Festivals, Cookies, and Babies, Oh My!

First thing's first... HAPPY AUTUMN!!!

Autumn is upon us and we are only ONE month away from the biggest event of the year, 'Festaval! We know so many of you are curious to learn more about this exciting event that will signify Manifesta's official launch, and so we're here with some updates to the agenda.

'Festaval Schedule

Friday, October 24th: A Day Focused on Beauty & Wellness

'Festaval will begin with a day dedicated exclusively to beauty and wellness, starting with 2 discussion panels featuring experts from all different branches of the beauty and health industries. Meanwhile, a special, local beauty expert will be speaking midday. 

The fun will really heat up towards the end of the day when we host a BARBERING BATTLE, where we will ask YOU, the audience, to vote on who cut it best!

Saturday, October 25th: A Day Focused on Local Business & Community

We have some seriously exciting updates regarding the 2 discussion panels featuring local business owners and political figures. In our efforts to bring in major political figures of interest to Oakland residents, we have invited Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, and City Council members, also Mayoral candidates, Libby Schaaf and Rebecca Kaplan to speak. We asked them because folks who work in their campaigns are among our hair clientele and have asked us personally to reach out to their candidates. All three women have added us to their calendar. We hope to see them there!

Okay, so now that we have that out there, we need your input! What are some topics you'd like to see discussed during our Saturday forum? This is your chance to have your questions about the future of Oakland small businesses and community answered by influential figures. Your interests are important to us, so please email any and all queries to Festa.OAK@gmail.com.

We'll be ending 'Festaval with the Manifesta Mile, a treasure hunt and footrace around Old Oakland neighborhood that'll result in hella cool prizes!

Calling All Musicians! Would you or someone you know like to perform for us on either or both days of 'Festaval? We're open to any genre! To apply, send your information to Festa.OAK@gmail.com.

'Festa News

Now that we have all that info out there, we've got some other super awesome updates in the way of 'Festa life. Introducing our newest 'Festa member and fellow beauty specialist, Kat! 

Kat Saldana has performed skin care and waxing rituals in the Bay Area for seven years. Her devotion to providing great service with a keen sense of beauty and style make her an excellent addition to 'Festa. Kat provides Brow Bar services every Friday from 2:30pm-7pm.

Hey cookie lovers! Everyone has a sweet tooth and 'Festa's new food pop-up kiosk is here to lay some sugar on you! Here is a little more info on what that entails:

Wednesday, 12-5pm: Natty Cakes will be occupying the kiosk with mouthwatering and beautifully designed desserts and treats. Owned by just two women, Natalie and Alicia, Natty Cakes is a small bakery that specializes in custom cookies and cookie sandwiches, but also offers delciious goodies such as cinnamon rolls, pies, cheesecakes, galettes, and more... YUM! If you have an event coming up, ask one of the Natty Cakes ladies about catering! They do pretty much any event, from birthdays and weddings to just a special night in!

Thursdays and Fridays, 10am-2:30pm: Woop Woop Fine Foods is hanging around so that you can get more of your favorite gluten-free granola!

A Manifesta Baby

You may have already heard that Manifesta has a new family member, Lindsay's newborn son Beauregard Duke Barnhardt!!! After a long labor on Labor Day Weekend, Lindsay gave birth to this precious one on the morning of August 31st. He's pretty big for a little guy, weighing in at 8 pounds and 6.5 ounces, and measuring in at just under 21 inches! Here are some adorable pictures the Baby Beau below:

Neighborly Love

Before we go, we want to give a shout out and warm welcome to Maple Street Denim! After weeks of demolition, this quality men and women's denim store has finally opened in Old Oakland. Denim never goes out of style! Shop here for personalized service and to find the best fitting jeans. They also offer other clothing. You can find Maple Street Denim on 9th Street, open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6pm, and on Sundays from noon until 4pm. Welcome to the hood!

Lastly, if you have any time on Saturday (Sept. 26), head down to the Oakland Music Festival! The festival was created by Alfonzo Dominguez, one of the founders of Popuphood, to whom we are super grateful for allowing us to get the salon space that is now Manifesta. Celebrate local artists in the community with some live music and delicious food!