West Oakland Matters: West Fest '26

For our third consecutive year, artists and community leaders will celebrate West Oakland's resilience and cultural heritage. Join us!
About this Event

West Oakland Matters Presents: West Fest 2026 – Art for Power

Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
7th West
1255 7th Street, Oakland, CA
FREE and open to the public

Celebrate the spirit, history, and future of West Oakland at the Third Annual West Fest, a vibrant day of art, music, culture, conversation, and community presented by West Oakland Matters.

For the third consecutive year, artists, historians, entrepreneurs, activists, and community leaders will come together to honor West Oakland's resilience, celebrate its rich cultural heritage, and champion community-led revitalization. This unique event showcases the power of the arts to inspire dialogue, preserve history, and strengthen neighborhoods.

This year's festival features an exciting blend of experiences, including:

• Fine art, photography, video, and multimedia exhibits
• Civic Leaders and Event Sponsors will speak including Debra Israel from Councilmember Carroll Fife's Office. Malcolm Ryder's work has earned proclamations from two Oakland mayors and multiple commendations from the Oakland City Council.
• Live music and DJs James Bell and Liam o'Donahue
• Cultural dance performances, including the vibrant traditions of KMOA Hula
• Janice Edwards TV: Bay Area Vista will be on location throughout the afternoon Award-winning Emmy nominated Janice Edwards will conduct interviews with artistic and civic pioneer Randolph Belle, dedicated envionremental champion Ms. Margaret Gordon and visionary social justice advocate Dr. Noni Session.

• Exhibits highlighting treasured landmarks, including the historic 16th Street Train Station and the ongoing revival of the legendary 7th Street Corridor, once celebrated as the "Harlem of the West."
• Information from neighborhood organizations and businesses
• ape the future of their own community. Over the past three years,

Founder and Creative Director Malcolm Ryder explains the mission simply:

"The goal is greater quality of life, defined by West Oakland, for West Oakland."

Venue

The celebration takes place at 7th West, Oakland's popular restaurant and community gathering space located adjacent to the West Oakland BART Station. Designed as both a tribute to historic Oakland and a reflection of the city's evolving future, 7th West serves as the perfect backdrop for this celebration of culture and community.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event.

Community Partners

West Oakland Matters is made possible through the generous support of organizations committed to investing in arts, culture, education, and community engagement, including:

• Kaiser Permanente
• ABC7
• Oakland Art Murmur
• Sterling Art Services
• Underdog Film Labs

Join the Celebration

Whether you're discovering West Oakland for the first time or celebrating the neighborhood you've long called home, West Fest '26 offers an unforgettable afternoon filled with creativity, history, music, culture, and community. Admission is free but donations are appreciated and encouraged.

Come experience living heritage in action and help celebrate the people, places, and stories that make West Oakland extraordinary.