San Francisco and London may have First Thursday, but in Oakland, it's all about first Friday.

Since 2006, Oakland art galleries have been hosting evening open houses on the first Friday of every month, in an event that has mushroomed into infamy: the Art Murmur.

At its epicenter at 23rd and Telegraph, art goers fill the sidewalks, impromptu bands play, projections play on the sides of buildings, cute girls sell vegan cupcakes and taco trucks pump out the carne. And the galleries, such as Johansson Projects and Krowswork, display the works of some of the Bay Area's most dynamic artists. It all conspires to create one of Oakland's most raucous, vibrant and interesting monthly events.

The Art Murmur has played a vital role in garnering attention not only for the Oakland arts scene, but Uptown neighborhood in which it's based--now one of the most rapidly developing neighborhoods in the city. It's one of the many faces of Oakland you probably haven't heard of-- and definitely need to experience.

Written and contributed by NAME
lonelygirltravels.com/