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News • Auckland • New Zealand • 2013-02-05

Great Things to See and Do in Oakland CA - February 2013

Feeling the Love in Oakland

Show your loved ones a good time in Oakland this Valentine\'s Day. Take a ride on an authentic Venetian gondola on Lake Merritt with Gondola Servizio, or head to the Oakland Zoo for Animal Amour, where you will learn about the love lives of the animal kingdom. There will also be a special night event held February 15, featuring wine pairings and refreshments. Enjoy the soothing jazz tunes from Nicolas Bearde with a special performance at Uptown Body and Fender, or opt to see a performance of \"Love Notes\" The Luther Vandross Experience, featuring the Ray McCoy Tribute Band at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts. On February 15, catch the romantic classic Casablanca at the Paramount Theatre, one of Oakland\'s historic Art Deco theaters. For more Valentine\'s events in Oakland, see visitoakland.org/calendar.

Events Honoring Black History Month

Celebrate the history of our African American leaders by taking part in the Black History Month Walking Tours, held Wednesdays and Saturdays during the month of February. Meet at the African American Museum & Library for a guided 90-minute tour of the historical buildings and landmarks. Pay a visit to Oakland\'s \"Remember Them\" monument, a larger-than-life statue depicting 25 humanitarians such as Malcolm X and Rosa Parks. The final installment will be completed this spring. Join legendary Oakland author Ishmael Reed in a reading and book signing of his latest novel Going Too Far: America\'s Nervous Breakdown, held at Marcus Books on February 9 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Bring the kids to Children\'s Fairyland to enjoy historical tales from award-winning storyteller Kirk Waller on February 16-17, or take part in the African American Cultural Celebration on February 14 with St. Paul\'s Episcopal School, including student bands and jazz ensembles. For more Black History Month events, see visitoakland.org/calendar.

Catch the Golden State Warriors in Action

Oakland\'s Golden State Warriors are on a roll this season, currently in second place in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. The season is in full swing but there\'s still time to see Steph Curry, David Lee, Klay Thompson and the team at Oracle Arena before the playoffs. Home games this month include games against the Houston Rockets on February 12 and the San Antonio Spurs on February 22. Check out the promotional schedule for details on deals and celebrations.

From the Big Screen to the Great Wall

Last fall, Oakland welcomed The New Parkway Theater, an indie theater in Uptown Oakland with two screening rooms, a full kitchen, and cozy couches. Not only does the Parkway screen current feature films, but they also offer specialty screenings and events, such as the Baby Brigade, where new parents can bring their kids on designated nights, or special viewing parties for events such as the Academy Awards and the Super Bowl. The theater will also host ongoing theme nights such as documentary films on Tuesdays and a LGBTQ matinee series on Sundays. Just down the street, keep an eye out for some exciting events at the Great Wall of Oakland, a massive urban canvas for curated art films and special screenings. On May 11, the Great Wall will host the Internet Cat Video Festival, including an estimated 10,000 cat-lovers. The Wall is also home to Project Bandaloop, a vertical dance performance group performing on skyscrapers, bridges, billboards, and more.

February 2013

Feeling the Love in Oakland

Black History Month

Golden State Warriors

Great Places to Watch a Film

Visit Oakland Embarks on Research Project

Visit Oakland welcomed Young Strategies, Inc. to initiate the launch of its stakeholder and visitor research venture. Pictured here (from left): Alison Best, President & CEO of Visit Oakland; Sima Patel, Chair of the Board for Visit Oakland and California Travel & Tourism Commissioner; Berkeley Young, Young Strategies; and Amy Stevens, Young Strategies.

Share Your Stories and Pics

Love sharing your experiences on social media? Engage with Visit Oakland when you visit your favorite Oakland landmarks, restaurants, and attractions. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and use the hashtag #OaklandLoveIt for a chance to win prizes each week.

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Planning a trip to Oakland? Make sure to take a look at our visitors guide! Available online at visitoakland.org, or send us an email at [email protected] to receive a hard copy.

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