Oakland's Festival of the Lake, May 31 through June 2

Sunset, June, 1985

Celebrating the ethnic diversity of Oakland and the East Bay, the annual Festival of the Lake offers everything from street dancing and a slam-jam basketball competition to a juried art show, parades, and music. Expect a crowd--some 100,000 attended last year.

The festival, centered at 54-acre Lakeside Park on Lake Merritt in downtown Oakland, runs from 11 to 7 May 31 through June 2. At 1 on Saturday and Sunday, children in masks (they must bring their own) will parade through the park.

Four stages will offer continuous music from any of 60 groups presenting Latin, African, Dixieland, and other styles. Demonstrations in the arts area include Plains Indian quillwork, decoy carving, and Huichol Indian yarn painting. More than 300 booths will offer ethnic food and crafts.

Park anywhere around the lake and hop on AC Transit bus 18 (fare 60 cents), which will make a continuous lakeshore loop. Or take BART to the 19th Street station, then walk 10 blocks or take the free festival shuttle bus.