The Rockridge District Association (RDA) invites the community to Rock-N-Stroll on Saturday, August 22, from 11am to 4pm (with some activities continuing into the evening). This free, family- and pet-friendly event transforms College Avenue into a mile-long celebration stretching from Broadway to Alcatraz Avenue, featuring more than 50 local artists, over 20 live musical performances, artisan pop-ups, wine and food tastings, exclusive promotions, demonstrations, and interactive experiences.
Unlike a traditional street festival, Rock-N-Stroll keeps the streets open, encouraging visitors to explore at their own pace while enjoying face painting, crafts, giveaways, pup-friendly activities, and other family fun across the district.
“Rock-N-Stroll is about celebrating the people and businesses that make Rockridge such a special neighborhood,” said Devan Gregori of the Rockridge District Association. “Visitors can discover incredible musicians, meet local artists, support independent businesses, and enjoy great food—all while experiencing the welcoming spirit that defines our community.”
Market Hall will fire up the grill with fresh sausage sandwiches and prize wheel giveaways, while Bad Walter’s Bootleg Ice Cream pairs live music with kids’ crafts. Starter Bakery celebrates with Happy Hour pastries and drinks, Belly will serve taco samples throughout the afternoon, and Redfield Cider Bar & Bottle Shop features Japanese wine tastings alongside an okonomiyaki pop-up.
Shopping enthusiasts will find one-day-only specials. Spin the wheel for prizes at Bambino Thrift Shop to receive a discount on your first drink at The Monk’s Kettle. Saunders and James hosts its popular Nail Sale, Sole Terra Shoes features special event discounts, while Tootsies & Crush on College offers pop-ups, local artists, and in-store promotions.
Bella Vita hosts face painting and special vendors, Pegasus Books and Crossroads each feature prize wheels, and Atomic Garden welcomes illustrator Ryan Betts Ng, who creates custom portraits of visitors and their pets and whose proceeds benefit a local dog and cat rescue.
Art Bazaar: A Mile of Art and Artists
Rock-N-Stroll’s Art Bazaar features more than 50 local visual artists of all ages exhibiting paintings, ceramics, jewelry, prints, textiles and handcrafted works inside and outside participating businesses.
Meet Rockridge-based artists and makers such as OM Pottery, EZH Clay, Laurien Clay Works, Glass-Vox, John McKenna Knives, Westwind Succulents, and Eliza Reisfeld Illustration. It’s an excellent opportunity to purchase original artwork directly from the creators and discover new favorites.
“I believe strongly that what our communities need most is human connection. I hope attendees leave with an understanding of how many local artists live in this neighborhood, and pop into a business they’ve never been to on our street,” says community volunteer, Marcy Reed.
Mercy Vintage showcases Oakland-based Palestinian artist Manar Harb alongside several guest artists, while SLATE Contemporary Gallery hosts a small-works exhibition and sale with artists on-site throughout the day. Preserved, The Yoni Temple, In Full Swing Plus Sizes, Saffron Kitchen, Pegasus Books and numerous other merchants will host more local artists—creating an art walk that extends the entire length of College Avenue.
The Sound of Music Abounds
The music creates a festive ambiance as performances take place throughout the district. Visitors are encouraged to follow the music from block to block, discovering an eclectic lineup that spans indie folk, jazz fusion, blues, soul, synth-pop, Americana, contemporary R&B, world music and more (see article on Rockridge-based musicians in this edition).
The day begins with singer-songwriter Frances Ancheta performing outside Market Hall. A Filipina American artist from the Bay Area, Ancheta blends indie folk, pop and rock into what has been described as “tropical new wave folk.” A mental health advocate, creative arts therapist and cancer survivor, her thoughtful songwriting has earned international radio play while reflecting her belief in the healing power of music.
Throughout the morning, visitors will experience the genre-defying sounds of Fleeting Trance outside the Rockridge Branch Library. Created by Bay Area songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Manasseh Bernal, the project combines psychedelic jam band influences with folk, rock and Americana, creating a musical collage that intentionally resists labels.
Nearby, guitarist and vocalist John Vicino, whose musical career began busking on the streets of San Francisco as a teenager, brings his engaging acoustic style to Forge after years of performing at premier Bay Area venues.
Among the festival’s distinctive performers is handpan artist Aethervoce, who creates mesmerizing, atmospheric music on the handpan—a rare steel percussion instrument known for its rich, resonant sound.
Jazz lovers will enjoy The 770 Collective, a seven-piece ensemble formed through a shared passion for jazz, funk, fusion and soul, located at Festival Fun Zone at College Avenue Presbyterian Church. Later, hear the Alexis Tsamoudakis Trio’s engaging performance, followed by festival headliner Rattle-Tone with its energetic blend of blues, soul and rock & roll.
The afternoon continues with San Francisco’s Five Pines, whose original guitar-driven music reflects life growing up in California. Oakland father and daughter electronic duo Syd and I combines contemporary vocals with richly-layered synthesizers to create an energetic live performance that has earned them appearances throughout the Bay Area.
Additional performances include the versatile violinist, singer and composer Umaya, whose musical background spans classical, pop, indie, soul, rock and R&B; contemporary R&B duo Cocoa Keys, whose jazz-infused neo-soul sound and powerful harmonies have become a Northern California favorite, DJ Danny Santos spinning vinyl, Tall Papa B, The No Kings Quartet, East Bay Players, and more live performances at Cole Coffee, Saffron Kitchen and Open Mind Music—ensuring that every block has its own musical personality.
Admission is free. Visitors are encouraged to take BART. For the complete entertainment schedule, participating businesses and event information, visit RockridgeDistrict.com.
Rock-N-Stroll is made possible through the support of Crossroads, 1st United Credit Union, Kelly S. Wright State Farm Insurance, Page 11 Events, SLATE Contemporary Gallery, Rockridge Voice, Becker Boards, Oaklandside and BART.
