Come celebrate Grandparent’s Day at Oakland Zoo! What better way to spend time with your grandchildren than strolling through the Zoo to see our amazing animals and learning at the same time? Have a picnic lunch, enjoy the Children’s Zoo, and ride the carousel in the Rides Area. Grandparents receive a free train ride ticket!

Join us on this special day to appreciate our Asian animals of the Tropical Rainforest and the conservation organizations that help them in the wild. Guests will have the chance to learn more about some of the current threats these animals are facing in the wild and how you can help.  Have fun participating in a variety of activities from some of our conservation partners and make sure to stop and meet Oh Bear!

World Lion Day is celebrated each August around the world. Oakland Zoo will show our commitment to lions in Africa and locally in the Bay Area by having a “Lion Appreciation Day”. On this day, zoo guests will be able to learn more about lions, enjoy special keeper talks and have fun participating in a variety of activities from some of our big cat conservation partners.

The 8th Polk Street Blues Festival is a lively weekend filled with authentic blues music. This free two-day event will showcase a variety of blues musicians and will feature two main stages, a merchant marketplace, arts and crafts, food booths, cafe seating areas and much more.

Led by the incomparable José Hernández, the world–famous Mariachi Sol de México^®returns for a festive tribute to Mexico’s proud heritage and rich music traditions. Experience a truly international celebration, with the ensemble singing and playing favorites from both Mexico and America in an exhilarating performance of vibrant rhythms and showmanship.