New sights and sounds abound for those looking for distractions in downtown Oakland. City Center Plaza hosts outdoor concert series, beginning in the spring, on through the summer. Meanwhile, Art and Soul, Oakland's largest annual event, boosts eleven stages, world-famous acts and 250+ vendors. The annual Black Cowboy Parade, draws large crowds of enthusiast, and is the only event of it’s kind in the country.
A large selection of bars and lounges are helping Downtown Oakland re-emerge as the Center of East Bay Area nightlife. Café Van Kleefs offer live music amongst eye-catching decor and mouthwatering libations. For art enthusiasts, galleries, such as 510 Studios are sprinkled amongst the downtown district. Just footsteps away from downtown, Lake Merritt/Uptown is home to the East Bay's primer concert venues, the FOX Theatre and the Paramount Theatre.
