About East 9th Street
East 9th Street in Oakland isn’t a single building but a historic downtown block serving as an open-air venue and community hub. It lies in the Old Oakland Historic District, a two-block stretch between Broadway and Washington Street (www.old-oakland.com ). This neighborhood is lined with 1870s-era brick storefronts and offices, described as “stately, three-level, impeccably refurbished” in an Oakland Chronicle feature (www.sfgate.com ). Most famously, every Friday 9th Street “closes down to traffic” for the Old Oakland Farmers’ Market (www.old-oakland.com ). In fact, the market has run there for over 20 years and is said to be the “longest standing weekly market in the nation” (www.old-oakland.com ). The market is known for its diversity and accessibility – touted as the East Bay’s “most culturally diverse” and affordable farmers’ market (uvfm.org ). Over the years the street has become a flexible two-block event space, hosting everything from craft fairs and pop-up shops to live concerts. According to Old Oakland event planners, the area can accommodate intimate gatherings up to crowds of 10–1,000 people (www.old-oakland.com ), making it a unique and versatile venue in the local scene.
Events and Programming
East 9th Street is best known for its lively community events. The marquee event is the Old Oakland Farmers’ Market , held every Friday from 8 am–2 pm (www.old-oakland.com ). This year-round market fills the street with dozens of produce, artisanal food and craft vendors. Regular live music or dance performers add to the festive atmosphere (oaklandmofo.com ), and healthy vendors abound. In addition to the market, the block hosts several recurring pop-up fairs and festivals. For example, the Head West Marketplace is a monthly Saturday market run by local artists and designers (www.old-oakland.com ), and Mercado Latinx is a monthly Latinx community market on 9th Street (www.old-oakland.com ). The street itself is often closed to cars for special block parties and street fairs . In these events the public plaza on 9th (between Broadway and Washington) becomes a pedestrian festival space (www.old-oakland.com ). Occasionally there are free street concerts or dance showcases, as the space supports up to 1,000+ attendees (www.old-oakland.com ). In short, visitors can expect a vibrant program of farmers stalls, food trucks, art booths and live music on most weekends. Entry to these events is generally free – since it’s a public street, no ticket is needed for general admission. (Some special events may offer optional VIP or advance-registration options through the Old Oakland event organizers, but typically the street festivals and markets themselves are open to everyone.)
Old Oakland Farmers’ Market (Fridays): Open 8am–2pm, rain or shine. Year-round market with fresh produce, prepared foods (tamales, sausages, etc.) and live music (www.old-oakland.com ) (oaklandmofo.com ).Head West Marketplace: A monthly artisan fair featuring local designers and makers (www.old-oakland.com ).Mercado Latinx: A regular Latinx community market showcasing local Latinx artists and food (www.old-oakland.com ).Block Parties & Public Festivals: Special events (often in summer) that close 9th Street to traffic, featuring DJs or live bands, food vendors and family activities (www.old-oakland.com ).Pop-up Concerts: Occasional open-air performances (folk, jazz, world music) on 9th Street or in adjacent courtyards; space can accommodate large crowds (up to ~1,000) (www.old-oakland.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Because East 9th Street events are public and outdoors, there is usually no admission fee . Anyone can walk onto the street during events like the farmers market or block parties. In practice, vendors pay fees but visitors do not. For more formal or sponsored events (if any are announced), details are posted by the Old Oakland Business Association or event organizers. In rare cases where an organizer does sell tickets (for a private function staged on the block), those would be handled through the promoter, but this is uncommon. Generally, just plan to show up and enjoy – you won’t need to pre-purchase tickets for the open-air 9th Street programs.
Seating and Layout
East 9th Street is an open, ground-level venue – essentially a two-block city street with sidewalks and occasional alleyways. There is no fixed seating or theater-style arrangement. Most visitors stand or browse; some pull up chairs at the outdoor café tables of nearby restaurants. If you want a seat at an event, your best options are to eat at the sidewalk tables (e.g. at the restaurant corners) or bring your own portable seat when allowed. Because the space is flat and unenclosed, audience members can move freely around. For markets and performances, many people cluster near vendor stalls or any stages set up on the street. If there is live music, standing near the mid-block stage or in front of speaker setups gives the best sound and sightlines. In general, any spot on the closed-off street offers a view – those near the center of the block usually hear and see best, while corners may be busier. Note that it’s an outdoor setting, so acoustics will not be as controlled as an indoor theater; sound quality is pleasant but can carry out into the open air. Also, avoid blocking the streetcar lines (if present) or sitting in the roadway; usually event staff will mark where participants should stand. Finally, nothing like balcony seats exists here – it’s a casual, street-level experience.
Getting There and Parking
East 9th Street is in downtown Oakland’s Old Oakland district, specifically the block between Broadway and Washington Streets (www.old-oakland.com ). The street address proximity is roughly “9th & Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607.” The easiest way to reach 9th Street is by BART: take the 12th Street/Oakland City Center station (the underground BART stop) and walk two blocks west/south on Broadway to 9th Street (www.sfgate.com ). The Old Oakland Farmers’ Market is literally across the street from Chinatown and just a short walk from this station (uvfm.org ). AC Transit buses on Broadway also stop near 9th Street. By car, the venue is just off I-880/980; an example route is to exit onto Broadway in downtown and turn onto 9th Street. (Parking downtown can be limited.) Street parking is metered for short stays: as of the last published rates it was about $1.25 per hour for 1-hour spots, and 2-hour meters are also available (www.sfgate.com ). Note that Oakland enforces street-sweeping rules (e.g. Newport Rules: no parking in front of signs Wed/Fri 3–6 am) (www.sfgate.com ), so read the street signs. Nearby parking lots and garages in Old Oakland or along Broadway may be easier for longer events. Rideshare or taxi drop-off is typically done at the Broadway or Washington steps. If traveling by bike, new protected bike lanes have been added on sections of 9th Street in recent street-improvement plans (www.oaklandca.gov ). Taxis and Ubers can usually drop off right on 9th Street between Broadway and Washington when cars are allowed. Overall, public transit (BART) or parking in a nearby garage is most convenient to avoid street parking hassles.
Inside the Venue
Because East 9th Street is an open public street, “entering” the venue simply means walking onto the block. There are no ticket scanners or gates – just expect open sidewalk entrances at either Broadway or Washington. On event days you’ll see event staff or volunteers at street closures directing traffic, but visitors just stroll in. Security is minimal; the atmosphere is friendly and casual. Police or security officers may patrol during large festivals or monitor crowd safety at night. You can typically move around freely. Most people comment on the relaxed, social atmosphere – neighbors chat by vendor stalls and kids run around. The pavement is flat concrete, with curb ramps at crossings (recent streetscape work has improved accessibility (www.oaklandca.gov )). Lighting at night comes from street lamps and any stage lights; in daytime it’s naturally bright. On 9th Street you’ll find no built-in stages or AV equipment – any sound systems or lights for performances are brought in for events. Food and drink: If it’s market day, dozens of locals selling food line the block. Popular finds at the farmer’s market include tamale stands, fresh sausages and international snack vendors (oaklandmofo.com ). Some stands sell breakfast tacos, rice bowls or hot chocolate in cooler weather. In addition, 9th Street corners host established restaurants with outdoor seating. For example, the corner of 9th & Washington has a well-known fusion eatery with sidewalk tables (www.sfgate.com ). So you can grab coffee or a cocktail nearby. The farmers’ market itself always accepts cash; many vendors now take credit cards (and the market accepts WIC/EBT tokens (uvfm.org )). Restrooms: There are no dedicated public restrooms on the street itself. Portable toilets are sometimes provided at large festivals, but usually you’ll need to use facilities inside nearby businesses (e.g. coffee shops or hotels) or at the Jack London Square BART station (several blocks east). Merchandise and vendors: Aside from food, you’ll find local crafts and produce – typical Bay Area markets have items like flowers, pastries, jams, cheeses and handmade crafts. Periodic pop-up shops (like at Head West) let artisans sell clothes, jewelry and art (www.old-oakland.com ). Most vendors set up on the roadbed or sidewalks, so browsing is easy. Connectivity: There’s no free public Wi-Fi specific to 9th Street; cell service is generally good (and BART station Wi-Fi may reach parts of the block). You can reload your Clipper transit card at nearby stations. Finally, mobile charging and coat checks are not available – take only what you need, dress in layers for the weather, and enjoy the community atmosphere.
Nearby Amenities
The area around East 9th Street is packed with shops, dining and lodging. Along Washington Street (one block over) and Broadway you’ll find dozens of restaurants, bars and cafés. Just steps away are Chinatown eateries and bakeries (great dim sum and bubble tea), plus casual cafes like Brew, Peet’s and Tartine. For a sit-down meal, the block has historic favorites – e.g. Levende East at 827 Washington (at 9th) offers international fusion fare and outdoor tables (www.sfgate.com ). On weekends you can easily duck into one of those for brunch or cocktails. Drinks and nightlife: After an event, spots like The Room (coffee bar) or nearby cocktail lounges on Broadway are open late. Chinatown and 8th Street have karaoke lounges and bars within a block. Hotels: Downtown hotels are plentiful. The Waterfront Hotel (1 Broadway) is just two blocks from 9th Street; the Oakland Marriott City Center and Hilton Garden Inn are within a 5–10 minute walk. These provide easy overnight stays after late shows. Other transit: In addition to 12th St BART, the Lake Merritt BART station (servicing Richmond/Millbrae lines) is only a few blocks south along Broadway if you prefer. AC Transit bus lines on nearby streets also serve many neighborhoods. When to arrive: Plan to get there early for popular events. For the farmers market, arriving by 9:00 am ensures the best selection of produce and parking. For evening events, note that District AC buses start winding down around midnight and BART’s last trains depart just after midnight. Rideshare or taxi service can handle nights out; Broadway has designated drop-off zones. In short, whether you arrive early for lunch or stick around late for a show, there are plenty of dining, drinking and lodging options just steps from East 9th Street.
What Makes This Venue Special
East 9th Street (Old Oakland) stands out for its blend of history and community vibrancy. The block retains its 19th-century charm – you’re surrounded by Victorian-era brick buildings and antique storefronts (www.sfgate.com ). Yet it serves as a modern gathering place for Oakland’s diverse population. The weekly farmers market alone draws thousands of visitors each month, spreading local food culture and giving small farmers steady income (www.old-oakland.com ). The market’s multicultural vibe (from Latinx to Asian to soul food vendors) reflects Oakland’s character (uvfm.org ). It’s also part of downtown’s renaissance: city planners and residents alike have put East 9th Street at the center of revamping Chinatown and Old Oakland. Recent city plans specifically prioritized safety upgrades on 9th Street (www.oaklandca.gov ), acknowledging the street’s importance as a communal space. In essence, this is more than just a location – it’s a symbol of Oakland’s grassroots urban revival. Every week locals reclaim the street for each other, from farmers selling seasonal crops to musicians sharing music. In 2020–2025 especially it proved resilient, reopening quickly after COVID closures to bring people together outdoors. Whether you’re browsing the fresh produce or dancing at a pop-up concert, you’re tied into a vibrant tradition. It’s that sense of local pride and history – a living outdoor marketplace and performance stage – that makes East 9th Street uniquely special to Oaklanders.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: 9th Street and its sidewalks are gradually being upgraded for ADA compliance. New curb ramps and smoother sidewalks were added in recent street plans (www.oaklandca.gov ), making it more wheelchair-friendly than before. The street is flat and car-free during events, so it’s generally accessible to all mobility levels. If you need help, event staff and volunteers are usually happy to assist. What to bring: Dress casually and for the weather – most events are outdoors. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat or sunscreen in summer, and layers for chilly mornings or evenings. You may want a reusable bag or backpack for purchases at the market. Cash is useful (though many vendors now take cards), since small farmers’ stalls sometimes operate like cash-only. Note that the farmers market accepts EBT/WIC benefits (uvfm.org ), and if you have those you’ll be given tokens to spend on fruit and veggies. Camera/Phones: Photography is allowed (many people take photos at the market or concerts). Photo/video crews do sometimes cover events, but as a visitor you can snap memories without issue. Most of Old Oakland has good cell coverage for calls and data. Food/Drink: Outside food and water bottles are fine – in fact you’ll likely want to sample the street food vendors. No outside alcohol is allowed on public sidewalks. Litter bins and recycling bins are provided. Many restaurants on the street stay open during events, so you can refill drinks or use indoor facilities. CommonMistakes: Don’t park illegally – always read signage to avoid street-sweeping tickets (www.sfgate.com ). Remember that 9th Street is open-air: if it looks sunny, it probably is. (Events happen rain or shine, so bring a light jacket in case of light rain.) It also can get windy near the Bay, so layers help. Children and Families: This is family-friendly. Kids enjoy the interactive market booths and street performers. There’s a children’s art museum (MOCHA) a block away on 9th (www.sfgate.com ) if you need a break inside. Pets: Well-behaved dogs on leash are usually welcome outside – you’ll see plenty of leashed pets at markets. Just carry bags to clean up. Start Times: Plan to arrive close to opening time for major events to beat crowds. For example, the farmers market opens at 8am sharp (www.old-oakland.com ); later mornings are more packed. Evening events often start early (around 5–6pm), so check event pages for schedules. Getting Home: If taking BART back, note the last trains run shortly after midnight. Late-night buses are limited, so plan accordingly (rideshare or taxi might be needed if staying late). Armed with these tips, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the charm and convenience of East 9th Street.
What kinds of events take place on East 9th Street?
East 9th Street hosts outdoor community events. Most notably, the weekly Old Oakland Farmers’ Market (Fridays 8am-2pm) fills the block with produce vendors and live music (www.old-oakland.com ) (oaklandmofo.com ). Other recurring events include monthly pop-up markets (Head West Crafts and Mercado Latinx) and occasional block parties or free concerts. All are usually free and open to the public.
How do I get to East 9th Street by public transit?
The nearest BART station is 12th Street/Oakland City Center. From the 12th Street BART station, walk two blocks south (west) on Broadway to reach 9th Street (www.sfgate.com ). AC Transit buses also run along Broadway and nearby streets. This makes East 9th Street very accessible from anywhere in Oakland or the East Bay via transit (uvfm.org ) (www.sfgate.com ).
Is there parking available near East 9th Street?
On-street metered parking is available on 9th Street and adjacent blocks, but it fills up quickly. (As of last reports, one-hour meters were around $1.25/hour (www.sfgate.com ).) Pay attention to street-sweeping signs – for example, no parking Wed/Fri 3–6am for cleaning (www.sfgate.com ). Several public parking lots and garages are also within a few blocks (e.g. off Washington or Broadway). For major events, it’s often easiest to take BART or arrive early to find a spot nearby.
Do I need to buy tickets to attend the East 9th Street events?
No. Most happenings on East 9th Street are free and open to everyone. The farmers market and street fairs require no admission ticket. You only pay for whatever food or products you purchase from vendors. If any special event did charge (eg. a private fundraiser one night), that would be noted on the event’s own promotional materials. In general, you can simply show up – the block is public space.
What hours is the Old Oakland Farmers’ Market on East 9th Street?
The Old Oakland Farmers’ Market on 9th Street runs every Friday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm year-round (www.old-oakland.com ). It is open rain or shine. To catch the freshest produce and full vendor lineup, it’s best to arrive by 9:00 am. The rest of the street’s businesses follow normal downtown hours.
Are there seats or benches on East 9th Street?
There are no fixed auditorium seats on East 9th Street – it’s a flat outdoor street. Visitors usually stand, wander, or use nearby café and restaurant tables for seating. During events, some people bring their own folding chairs if allowed. The best viewing spots for concerts are along the sidewalk or near the stage. Overall it’s a general-admission, open layout with plenty of room to move around and watch the action.
How wheelchair-accessible is East 9th Street?
East 9th Street and its events are fairly accessible. The street is level and, during events, cars are blocked off so the whole block is pedestrian. The city has upgraded ramps and sidewalks on 9th Street as part of recent safety plans (www.oaklandca.gov ). Sidewalks on either side allow wheelchair access. Restrooms may not always be accessible, so plan accordingly. If you have mobility needs, staff and volunteers at the events are typically ready to help out.
What are the nearest restaurants and bars to East 9th Street?
The block is surrounded by many eateries. Right on the corner of 9th & Washington is Levende East , a popular fusion restaurant with outdoor tables (www.sfgate.com ). Along Washington and Broadway you’ll find Chinatown restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Nearby on Broadway are cocktails lounges and cafes. Many downtown hotels (with restaurants/lounges) are within a few blocks, so pre- or post-event dining is very convenient.
Is East 9th Street family-friendly?
Yes. Family groups are common at the 9th Street market and events. The open street and market provide a relaxed environment for kids. An indoor children’s museum (MOCHA) is within sight on 9th Street (www.sfgate.com ) if you want a break inside. Just note that it’s outdoors – keep an eye on children near vendor booths and traffic cones. Otherwise, it’s a kid- and stroller-friendly destination.
What should I bring to the market on East 9th Street?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun/rain protection and reusable bags if you plan to shop the market. Carry cash or cards for purchases (many vendors take cards). Consider bringing a hat and water on hot days. Since events are outdoors, dress in layers. A small umbrella can be handy in unpredictable weather. If you use EBT or WIC, you can redeem benefits at the market (uvfm.org ). It’s also wise to bring a portable charger for your phone, as you may be outdoors all day.
Are pets allowed on East 9th Street during events?
Well-behaved pets on a leash are generally allowed during street events. You will often see dogs walking with their owners at the farmers market. Of course, keep pets off vendor tables and clean up after them. As a courtesy, avoid crowded times if your dog is nervous. There are no official pet restrictions stated by the market organizers.
What happens if it rains on an event day?
Most events on 9th Street run rain or shine. The Old Oakland Farmers’ Market, for example, explicitly notes it operates in all weather (www.old-oakland.com ). Many vendors bring tents or umbrellas. If heavy weather leads to cancellation (rare), organizers will typically announce it via social media. It’s best to check weather and come prepared with rain gear, but plan on events continuing even if it sprinkles.
Are there restrooms at East 9th Street?
There are no permanent public restrooms on 9th Street. During large events you may see portable restrooms set up. Otherwise, visitors usually use restrooms inside nearby businesses (cafés, shops or hotels). For example, many people run across Broadway to use the facilities at Jack London Square BART station or a nearby coffee shop. Because 9th Street is primarily an outdoor street market, plan to use facilities off the street when needed.
