Art and Soul brings downtown Oakland to life

Carolyn Eidson paints a design on the Happiness Wall, a public art project by Artismobilus, at the 14th annual Art and Soul Festival in Oakland, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014. The two-day music and arts street fair concludes Sunday. less Carolyn Eidson paints a design on the Happiness Wall, a public art project by Artismobilus, at the 14th annual Art and Soul Festival in Oakland, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014. The two-day music and arts ... more Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle Buy photo Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle Image 1 of / 4 Caption Close Art and Soul brings downtown Oakland to life 1 / 4 Back to Gallery

Downtown Oakland comes alive every year with the annual Art and Soul Festival, now in its 16th year, which brings thousands of revelers to the streets around City Hall, for music, dancing, gospel, food and all manner of family fun.

There are five stages of entertainment, showcasing everything from local music acts to circus performers. On Sunday, Aug. 21, visitors can stroll through a classic car show while catching performances by main stage performers like John Santos, Chante Moore and Tony Toni Tone.

“It’s a family-friendly event, from start to finish,” says Samee Roberts, the festival’s executive producer. “It’s a really positive, open and enriching environment.”

— Aidin Vaziri

Oakland Art and Soul: Noon Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 20-21. $7-$12; children age 12 and younger free. Frank Ogawa Plaza and City Center, Oakland. http://artandsouloakland.com