Take BART to Chinatown StreetFest

Come celebrate the Year of the Dog in Oakland on August 26 and 27 at the 19th Annual Oakland Chinatown StreetFest. The Chinatown StreetFest attracts thousands of people from all over the Bay Area to come savor the taste of Asia and experience the traditions that Oakland's Chinatown has so diligently preserved.

The festival is free to the public, and takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on August 26 and 27. It is located in downtown Oakland in the Chinatown district, from 7th Street to 11th Street and from Broadway to Harrison Street. Take BART to the Oakland City Center/12th Street station and walk to the festivities. Plan your trip using bart.gov's online QuickPlanner.

Consisting of more than 280 booths, the festival will span nine to ten blocks of Chinatown. Small businesses and community organizations from all over California come to showcase a myriad of delicious foods, unique Asian products, and special services, with everything from jade bracelets and hand crafted ceramics to BBQ lamb, kettle corn and exotic fruit drinks. The event is presented by the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

There will be constant entertainment at the festival as well. The Cultural Stage will feature a variety of diverse Asian ethnic acts, such as Chinese lion dances, Japanese taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, Tahitian dances and much more. Over at the Popular Stage, festival goers will be able to enjoy rock, jazz and R&B performances from some of the Bay Area's finest bands.

Many attractions at the StreetFest will also be targeted just for families and children, including the Youth Stage featuring entertainment and performances specifically for young people and the StreetFest Cultural Village, presented by the Oakland Museum of California, where one can find activities for kids such as calligraphy, origami, and face painting.

For more information, visit oaklandchinatownstreetfest.com.