2026 Lincoln Summer Nights
Oakland Parks, Recreation and Youth Development is looking forward to another fun-filled 2026 season. Mark your calendars! Have fun at the park the 2nd Thursday of every month, May through October, 5-8pm. Lincoln Summer Nights is for everyone. It is OUR chance to celebrate, connect, stay informed and get involved in the community.
We hope to see you!
Save the Dates: May 14th, June 11th, July 9th (Circus Bella), August 12th, September 10th , and October 8th
Hosted and Presented by: Oakland Parks, Recreation and Youth Development - Lincoln Square Park
2026 Sponsors:
Community Steering Committee: Asian Health Services, Asian Pacific Environmental Network, AYPAL, Friends of Lincoln Square Park, Lincoln Golden Dragon Project, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Oakland Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Wa Sung Community Service Club, East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation, Family Bridges
-
Since 2016, Friends of Lincoln Square Park has held Lincoln Summer Nights, a monthly multi-generational (seniors and youth) community building event in partnership with the City of Oakland and many other Oakland Chinatown organizations. The goal of the series is to strengthen community bonds by co-creating a shared sense of belonging between generations and across racial and socio-economic divides. The event series focuses on bringing art, culture, games, information, other services and resources to the community.
Our Lincoln Summer Nights program is part of our larger community campaign supporting the City of Oakland to build a bigger and better recreation and resiliency center.
-
As a sponsor, your organization or company can reach 500-900 attendees in Oakland Chinatown each month at our family-friendly event series celebrating community.
Sponsors will be publicly recognized along with their level of support in advance via social media and in person each night. Organizations and companies will also have the opportunity to host an informational or activity table.
Platinum Supporter: $25,000 (1 available) benefits below plus: opportunity to speak at night featuring Circus Bella to up to 1,500 people at largest event of the series, highest visibility placement of booth during events, series wrap up thank you post on social media , logo on event banner
Gold Supporter: $10,000 (2 available) benefits below plus: post-event, thank you posts on social media with event photos, premium placement of booth during events, multiple mentions at each event.
Silver: $5,000 (3 available) - benefits below plus: Opportunity to speak at up to 2 evenings (introduce self and performance), large on-site event gratitude posters with name and logo, photo and tagline or quote, co-branded posting coordination, featured in blog post on our website.
Bronze Supporter: $2,500 (4 available) - benefits below plus: Logo included on all marketing materials, mentioned in newsletter to 700+ area residents
Community Supporters: $1,000 or designated member on core planning committee (10 available) - name included on marketing materials in print and on website and social media, optional opportunity to table or host activity at each of the 6 nights
-
Yes! Lincoln Summer Nights is a great way for your organization to get your staff and volunteers into the heart of our community to share information and gather feedback from the Oakland Chinatown neighborhood. You can provide an information and resources table or an activity station. The more interactive, the better!
Due to organizational purposes, we have split the tabling forms from May-July and a separate form for August-October. Please fill out one or both of the forms based on your organization's availability.
Please arrive at 4:30pm for set up. The number of tables, chairs and canopies you indicated in the tabling form will be provided. A site layout will be posted when you arrive so you can find your table. If you have any questions on the day of, you can ask park staff or a volunteer with a yellow vest.
We recommend you bring your own takeout dinner and do not leave your table or items unattended at any time.
-
Yes! Sign up to volunteer. Lincoln Summer Nights is powered by dozens of volunteers just like you! You can volunteer as an individual or you can gather your organization and host an activity booth (craft, game, activity) or help lead one of the activity stations coordinated by the organizers. Volunteers are treated to food and treats and can take part in a fun Karaoke after-party.
-
Yes! Complete a application to perform.
Lincoln Summer Nights is the ideal opportunity to showcase your organization's talents in a safe, fun and unique venue. We welcome local performance groups to apply for our current season!
As we are limited to 12-16 performance slots (15-20 minutes each) for this season, we cannot guarantee a spot, and may need to limit the number of times an organization participates.
We welcome all performers to apply. We are seeking a diverse range of performers and in particular, hope to include school groups, camps and community-based performers who may not otherwise have an opportunity to share their talents with our community. We will make every effort to provide a modest stipend as funding allows.
Your next steps:
Complete application
Finalize dates, time and performance details
Once approved, sign agreement
Send W9 to receive a stipend (if available)
Help us spread the word and tell everyone you’re performing! Bring your friends and family.
Receive stipend at the event (or by mail after)
Share photos after the event!
-
Oakland Parks, Recreation and Youth Development; Asian Health Services; Asian Pacific Environmental Network; Asian Youth Services, AYPAL, East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation, Friends of Lincoln Square Park, Golden Dragon, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Oakland Chinatown Coalition, Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council, OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates - East Bay; Wa Sung Community Service Club, Family Bridges, Town Nights
-
Absolutely! The Circus Bella Circus in the Parks performance has become an annual tradition in Chinatown and we are thrilled to host the show at our July 9th Lincoln Summer Nights.
In addition to the Circus Bella Performance, we will have community performances and a carnival midway so come early to enjoy all the festivities.
Thank you to our many community partners!
