Bay Area Arts Pulse

Bay Area Spring Festival Surge — East/South Bay queer/Latiné kicks off

Bay Area Spring Festival Surge — East/South Bay queer/Latiné kicks off

Key Questions

What are the key events in the Bay Area Spring Festival Surge?

The surge features SFFILM closing May 1-3 with Exploratorium hip-hop drag, Boots Riley's 'I Love Boosters' premiere in Oakland tied to KALW protest, Oaklash on May 16, KQED Fest on May 9, Berkeley Bay Fest May 2-3, Hayward Cinco, SFIFF through May 4, and Frameline50 June Castro opener. These events highlight queer and Latiné kicks off in East/South Bay.

When and where is Boots Riley's 'I Love Boosters' premiering?

Boots Riley’s raucous ‘I Love Boosters’ premieres in Oakland at the Grand Lake Theatre. Crowds formed long lines outside on a frenzied Tuesday night.

What arts and community picks are happening in San Francisco May 1-3?

This Weekend in San Francisco highlights six picks for arts, film, food, and community from May 1–3. A major museum show opens during the first weekend of May with main character energy.

Is there a free dance class during Bay Area Dance Week?

BAY AREA 'DANCE WEEK' offers a free 'SOUL LINE' dance class with CHOCOLATE PLATINUM on May 1. It is part of the spring festival activities.

What is Oaklash and when is it scheduled?

Oaklash is scheduled for May 16 as part of the East/South Bay queer/Latiné festival surge. It contributes to the vibrant spring events lineup.

SFFILM closing May1-3/Exploratorium hip-hop drag; Boots Riley 'I Love Boosters' premiere + KALW protest ties; Oaklash May16; KQED Fest May9; Berkeley Bay Fest May2-3; Hayward Cinco; SFIFF thru5/4; Frameline50 June Castro opener.

Sources (3)
Updated May 1, 2026