You may know Nastia Voynovskaya as the longtime writer and editor at KQED Arts. In her spare time, she is part of the In a Dream party as a talented DJ who keeps everyone on the dancefloor. This weekend, she’ll be spinning at Gems, the 90s and 2000s party at Crybaby. If you are a fan of her de ella writing, you’ll be equally impressed by her ability to mix and help you reminisce about the best decade in music. Full disclosure: My bias as a Millennial might be showing.
If there’s something you’d like us to consider for this weekly list, email me at azucena@oaklandside.org. And if you want to promote something on our calendar, you can use the self-submission form on our events page.
Oakland Ballers final 2024 homestand
In June, the Ballers kicked off their inaugural season with over 4,000 fans packing Raimondi Park in West Oakland. This week, the new favorite of Oakland sports fans is hosting its last homestand starting on Tuesday, Aug. 26, with OMCA night. The night will feature giveaways of OMCA swag, including sweatshirts and tote bags. For the last home game of the season on Sunday, Sept. 1the team will celebrate legendary ball player Curt Flood, who was one of baseball’s labor rights leaders.
Tuesday, Aug. 27 through Sunday, Sept. 1; See website for ticket prices; 1689 20th St.
The Worst Film Fest Ever
Every filmmaker has cinematic disasters in their career. Sometimes, their budget runs out, the script looks better on paper, or their first-choice cast falls through. This Thursday, filmmakers are showing their failed films to show that, sometimes, a film doesn’t turn out as expected. Filmmakers will discuss what they learned from their mistakes and how the process has improved their craft. Proceeds from the event will help support an upcoming project from one of the filmmakers taking part in the screening.
Thursday, Aug. 29, 6 pm; $13; Mama Dog Studios700 26th St.
Gems party at Crybaby
Now that Instagram has a new feature for adding songs to your profile, it seems like the resurgence of everything Y2K is here to stay for a while. This Friday, Gen Z and Millennials can live out the best of the 90s and 2000s music at Crybaby. DJs Nastia, WhatsUpAlbertand Mackswell will be behind the turntables spinning hyphy classics, crunk, reggaeton, and everything in between, along with special guests, hyphy legends the Hoodstarz.
Friday, Aug. 30, 10 pm; Free to $50; 21 and up; 1928 Telegraph Ave.
Speed Friending 40s edition
Making friends after you’ve left college and moved to a different town is hard, and your local library in deep East Oakland wants to help change that. This weekend, the 81st Avenue branch will host a social meet-up for people in their 40s to mingle and connect with like-minded folks looking to build new friendships. There will be light refreshments. Speed friending takes place on the last Saturday of each month. In October, the meetup will be for people in their 50s.
Saturday, Aug. 31, 12 pm to 2 pm; Free; 1021 81st Ave.
The Wine & Bowties Bazaar
If you were around Oakland during the mid to late 2010s, then you remember how fun the Wine & Bowties FEELS parties were. Founded by friends Max Gibson and Will BundyWine & Bowties combined parties, art installations, and essays about Oakland and its culture. After the last FEELS party in 2018Gibson and Bundy parted ways, and the website and social media channels remained dormant. This weekend, the brand, now under Gibson’s sole control, is making a comeback with a bazaar featuring 40 plus artists and merchants, plus live music by Gentle Gig General Seiji Odamulti-instrumentalist and producer extraordinaire Chef Leeand Oakland’s own Prospect Bandplus vibrant vinyl DJ sets from Soul Light Collective and 7000 coils. Also, food vendors like Vegan Chula Eats, Tacos The Last Dance, Porchettaand more.
Saturday, Aug. 31, 2 pm to 8 pm; $5-$18; 2150 Livingston St.
Hot tickets in the Town this week: Ethan Iverson
In 2013, Time Out magazine included Ethan Iverson in its 25 essential New York City jazz icons list. This Sunday, he will play a show at the Piedmont Piano Company and he will also talk about the history of jazz piano.
Sunday, Sept. 1, 5 pm; $25; 1728 San Pablo Ave.
Coming soon to the Town: Grupo Firme at the Oakland Arena
Regional Mexican band Firm Groupwho most recently collaborated with actress and singer Demi Lovato on the song Chula, is bringing his tour through the states with three dates in Northern California, including Oakland, San Jose, and Sacramento.
Sunday, Oct. 13; $25-$400; 7000 S. Coliseum Way
