Art Murmur Summer Guide

Too crowded to actually see any art at Murmur? This is the perfect weekend for you!

In case you didn't notice, Art Murmur is now officially Huge. In size, yes, but also because it is the place to be for any Oakland and now even San Francisco hipster and art affectionados on First Friday. Some of the oldies have already started complaining that it isn't what is used to be. While I makes me sad that police have prioritized shutting down anyone selling food without a permit in the last 6 months or so, I am mostly psyched about Murmur's growth. Open gallery Saturdays have been, and still are the better time to see the art and meet the creators, so I don't mind the huge crowds on Fridays, and Oakland can definitely not complain about the boosts in good press and money for the local economy.

So that being said, what should you check out this time around? Here are some of my top picks.....

Starting in Jack London is my new approach to Murmur. That way you can find parking (impossible around the 23-26th St. epicenter), have dinner, check out some of the newer studio additions, and take the free shuttle up Broadway to the craziness. This month that is an especially good option since Jack London Sq. is having a night market where you can peruse a variety of food vendors for a pre-Murmur snack. They also have an edition of their weekly summertime  "Dancing under the Stars", where you can learn salsa, and than twirl outdoors to your hearts delight. 

Next I am headed to the Hive Galleries, which I keep hearing rave reviews about. 

Maybe stop for a beer at Beer Revolution. 

Making my way up to Oaklandish, which will be serving up free Linden Street Brew - yummmmm

Then finishing the night at MOCO at 371 17th St. for an awesome show of local bands - RNB Millionaires headlining. It goes to midnight and is byob...

Have a blast!