Saturday, August 22, 2026
11am-4pm-ish
Rockridge Rock-N-Stroll Invites the Community to Explore Music, Art and Local Flavor
Art Bazaar with 50 Local Artists/Makers • 20+ Street Performances from Local Bands • Pop Ups • Tastings • Offers & More
The Rockridge District welcomes you enjoy the local wares, fine dining, savory sweets, and delicious drinks you can only find in this magical district. This is not a typical cookie-cutter street festival. It’s a 1-mile stroll loaded with amazing finds on every block, and an emphasis on showcasing Rockridge-based businesses, artists, and musicians along with some regional talent.
Free, Family & Pet Friendly. Featured on KRON 4.
Take BART to the Rockridge Station and you’re in the center of the action.
CLICK TO JUMP TO A SECTION BELOW:
THANK YOU SPONSORS & FRIENDS:
Unlike a traditional street festival, Rock-N-Stroll keeps the streets open while encouraging visitors to wander at their own pace. Stretching from Broadway to Alcatraz Avenue, the one-mile event transforms Rockridge into an interactive celebration where every storefront, sidewalk and gathering space offers something new to discover. More than 50 local artists, over 20 live musical performances, artisan pop-ups, wine and food tastings, children's activities, demonstrations, exclusive promotions and neighborhood restaurants create an experience that celebrates the businesses and creative spirit that define Rockridge.
Merchant Activities & Special Offers!
The following activities are listed in order from South to North. Events, music, local artists and pop-up times vary, but most are from 11am-4pm. Artist tables will be either inside or outside the locations where indicated below. Kid’s and pet activities are in bold type.
South to North:
BFT Rockridge, 5151 Broadway - Live music with DJ Dave Stebbins (10am-11:30am), info table, inflatable wavy guy, cold drinks, and protein snacks (early morning until 11:30am)
Amazing Brows, 5245 College Ave - Live music by Sara Rodenburg (12pm-2pm)
Bambino Thrift Shop, 5290 College Ave - Special Rock-N-Stroll sale and spin the wheel for prizes
McNally’s Irish Pub, 5352 College Ave - Live music by Five Pines (1pm-3pm) and East Bay Players (3pm-6pm)
A16 Rockridge, 5356 College Ave - Lunch service starting at 11am and will remain open until dinner service at 5pm
Holy Basil Pho, 5362 College Ave - Happy Hour menu available all day. Hosting local artist Caras Art Studio.
Oakland Public Library - Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Ave - Live music by Fleeting Trance (11am-1pm) and Umaya (2pm-4pm). Hosting pop up Rockridge Bay Resistance Pod.
La Esquinita, 5400 College Ave - Hosting local artist Diana O’Connor Designs
Sweat, 5410 College Ave - Kids’ crafting: decorate your own wristband or make a gym bag keychain
Soi 4, 5421 College Ave - Hosting local artist M M Design
The Chocolate Dragon Bittersweet Cafe & Bakery, 5427 College Ave - Free teacake with purchase if you bring in a receipt of a same-day purchase from East Bay Booksellers, Hosting local artist Joce Ryder.
elizabeth H/the art of hair, skin & nail design, 5431 College Ave - 25% off all retail products. Live music by Tall Papa B (11am-1pm).
Atomic Garden, 5453 College Ave - Hosting local artist Jerry Bold.
[NOTE: Moved to Pegasus Books, 5560 College Ave - Ryan Betts Ng of Rambunctious Drawings Inc. will be doing portraits of you and your pets. Half of the proceeds will be donated to a local dog and cat rescue.}The Monk’s Kettle, 5484 College Ave - $2 off your first drink (11:30am-4pm). Hosting a pop up by Rockridge Community Planning Council. Natalie Musick face painting (11am-3pm). Hosting local artist Laurien Clay Works.
Namastey Patio Nepalese and Indian Cuisine, 5500 College Ave - Hosting local artist Darcy Nicholson Jewelry
Mercy Vintage, 5505 College Ave - Hosting Manar Harb, an Oakland-based Palestinian artist who works across various mediums; she will be showcasing prints of her abstract art paintings that encourage shifting perspectives. She will also have friends' artworks at her table including: Lettering & Print by Artist Sarah Malik, That Hausa Vegan Chef Sital, and Leymoon Jewelry by Nour Fadel. Hosting local artist Laura Thiessen.
SLATE Contemporary Gallery, 5510 College Ave - SLATE will be hosting a small works sale with 10% off framed and unframed works on paper. Artists on site include Chaves Smith zines and works on paper, water bowls and treats for the dogs, as well as stickers for the kids. (11am-5pm)
Bella Vita, 5511 College Ave - Hosting a pop-up by Snoot Doodler with live pet portraits and a local artists Chloe Made and Lea Zalinskis Illustration
The RIC, 5515 College Ave - Hosting local artist Westwind Succulents
Phoenix Optical, 5519 College Ave - 80’s style sunglasses for $15 or get 3 for $30
Open Mind Music, 5521 College Ave - Local Music Showcase (1pm-3:30pm)
Tootsies & Crush on College, 5525 & 5523 College Ave - Pop ups, in-store sales and promotions, a sale on their popular grab bags, and hosting local artists Golden Gate Clothing and MewsArt.
Preserved, 5540 College Ave - Hosting local artist Ezh Clay and John McKenna Knives
Pegasus Books, 5560 College Ave - Hosting local artists Rockridge Fine Art, Rambunctious Drawings, and Wendy Cohen. Hosting pop up Bookmarks Magazine. Spin the store prize wheel. Ryan Betts Ng of Rambunctious Drawings Inc. will be doing portraits of you and your pets. Half of the proceeds will be donated to a local dog and cat rescue. Hosting local artist Jerry Bold.
Crossroads, 5601 College Ave - Refreshments and a prize wheel. Hosting local artist Graciemac Jewelry.
Ben ‘N Nick’s, 5612 College Ave - Bruch menu (11am-2pm) and Happy Hour menu (2pm-6pm). Hosting local artist Papa Seahorse.
Belly, 5634 College Ave - Free menu samples (11am-4pm)
Nathan & Co, 5636 College Ave - Hosting local artist ijewelry
Maison D'Etre, 5640 College Ave - Hosting Fred’s Antiques pop-up
Rockridge Market Hall, 5655 College Ave - Starting at 11am, join them outside spinning the prize wheel for opportunities to win tasty bites. And keeping the good times rolling, they'll also be selling freshly grilled sausage sandwiches from 11am-3pm on College Ave. Hosting pop-up Rockridge Voice.
FIT on College, 5705 College Ave - Hosting local artist beyond/CA designs
Bad Walter’s Bootleg Ice Cream, 5800 College Ave - Live music by DJ Danny Santos (11am-2pm) and Cocoa Keys (2:30pm-4pm). Hosting kids’ sidewalk chalk fun. Hosting local artist Karen Kramer Art.
Zachary’s Pizza, 5801 College Ave - Hosting local artists Mantra9 and b3-art
Starter Bakery, 5804 College Ave - Happy Hour (11am-4pm) offering 10% off pastries and $1 off all drinks. Hosting local artist Muddy Focus.
Redfield Cider Bar & Bottle Shop, 5815 College Ave - Japanese wine tasting specials and Okkon Okonomiyaki pop-up (4pm-7pm)
European Wax Center, 5820 College Ave - 50% off new services booked in August and September
Saunders and James, 5829 College Ave - A Nail Sale from 11am-5pm on everything from nail polish to nail supplies and nail care products
The Yoni Temple, 5831 College Ave - Hosting local artist Pretty Fun Designs
Holistic Strength, 5858 College Ave - Hosting live music by Syd and I (2pm-4pm)
Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant, 5897 College Ave - Hosting local artist OM Pottery
Forge, 5900 College Ave - Brunch, spritz flights, take home build your own pizza kits for sale. Hosting local artist Glass-Vox. Live music by John Vicino (11am-1pm).
Market, 5914 College Ave - 20% off any purchase over $150 and extra 20% off of sale items
Sole Terra Shoes, 5933 College Ave - Rock-N-Stroll sale special
In Full Swing Plus Sizes, 5937 College Ave - Hosting local jewelry designer, Carmen Nevarez of CRN Designworks.
Saffron Kitchen, Restaurant & Bar, 5940 College Ave - Accordion musician plus hosting local artists c.weird, Recover Your Thoughts, Oakland Art Library, and MHAH Gallery.
College Avenue Presbyterian Church, 5951 College Ave - Live music: The 770 Collective (11am-12:30pm), Alexis Tsamoudakis Trio (1pm-2pm), and Rock-N-Stroll festival headliner Rattle-Tone (3pm-5pm). Giant Bubble Experience happening all day with a guided bubble experience at three times: 12:30–1pm, 2pm-2:30pm, and 2:30pm-3pm. Hosting Megafauna with simple beaded bracelet workshop for kids. Hosting local artists Hella Hand Carved, and Bismillah Boutique. Free lemonade (12pm-1pm).
Planterday, 6004 College Ave - Local artist Eliza Reisfeld (11:30am-4pm)
Transports, 6014 College Ave - Hosting Temescal Aquatic Masters (swimming organization) pop up
Breema Annex, 6015 College Ave - Free introductory Breema bodywork mini-sessions (12pm-4pm)
Marmalade, 6021 College Ave - Hosting local artists Odd Commodity Shop and Brown Girl Surf
East Bay Booksellers, 6022 College Ave - Hosting Zines by Diana Musa
Local Economy, 6028 College Ave - Hosting local artist Bettina Sferrino. Where Does Your Water Come From Workshop? (12pm-5pm), drop-ins welcome.
Re-Up Refills, 6025 College Ave - Hosting pop-up Mandela Partners (11am-4pm)
Vita, 6034 College Ave - Hosting local artist Julia Ku and live music by Aethervoce (12:00pm-2pm)
Vero for Hair, 6052 College Ave - Hosting live music by Rockridge-based The No Kings Quartet (2pm-4pm)
First Federal Savings & Loan, 6058 College Ave - Piggy bank painting; bring your best art skills and show them off! Tasty treats, bank souvenirs, and information about their Youth Savings accounts (12pm-3pm)
1st United Credit Union, 6300 College Ave (tabling in the courtyard between Philz and Safeway) - Fun activities along with information on financial literacy
Cole Coffee, 6255 College Ave - Live music by G. Timothy Shestak (11am-12:30pm) and Douglas Benson (1pm-2pm), plus hosting pop-ups
Live Music - 20+ bands, Rockridge will be Rock’n!
Dotted along Oakland’s College Avenue will be 20+ live performances by seasoned legends and rising stars, including:
(Listed in order by start time. “Rockridge-based” bands have at least one band member who lives or works in the district.)
KICKING OFF THE PARTY:
DJ Dave Stebbins
10am-11:30am: BFT Rockridge (5151 Broadway) - disco house and yacht houseFrances Ancheta
10am-12pm: Market Hall (5655 College Ave) - indie folk, pop, and rock
HOLDING DOWN THE DAY:
G. Timothy Shestak
11am-12:30pm: Cole Coffee (6255 College Ave) - rootsy country, folk, and bluesJohn Vicino
11am-1pm: Forge (5900 College Ave) - singer/songwriterDJ Danny Santos
11am-2pm: Bad Walter’s Bootlegged Ice Cream (5800 College Ave) • Rockridge-based - vinyl dance favoritesThe 770 Collective
11am-12:30pm: College Avenue Presbyterian Church (5951 College Ave) • Rockridge-based - jazzFleeting Trance
11am-1pm: Rockridge Public Library (5366 College Ave, corner of Manilla & College) - folk, sing/songwriterTall Papa B
11am-1pm: elizabeth H/the art of hair, skin & nail design (5431 College Ave) • Rockridge-based - acoustic blues, slide, and resonator guitarMatthew Edwards
12pm-1pm: Open Mind Music (5521 College Ave) - U.K.-born singer/songwriterSara Rodenburg
12pm-2pm: Amazing Brows (5245 College Ave) - singer/songwriterAethervoce
12pm-2pm: Vita (6034 College Ave) - atmospheric, mesmerizing handpanDouglas Benson
1pm-2pm: Cole Coffee (6255 College Ave) - country westernAlexis Tsamoudakis Trio
1pm-2pm: College Avenue Presbyterian Church (5951 College Ave) - jazzFive Pines
1pm-3pm: McNally's (5352 College Ave) - indie rockKonceptualizer
1:15pm-3pm: Open Mind Music (5521 College Ave) - electronic beats, trip-hop, and acid jazzThe No Kings Quartet
2pm-4pm: Vero for Hair (6052 College Ave) • Rockridge-based - rock classicsSyd and I
2pm-4pm: Holistic Strength (5858 College Ave) - pop and layered synthesizersUmaya
2pm-4pm: Rockridge Public Library (5366 College Ave, corner of Manilla & College) - violinist covering a range of genresThe Cocoa Keys
2:30pm-4pm: Bad Walter’s Bootlegged Ice Cream (5800 College Ave) - contemporary R&B and acoustic soul
BAM… THE CLOSERS:
East Bay Players
3pm-6pm: McNally's (5352 College Ave • performing indoors) - jazz/rockRattle-Tone
3pm-5pm: College Avenue Presbyterian Church (5951 College Ave) - energetic blues, soul, and rock
CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES!
The party kicks off at 10am with singer-songwriter Frances Ancheta performing outside Market Hall. A Filipina American artist from the Bay Area, Ancheta blends indie folk, pop and rock into what has been described as "tropical new wave folk." A mental health advocate, creative arts therapist and cancer survivor, her thoughtful songwriting has earned international radio play while reflecting her belief in the healing power of music. Prefer to dance? Check out DJ Dave Stebbins spinning a mix of Disco House and Yacht House vibes outside of BFT Rockridge.
As the festival kicks into full gear, visitors can experience the genre-defying sounds of Fleeting Trance outside the Rockridge Branch Library. Created by Bay Area songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Manasseh Bernal, the project combines psychedelic jam band influences with folk, rock and Americana, creating a musical collage that intentionally resists labels. Nearby, guitarist and vocalist John Vicino, whose musical career began busking on the streets of San Francisco as a teenager, brings his engaging acoustic style to Forge after years of performing at premier Bay Area venues.
Rock-N-Stroll also showcases musicians whose performances are unlike anything audiences typically encounter. Handpan artist Aethervoce creates mesmerizing, atmospheric music using the handpan—an instrument first developed in Switzerland in 2000. Performing on beautifully handcrafted instruments tuned to unique scales, Aethervoce's ethereal sound offers visitors a peaceful and immersive musical experience.
Jazz lovers will find plenty to enjoy throughout the day. The 770 Collective, a seven-piece ensemble formed through a shared passion for jazz, funk, fusion and soul, opens the Festival Fun Zone at College Avenue Presbyterian Church. Later, the Alexis Tsamoudakis Trio continues the afternoon with an engaging performance before festival headliner Rattle-Tone closes the day with its energetic blend of blues, soul and rock & roll.
The afternoon lineup continues with San Francisco's Five Pines, whose original music celebrates a lifelong love of guitar while exploring the adventures and experiences of growing up in California. Oakland father and daughter electronic duo Syd and I combines contemporary vocals with richly layered synthesizers to create an energetic live performance that has earned appearances at festivals and community events throughout the Bay Area.
Additional performances include the versatile violinist, singer and composer Umaya, whose musical background spans classical, pop, indie, soul, rock and R&B; contemporary R&B duo Cocoa Keys, whose jazz-infused neo-soul sound and powerful harmonies have become a favorite throughout Northern California; DJ Danny Santos spinning vinyl; Tall Papa B, The No Kings Quartet, East Bay Players, and even more live performances at Cole Coffee, Saffron Kitchen and Open Mind Music, ensuring that every block has its own musical personality.
50+ Local
Artists & Makers
Rock-N-Stroll Art Bazaar
Rock-N-Stroll celebrates Oakland's thriving creative community with an Art Bazaar featuring more than 50 local artists of all ages exhibiting paintings, ceramics, jewelry, prints, textiles and handcrafted works inside and outside participating businesses. Visitors can meet the artists, purchase original artwork directly from the creators and discover new favorites while supporting local makers. Most of the artists either live or work in the neighborhood, making this a truly local showcase.
Artists and Makers include: B3-Art, Beyond/CA Designs, Bettina Sferrino, Bismillah Boutique, Brown Girl Surf Shop, Cara Goldstein, C.Weird, Oakland Art Library, MHAH Gallery, Chaves Smith, Chloe Made, CRN Designworks, Darcy Nicholson Jewelry, Diana O’Connor Designs, Double Down Zine, Eliza Reisfeld Illustration, Ezh Clay, Glass-Vox, Golden Gate Clothing, Graciemac Jewelry, Hella Hand Crafted, iJewelry, Jerry Bold, Joce Ryder, John McKenna Knives, Julia Ku, Karen Kramer Art, Laura Thiessen, Laurien Clay Works, Lea Zalinskis Illustration, Leymoon Jewelry, M M Design, Manar Harb, Mantra9, Megafauna, MewsArt, Muddy Focus, Natalie Musick, Odd Commodity Shop, OM Pottery, Papa Seahorse, Pretty Fun Designs, Rambunctious Drawings, Recover Your Thoughts, Rockridge Bay Resistance Pod, Rockridge Fine Art, Sarah Malik, Snoot Doodler, That Hausa Vegan Chef Sital, Westwind Succulents, and more!
FAQs
Where can I find the full schedule of activities?
The full schedule for 2026 will be updated on this page in early August.
Will College Avenue be closed for this?
No, there are no street closures for Rock-N-Stroll. Unlike most street festivals, all of the activities are taking place along a 1-mile stretch of College Avenue (and side streets) with activities inside and outside the businesses and open spaces in the Rockridge business district.
Where can I park?
While we always encourage taking public transportation, there is ample parking found throughout the district. There is metered parking on College Avenue and free parking (usually with time limits) on the side streets.
Can I bring my best friend, Fido?
Yes! Rockridge is dog friendly (to well-behaved pups on leash). Many of the businesses will be setting out water bowls, offering treats, and other fun pet-friendly activities.
My band would like to perform. How can we apply?
We would love to learn more about your band, not only for this even, but for other happenings throughout the year. Fill out our band form which asks all the relevant questions needed for booking.
I’m a local artist. How can I apply to table at the event?
This event is for artists across a range of mediums (such as clay, wood, paint, fabric, charcoal, etc.) and creation techniques (such as sculpture, printmaking, watercolor, or pottery). Learn more and apply here.
Can I be a vendor at Rock-N-Stroll?
There is no “vendor village” at Rock-N-Stroll. If you are interested in tabling, you would contact a business in the district and ask them to host you inside or outside their location. Note: There is absolutely no food and beverage vending at this event.
Take BART!
Rock-N-Stroll is BARTable! Take the train to the Rockridge Station and you’re in the center of the action. There are no street closures, so street parking and AC Transit lines are uninterrupted. Bike racks are found throughout the district.
