If August has you worried that summertime is drawing to a close, Jack London Square is the perfect place to take advantage of late season entertainment on the beautiful Oakland waterfront.
Visitors to Jack London Square enjoy one of many outdoor patios. Photo Courtesy of Jack London Square
Published: August, 2019
If August has you worried that summertime is drawing to a close, Jack London Square is the perfect place to take advantage of late season entertainment on the beautiful Oakland waterfront.
Getting there is half the fun—take the San Francisco Bay Ferry to and from San Francisco for a scenic, relaxing commute. After the journey to Jack London Square, grab a seat at one of the beautiful outdoor patios; have a flight of wine while overlooking the water at Rosenblum Cellars, or a enjoy a drink under the palm trees from the historical Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon.
Jack London Square’s signature summer events, Live on the Square and Waterfront Flicks, continue through the summer.
After a successful 10 years, Jack London Square’s popular Dancing Under the Stars summer dance series has been transformed into Live on the Square, a free festival featuring entertainment, food and fun in addition to the weekly dance lessons every Friday evening through September 27. Professional dance instructor Carla Service, founder of the Oakland Dance Festival, and additional instructors teach the lessons, with themes including salsa, Caribbean, swing and hip-hop. Immediately following the lessons, guests are invited to try out their new moves at a public dance party.
Taking place on the Jack London Square Ferry Lawn, Waterfront Flicks continues on Thursday, August 8, when guests will enter the world of Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. On Thursday, August 22, there will be a screening of the record-breaking smash hit Black Panther, co-written and directed by Oakland native Ryan Coogler. There will be pre-film festivities including trivia and prize giveaways beginning at 6 p.m., then the movie plays at sundown. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the outdoor screenings.
Also taking place on the Ferry Lawn on alternating Thursday evenings is the Mush Concert Series. Presented by BFF.fm, a community radio station with the mission of championing the Bay Area music scene, the free festival will showcase artists that represent the vibrant, eclectic, intersectional and positive energy of Oakland. August 1 features Sugar Candy Mountain, Mahawam and DJ the GeeZ’R; August 15 features Ghost and the City, Night School and DJ Chaki Chulo; and August 29 features Bells Atlas, Azuah and DJ Clarelyse of Queer Ear.
With outdoor dining, live music, dancing, movies and more, Jack London Square is the perfect place to take in the last days of summer.
