Thousands of festivalgoers attended Saturday’s 5th annual Lakefest at Lake Merritt in Oakland.
The first summer festival of the year celebrated community, culture and Juneteenth along Bellevue Avenue and the Lake Merritt Boat House parking lot. The fenced-off event featured performers, dancers, food vendors, a kids’ zone, arts and crafts, and other activities.
Last Wednesday night, less than half a mile from this event, there was another Juneteenth celebration on Grand Avenue, which ended with 15 people injured from a multiple shooting after a sideshow in the area.
A toddler plays in the kid’s zone during the 5th annual Lakefest at Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, June 22, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) Festivalgoers stroll around during the 5th annual Lakefest at Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, June 22, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) Ariel Marin performs during the 5th annual Lakefest at Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, June 22, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) Dakota stands next to her owner, Morgan Friar, of Oakland, as she watches performers during the 5th annual Lakefest at Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, June 22, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) Festivalgoers sit in the shade as they eat, drink, and watch performances during the 5th annual Lakefest at Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, June 22, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) Sergio Oseguera, of Oakland, cooks tri-tip and chicken on a grill during the 5th annual Lakefest at Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, June 22, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) Festivalgoers check at a vendor’s booth during the 5th annual Lakefest at Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, June 22, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) Festivalgoers play with Gellyball guns in the kid’s zone during the 5th annual Lakefest at Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, June 22, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) A lion dancers group walks off after performing during the 5th annual Lakefest at Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, June 22, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) Festivalgoers stroll around during the 5th annual Lakefest at Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, June 22, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
