9th St, Old Oakland
May 16, 2026
Thousands of queer and trans people took to the streets of Oakland for a block party overflowing with glittery, gleeful costumed joy during the 9th annual Oaklash festival. More than 60 performers strutted and danced across two stages, their acts threaded with messages of acceptance and political dissent. Guests wandered among food and art vendors while seven DJs cycled through sets that kept the celebration moving late into the day.
Guests and performers stunned with a carousel of looks ranging from walking masterpieces to witty visual puns. Local drag standouts, including Nikki Jizz, Miss Bee Haven, Mudd the Two Spirit, Polly Amber Ross, Momma Celeste and Beatrix LaHaine, brought remarkable talent and range to an enthusiastic crowd. Raya Light’s politically charged performance, complete with red, white and blue streamers, had one attendee next to me grabbing their friend and yelling, “It’s so good I have chills,” over the roar of applause.
Tokyo 666 with the good hair.
The competition begins (L), Eyelash application for the Crossdressing Olympics (Center). Cross dressed and ready to win, a competitor dashes for the finish (R).
That mix of spectacle, protest and community care has become central to Oaklash. This year also introduced the festival’s first Crossdresser Olympic competition. The events included High Heel 100, Crossdresser Relay Race Dash, Wig Snatching and Brick Toss, with attendees encouraged to sign up and compete.
A brainchild of The Diva Dudes, Kochina Rude and God’s Little Princess, the competition quickly drew a crowd. A terrifyingly stern Kochina Rude stalked through contestants with a bullhorn and high heeled Converse, barking rules to volunteers ahead of the relay race. Competitors sprinted the length of the block, grabbed a wig and an article of clothing, then attempted to apply an eyelash to one eye before racing back. It was chaotic, hilarious and one of the festival’s most memorable moments. “It is celebrating everything that is quick drag,” an ecstatic God’s Little Princess said after the relay wrapped.
While Oaklash has always billed itself as an all inclusive event, organizers continue working to make the festival meaningfully accessible. The Oaklash Disability Fund supports chronically ill and disabled queer performance makers in the Bay Area, and that inclusive spirit could be felt throughout the day. Stages were accessible to all, and an ASL interpreter signed continuously while performers lip synced and death dropped across the stages, somehow managing to dance while keeping pace with every lyric. When Nikki Jizz asked the crowd to applaud the interpreter, the cheers were immediate and sustained.
It is details like these that give Oaklash its sense of safety, celebration and belonging, and why the festival continues to stand as one of Oakland’s most beloved queer traditions.
Oaklash hosts events throughout the year. More information can be found on the organization’s website.
