Oakland’s German “Dirndl Day” Quirky Animated Movie Night

Two uniquely creative events highlight the humble and elegant dirndl, the traditional women’s dress of German-speaking Europe as seen through Kristen Caven’s new “Dirndl Diversity” movement.

Sunday, October 5, 2-3pm, 
Wear your costume, souvenir, handmade or heirloom dirndl to Oakland’s Oaktoberfest (Sunday) and tell us about it at the “Dirndl Fashion Show…and Tell!” Prizes are given by Miss Black California 2025, Trinity Balla, Councilwoman Janani Ramachanran, and Wondercon winner Tina Riggs.

Friday October 10, 7-9pm
The following Friday, regroup at a historic venue for the 5th anniversary production of The Dirndl Diaspora, Caven’s animated play about a dressmaker going nuts over the high demand for her mashup multicultural dirndls.

In 2020, Caven’s couture comedy about generational healing was debuted for a neighborhood in lockdown. It was followed with an online dirndl fashion show, creating space for the “world’s first virtual Oktoberfest.” Since then, the quirky cartoon play/film-think “South Park” meets “My Dinner with Andre” plus “House of Gucci”-won an honorable mention by the L.A. Underground Film Forum. The best part about this intersectional Oktoberfest movie is the conversations it inspires afterwards. Don’t miss it!

“Centers around cool conversations. Worth seeing again and again, especially by German expats and their descendants” -Damian N, teacher

“It’s awesome seeing Oakland as a character as well as a uniting force” – Yodassa Williams, author, CA

“A masterful presentation of the way mixtures of cultures happen, and also of some of the fun we have in Oakland.” -Judith Offer, playwright

“Makes some potent statements about ethnic heritage at a time when divisiveness reigns.” -Nina Egert, author

“This unique show has something for all of us.” -Moya Stone, blogger

“A wonderful tale about women, their loves, their search for meaning in their family histories and forging their futures together in community.” – Sarah Kobrinsky, poet laureate

Presented by Generous Muse