Oakland’s First Fridays festival could end after sponsors pull support

Oakland’s First Fridays street festival is at risk of ending after several sponsors pulled their support, according to multiple reports.

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The event, which started in 2013, has been marred by violence and negative publicity recently, even though the incidents occurred outside the festival area and hours.

In March, two people were killed and five others were injured in a shooting at EZ’s Lounge in downtown Oakland on 14th Street hours after the First Fridays festival ended.

Last Saturday, seven people, including one juvenile, were hurt after a car plowed into a crowd on the 500 block of 18th Street at about 1:30 a.m., also hours after the event’s 9:30 p.m. closing time.

Venessa McGhee, director of the nonprofit KONO that has operated the event, told KTVU-TV that these recent incidents could put an end to the festival, which “celebrates the vibrant art, culture, and community of Oakland,” as several sponsors have withdrawn their support.

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Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee told KRON-TV, “I want to be clear: These incidents occurred later in the evening, after the Oakland First Fridays events had officially concluded. We will continue to work with stakeholders to make the necessary strategic decisions to determine a path forward.”