BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Oakland Asian Cultural Center - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Oakland Asian Cultural Center X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://oacc.cc X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Oakland Asian Cultural Center REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20270314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20271107T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260125T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260125T160000 DTSTAMP:20260406T050548 CREATED:20251229T212949Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251229T213238Z UID:22767-1769349600-1769356800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Reparations: A Film by Jon Osaki DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, August 3\, 2024 | 5 PM – 9:30 PM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n *ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED   Join us on August 3\, 2024\, 5 PM – 9:30 PM\, at BomBay to the Bay: A Garba Dance Festival featuring live music by Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta\, a dance lesson\, community dancing\, and artists to explore! Garba is a Gujarati indigenous and folk dance practiced by all ages to live drumming\, singing\, and instrumentals during joyous celebrations.   Arrive at 5 PM for a short garba class dressed in your own cultural finery. This multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic garba festival supports an Oakland-style expansive vision of solidarity and joy\, so get ready to dance Bay to Bay\, across the world! This event is co-hosted by Reetu Mody and OACC and sponsored by the Activate Oakland Event Sponsorship Program.   While this event is free\, registration is required.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Live Music and Performance By: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We’ll be welcoming Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta alongside their percussionist and live dhol player\, Parimal Zaveri. Madhvi and Asim are bringing raas-garba music with a flair to BomBay to the Bay!   Website: http://www.kampmusic.com/bio.htm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EVENT Q&A \n \n \n \n Dress Code:  Dress up to dance! Feel free to wear South Asian\, traditional Gujarati\, attire from your heritage\, or anything that is colorful\, slightly formal\, and easy to move in. All global attire is welcome and we encourage everyone to participate fully in the dancing and opportunity to dress up.    For Gujarati garba celebrations\, people often wear elements of traditional Gujarati attire including a chaniya choli (a long wide skirt with a crop top and scarf) and/or kediyu or kafni pajama (a gathered long sleeve shirt and pants). Traditional clothes for garba are colorful\, embroidered\, mirrored\, and often have cowrie shells on them. In the dance space people will take their shoes off to honor the feminine divinity/goddesses. If you are able to take your shoes off (we know that different accommodations require people to wear shoes)\, we suggest you take them off.   Garba is one of the many circle folk dance traditions that exist all over the world and all those heritages are welcome to join together here. If there is a piece of attire from your cultural background you would love to wear- this is the place for it!    What should I do if I want to wear shoes? Because there will be many barefoot dancers\, please wear indoor shoes.    What if I don’t know how to do the dance? You’ll learn! Like all folk dance traditions\, everyone does the dance together from ages 1-100. You’ll move in your own style and the steps are easy to pick up. The point is to experience the exhilaration and the joy of moving together\, not to look exactly the same. If you need a break\, there will be chairs to watch other dancers and there are artists to visit both in the auditorium and the adjoining artist room.    Who should I bring?  Everyone is welcome! This is a space committed to liberation for all people all of the world and is explicitly about joy in a multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic folk dance space.   What should I bring? Bring shoes you are comfortable taking off (if you are able to)\, a water bottle\, and dandiya sticks (two Gujarati dancing sticks) if you have them.    What if I am not South Asian\, can I still attend? Yes! Everyone is welcome. And if you have South Asian clothing that you want to rock as a non-South Asian\, this is an event you are welcome to do so at. Just bring your love and respect!   Is garba a spiritual practice? Like many folk dances\, garba is connected to spirituality. Gujarati garba dance is connected to indigenous and tribal practices and Hinduism. Many people of different religious backgrounds\, including Buddhism\, Jainism\, Islam\, and Christianity\, also practice culturally in Gujarat. At this garba\, we will be honoring the feminine divine\, which will be symbolized by a matke/matlo (a pot) in the center of the room.    What if I want to donate at your event? This event is completely free to attend! We will be accepting Venmo and Zelle donations\, which will be given to Palestine Legal and Middle East Children’s Alliance. Each group provides support for Palestinians in different ways\, with Palestine Legal using the judicial system and Middle East Children’s Alliance providing direct support on the ground in Gaza.   Why did you want to host this event?  Reetu Mody grew up with garba as one of her childhood’s most joyful and inclusive practices. As a resident of Oakland\, she wanted to create an event that uplifts how Oakland as a city continues to enable cultural artistry\, acceptance and inclusion of immigrants\, sanctuary\, mutual aid\, joy\, and care for all communities. At this event\, we want to create a small space of belonging for all. This event seeks to embody equity\, global liberation\, anti-caste\, anti-Islamophobia\, pro-LGBTQ2IA\, pro-immigration\, and pro-neighborhood practices. For us\, this means caring\, living\, and celebrating together. Feel free to read more with this KQED article\, too.    Why can’t I register online anymore? If we have reached our maximum registration capacity\, you can no longer register online. We will allow people into the event on a first-come\, first-served basis at the beginning of the garba. We will prioritize those who registered online as we near capacity throughout the night. If you did not register online\, you may have to wait in line.   Will there be food?  Please note that there will NOT be food at the garba\, but Renaissance Plaza and the surrounding neighborhood have several restaurants. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/reparations-film/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Reparations-FB-1080-x-1080-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260207T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260207T160000 DTSTAMP:20260406T050549 CREATED:20251225T030557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T212416Z UID:22758-1770462000-1770480000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Lunar New Year x Black History Month 2026: Celebrating Asian & African-American Solidarity DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, August 3\, 2024 | 5 PM – 9:30 PM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n *ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED   Join us on August 3\, 2024\, 5 PM – 9:30 PM\, at BomBay to the Bay: A Garba Dance Festival featuring live music by Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta\, a dance lesson\, community dancing\, and artists to explore! Garba is a Gujarati indigenous and folk dance practiced by all ages to live drumming\, singing\, and instrumentals during joyous celebrations.   Arrive at 5 PM for a short garba class dressed in your own cultural finery. This multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic garba festival supports an Oakland-style expansive vision of solidarity and joy\, so get ready to dance Bay to Bay\, across the world! This event is co-hosted by Reetu Mody and OACC and sponsored by the Activate Oakland Event Sponsorship Program.   While this event is free\, registration is required.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Live Music and Performance By: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We’ll be welcoming Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta alongside their percussionist and live dhol player\, Parimal Zaveri. Madhvi and Asim are bringing raas-garba music with a flair to BomBay to the Bay!   Website: http://www.kampmusic.com/bio.htm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EVENT Q&A \n \n \n \n Dress Code:  Dress up to dance! Feel free to wear South Asian\, traditional Gujarati\, attire from your heritage\, or anything that is colorful\, slightly formal\, and easy to move in. All global attire is welcome and we encourage everyone to participate fully in the dancing and opportunity to dress up.    For Gujarati garba celebrations\, people often wear elements of traditional Gujarati attire including a chaniya choli (a long wide skirt with a crop top and scarf) and/or kediyu or kafni pajama (a gathered long sleeve shirt and pants). Traditional clothes for garba are colorful\, embroidered\, mirrored\, and often have cowrie shells on them. In the dance space people will take their shoes off to honor the feminine divinity/goddesses. If you are able to take your shoes off (we know that different accommodations require people to wear shoes)\, we suggest you take them off.   Garba is one of the many circle folk dance traditions that exist all over the world and all those heritages are welcome to join together here. If there is a piece of attire from your cultural background you would love to wear- this is the place for it!    What should I do if I want to wear shoes? Because there will be many barefoot dancers\, please wear indoor shoes.    What if I don’t know how to do the dance? You’ll learn! Like all folk dance traditions\, everyone does the dance together from ages 1-100. You’ll move in your own style and the steps are easy to pick up. The point is to experience the exhilaration and the joy of moving together\, not to look exactly the same. If you need a break\, there will be chairs to watch other dancers and there are artists to visit both in the auditorium and the adjoining artist room.    Who should I bring?  Everyone is welcome! This is a space committed to liberation for all people all of the world and is explicitly about joy in a multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic folk dance space.   What should I bring? Bring shoes you are comfortable taking off (if you are able to)\, a water bottle\, and dandiya sticks (two Gujarati dancing sticks) if you have them.    What if I am not South Asian\, can I still attend? Yes! Everyone is welcome. And if you have South Asian clothing that you want to rock as a non-South Asian\, this is an event you are welcome to do so at. Just bring your love and respect!   Is garba a spiritual practice? Like many folk dances\, garba is connected to spirituality. Gujarati garba dance is connected to indigenous and tribal practices and Hinduism. Many people of different religious backgrounds\, including Buddhism\, Jainism\, Islam\, and Christianity\, also practice culturally in Gujarat. At this garba\, we will be honoring the feminine divine\, which will be symbolized by a matke/matlo (a pot) in the center of the room.    What if I want to donate at your event? This event is completely free to attend! We will be accepting Venmo and Zelle donations\, which will be given to Palestine Legal and Middle East Children’s Alliance. Each group provides support for Palestinians in different ways\, with Palestine Legal using the judicial system and Middle East Children’s Alliance providing direct support on the ground in Gaza.   Why did you want to host this event?  Reetu Mody grew up with garba as one of her childhood’s most joyful and inclusive practices. As a resident of Oakland\, she wanted to create an event that uplifts how Oakland as a city continues to enable cultural artistry\, acceptance and inclusion of immigrants\, sanctuary\, mutual aid\, joy\, and care for all communities. At this event\, we want to create a small space of belonging for all. This event seeks to embody equity\, global liberation\, anti-caste\, anti-Islamophobia\, pro-LGBTQ2IA\, pro-immigration\, and pro-neighborhood practices. For us\, this means caring\, living\, and celebrating together. Feel free to read more with this KQED article\, too.    Why can’t I register online anymore? If we have reached our maximum registration capacity\, you can no longer register online. We will allow people into the event on a first-come\, first-served basis at the beginning of the garba. We will prioritize those who registered online as we near capacity throughout the night. If you did not register online\, you may have to wait in line.   Will there be food?  Please note that there will NOT be food at the garba\, but Renaissance Plaza and the surrounding neighborhood have several restaurants. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/lny-bhm-2026/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Celebrating-Asian-African-American-Solidarity.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260222T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260222T160000 DTSTAMP:20260406T050549 CREATED:20260120T072722Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T042457Z UID:22815-1771768800-1771776000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Honoring Day of Remembrance: Children’s Art from an American Concentration Camp DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, August 3\, 2024 | 5 PM – 9:30 PM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n *ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED   Join us on August 3\, 2024\, 5 PM – 9:30 PM\, at BomBay to the Bay: A Garba Dance Festival featuring live music by Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta\, a dance lesson\, community dancing\, and artists to explore! Garba is a Gujarati indigenous and folk dance practiced by all ages to live drumming\, singing\, and instrumentals during joyous celebrations.   Arrive at 5 PM for a short garba class dressed in your own cultural finery. This multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic garba festival supports an Oakland-style expansive vision of solidarity and joy\, so get ready to dance Bay to Bay\, across the world! This event is co-hosted by Reetu Mody and OACC and sponsored by the Activate Oakland Event Sponsorship Program.   While this event is free\, registration is required.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Live Music and Performance By: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We’ll be welcoming Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta alongside their percussionist and live dhol player\, Parimal Zaveri. Madhvi and Asim are bringing raas-garba music with a flair to BomBay to the Bay!   Website: http://www.kampmusic.com/bio.htm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EVENT Q&A \n \n \n \n Dress Code:  Dress up to dance! Feel free to wear South Asian\, traditional Gujarati\, attire from your heritage\, or anything that is colorful\, slightly formal\, and easy to move in. All global attire is welcome and we encourage everyone to participate fully in the dancing and opportunity to dress up.    For Gujarati garba celebrations\, people often wear elements of traditional Gujarati attire including a chaniya choli (a long wide skirt with a crop top and scarf) and/or kediyu or kafni pajama (a gathered long sleeve shirt and pants). Traditional clothes for garba are colorful\, embroidered\, mirrored\, and often have cowrie shells on them. In the dance space people will take their shoes off to honor the feminine divinity/goddesses. If you are able to take your shoes off (we know that different accommodations require people to wear shoes)\, we suggest you take them off.   Garba is one of the many circle folk dance traditions that exist all over the world and all those heritages are welcome to join together here. If there is a piece of attire from your cultural background you would love to wear- this is the place for it!    What should I do if I want to wear shoes? Because there will be many barefoot dancers\, please wear indoor shoes.    What if I don’t know how to do the dance? You’ll learn! Like all folk dance traditions\, everyone does the dance together from ages 1-100. You’ll move in your own style and the steps are easy to pick up. The point is to experience the exhilaration and the joy of moving together\, not to look exactly the same. If you need a break\, there will be chairs to watch other dancers and there are artists to visit both in the auditorium and the adjoining artist room.    Who should I bring?  Everyone is welcome! This is a space committed to liberation for all people all of the world and is explicitly about joy in a multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic folk dance space.   What should I bring? Bring shoes you are comfortable taking off (if you are able to)\, a water bottle\, and dandiya sticks (two Gujarati dancing sticks) if you have them.    What if I am not South Asian\, can I still attend? Yes! Everyone is welcome. And if you have South Asian clothing that you want to rock as a non-South Asian\, this is an event you are welcome to do so at. Just bring your love and respect!   Is garba a spiritual practice? Like many folk dances\, garba is connected to spirituality. Gujarati garba dance is connected to indigenous and tribal practices and Hinduism. Many people of different religious backgrounds\, including Buddhism\, Jainism\, Islam\, and Christianity\, also practice culturally in Gujarat. At this garba\, we will be honoring the feminine divine\, which will be symbolized by a matke/matlo (a pot) in the center of the room.    What if I want to donate at your event? This event is completely free to attend! We will be accepting Venmo and Zelle donations\, which will be given to Palestine Legal and Middle East Children’s Alliance. Each group provides support for Palestinians in different ways\, with Palestine Legal using the judicial system and Middle East Children’s Alliance providing direct support on the ground in Gaza.   Why did you want to host this event?  Reetu Mody grew up with garba as one of her childhood’s most joyful and inclusive practices. As a resident of Oakland\, she wanted to create an event that uplifts how Oakland as a city continues to enable cultural artistry\, acceptance and inclusion of immigrants\, sanctuary\, mutual aid\, joy\, and care for all communities. At this event\, we want to create a small space of belonging for all. This event seeks to embody equity\, global liberation\, anti-caste\, anti-Islamophobia\, pro-LGBTQ2IA\, pro-immigration\, and pro-neighborhood practices. For us\, this means caring\, living\, and celebrating together. Feel free to read more with this KQED article\, too.    Why can’t I register online anymore? If we have reached our maximum registration capacity\, you can no longer register online. We will allow people into the event on a first-come\, first-served basis at the beginning of the garba. We will prioritize those who registered online as we near capacity throughout the night. If you did not register online\, you may have to wait in line.   Will there be food?  Please note that there will NOT be food at the garba\, but Renaissance Plaza and the surrounding neighborhood have several restaurants. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/day-of-remembrance-2026/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Topaz-Toddlers-FB-1080-x-1080-px-v2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260315T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260315T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T050549 CREATED:20260219T084830Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T084959Z UID:22932-1773579600-1773586800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Tales of the Tofu Goddess: A Tribute to the Artful Life of Flo Oy Wong DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, August 3\, 2024 | 5 PM – 9:30 PM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n *ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED   Join us on August 3\, 2024\, 5 PM – 9:30 PM\, at BomBay to the Bay: A Garba Dance Festival featuring live music by Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta\, a dance lesson\, community dancing\, and artists to explore! Garba is a Gujarati indigenous and folk dance practiced by all ages to live drumming\, singing\, and instrumentals during joyous celebrations.   Arrive at 5 PM for a short garba class dressed in your own cultural finery. This multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic garba festival supports an Oakland-style expansive vision of solidarity and joy\, so get ready to dance Bay to Bay\, across the world! This event is co-hosted by Reetu Mody and OACC and sponsored by the Activate Oakland Event Sponsorship Program.   While this event is free\, registration is required.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Live Music and Performance By: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We’ll be welcoming Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta alongside their percussionist and live dhol player\, Parimal Zaveri. Madhvi and Asim are bringing raas-garba music with a flair to BomBay to the Bay!   Website: http://www.kampmusic.com/bio.htm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EVENT Q&A \n \n \n \n Dress Code:  Dress up to dance! Feel free to wear South Asian\, traditional Gujarati\, attire from your heritage\, or anything that is colorful\, slightly formal\, and easy to move in. All global attire is welcome and we encourage everyone to participate fully in the dancing and opportunity to dress up.    For Gujarati garba celebrations\, people often wear elements of traditional Gujarati attire including a chaniya choli (a long wide skirt with a crop top and scarf) and/or kediyu or kafni pajama (a gathered long sleeve shirt and pants). Traditional clothes for garba are colorful\, embroidered\, mirrored\, and often have cowrie shells on them. In the dance space people will take their shoes off to honor the feminine divinity/goddesses. If you are able to take your shoes off (we know that different accommodations require people to wear shoes)\, we suggest you take them off.   Garba is one of the many circle folk dance traditions that exist all over the world and all those heritages are welcome to join together here. If there is a piece of attire from your cultural background you would love to wear- this is the place for it!    What should I do if I want to wear shoes? Because there will be many barefoot dancers\, please wear indoor shoes.    What if I don’t know how to do the dance? You’ll learn! Like all folk dance traditions\, everyone does the dance together from ages 1-100. You’ll move in your own style and the steps are easy to pick up. The point is to experience the exhilaration and the joy of moving together\, not to look exactly the same. If you need a break\, there will be chairs to watch other dancers and there are artists to visit both in the auditorium and the adjoining artist room.    Who should I bring?  Everyone is welcome! This is a space committed to liberation for all people all of the world and is explicitly about joy in a multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic folk dance space.   What should I bring? Bring shoes you are comfortable taking off (if you are able to)\, a water bottle\, and dandiya sticks (two Gujarati dancing sticks) if you have them.    What if I am not South Asian\, can I still attend? Yes! Everyone is welcome. And if you have South Asian clothing that you want to rock as a non-South Asian\, this is an event you are welcome to do so at. Just bring your love and respect!   Is garba a spiritual practice? Like many folk dances\, garba is connected to spirituality. Gujarati garba dance is connected to indigenous and tribal practices and Hinduism. Many people of different religious backgrounds\, including Buddhism\, Jainism\, Islam\, and Christianity\, also practice culturally in Gujarat. At this garba\, we will be honoring the feminine divine\, which will be symbolized by a matke/matlo (a pot) in the center of the room.    What if I want to donate at your event? This event is completely free to attend! We will be accepting Venmo and Zelle donations\, which will be given to Palestine Legal and Middle East Children’s Alliance. Each group provides support for Palestinians in different ways\, with Palestine Legal using the judicial system and Middle East Children’s Alliance providing direct support on the ground in Gaza.   Why did you want to host this event?  Reetu Mody grew up with garba as one of her childhood’s most joyful and inclusive practices. As a resident of Oakland\, she wanted to create an event that uplifts how Oakland as a city continues to enable cultural artistry\, acceptance and inclusion of immigrants\, sanctuary\, mutual aid\, joy\, and care for all communities. At this event\, we want to create a small space of belonging for all. This event seeks to embody equity\, global liberation\, anti-caste\, anti-Islamophobia\, pro-LGBTQ2IA\, pro-immigration\, and pro-neighborhood practices. For us\, this means caring\, living\, and celebrating together. Feel free to read more with this KQED article\, too.    Why can’t I register online anymore? If we have reached our maximum registration capacity\, you can no longer register online. We will allow people into the event on a first-come\, first-served basis at the beginning of the garba. We will prioritize those who registered online as we near capacity throughout the night. If you did not register online\, you may have to wait in line.   Will there be food?  Please note that there will NOT be food at the garba\, but Renaissance Plaza and the surrounding neighborhood have several restaurants. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/tofu-goddess/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tofu-Goddess-Preview-1080-x-1080-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260320T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260320T210000 DTSTAMP:20260406T050549 CREATED:20260227T233159Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T194052Z UID:22970-1774033200-1774040400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage: Nowruz with the Persian Classical Trio DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, August 3\, 2024 | 5 PM – 9:30 PM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n *ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED   Join us on August 3\, 2024\, 5 PM – 9:30 PM\, at BomBay to the Bay: A Garba Dance Festival featuring live music by Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta\, a dance lesson\, community dancing\, and artists to explore! Garba is a Gujarati indigenous and folk dance practiced by all ages to live drumming\, singing\, and instrumentals during joyous celebrations.   Arrive at 5 PM for a short garba class dressed in your own cultural finery. This multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic garba festival supports an Oakland-style expansive vision of solidarity and joy\, so get ready to dance Bay to Bay\, across the world! This event is co-hosted by Reetu Mody and OACC and sponsored by the Activate Oakland Event Sponsorship Program.   While this event is free\, registration is required.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Live Music and Performance By: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We’ll be welcoming Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta alongside their percussionist and live dhol player\, Parimal Zaveri. Madhvi and Asim are bringing raas-garba music with a flair to BomBay to the Bay!   Website: http://www.kampmusic.com/bio.htm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EVENT Q&A \n \n \n \n Dress Code:  Dress up to dance! Feel free to wear South Asian\, traditional Gujarati\, attire from your heritage\, or anything that is colorful\, slightly formal\, and easy to move in. All global attire is welcome and we encourage everyone to participate fully in the dancing and opportunity to dress up.    For Gujarati garba celebrations\, people often wear elements of traditional Gujarati attire including a chaniya choli (a long wide skirt with a crop top and scarf) and/or kediyu or kafni pajama (a gathered long sleeve shirt and pants). Traditional clothes for garba are colorful\, embroidered\, mirrored\, and often have cowrie shells on them. In the dance space people will take their shoes off to honor the feminine divinity/goddesses. If you are able to take your shoes off (we know that different accommodations require people to wear shoes)\, we suggest you take them off.   Garba is one of the many circle folk dance traditions that exist all over the world and all those heritages are welcome to join together here. If there is a piece of attire from your cultural background you would love to wear- this is the place for it!    What should I do if I want to wear shoes? Because there will be many barefoot dancers\, please wear indoor shoes.    What if I don’t know how to do the dance? You’ll learn! Like all folk dance traditions\, everyone does the dance together from ages 1-100. You’ll move in your own style and the steps are easy to pick up. The point is to experience the exhilaration and the joy of moving together\, not to look exactly the same. If you need a break\, there will be chairs to watch other dancers and there are artists to visit both in the auditorium and the adjoining artist room.    Who should I bring?  Everyone is welcome! This is a space committed to liberation for all people all of the world and is explicitly about joy in a multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic folk dance space.   What should I bring? Bring shoes you are comfortable taking off (if you are able to)\, a water bottle\, and dandiya sticks (two Gujarati dancing sticks) if you have them.    What if I am not South Asian\, can I still attend? Yes! Everyone is welcome. And if you have South Asian clothing that you want to rock as a non-South Asian\, this is an event you are welcome to do so at. Just bring your love and respect!   Is garba a spiritual practice? Like many folk dances\, garba is connected to spirituality. Gujarati garba dance is connected to indigenous and tribal practices and Hinduism. Many people of different religious backgrounds\, including Buddhism\, Jainism\, Islam\, and Christianity\, also practice culturally in Gujarat. At this garba\, we will be honoring the feminine divine\, which will be symbolized by a matke/matlo (a pot) in the center of the room.    What if I want to donate at your event? This event is completely free to attend! We will be accepting Venmo and Zelle donations\, which will be given to Palestine Legal and Middle East Children’s Alliance. Each group provides support for Palestinians in different ways\, with Palestine Legal using the judicial system and Middle East Children’s Alliance providing direct support on the ground in Gaza.   Why did you want to host this event?  Reetu Mody grew up with garba as one of her childhood’s most joyful and inclusive practices. As a resident of Oakland\, she wanted to create an event that uplifts how Oakland as a city continues to enable cultural artistry\, acceptance and inclusion of immigrants\, sanctuary\, mutual aid\, joy\, and care for all communities. At this event\, we want to create a small space of belonging for all. This event seeks to embody equity\, global liberation\, anti-caste\, anti-Islamophobia\, pro-LGBTQ2IA\, pro-immigration\, and pro-neighborhood practices. For us\, this means caring\, living\, and celebrating together. Feel free to read more with this KQED article\, too.    Why can’t I register online anymore? If we have reached our maximum registration capacity\, you can no longer register online. We will allow people into the event on a first-come\, first-served basis at the beginning of the garba. We will prioritize those who registered online as we near capacity throughout the night. If you did not register online\, you may have to wait in line.   Will there be food?  Please note that there will NOT be food at the garba\, but Renaissance Plaza and the surrounding neighborhood have several restaurants. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/persian-classical/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Nowruz-2026-Preview-1080-x-1080-px-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260411T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260411T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T050549 CREATED:20260323T211521Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T211642Z UID:23100-1775908800-1775919600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Southeast Asian New Year Celebration 2026 DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, August 3\, 2024 | 5 PM – 9:30 PM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n *ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED   Join us on August 3\, 2024\, 5 PM – 9:30 PM\, at BomBay to the Bay: A Garba Dance Festival featuring live music by Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta\, a dance lesson\, community dancing\, and artists to explore! Garba is a Gujarati indigenous and folk dance practiced by all ages to live drumming\, singing\, and instrumentals during joyous celebrations.   Arrive at 5 PM for a short garba class dressed in your own cultural finery. This multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic garba festival supports an Oakland-style expansive vision of solidarity and joy\, so get ready to dance Bay to Bay\, across the world! This event is co-hosted by Reetu Mody and OACC and sponsored by the Activate Oakland Event Sponsorship Program.   While this event is free\, registration is required.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Live Music and Performance By: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We’ll be welcoming Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta alongside their percussionist and live dhol player\, Parimal Zaveri. Madhvi and Asim are bringing raas-garba music with a flair to BomBay to the Bay!   Website: http://www.kampmusic.com/bio.htm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EVENT Q&A \n \n \n \n Dress Code:  Dress up to dance! Feel free to wear South Asian\, traditional Gujarati\, attire from your heritage\, or anything that is colorful\, slightly formal\, and easy to move in. All global attire is welcome and we encourage everyone to participate fully in the dancing and opportunity to dress up.    For Gujarati garba celebrations\, people often wear elements of traditional Gujarati attire including a chaniya choli (a long wide skirt with a crop top and scarf) and/or kediyu or kafni pajama (a gathered long sleeve shirt and pants). Traditional clothes for garba are colorful\, embroidered\, mirrored\, and often have cowrie shells on them. In the dance space people will take their shoes off to honor the feminine divinity/goddesses. If you are able to take your shoes off (we know that different accommodations require people to wear shoes)\, we suggest you take them off.   Garba is one of the many circle folk dance traditions that exist all over the world and all those heritages are welcome to join together here. If there is a piece of attire from your cultural background you would love to wear- this is the place for it!    What should I do if I want to wear shoes? Because there will be many barefoot dancers\, please wear indoor shoes.    What if I don’t know how to do the dance? You’ll learn! Like all folk dance traditions\, everyone does the dance together from ages 1-100. You’ll move in your own style and the steps are easy to pick up. The point is to experience the exhilaration and the joy of moving together\, not to look exactly the same. If you need a break\, there will be chairs to watch other dancers and there are artists to visit both in the auditorium and the adjoining artist room.    Who should I bring?  Everyone is welcome! This is a space committed to liberation for all people all of the world and is explicitly about joy in a multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic folk dance space.   What should I bring? Bring shoes you are comfortable taking off (if you are able to)\, a water bottle\, and dandiya sticks (two Gujarati dancing sticks) if you have them.    What if I am not South Asian\, can I still attend? Yes! Everyone is welcome. And if you have South Asian clothing that you want to rock as a non-South Asian\, this is an event you are welcome to do so at. Just bring your love and respect!   Is garba a spiritual practice? Like many folk dances\, garba is connected to spirituality. Gujarati garba dance is connected to indigenous and tribal practices and Hinduism. Many people of different religious backgrounds\, including Buddhism\, Jainism\, Islam\, and Christianity\, also practice culturally in Gujarat. At this garba\, we will be honoring the feminine divine\, which will be symbolized by a matke/matlo (a pot) in the center of the room.    What if I want to donate at your event? This event is completely free to attend! We will be accepting Venmo and Zelle donations\, which will be given to Palestine Legal and Middle East Children’s Alliance. Each group provides support for Palestinians in different ways\, with Palestine Legal using the judicial system and Middle East Children’s Alliance providing direct support on the ground in Gaza.   Why did you want to host this event?  Reetu Mody grew up with garba as one of her childhood’s most joyful and inclusive practices. As a resident of Oakland\, she wanted to create an event that uplifts how Oakland as a city continues to enable cultural artistry\, acceptance and inclusion of immigrants\, sanctuary\, mutual aid\, joy\, and care for all communities. At this event\, we want to create a small space of belonging for all. This event seeks to embody equity\, global liberation\, anti-caste\, anti-Islamophobia\, pro-LGBTQ2IA\, pro-immigration\, and pro-neighborhood practices. For us\, this means caring\, living\, and celebrating together. Feel free to read more with this KQED article\, too.    Why can’t I register online anymore? If we have reached our maximum registration capacity\, you can no longer register online. We will allow people into the event on a first-come\, first-served basis at the beginning of the garba. We will prioritize those who registered online as we near capacity throughout the night. If you did not register online\, you may have to wait in line.   Will there be food?  Please note that there will NOT be food at the garba\, but Renaissance Plaza and the surrounding neighborhood have several restaurants. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/sea-ny-2026/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SEAsian-NY-2026-1080-x-1080.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260418T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260418T180000 DTSTAMP:20260406T050549 CREATED:20260323T185428Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T190026Z UID:23090-1776528000-1776535200@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Echoes of Eureka: A Youth Opera Bridging History and Hope DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, August 3\, 2024 | 5 PM – 9:30 PM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n *ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED   Join us on August 3\, 2024\, 5 PM – 9:30 PM\, at BomBay to the Bay: A Garba Dance Festival featuring live music by Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta\, a dance lesson\, community dancing\, and artists to explore! Garba is a Gujarati indigenous and folk dance practiced by all ages to live drumming\, singing\, and instrumentals during joyous celebrations.   Arrive at 5 PM for a short garba class dressed in your own cultural finery. This multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic garba festival supports an Oakland-style expansive vision of solidarity and joy\, so get ready to dance Bay to Bay\, across the world! This event is co-hosted by Reetu Mody and OACC and sponsored by the Activate Oakland Event Sponsorship Program.   While this event is free\, registration is required.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Live Music and Performance By: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We’ll be welcoming Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta alongside their percussionist and live dhol player\, Parimal Zaveri. Madhvi and Asim are bringing raas-garba music with a flair to BomBay to the Bay!   Website: http://www.kampmusic.com/bio.htm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EVENT Q&A \n \n \n \n Dress Code:  Dress up to dance! Feel free to wear South Asian\, traditional Gujarati\, attire from your heritage\, or anything that is colorful\, slightly formal\, and easy to move in. All global attire is welcome and we encourage everyone to participate fully in the dancing and opportunity to dress up.    For Gujarati garba celebrations\, people often wear elements of traditional Gujarati attire including a chaniya choli (a long wide skirt with a crop top and scarf) and/or kediyu or kafni pajama (a gathered long sleeve shirt and pants). Traditional clothes for garba are colorful\, embroidered\, mirrored\, and often have cowrie shells on them. In the dance space people will take their shoes off to honor the feminine divinity/goddesses. If you are able to take your shoes off (we know that different accommodations require people to wear shoes)\, we suggest you take them off.   Garba is one of the many circle folk dance traditions that exist all over the world and all those heritages are welcome to join together here. If there is a piece of attire from your cultural background you would love to wear- this is the place for it!    What should I do if I want to wear shoes? Because there will be many barefoot dancers\, please wear indoor shoes.    What if I don’t know how to do the dance? You’ll learn! Like all folk dance traditions\, everyone does the dance together from ages 1-100. You’ll move in your own style and the steps are easy to pick up. The point is to experience the exhilaration and the joy of moving together\, not to look exactly the same. If you need a break\, there will be chairs to watch other dancers and there are artists to visit both in the auditorium and the adjoining artist room.    Who should I bring?  Everyone is welcome! This is a space committed to liberation for all people all of the world and is explicitly about joy in a multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic folk dance space.   What should I bring? Bring shoes you are comfortable taking off (if you are able to)\, a water bottle\, and dandiya sticks (two Gujarati dancing sticks) if you have them.    What if I am not South Asian\, can I still attend? Yes! Everyone is welcome. And if you have South Asian clothing that you want to rock as a non-South Asian\, this is an event you are welcome to do so at. Just bring your love and respect!   Is garba a spiritual practice? Like many folk dances\, garba is connected to spirituality. Gujarati garba dance is connected to indigenous and tribal practices and Hinduism. Many people of different religious backgrounds\, including Buddhism\, Jainism\, Islam\, and Christianity\, also practice culturally in Gujarat. At this garba\, we will be honoring the feminine divine\, which will be symbolized by a matke/matlo (a pot) in the center of the room.    What if I want to donate at your event? This event is completely free to attend! We will be accepting Venmo and Zelle donations\, which will be given to Palestine Legal and Middle East Children’s Alliance. Each group provides support for Palestinians in different ways\, with Palestine Legal using the judicial system and Middle East Children’s Alliance providing direct support on the ground in Gaza.   Why did you want to host this event?  Reetu Mody grew up with garba as one of her childhood’s most joyful and inclusive practices. As a resident of Oakland\, she wanted to create an event that uplifts how Oakland as a city continues to enable cultural artistry\, acceptance and inclusion of immigrants\, sanctuary\, mutual aid\, joy\, and care for all communities. At this event\, we want to create a small space of belonging for all. This event seeks to embody equity\, global liberation\, anti-caste\, anti-Islamophobia\, pro-LGBTQ2IA\, pro-immigration\, and pro-neighborhood practices. For us\, this means caring\, living\, and celebrating together. Feel free to read more with this KQED article\, too.    Why can’t I register online anymore? If we have reached our maximum registration capacity\, you can no longer register online. We will allow people into the event on a first-come\, first-served basis at the beginning of the garba. We will prioritize those who registered online as we near capacity throughout the night. If you did not register online\, you may have to wait in line.   Will there be food?  Please note that there will NOT be food at the garba\, but Renaissance Plaza and the surrounding neighborhood have several restaurants. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/echoes-eureka/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Echoes-of-Eureka-FB-1080-x-1080.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260425T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260425T140000 DTSTAMP:20260406T050549 CREATED:20260326T233054Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T210412Z UID:23119-1777118400-1777125600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:The OACC 2026 Interactive Artist Showcase DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, August 3\, 2024 | 5 PM – 9:30 PM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n *ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED   Join us on August 3\, 2024\, 5 PM – 9:30 PM\, at BomBay to the Bay: A Garba Dance Festival featuring live music by Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta\, a dance lesson\, community dancing\, and artists to explore! Garba is a Gujarati indigenous and folk dance practiced by all ages to live drumming\, singing\, and instrumentals during joyous celebrations.   Arrive at 5 PM for a short garba class dressed in your own cultural finery. This multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic garba festival supports an Oakland-style expansive vision of solidarity and joy\, so get ready to dance Bay to Bay\, across the world! This event is co-hosted by Reetu Mody and OACC and sponsored by the Activate Oakland Event Sponsorship Program.   While this event is free\, registration is required.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Live Music and Performance By: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We’ll be welcoming Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta alongside their percussionist and live dhol player\, Parimal Zaveri. Madhvi and Asim are bringing raas-garba music with a flair to BomBay to the Bay!   Website: http://www.kampmusic.com/bio.htm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EVENT Q&A \n \n \n \n Dress Code:  Dress up to dance! Feel free to wear South Asian\, traditional Gujarati\, attire from your heritage\, or anything that is colorful\, slightly formal\, and easy to move in. All global attire is welcome and we encourage everyone to participate fully in the dancing and opportunity to dress up.    For Gujarati garba celebrations\, people often wear elements of traditional Gujarati attire including a chaniya choli (a long wide skirt with a crop top and scarf) and/or kediyu or kafni pajama (a gathered long sleeve shirt and pants). Traditional clothes for garba are colorful\, embroidered\, mirrored\, and often have cowrie shells on them. In the dance space people will take their shoes off to honor the feminine divinity/goddesses. If you are able to take your shoes off (we know that different accommodations require people to wear shoes)\, we suggest you take them off.   Garba is one of the many circle folk dance traditions that exist all over the world and all those heritages are welcome to join together here. If there is a piece of attire from your cultural background you would love to wear- this is the place for it!    What should I do if I want to wear shoes? Because there will be many barefoot dancers\, please wear indoor shoes.    What if I don’t know how to do the dance? You’ll learn! Like all folk dance traditions\, everyone does the dance together from ages 1-100. You’ll move in your own style and the steps are easy to pick up. The point is to experience the exhilaration and the joy of moving together\, not to look exactly the same. If you need a break\, there will be chairs to watch other dancers and there are artists to visit both in the auditorium and the adjoining artist room.    Who should I bring?  Everyone is welcome! This is a space committed to liberation for all people all of the world and is explicitly about joy in a multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic folk dance space.   What should I bring? Bring shoes you are comfortable taking off (if you are able to)\, a water bottle\, and dandiya sticks (two Gujarati dancing sticks) if you have them.    What if I am not South Asian\, can I still attend? Yes! Everyone is welcome. And if you have South Asian clothing that you want to rock as a non-South Asian\, this is an event you are welcome to do so at. Just bring your love and respect!   Is garba a spiritual practice? Like many folk dances\, garba is connected to spirituality. Gujarati garba dance is connected to indigenous and tribal practices and Hinduism. Many people of different religious backgrounds\, including Buddhism\, Jainism\, Islam\, and Christianity\, also practice culturally in Gujarat. At this garba\, we will be honoring the feminine divine\, which will be symbolized by a matke/matlo (a pot) in the center of the room.    What if I want to donate at your event? This event is completely free to attend! We will be accepting Venmo and Zelle donations\, which will be given to Palestine Legal and Middle East Children’s Alliance. Each group provides support for Palestinians in different ways\, with Palestine Legal using the judicial system and Middle East Children’s Alliance providing direct support on the ground in Gaza.   Why did you want to host this event?  Reetu Mody grew up with garba as one of her childhood’s most joyful and inclusive practices. As a resident of Oakland\, she wanted to create an event that uplifts how Oakland as a city continues to enable cultural artistry\, acceptance and inclusion of immigrants\, sanctuary\, mutual aid\, joy\, and care for all communities. At this event\, we want to create a small space of belonging for all. This event seeks to embody equity\, global liberation\, anti-caste\, anti-Islamophobia\, pro-LGBTQ2IA\, pro-immigration\, and pro-neighborhood practices. For us\, this means caring\, living\, and celebrating together. Feel free to read more with this KQED article\, too.    Why can’t I register online anymore? If we have reached our maximum registration capacity\, you can no longer register online. We will allow people into the event on a first-come\, first-served basis at the beginning of the garba. We will prioritize those who registered online as we near capacity throughout the night. If you did not register online\, you may have to wait in line.   Will there be food?  Please note that there will NOT be food at the garba\, but Renaissance Plaza and the surrounding neighborhood have several restaurants. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/oacc-showcase-26/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Interactive-Artist-Showcase-FB-1080-x-1080-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T170000 DTSTAMP:20260406T050549 CREATED:20260331T221747Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T223148Z UID:23139-1777208400-1777222800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Tea & Tiles: A Sunday Social With 13 Orphans DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, August 3\, 2024 | 5 PM – 9:30 PM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n *ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED   Join us on August 3\, 2024\, 5 PM – 9:30 PM\, at BomBay to the Bay: A Garba Dance Festival featuring live music by Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta\, a dance lesson\, community dancing\, and artists to explore! Garba is a Gujarati indigenous and folk dance practiced by all ages to live drumming\, singing\, and instrumentals during joyous celebrations.   Arrive at 5 PM for a short garba class dressed in your own cultural finery. This multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic garba festival supports an Oakland-style expansive vision of solidarity and joy\, so get ready to dance Bay to Bay\, across the world! This event is co-hosted by Reetu Mody and OACC and sponsored by the Activate Oakland Event Sponsorship Program.   While this event is free\, registration is required.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Live Music and Performance By: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We’ll be welcoming Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta alongside their percussionist and live dhol player\, Parimal Zaveri. Madhvi and Asim are bringing raas-garba music with a flair to BomBay to the Bay!   Website: http://www.kampmusic.com/bio.htm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EVENT Q&A \n \n \n \n Dress Code:  Dress up to dance! Feel free to wear South Asian\, traditional Gujarati\, attire from your heritage\, or anything that is colorful\, slightly formal\, and easy to move in. All global attire is welcome and we encourage everyone to participate fully in the dancing and opportunity to dress up.    For Gujarati garba celebrations\, people often wear elements of traditional Gujarati attire including a chaniya choli (a long wide skirt with a crop top and scarf) and/or kediyu or kafni pajama (a gathered long sleeve shirt and pants). Traditional clothes for garba are colorful\, embroidered\, mirrored\, and often have cowrie shells on them. In the dance space people will take their shoes off to honor the feminine divinity/goddesses. If you are able to take your shoes off (we know that different accommodations require people to wear shoes)\, we suggest you take them off.   Garba is one of the many circle folk dance traditions that exist all over the world and all those heritages are welcome to join together here. If there is a piece of attire from your cultural background you would love to wear- this is the place for it!    What should I do if I want to wear shoes? Because there will be many barefoot dancers\, please wear indoor shoes.    What if I don’t know how to do the dance? You’ll learn! Like all folk dance traditions\, everyone does the dance together from ages 1-100. You’ll move in your own style and the steps are easy to pick up. The point is to experience the exhilaration and the joy of moving together\, not to look exactly the same. If you need a break\, there will be chairs to watch other dancers and there are artists to visit both in the auditorium and the adjoining artist room.    Who should I bring?  Everyone is welcome! This is a space committed to liberation for all people all of the world and is explicitly about joy in a multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic folk dance space.   What should I bring? Bring shoes you are comfortable taking off (if you are able to)\, a water bottle\, and dandiya sticks (two Gujarati dancing sticks) if you have them.    What if I am not South Asian\, can I still attend? Yes! Everyone is welcome. And if you have South Asian clothing that you want to rock as a non-South Asian\, this is an event you are welcome to do so at. Just bring your love and respect!   Is garba a spiritual practice? Like many folk dances\, garba is connected to spirituality. Gujarati garba dance is connected to indigenous and tribal practices and Hinduism. Many people of different religious backgrounds\, including Buddhism\, Jainism\, Islam\, and Christianity\, also practice culturally in Gujarat. At this garba\, we will be honoring the feminine divine\, which will be symbolized by a matke/matlo (a pot) in the center of the room.    What if I want to donate at your event? This event is completely free to attend! We will be accepting Venmo and Zelle donations\, which will be given to Palestine Legal and Middle East Children’s Alliance. Each group provides support for Palestinians in different ways\, with Palestine Legal using the judicial system and Middle East Children’s Alliance providing direct support on the ground in Gaza.   Why did you want to host this event?  Reetu Mody grew up with garba as one of her childhood’s most joyful and inclusive practices. As a resident of Oakland\, she wanted to create an event that uplifts how Oakland as a city continues to enable cultural artistry\, acceptance and inclusion of immigrants\, sanctuary\, mutual aid\, joy\, and care for all communities. At this event\, we want to create a small space of belonging for all. This event seeks to embody equity\, global liberation\, anti-caste\, anti-Islamophobia\, pro-LGBTQ2IA\, pro-immigration\, and pro-neighborhood practices. For us\, this means caring\, living\, and celebrating together. Feel free to read more with this KQED article\, too.    Why can’t I register online anymore? If we have reached our maximum registration capacity\, you can no longer register online. We will allow people into the event on a first-come\, first-served basis at the beginning of the garba. We will prioritize those who registered online as we near capacity throughout the night. If you did not register online\, you may have to wait in line.   Will there be food?  Please note that there will NOT be food at the garba\, but Renaissance Plaza and the surrounding neighborhood have several restaurants. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/tea-tiles/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Tea-Tiles-FB-1080-x-1080-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260503T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260503T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T050549 CREATED:20260326T234447Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T215414Z UID:23126-1777813200-1777820400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Strong Like Bamboo DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, August 3\, 2024 | 5 PM – 9:30 PM \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n *ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED   Join us on August 3\, 2024\, 5 PM – 9:30 PM\, at BomBay to the Bay: A Garba Dance Festival featuring live music by Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta\, a dance lesson\, community dancing\, and artists to explore! Garba is a Gujarati indigenous and folk dance practiced by all ages to live drumming\, singing\, and instrumentals during joyous celebrations.   Arrive at 5 PM for a short garba class dressed in your own cultural finery. This multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic garba festival supports an Oakland-style expansive vision of solidarity and joy\, so get ready to dance Bay to Bay\, across the world! This event is co-hosted by Reetu Mody and OACC and sponsored by the Activate Oakland Event Sponsorship Program.   While this event is free\, registration is required.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Live Music and Performance By: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We’ll be welcoming Bay Area garba legends Madhvi and Asim Mehta alongside their percussionist and live dhol player\, Parimal Zaveri. Madhvi and Asim are bringing raas-garba music with a flair to BomBay to the Bay!   Website: http://www.kampmusic.com/bio.htm \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EVENT Q&A \n \n \n \n Dress Code:  Dress up to dance! Feel free to wear South Asian\, traditional Gujarati\, attire from your heritage\, or anything that is colorful\, slightly formal\, and easy to move in. All global attire is welcome and we encourage everyone to participate fully in the dancing and opportunity to dress up.    For Gujarati garba celebrations\, people often wear elements of traditional Gujarati attire including a chaniya choli (a long wide skirt with a crop top and scarf) and/or kediyu or kafni pajama (a gathered long sleeve shirt and pants). Traditional clothes for garba are colorful\, embroidered\, mirrored\, and often have cowrie shells on them. In the dance space people will take their shoes off to honor the feminine divinity/goddesses. If you are able to take your shoes off (we know that different accommodations require people to wear shoes)\, we suggest you take them off.   Garba is one of the many circle folk dance traditions that exist all over the world and all those heritages are welcome to join together here. If there is a piece of attire from your cultural background you would love to wear- this is the place for it!    What should I do if I want to wear shoes? Because there will be many barefoot dancers\, please wear indoor shoes.    What if I don’t know how to do the dance? You’ll learn! Like all folk dance traditions\, everyone does the dance together from ages 1-100. You’ll move in your own style and the steps are easy to pick up. The point is to experience the exhilaration and the joy of moving together\, not to look exactly the same. If you need a break\, there will be chairs to watch other dancers and there are artists to visit both in the auditorium and the adjoining artist room.    Who should I bring?  Everyone is welcome! This is a space committed to liberation for all people all of the world and is explicitly about joy in a multiracial\, multireligious\, and multiethnic folk dance space.   What should I bring? Bring shoes you are comfortable taking off (if you are able to)\, a water bottle\, and dandiya sticks (two Gujarati dancing sticks) if you have them.    What if I am not South Asian\, can I still attend? Yes! Everyone is welcome. And if you have South Asian clothing that you want to rock as a non-South Asian\, this is an event you are welcome to do so at. Just bring your love and respect!   Is garba a spiritual practice? Like many folk dances\, garba is connected to spirituality. Gujarati garba dance is connected to indigenous and tribal practices and Hinduism. Many people of different religious backgrounds\, including Buddhism\, Jainism\, Islam\, and Christianity\, also practice culturally in Gujarat. At this garba\, we will be honoring the feminine divine\, which will be symbolized by a matke/matlo (a pot) in the center of the room.    What if I want to donate at your event? This event is completely free to attend! We will be accepting Venmo and Zelle donations\, which will be given to Palestine Legal and Middle East Children’s Alliance. Each group provides support for Palestinians in different ways\, with Palestine Legal using the judicial system and Middle East Children’s Alliance providing direct support on the ground in Gaza.   Why did you want to host this event?  Reetu Mody grew up with garba as one of her childhood’s most joyful and inclusive practices. As a resident of Oakland\, she wanted to create an event that uplifts how Oakland as a city continues to enable cultural artistry\, acceptance and inclusion of immigrants\, sanctuary\, mutual aid\, joy\, and care for all communities. At this event\, we want to create a small space of belonging for all. This event seeks to embody equity\, global liberation\, anti-caste\, anti-Islamophobia\, pro-LGBTQ2IA\, pro-immigration\, and pro-neighborhood practices. For us\, this means caring\, living\, and celebrating together. Feel free to read more with this KQED article\, too.    Why can’t I register online anymore? If we have reached our maximum registration capacity\, you can no longer register online. We will allow people into the event on a first-come\, first-served basis at the beginning of the garba. We will prioritize those who registered online as we near capacity throughout the night. If you did not register online\, you may have to wait in line.   Will there be food?  Please note that there will NOT be food at the garba\, but Renaissance Plaza and the surrounding neighborhood have several restaurants. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/strong-bamboo-26/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Strong-Like-Bamboo-FB-1080-x-1080-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR