Oakland Festival Marks 150th Birthday of City

In the 1870s there really was no there there, just a grove of oak trees at what is now the busy corner of Madison and 8th streets near downtown Oakland. The area is depicted by painter Ferdinand Richardt in “Scene in Oakland, 1852 to 2002,” one of several exhibits and events marking the 150th anniversary of the city on the other side of the bay.

On Saturday Oakland will hold a free festival to kick off the celebration. It will include a concert with Latin jazzman Pete Escovedo, a block party with vintage cars, downtown walking tours and poetry readings. Events take place all day in Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Preservation Park and nearby areas.

The “Scene in Oakland” exhibit, with depictions of the city by 48 California artists, runs through Aug. 25 at the Oakland Museum of California. At the same museum through May 12, “Being There: 45 Oakland Artists” focuses on contemporary works.

By Saturday the Oakland History Room at the Oakland Public Library’s main branch will begin displaying about 150 photos, first editions, record covers and other cultural artifacts in “From Enriquez to the Hip-Hop Nation: 150 years on the Cutting Edge of Culture in Oakland.” It runs through July 31.

For information, call (510) 444-2489 or visit the Internet site www.oaklandcvb.com.