Thousands attend annual Laurel StreetFair and World Music Fest in Oakland
"Family, community. This is probably one of the best family-focused festivals in Oakland and the Bay Area."
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Since the late 1990s, the Laurel Street Fair and World Music Fest has united Oakland. Thousands packed the streets on Saturday for the annual event.
"Very nice, the atmosphere. Diversity - excellent. The food is great!" is how Oakland resident Sandy describes the event.
"Family, community. This is probably one of the best family-focused festivals in Oakland and the Bay Area," says Tom Samway, also an Oakland resident.
Eight city blocks packed with various crafts and cuisines, rhythms and rhymes.
"Now, I don't want to jinx it, but for 24 years, we have had no problems," says Lutillian Maxon, one of the founders of Laurel Street Fair.
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Maxon says safe streets is one reason this event has continued to grow. Earlier in the week, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell presented mid-year crime statistics.
"Homicides have decreased 21% year-over-year from the same time last year," explains Chief Mitchell.
Data from OPD points to a 29% drop in violent crime for the first 6 months of 2025 - compared to the same time in 2024. Aggravated Assault: Down 18%. Rape: Down 24%. There's been a 41 percent decrease in robberies. Some residents say they sense a change too.
"The crime that was blatant, on the street, just in front of your face, is definitely reduced. So yes, I would say there is huge change that has been happening," says ."
Even vendors, like Jaydon Perez, who operates some the inflatable jump houses, says, despite the perception of crime in Oakland, there was no concern signing up for this event.
"Oakland, I know it may have a bad name, but you just have to hope for the best, you know. And look, it seems to be pretty good so far," says ."
When asked if Oakland is getting safer, Sandy responds: "Yes, I do. I feel like it is getting better. I haven't seen any crime in this neighborhood. But Oakland is great. Anybody that wants to come to Oakland - come to Oakland! Oakland is awesome. Yes!"
