Wear plaid while you shop on November 27th to show you support for local and independent businesses.

About Plaid Friday

The name Plaid Friday celebrates the diversity and creativity of Bay Area independent businesses. Envisioned to be the independent business alternative to the big box store "Black Friday", Plaid Friday is designed to help raise awareness about shopping local and supporting the local economy.

Although the designation of this day is a new concept, the movement towards supporting the independent spirit and "Indie" Businesses of the Bay Area has been growing and expanding year by year. In early 2009, The East Bay Express launched a monthly guide to shopping local called the Indie Resolution, where patrons pledge to spend money at local establishments. Other local movements include Buy Local Berkeley, Oakland Grown and Oakland Unwrapped. Plaid Friday was created by two local independent businesses, Blankspace Gallery and the Compound Gallery, as a way to tie into this movement and elevate the awareness of the abundant and thriving independent businesses located in neighborhoods throughout the East Bay.

Help us celebrate by supporting participating shops on Friday, November 27th and throughout this Holiday season.

Wear plaid on November 27th to show your support while shopping at participating businesses. Look for the special plaid placards at your local shops. Many of the participating businesses are offering specials for Plaid Friday. Go to the participating businesses page to find out more.

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@ Blankspace and the Compound Gallery , 6608 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland

First Friday Reception:
Friday, December 4th, 6-10pm
additional holiday cheer events Dec 13th and 20th 4-8pm

4th annual Holiday sale featuring over 100 local artists, designers and crafts people. This gift sale has become a Blankspace tradition and for the second year we will be joining forces with The Compound Gallery located next door to create a holiday Extravaganza!

Both galleries will be themed with rustic Paul Bunyan decor and will feature small works of art, ceramics, accessories, paper goods, household goods, gifts for kiddies, jewelry and many more affordable indie gifts.

Many fun activities through out the sale including-
Getting your holiday photo taken in our themed photo booth (proceeds go to Art in Oakland Schools) and spin the Wheel o' bounty for prizes.

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On Friday evening, December 18th, merchants all around Oakland will stay open late, don holiday decorations and offer refreshments, specials, and entertainment.

@ Dimond Recreation Center

Holiday music from local musicians, a chance to buy unique holiday gifts from local artists, merchants from the Dimond district & craftmaking for the kids will fill you with community spirit. December 6th, 10am to 2pm at the Dimond Recreation Center.

@ The Crucible, 1260 7th Street, Oakland

Support local artists and community arts education for youth and adults while you get your last minute shopping done at the Bay Area’s most unusual holiday celebration.

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@ Oakland Marriott Convention Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland

As Oakland's and the Bay Area's original African American Holiday Crafts Show, this grand event is in its 24th year and is undoubtedly committed to sustaining and growing African American crafts exhibitors, small businesses, wholesome families and communities.

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Telegraph Avenue

Popcorn, candy canes, hot chocolate, carolers, and lively merchants await you on Telegraph Ave., all weekend long. Show your moves at the outdoor ice skating rink (skates available) at 49th and Telegraph. Drop in on your favorite local merchants for a little last minute holiday shopping. And don't forget to smile when you take your picture with Santa!

On Sunday: celebrate the work of Oakland artist Mark Brest van Kempen at the community dedication of Views of the Greenbelt. This public art project, commissioned by the City of Oakland, is a series of sculptures focused on the flora and fauna of the Rockridge Temescal Greenbelt. The dedication event starts at the art sculpture podium adjacent to the DMV parking lot (5300 Claremont Avenue) at 11 AM. Enjoy a brief walking tour of select sculptures ending with light refreshments at Hardy Park.

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@ Temescal/Telegraph District

Popcorn, candy canes, hot chocolate, carolers, and lively merchants await you all weekend long. Have fun at the outdoor ice skating rink skates provided. Drop in on your favorite local merchants for Holiday shopping. And don't forget to smile when you take your picture with Santa!

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@ Creative Growth Art Center, 355 24th Street, Oakland

Creative Growth’s holiday exhibition and studio sale has become a much-anticipated Bay Area tradition, one held in high regard by art collectors and holiday shoppers alike. This year’s exhibition highlights the work made during Creative Growth artist collaborations with guest contemporary artists: Kathleen Henderson, Meagan Donegan, Ed Musante, Jessica Dasher, Livia Stein, Sas Colby, Paper Magazine and more.

Holiday Project includes artwork for sale made in drawing, ceramics, rugs, woodwork, prints, cigar box art, sculpture and textiles. With one of a kind holiday cards, art books, t-shirts, watches AND the premier of the Creative Growth for Marc Jacobs Pop-Up-Shop, with limited edition bags direct from the 2009 fundraiser and collaboration with the internationally acclaimed Marc Jacobs design house.

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@ Key Route Plaza, 41st St. & Piedmont Ave., Oakland

The celebration will begin at the Key Route Plaza at 41st Street and Piedmont Avenue, where a beautiful tree (graciously decorated by Nathan & Co.) will be festively and ceremoniously lit for the holidays. Children will perform holiday songs, Santa Claus will be in the house, and Professional Accordionist Salane Schultz will be performing live in the plaza! All of this will be followed by musician-led holiday caroling along Piedmont Avenue, where participating local merchants will be staying open late and hosting their own holiday receptions!

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@ Jack London Square, Broadway at Embarcadero, Oakland

Watch the ceremonial “lighting of the palm trees,” a holiday light show officiated by Oakland luminaries. See a preview of floats and costumed characters from the Oakland Holiday Parade up close while listening to live musical performances. Stick around for first-class dining at Jack London Square restaurants.

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@ Jack London Square , Broadway at Embarcadero, Oakland

More than a craft fair, this event is a serious alternative to malls, with gifts for everyone.

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@ Oakland School for the Arts, 18th & Telegraph, Oakland, Oakland

Oakland School for the Arts joins up with more than 20 local galleries for the First Friday Art Murmur on December 4 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Come view and buy OSA Visual Arts students' amazing artwork -- priced at just $10 to $80 -- and enjoy poetry readings from OSA Literary Arts students and live jazz from OSA Instrumental Arts musicians starting at 7 p.m. The exhibit and sale continues Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6, from noon to 5 p.m.

Founded in 2002, Oakland School for the Arts (http://www.oakarts.org) is a public charter school that aims to provide students in grades 6 to 12 with intensive conservatory-style training in the arts while maintaining a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. OSA is located in the same building that houses the historic Fox Theater in Oakland's revived Uptown district.

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@ Gallery 4:20, 420 Peterson Street, between Ford and Glascock Streets, Oakland

This holiday open studios will highlight the work of more than 35 artists who live and/or work in the area known as Jingletown, which is situated between the Park and Fruitvale Street bridges bordered by the estuary separating Oakland from the island of Alameda.

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@ New Parish, 579 18th Street , Oakland

Feria Urbana (Urban Fair) - is an urban fair made up of local artists & designers selling a range of items at accessible prices. You will find creative and high quality clothing, jewelry, artwork, home accessories, ceramics, fashion accessories, baby items and more. One stop local shopping for everyone on your holiday list.

The next Feria Urbana will be held at The New Parish, Uptown Oakland's premier nightclub. Shop to the beats of local dj's and enjoy some food and cocktails. Come support your local art community, bring some friends and have some fun!

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@ Montclair Village, Mountain Blvd. and LaSalle Avenue , Oakland

Village merchants stay open late to welcome shoppers and their families for a gala kick-off to the holiday season. The event features a window decorating contest, a visit from Santa, music groups performing, on-street and in-store entertainment and free holiday motorized cable car rides around the Village.

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