The 980 Freeway carved through West Oakland, displacing families, businesses, and generations of community life. The 980 Block Party is our chance to gather community to acknowledge the harm that was done and co-create something incredible and to envision a new, innovative, and healthy neighborhood where the opportunity of accessible housing, inviting open space, authentic local culture, and inclusive economic development are reality.
Our inaugural event on October 25, 2025 was incredible! e look forward to an even bigger and better event next year!
980 Block Party: Reimagine the Future of I-980
www.980BlockParty.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025
10:00AM-4:00PM
PRESERVATION PARK
1233 PRESERVATION PARK WAY
OAKLAND, CA 94612
The 980 Block Party is not just a festival—it’s an interactive community visioning event where residents, leaders, and legacy voices will come together to imagine the future of the I-980 corridor. Through art, storytelling, and participatory design, we will honor the past while shaping new possibilities for housing, parks, culture, and economic opportunity.
Understanding the Past, Shaping the Future
The event takes place at Preservation Park, a site built from Victorian homes once uprooted by the very freeway we are reimagining. This setting reminds us of the harms caused by urban renewal and displacement—and challenges us to envision repair. You’ll have the chance to explore historical context, hear from legacy residents, and contribute to a collective vision for West Oakland’s future.
Hands-on, creative activities will bring the future to life
- Large-Scale Site Mapping – Place community assets on giant maps of the corridor.
- 3D & Digital Modeling – Reimagine the neighborhood through Lego and Minecraft
- Steamroller Art Block Printing – Transform historic freeway drawings into powerful art prints
- Oral History & Storytelling Circles – Memories and stories from legacy West Oakland residents
- Mini Media Festival & Film Screenings – Featuring films and videos on displacement and resilience
- Facilitated Discussions – Small group sessions on housing, economic development, health, cultural equity, parks, youth, seniors, and policy
- Special Features – Guest curator exhibits and interactive harm illustrations