella Vita, 5511 College Ave
4. Cactus Taqueria, 5642 College Ave
5. Cole Hardware, 5533 College Ave
6. Crossroads Trading, 5601 College Ave
7. Delicious Thai Kitchen, 5299 College Ave Ste A
8. East Bay Booksellers, 6022 College Ave
9. elizabeth H the art of hair, skin and nail design, 5431 College Ave
10. First Federal Savings & Loan, 6058 College Ave
11. Hudson Bay Cafe, 5401 College Ave
12. Love + Chocolate, 6309 College Ave
13. Market Hall Bakery, 5655 College Ave
14. Market Hall Foods, 5655 College Ave
15. Nathan&Co, 5636 College Ave
16. Oakland Public Library, Rockridge, 5366 College Ave
17. Pegasus Books, 5560 College Ave*
18. Phoenix Optical, 5519 College Ave
19. Planterday Plant Shop, 6004 College Ave
20. Re-Up Refills, 6025 College Ave
21. Saffron Kitchen, 5940 College Ave Ste J-I
22. The Chocolate Dragon, 5427 College Ave
23. The Yoni Temple, 5831 College Ave
24. Tootsies Rockridge & Crush on College, 5525 & 5523 College Ave
25. Vero for Hair, 6052 College Ave
26. Vino! 6319, College Ave* You can pick up game cards at any participating location, but Pegasus Books will have a large stack available if other locations run out.
JOIN THE FUN
Participants of all ages can pick up a free Find Waldo Local Game Card at Pegasus Books (5560 College Ave.), any participating business, or download one online. As they discover miniature Waldos hidden inside participating shops, they’ll collect stamps, stickers, or signatures from each location.
Those who collect stamps from 20 or more businesses will be entered into prize drawings featuring gift cards, merchandise, and experiences donated by Rockridge businesses, including a $50 Rockridge e-Gift Card redeemable at more than 40 neighborhood merchants.
The participating businesses represent a diverse mix of retailers, restaurants, specialty shops, salons, and community organizations, creating an engaging walking tour through one of Oakland’s premier shopping districts. Along the way, visitors can enjoy local dining, browse unique boutiques, and discover neighborhood favorites they may have never visited before.
The event is inspired by Martin Handford’s internationally beloved Where’s Waldo? books, which have sold more than 80 million copies worldwide and have delighted readers for decades.
The Rockridge District is easily accessible via BART, with the Rockridge Station located in the heart of the business district, making it easy for visitors throughout the Bay Area to participate.
Participation is free, and Game Cards may be submitted anytime during July or brought to the July 31 celebration for entry into the prize drawings.
For a complete list of participating businesses, game information, and event details, visit www.rockridgedistrict.com/wheres-waldo.
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Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
Cost: FREE*
