Hella Juneteenth Festival — A Celebration of Black Culture in Oakland

Celebrate freedom, community, and creativity at Hella Juneteenth 2025 — Oakland’s Black-led summer tradition returns to the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) for its biggest year yet, featuring:

• Two stages of live DJs spinning cookout classics—R&B, hip-hop, and line dances that bring everyone to the floor

• The return of the Cookout Plate, curated by Last Supper Society and Chef Michele McQueen of Town Fare, spotlighting beloved Black chefs and restaurants
• Futureproof is a tech-meets-art installation exploring liberation through creativity
• A curated selection of Black-owned vendors and community partners
• Interactive, family-friendly programming, including lawn games, a Kids’ Zone, and line dancing
• Expanded VIP experience with upgraded amenities, curated drink tastings, and exclusive access to the Town Fare Sun Deck
• And many more surprises to come

We’re excited for the return of the Cookout Plate, spotlighting beloved Black chefs and restaurants. Last year’s plate featured dishes from Sobre Mesa, Smokin’ Woods BBQ, and Town Fare — and this year’s lineup is shaping up to be just as unforgettable.

How to Get Yours:

• Pre-purchase your Cookout Plate at checkout — quantities are limited and sold out in advance last year. We highly recommend securing your plate early.
• Buy a VIP ticket — VIP tickets include a Cookout Plate with no additional purchase necessary.

General Admission — $20

Includes entry to the Hella Juneteenth Festival and full access to all OMCA galleries. Free admission for children 12 and under with an advance ticket. Cookout Plates are available as an optional add-on during checkout, while supplies last.

VIP Admission — $95

Upgrade your experience with a VIP ticket, which includes:

• A Cookout Plate curated by Last Supper Society and Chef Michele McQueen
• Access to a specialty bar and curated drink tastings
• Entry to the VIP Lounge and premium viewing areas

(21+ only; ID required)

What began in 2020 as a grassroots campaign by Oakland’s own Hella Creative—urging companies and communities to recognize Juneteenth—quickly grew into a national movement, helping spark the shift that led to Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday. Now in its second year at OMCA, that spirit lives on through the Hella Juneteenth Festival: a vibrant, community-centered celebration that honors Black history while uplifting the creativity, resilience, and brilliance of Black communities, now and into the future.

Hella Juneteenth Festival is produced by Hella Creative, a project of Sanctuary for Sustainable Artistry, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and led by a visionary team: Brian Watson, Miles Dotson, Selena Davant, and Ryan Royster.

Also check out other Festivals in Oakland, Food & Drink events in Oakland.