Oakland, Calif.- The first few months of the new year are filled with exciting new things to celebrate and experience in Oakland. With hotel openings, an iconic destination's 100 year anniversary, restaurants popping up and cooking up tasty bites, flamenco dancing, powerful exhibits and family friendly fun – 2022 is off to a great start in Oakland.
Check out the new reasons to come to Oakland and plan your visit now!
HOTEL OPENINGS
Kissel Uptown Oakland
In February 2022, Kissel Uptown Oakland will open in the core of the city's vibrant Uptown district, at the center of an eclectic arts and entertainment scene. As part of the Unbound Collection By Hyatt, the newly renovated hotel embraces the neighborhood's history and spirit with grand Beaux Arts architecture – towering columns, locally commissioned artworks, bold décor, and plentiful natural light. Dining options include Otto's – an expansive lobby bar and cafe which offers craveable food and drinks all day long, and High 5ive – a lively rooftop bar and lounge with panoramic terrace, drinks and snacks. Guests are steps away from the diverse restaurants, bars, galleries and venues such as the Fox Theater and The Hive that make Uptown Oakland such a cultural hub. kisseloakland.com | hyatt.com | 2455 Broadway
AC Marriott Oakland Residence Inn
The 189-foot AC Marriott Oakland Residence Inn will be one of the taller buildings in the city of Oakland. With 283 hotel rooms total, the hotel offers two experiences in one hotel. 165 rooms within levels three and eleven will be managed by the Marriott Residence Inn, ranging from studios to one bedroom suites. AC Hotel will manage the remaining 111 guest rooms across the upper floors. Opening Spring 2022. marriott.com | 1431 Jefferson Street
ARTS & CULTURE
OMCA (Oakland Museum of California)
Edith Heath: A Life in Clay, comes to OMCA and will be on view January 29, 2022 – October 30, 2022. Discover the story of Edith Heath, founder and designer of Heath Ceramics who transformed the ceramics industry, creating dinnerware from California clay for "Sunday best" and everyday use. Driven by the power of good design, and a commitment to her craft, Heath's vision continues to live on through her stoneware and tile over 70 years later. museumca.org | 1000 Oak Street
Iconic Attractions
Children's Fairyland
Children's Fairyland launches their Magic Tree Flora and Fauna program in the park on April 1, 2022. Fairyland's Magic Tree program is designed for young naturalists with Flora and Fauna – an in-park activity for school field trips. fairyland.org | 699 Bellevue Avenue
Oakland Zoo Centennial
It's the 100 Year Anniversary of the beloved Oakland Zoo! Officially founded on June 6, 1922, the Oakland Zoo will celebrate this momentous occasion all year long with Community Clean Up Days, Cocktails & Conservation Programs, Earth Day Events, Brunch for the Wild Bunch and one great party at Lake Merritt on June 5, 2022. oaklandzoo.com | 977 Golf Links Road
Event Space
The Bridge Yard
Once a maintenance facility for the Bay Area's ubiquitous street cars, the Bridge Yard is Oakland's newest event space. The award-winning restoration of this historic building features panoramic waterfront views of Oakland and San Francisco, an iconic light-filled indoor space, and an outdoor courtyard with a stage, seating and elevated viewing deck. The Bridge Yard is a central feature of the Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline Park, the gateway to Oakland, and sits along the path of The Bay Bridge Trail. thebridgeyard.com | 210 Burma Road
Restaurant Openings
Calabash
A project by Nigel Jones that brings together his Jamaican cuisine with food from Malaysia and northern Iran that he refers to as "a gourmet Whole Foods with a full bar, outdoor dining and lots of grab-and-go items". Opening April 2022, date TBD. 2302 Valdez Street.
Joodooboo
A modern Korean deli from co-chef Steve Joo of pop-up Nokni. The restaurant will focus on house made specialties like tofu, seasonal banchan made with farm fresh ingredients, and simple daily meals to accompany the banchan. Open for business. Joodooboo.com | 4201 Market Street.
Kowbird
Matt Horn of Horn Barbecue is opening this soul infused chicken joint with a killer buttermilk fried chicken sandwich – both traditional and sweet and spicy. Kowbird will be known for inventive sauces, Southern inspired sides and desserts. Open for business. 1733 Peralta Street.
Noka Ramen
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai and sister restaurant Son & Garden have become known in the Bay Area for their over-the-top dishes. The owner's latest project, a ramen shop in Oakland, will be no different. They will serve bowls of rainbow colored noodles that get their bright colors from natural ingredients like butterfly pea flower and dragonfruit. The rainforest themed dining room will feature artificial plants and flowers to complete the tropical décor. Opening in winter 2022, date TBD. Farmhouseramen.com | 90 Franklin Street in Jack London Square.
Occitania
Highly acclaimed chef Paul Canales, the chef/owner of Duende (Oakland, CA) and the former long time executive chef of Oliveto (Oakland, CA), is behind the new French inspired Occitania, opening in the heart of Oakland's Uptown Arts District. Inspired by the region of the Occitan linguistic region of Southern France which spans from the alpine region of Italy's Piemonte, all the way to Spanish Catalonia – the menu blends traditional technique with a modern approach, adapting ancient recipes to showcase local, sustainable ingredients. Rafe Gabel, Italian Wine Specialist and California Appellation Wine Specialist, will oversee operations and the beverage program. Opening spring 2022, date TBD. 2401 Broadway.
Roux40
Christina "Lala" Harrison of JusLaEats will serve Black American dishes with a farm-to-table twist at this all-Black, all-female-run restaurant in the Temescal District. Opening spring 2022, date TBD. 375 40th Street.
RESTAURANT HAPPENINGS
Duende: Flamenco and a Spanish Feast
Flameno returns to Duende! A true celebration of Spain, with a prix fixe meal featuring classic Duende dishes and world class, live dance and music from Theatre Flamenco of SF twice monthly. The evenings begin with dinner featuring Spanish classics including ensalada de col (a cabbage salad, and a Duende favorite), patatas bravas, paella, turron and a pitcher of sangria to share. As dessert is served, an hour long performance of Flamenco begins, transporting guests to southern Spain. A premium menu upgrade is available featuring the addition of cava, a selection of pintxo and a choice of daily desserts from their in-house pastry chef. For show dates and pricing visit duendeoakland.com/flamenco. 468 19th Street.
Tribune
Tribune starts the new year with a new lineup of events including "Wine 'Not' Wednesday" with half price bottles of wine. Happy hour returns Wednesday through Friday from 5:00pm to 6:30pm and Live Jazz happens on Sundays from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. A new American Brasserie from partners Omri Aflalo and Darrin Ballon, Tribune is located in the iconic Tribune building on 13th and Franklin Streets. It's a place to gather with friends, enjoy brasserie favorites, exceptional cocktails, and warm hospitality. 401 13th Street.