Oakland Design Showcase: Inspire Oakland Top 20 Finalists 2026
Schedule
Tue May 05 2026 at 01:00 pm to 03:30 pm
UTC-07:00Location
BRIDGEGOOD | Oakland, CA
About this Event
17th Annual Inspire Oakland Design Challenge: Top 20 Presentations
Join BRIDGEGOOD for an inspiring afternoon of creativity, belonging, and opportunity as the Top 20 student designers from across the Bay Area and Northern California present original design concepts created for real public impact in Oakland.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
, Jack London Square in Oakland, CA
Directions + Parking:
Why attend?
- See the Top 20 student designers present their strongest work live
- Experience design concepts created for real-world use, including billboards, bus benches, LED displays, and digital media campaigns
- Hear a keynote from BRIDGEGOOD Co-Founder and Executive Director Shaun Tai
- Connect with creatives, professionals, and community members in an inclusive space
- Enjoy food, networking, and an uplifting afternoon in Oakland
What you will get out of it
- Inspiration from emerging design talent
- A direct look at how creativity can lead to visibility, confidence, and career opportunity
- Access to a welcoming creative community centered on belonging
- Real examples of design being used to support community impact
Free and open to the public. A suggested donation of $10 is appreciated to help support BRIDGEGOOD’s mission and future opportunities for emerging creatives.
Why it matters
Inspire Oakland is more than a design showcase. It is a powerful example of what happens when young creatives are given opportunity, support, and a platform to be seen. This event highlights the next generation of designers, storytellers, and problem-solvers shaping more inclusive futures through creativity.
About BRIDGEGOOD
BRIDGEGOOD is an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a nearly 20-year track record of creating access, belonging, and opportunity through design, technology, and career pathways. Since 2009, our work has been funded by individual community members, not corporate dollars, helping us stay rooted in the people and communities we serve.
About Inspire Oakland
Inspire Oakland gives student creatives access to:
- Real-world, client-style design experience
- Free coaching, labs, and mentorship
- Portfolio-building opportunities with public exposure
- Industry engagement and networking
- An inclusive platform for emerging talent
- Certificates for Top 20 designers
- A chance for the Top 6 designs to be featured on commercial media placements across Oakland
Free and open to the public. is appreciated to support BRIDGEGOOD and emerging creative talent.
Support Local Student Creatives
Can’t attend? You can still help keep design education free and open to all.
Your tax-deductible donation helps BRIDGEGOOD give student designers real public visibility through 48-foot billboards, 60-foot LED displays, bus benches, and other media placements across Oakland.
Donate at
Credit card and PayPal accepted
In-person donations also available at the event
Venmo: @BRIDGEGOOD
Cash App: $BRIDGEGOOD
Every donation helps create more access, visibility, and opportunity for the next generation of artists and designers. Thank you for supporting BRIDGEGOOD and helping make #DesignForSocialGood possible.
Where is it happening?
BRIDGEGOOD, 95 Washington Street, Oakland, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
