Best Lifestyle & Leisure Services in Oakland and the East Bay – 2025 Winners & Top 5
The Oakland and East Bay region is home to a vibrant mix of cultural events, community-driven nonprofits, exciting recreational activities, and exceptional lifestyle services. Every year, Oakland Magazine and its readers celebrate the businesses, organizations, and experiences that enrich life in our communities. Here are your 2025 Reader’s Choice winners and Top 5 selections for Best Lifestyle & Leisure Services in Oakland and the East Bay.
Best Charitable Events
Charitable events in Oakland and the East Bay bring together community spirit, generosity, and entertainment, raising funds and awareness for important causes while offering unforgettable experiences.
- Autumn Lights Festival – Gardens at Lake Merritt
- Growl, Meow & Wine
- Moms 4 Housing
- Oakland Museum White Elephant Sale (Winner)
- Savor the Season – Alameda County Community Food Bank
Winner: Oakland Museum White Elephant Sale – A beloved East Bay tradition, this massive annual rummage sale raises funds for the Oakland Museum of California. With its eclectic treasures, bargains, and festive atmosphere, it draws shoppers from across the Bay Area every year.
Best Cooking Classes
From gourmet techniques to beginner-friendly lessons, East Bay cooking schools offer the perfect place to sharpen your culinary skills and explore new flavors.
- BiteUnite Cooking Classes
- Bliss Belly Kitchen
- First Class Cooking
- Kitchen On Fire (Winner)
- Sur La Table
- Truffle Shuffle
Winner: Kitchen On Fire – Known for hands-on instruction and diverse menus, Kitchen On Fire offers cooking classes that inspire home chefs to explore fresh, seasonal, and global ingredients while mastering kitchen confidence.
Best Cultural Event
The East Bay is alive with cultural celebrations that showcase music, art, dance, and heritage. These events reflect the region’s diversity and creativity.
- Art and Soul
- First Fridays
- Oakland Ballet Company
- Oakland First Fridays (Winner)
- Oaklash
Winner: Oakland First Fridays – A vibrant monthly street festival in the heart of Oakland, First Fridays features live music, art, food vendors, and community gatherings that highlight local creativity and culture.
Best Event Spaces
Whether hosting a wedding, corporate retreat, or milestone celebration, these East Bay event spaces offer unique settings and exceptional service.
- BLOC15 Event Venue
- Kinfolx
- Oakland Zoo (Winner)
- Oakstop
- UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley
Winner: Oakland Zoo – Beyond its wildlife exhibits, Oakland Zoo provides stunning event spaces with panoramic views, lush surroundings, and professional event coordination for gatherings of all kinds.
Best Local Hotel or Guest Accommodations
From historic landmarks to modern boutique stays, these top hotels offer comfort, convenience, and East Bay charm.
- Claremont Hotel (Winner)
- Executive Inn & Suites
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Oakland-Waterfront
- Moxy
- Shattuck Hotel
Winner: Claremont Hotel – A Bay Area icon, the Claremont offers luxury accommodations, world-class amenities, and breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay from the Oakland/Berkeley Hills.
Best Makerspace
East Bay makerspaces provide creative hubs for artists, inventors, and hobbyists to innovate, collaborate, and bring ideas to life.
- Ace Makerspace (Winner)
- Hello Stitch Studio
- Port Labs
- Sawtooth Building
- StrayCap Makerspace
- Sudo Room
Winner: Ace Makerspace – Offering tools, classes, and a supportive community, Ace Makerspace empowers members to craft everything from woodworking projects to high-tech prototypes.
Best Nonprofit Group
These nonprofits make a lasting impact in Oakland and the East Bay through advocacy, education, conservation, and direct services.
- Alameda County Community Food Bank
- Anti-Police Terror Project
- Cat Town
- Oakland Zoo (Winner)
- Transgender Law Center
Winner: Oakland Zoo – Committed to wildlife conservation and education, the Oakland Zoo combines community engagement with global environmental stewardship.
Best Party Planning Service
From intimate gatherings to lavish celebrations, these party planners turn visions into memorable, stress-free events.
- A Monique Affair
- Aurice Guyton Events (Winner)
- Live It Up Charter
- Rosecrest Special Events
- Spreading Lovely
- That Art Party
Winner: Aurice Guyton Events – Known for elegant designs and seamless execution, Aurice Guyton Events specializes in crafting customized celebrations with exceptional attention to detail.
Best Places to Volunteer
Giving back is easy when opportunities abound to support local animals, the environment, and those in need.
- Alameda County Community Food Bank
- Cat Town
- Oakland Animal Services
- Oakland Zoo (Winner)
- Sogorea Te’ Land Trust
Winner: Oakland Zoo – Volunteers help care for animals, assist with educational programs, and contribute to conservation efforts that extend far beyond the zoo grounds.
Best Senior Living
These senior living communities offer comfort, connection, and care for older adults in the East Bay.
- Byron Park Senior Living (Winner)
- Hillendale Home Care
- Merrill Gardens at Rockridge
- Piedmont Gardens
- St. Paul’s Towers
Winner: Byron Park Senior Living – Combining vibrant social programs with personalized care, Byron Park offers a welcoming community for active and assisted living residents.
Best Water Sports Company
With the Bay as a playground, these companies provide gear, instruction, and adventures on the water.
- Cal Adventures
- California Canoe & Kayak (Winner)
- REI
- Sea Trek Alameda
- Sports Basement
Winner: California Canoe & Kayak – For decades, California Canoe & Kayak has been the go-to destination for paddling enthusiasts, offering expert instruction, quality gear, and unforgettable excursions.
How the Best Lifestyle & Leisure Services Are Selected
The Best Lifestyle & Leisure Services in Oakland and the East Bay are chosen through an annual two-round voting process organized by Oakland Magazine. This process ensures that every award truly reflects the voices and preferences of our community.
- Round One – Open Nominations: Every February, readers can nominate their favorite businesses, organizations, and events in each Lifestyle & Leisure category. Nominations remain open until mid-April.
- Round Two – Final Voting: In late April, the top nominees in each category advance to the final ballot. During April and May, readers vote from the curated list to determine the winners. Write-in nominations are no longer accepted at this stage.
- Results & Recognition: Winners and Top 5 honorees are announced in July and August, featured both online and in the magazine’s annual Best of Oakland issue.
From charitable events to senior living communities, these awards celebrate excellence and inspire residents to explore the very best Oakland and the East Bay have to offer. Be sure to participate next year and help recognize the people and places that make our region extraordinary!
