A Fashion and Style Guide to Oakland’s First Fridays: Some of the Coolest Must-See Stalls

If you’ve ever experienced a late-afternoon on a Friday in Berkeley, you’ve probably been in the position of keeping yourself busy in those couple of hours between when classes end and Friday night festivities begin. Luckily, First Fridays in Oakland is here to help.

Though it began 13 years ago, this community art, music, and food event continues to be one of the most exciting urban block parties in the East Bay. It happens on the first Friday of each month from 5 to 9:30pm and takes place on Telegraph Ave. between West Grand Ave. and 27th Street. Not only is it an event filled with diverse food and music selection – there are stalls that sell Nigerian jollof rice alongside others that specialize in Jamaican oxtail stew all while local reggae groups perform – but it’s recently been a showcase for local artists selling clothing, jewelry, and cosmetics.

The November First Fridays was my fourth one to date, and undoubtedly the best in the past couple of months. Here’s a roundup of the best and must-see stalls selling clothing, jewelry, and home decor. So the next time you’re looking for a fun Friday night activity, consider making your way down to Oakland for First Fridays. While you’re at it you might find some awesome vintage or handmade pieces, too.

Vintage Clothing Stall

Walking along the crowded streets at the event, keep an eye out for a large stall filled with clothing racks lined with oversized denim jackets and suede vests. It’s the largest vintage clothing stall at First Friday’s, boasting an impressive collection of pieces dating back to the ‘70s. The finds are well-preserved and some are reasonably priced. That said, don’t be shy! The vendors are willing to barter or haggle, usually bringing down the prices of pieces after some negotiation. Reasonably priced vintage clothing can seem impossible to find in the Bay Area, but First Fridays definitely pulls through for us suede and paisley-print-loving students.

Mexican Artisanal Stall

Nestled on the corner of 24th Street stands a stall filled with artisanal Mexican art selling coin purses, candles, keychains, and most of all, hand-painted wooden and ceramic tiles. It’s a festive and colorful place to pick up home decor that generally costs less than $10.

African Art Stall

Keep walking down past the vintage clothing and Mexican art and you’ll arrive to a stall selling African jewelry, dresses and purses, all hand-made by the lovely vendor herself. It’s filled with vibrant pieces that are a great way to add some color and creativity to your wardrobe.

S for Sparkle Jewelry stall

S for Sparkle is a local brand selling minimalist silver and gold jewelry. Earrings, necklaces, and rings are all dainty and elegant and can be a wonderful way to add a simple and yet youthful vibe to your jewelry collection.

Hand-made copper jewelry

Close to the end of the festival, you’ll come across a large stall showcasing copper, silver, and gold jewelry with eclectic and groovy designs. All the pieces are hand-made by the stall owners and are intended to celebrate traditional West African jewelry techniques with a modern twist. Not only are the earrings, bracelets, and rings a cool addition to any collection, but most are priced between $8.00 and $20.00. It’s also important to mention that all pieces are made by Black artists, so here’s a great opportunity to support local Black businesses!

So, the next time you’re wondering what to do between 5pm and 9pm on the first Friday of every month, consider making the short trip down to Telegraph between West Grand Ave and 27th Street. The event offers the Bay Area’s best selection of local and diverse foods, clothing, jewelry, skincare products, music, and most importantly a community event attracting people of all backgrounds and ages. First Fridays is a beautiful homage to Oakland culture, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Words by Manuela Abenante

Photography by Elizabeth Tang