Last updated: May 4, 2026 at 12:54 AM
Best Happy Hours, Deals & Events in Oakland, CA — Monday, May 4, 2026
Oakland is buzzing with fantastic happy hour specials tonight, Monday, May 4, 2026, and throughout the week. Catch $5 pints and pub bites at Portal in Lake Merritt, enjoy $7 well drinks in Old Oakland at District, or grab affordable $3 Cream Ale pints all day at Ghost Town Brewing in West Oakland. Uptown also offers enticing deals with spots like Blind Tiger and Viridian providing discounted sips and snacks.
🍺 Happy Hours in Oakland, CA Tonight & This Week
Lake Merritt
Portal
Address: 1611 2nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606
Happy Hour: Mon–Sat 3–6 PM, Sun 4–6 PM
Deals: $5 Pints (Ales, Lagers & IPAs), $5 Pub Bites
Vibe: A vibrant beer garden and restaurant offering brunch, burgers, and beer, with a large, often covered, pet-friendly patio perfect for enjoying the Oakland weather.
Why go: Their consistently good weather makes their patio an ideal spring hangout, and with trivia on Mondays, it’s a perfect start to the week.
Old Oakland
District Oakland
Address: 827 Washington St, Oakland, CA 94607
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 4–6 PM, Sat 5–7 PM
Deals: $7 well drinks, select wines, and select beers. Food specials include $7 French Fries, Fontina & Spinach Arancini, and $8 Deviled Eggs and Crispy Spiced Chicken Wings.
Vibe: A sophisticated wine and whiskey bar with a focus on globally inspired shareable plates, set in a historic part of Oakland.
Why go: Excellent for after-work gatherings with a curated selection of wines and whiskeys, plus delicious discounted small plates perfect for sharing.
Temescal / North Oakland
Kingfish Pub
Address: 5227 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
Happy Hour: Daily specials available, check in-house for exact times and offers
Deals: Known for affordable drinks, including 16oz PBRs around $5, and free popcorn.
Vibe: A classic, unpretentious dive bar that embraces local Oakland culture, featuring a large, dog-friendly outdoor patio and shuffleboard.
Why go: A laid-back spot for cheap drinks and a true Oakland experience, ideal for a casual spring evening with friends or your canine companion.
Uptown
Blind Tiger
Address: 2600 Telegraph Ave Ste B, Oakland, CA 94612
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 4–7 PM
Deals: $5 Local Drafts, House Liquor & Draft Wine.
Vibe: A cozy basement bar offering Asian fusion tapas and creative cocktails with a chill atmosphere and unique interior design.
Why go: Discover excellent deals on craft drinks and enjoy the distinctive, intimate ambiance in the heart of Uptown.
Viridian
Address: 1517 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94612
Happy Hour: “Golden Hour” Wed–Sun 5–7 PM
Deals: $8 tots, $5 beer + shots
Vibe: Oakland’s premier bar and restaurant for innovative craft cocktails and Asian-American inspired cuisine, known for its vibrant and colorful interior.
Why go: Experience world-class cocktails and delicious, unique bar bites in one of Oakland’s most stylish and acclaimed bars.
Mad Oak Bar N Yard
Address: 135 12th St, Oakland, CA 94607
Happy Hour: Specific food specials available Tuesday-Friday with a beverage purchase of $6 or more.
Deals: Tuesdays: $2 Tacos; Wednesdays: $5 Chicken Tenders; Thursdays: $6 Mad Dogs; Fridays: $2 French Fries. (One food item per drink ordered)
Vibe: A lively bar with 40 beers on tap, a full bar, and a popular roof deck and outdoor patio.
Why go: Perfect for enjoying spring evenings on their spacious patio or roof deck, with great deals on food throughout the week.
Downtown
alaMar Kitchen & Bar
Address: 100 Grand Ave #111, Oakland, CA 94612
Happy Hour: Wed–Thu 5–6 PM, Fri 4–6 PM
Deals: Drink and food specials, including $1.25 oysters.
Vibe: A contemporary spot known for its seafood focus and vibrant atmosphere.
Why go: Indulge in fresh oysters and discounted drinks to kick off your evening in downtown Oakland.
Jack London Square
Plank
Address: 98 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607
Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 3–7 PM
Deals: $3 Off Drinks, $3 Off Appetizers
Vibe: A spacious venue offering bowling, bocce ball, and a beer garden, making it a great spot for group outings. [Google Maps]
Why go: Enjoy competitive fun and discounted drinks and appetizers right by the waterfront.
Rockridge
Ben ‘N Nicks Bar & Grill
Address: 5612 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
Happy Hour: Daily 4–6 PM
Deals: $1 off Drinks and Starter Specials, often featuring $7 drinks and $9 food specials.
Vibe: A solid, no-frills pub known for its welcoming atmosphere and good pub fare.
Why go: A dependable neighborhood spot for quality drinks and tasty bites at a friendly price point in Rockridge.
West Oakland
Ghost Town Brewing
Address: 1960 Adeline St, Oakland, CA 94607
Happy Hour: All day, every day
Deals: $3 pints of Cream Ale
Vibe: A popular local brewery with a lively taproom and a focus on creative craft beers. [Google Maps]
Why go: For an unbeatable daily deal on a refreshing brew, perfect for any time you’re craving a cold pint.
| Venue | Days | Hours | Best Deal | Neighbourhood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portal | Mon–Sat, Sun | Mon–Sat 3–6 PM, Sun 4–6 PM | $5 Pints, $5 Pub Bites | Lake Merritt |
| District Oakland | Mon–Fri, Sat | Mon–Fri 4–6 PM, Sat 5–7 PM | $7 well drinks, wine, beer | Old Oakland |
| Kingfish Pub | Daily | Varies | Affordable drinks, free popcorn | Temescal / North Oakland |
| Blind Tiger | Mon–Fri | 4–7 PM | $5 Local Drafts, House Liquor & Draft Wine | Uptown |
| Viridian | Wed–Sun | 5–7 PM | $5 beer + shots | Uptown |
| Mad Oak Bar N Yard | Tue–Fri | Varies by special | $2 Tacos (Tue), $2 Fries (Fri) | Uptown |
| alaMar Kitchen & Bar | Wed–Fri | Wed–Thu 5–6 PM, Fri 4–6 PM | $1.25 Oysters | Downtown |
| Plank | Mon–Fri | 3–7 PM | $3 Off Drinks & Appetizers | Jack London Square |
| Ben ‘N Nicks Bar & Grill | Daily | 4–6 PM | $1 off Drinks & Starter Specials | Rockridge |
| Ghost Town Brewing | Daily | All day | $3 Cream Ale Pints | West Oakland |
🎁 Best Deals & Offers in Oakland, CA This Week
🍽️ Dining Deals
District Oakland
Deal: Happy hour food specials including $7 French Fries and Fontina & Spinach Arancini, and $8 Deviled Eggs and Crispy Spiced Chicken Wings.
Availability: Mon–Fri 4–6 PM, Sat 5–7 PM
Venue: 827 Washington St, Oakland, CA 94607
Why go: Perfect for an upscale snack alongside discounted drinks in Old Oakland.
Agave Uptown
Deal: Happy hour food specials, including $5 for two tacos and other heavily discounted items.
Availability: Check in-house for exact hours, typically a strong late-afternoon offering.
Venue: 2135 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94612
Why go: Known for stellar Mexican-inspired cuisine, their happy hour offers some of the best food deals in Uptown.
🍸 Drink Specials
Ghost Town Brewing
Deal: $3 pints of Cream Ale, all day, every day.
Availability: Daily
Venue: 1960 Adeline St, Oakland, CA 94607
Why go: An incredible and consistent deal for craft beer lovers in West Oakland.
Viridian
Deal: $5 beer + shots during “Golden Hour.”
Availability: Wed–Sun 5–7 PM
Venue: 1517 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94612
Why go: Enjoy unique cocktail experiences and affordable drink pairings in a chic Uptown setting.
🎭 Entertainment Offers
Dave & Buster’s Grand Opening
Deal: Be one of the first 100 guests in line at the Grand Opening on May 4th and score free unlimited video game play for the day!
Availability: ⏰ Today only: Monday, May 4, 2026
Venue: 55 Harrison Street, Jack London Square
Why go: Celebrate the grand opening of Oakland’s newest entertainment hub with exciting new games, dining, and sports-watching.
Portal Trivia Night
Deal: Free-to-play trivia.
Availability: Mondays
Venue: Portal, 1611 2nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606
Why go: Test your knowledge and enjoy a fun, engaging evening with friends over discounted pints and pub bites.
🎉 Events & Parties in Oakland, CA — May 2026
📅 Tonight & Tomorrow
Dave & Buster’s Grand Opening
Date & Time: Monday, May 4, 2026, Ribbon-cutting 10:45 AM, Doors 11 AM
Venue: 55 Harrison Street, Jack London Square
Tickets: Free entry, free unlimited video game play for first 100 guests
Don’t miss: Be among the first to experience Oakland’s brand-new Dave & Buster’s, featuring private game suites, a massive 40-foot screen for sports, and a new menu.
Portal Trivia Night
Date & Time: Monday, May 4, 2026 (recurring Mondays)
Venue: Portal, 1611 2nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606
Tickets: Free
Don’t miss: Combine your love for trivia with great happy hour deals at this beloved Lake Merritt beer garden.
📆 This Weekend
Italo Disco *~Third Annual Birthday Edition~* Best of ’86
Date & Time: Friday, May 9, 2026
Venue: The Stork Club, 2330 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 94612
Tickets: Check venue for pricing
Don’t miss: Dive into a night of classic Italo Disco tunes and celebrate a unique birthday edition.
Oakland Memorial Day Weekend Bar Crawl 2026
Date & Time: Saturday, May 23, 2026, starting at 4 PM
Venue: Beeryland (starting location), Oakland, CA
Tickets: Check PubCrawls.com for ticket information
Don’t miss: Kick off Memorial Day Weekend and the start of summer by exploring Oakland’s top bars with unbeatable drink specials.
🗓️ Coming Up This Month
Golden Gyal Thursdays with DJ Eleda (Queer Dancehall and Reggae Party)
Date & Time: Thursday, May 14, 2026 & Thursday, May 28, 2026
Venue: Golden Ratio, 1517 Franklin Street, Oakland, CA 94612
Tickets: Check venue for pricing
Don’t miss: Enjoy a vibrant and inclusive dancehall and reggae party in Uptown Oakland.
Friday Nights at OMCA with Pacific Mambo Orchestra
Date & Time: Friday, May 22, 2026
Venue: Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St, Oakland, CA 94607
Tickets: Check OMCA for pricing
Don’t miss: Experience an evening of culture, music, and community at the Oakland Museum of California.
Beauty & The Brew – Drag Bingo
Date & Time: Thursday, May 28, 2026
Venue: Drake’s Dealership, 2325 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
Tickets: Check venue for pricing
Don’t miss: A fun and fabulous night of drag bingo in the lively atmosphere of Drake’s Dealership.
🆓 Free Events
Oakland First Fridays: ¡Celebrando Oakland!
Date & Time: Friday, May 1, 2026, 5–9 PM (recently passed)
Venue: Telegraph Avenue from West Grand to 27th Street, Oakland, CA
Tickets: Free
Don’t miss: While this specific date has passed for May, Oakland First Fridays is a monthly free street festival celebrating art, culture, and community in the KONO district. Look out for future dates!
Dave & Buster’s Grand Opening
Date & Time: Monday, May 4, 2026, 10:45 AM ribbon-cutting, doors 11 AM
Venue: 55 Harrison Street, Jack London Square
Tickets: Free entry, free unlimited video game play for first 100 guests
Don’t miss: A unique opportunity to enjoy a new entertainment venue with complimentary gaming for early birds.
Portal Trivia Night
Date & Time: Mondays
Venue: Portal, 1611 2nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606
Tickets: Free
Don’t miss: Engage in some friendly competition without spending a dime on admission, enjoying the lakeside ambiance.
| Event | Date | Venue | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dave & Buster’s Grand Opening | Mon, May 4, 2026 | 55 Harrison St, Jack London Square | Free (for first 100 guests) |
| Portal Trivia Night | Mon, May 4, 2026 (recurring Mondays) | Portal, 1611 2nd Ave | Free |
| Italo Disco *~Third Annual Birthday Edition~* | Fri, May 9, 2026 | The Stork Club, 2330 Telegraph Ave. | Varies |
| Golden Gyal Thursdays with DJ Eleda | Thu, May 14 & 28, 2026 | Golden Ratio, 1517 Franklin St | Varies |
| Friday Nights at OMCA | Fri, May 22, 2026 | Oakland Museum of California | Varies |
| Oakland Memorial Day Weekend Bar Crawl | Sat, May 23, 2026 | Beeryland (starting point) | Varies |
| Beauty & The Brew – Drag Bingo | Thu, May 28, 2026 | Drake’s Dealership, 2325 Broadway | Varies |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Oakland, CA Happy Hours & Nightlife
Q: What time does happy hour start in Oakland?
Happy hour times in Oakland vary by venue, but many establishments kick off their specials in the mid-afternoon. You can find happy hours starting as early as 3 PM at places like Portal in Lake Merritt and Plank in Jack London Square. Other popular spots such as District Oakland, Blind Tiger, and Ben ‘N Nicks Bar & Grill typically begin their happy hour offerings around 4 PM or 4:30 PM.
Q: Which Oakland bars have the cheapest drinks?
For the most budget-friendly sips in Oakland, head to Ghost Town Brewing in West Oakland for an unbeatable daily deal of $3 pints of Cream Ale. Kingfish Pub in Temescal is renowned for its affordable daily specials and general dive bar pricing, with 16oz PBRs around $5. Portal near Lake Merritt also offers great value with $5 pints during happy hour, and Blind Tiger in Uptown features $5 local drafts and house liquor during its happy hour.
Q: What are the best neighbourhoods for nightlife in Oakland?
Oakland boasts several vibrant neighborhoods for nightlife. Uptown is a major hotspot, known for its diverse bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues like Viridian and The Stork Club. Old Oakland offers a mix of historic charm and sophisticated spots like District Oakland. For those seeking a lively atmosphere with beer gardens and waterfront views, Jack London Square and Lake Merritt, home to Plank and Portal respectively, are excellent choices. Temescal and North Oakland, featuring local favorites like Kingfish Pub, provide a more casual, neighborhood pub vibe.
Q: Are there free events in Oakland this month?
Yes, Oakland offers several free events this May 2026. Today, Monday, May 4, 2026, marks the Grand Opening of Dave & Buster’s in Jack London Square, with the first 100 guests receiving free unlimited video game play. Portal hosts a free Trivia Night every Monday. Additionally, the Oakland First Fridays street festival, a free monthly event celebrating art and culture on Telegraph Avenue, recently occurred on May 1, 2026, so keep an eye out for future dates.
Q: What are the best outdoor bars or beer gardens in Oakland?
As spring is in full swing, Oakland’s outdoor bars and beer gardens are perfect for enjoying the weather. Portal, overlooking Lake Merritt, is a local favorite with its largely covered, pet-friendly patio. Kingfish Pub in Temescal features an expansive, dog-friendly outdoor patio. Mad Oak Bar N Yard in Uptown offers both a roof deck and an outside patio, providing ample space to relax. Drake’s Dealership also has a well-regarded outdoor space in Uptown.
