Oakland’s First Fridays Going On Hiatus Starting in January
Thanks to KTVU for sharing the unfortunate news that Oakland’s First Fridays block party is going on hiatus.
The popular, lively monthly street fair, happening on first Fridays, has announced they will be taking a break from the festival. Although attendance isn’t down, it receives between 15,000 to 35,000 attendees each month, revenue is unfortunately down.
The operating costs for the festival cost $45,000 for the one-night event. The non-profit relies on vendor fees, donations, sponsors, and grants to support the event. Organizers have noted that a major shift occurred when the city installed a permanent, protective raised curb bike lane causing the festival to have to decrease the number of vendors it can have at the event.
The block party used to host over 100 vendors, but since the bike lane has been installed, the event can only find enough space for 75 vendors. The organizers hope to work with the city to find space for additional vendors.
For now, they are planning to host a final event in December 2023 and will return in April 2024.
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