Hiero Day, one of the Bay Area’s most cherished hip-hop and R&B events, returns for its 11th year on Labor Day, and there’s plenty to celebrate.
This year’s block party will commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and the 30th anniversary of “93 ’til Infinity,” the debut album of Oakland alternative hip-hop group Souls of Mischief, with two stages hosting more than 30 live performances including San Francisco’s Cellski and Oakland pianist/rapperKev Choice.
A number of hip-hop-related events, such as a Souls of Mischief mural reveal, will bookend the festival.
If you’re unfamiliar with Northern California’s deep rooted hip-hop legacy, here’s everything you need to know about Hiero Day.
What is Hiero Day?
Hiero Day is an annual celebration of rap and hip-hop music in the Bay Area, founded in 2012 by the nine-member Oakland rap collective Hieroglyphics. Over the years, the one-day festival has grown into one of the biggest events to honor hip-hop in Northern California.
The outdoor concert serves as a platform for a plethora of local talent, both up and coming and those long established in the world of hip-hop.
Past Hiero Day performers include Bay Area nativeKeyshia Cole, singer, drummer and producer Anderson .Paak and ’90s rapper Kool G Rap.
Hiero Day:11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4. Free, but must RSVP; VIP $93. Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland.www.hieroday.com
Where does it take place?
Hiero Day was held at Jack London Square last year, but this holiday weekend the event moves to Frank Ogawa Plaza in front of City Hall, a decision reflective of its new association with the mayor’s office and the city of Oakland.
The festival also took place at Frank Ogawa Plaza in 2021, but on a smaller scale as the Bay Area was emerging from the pandemic.
Affiliated events leading up to Hiero Day 2023 are being hosted at various establishments throughout Oakland, including Crybaby dance club, the Moxy hotel and Hungry Ghost Studio.
The inaugural festival in 2012 was held in front of the New Parish in Oakland. Since then it’s been hosted at various locations in the East Bay city, including at American Steel Studios in 2017.
When do festivities kick off?
Hiero Day takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4. Every year there is a lineup of related events leading up to the main showcase.
Events beforehand are set to begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, with a free live performance by rapper, DJ and producer LXGIT at Oakland restaurant and lounge Mimosa 2 (3320 Grand Ave.). The party continues from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, at the Moxy (2225 Telegraph Ave.), which plans to host a free weekend kickoff party featuring a handful of DJ sets. From 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, Koo Labs, a nonprofit organization that supports Black youth, is set to host a fashion show called “Hiero on the Runway” at 1035 Seventh St.
The reveal of a Souls of Mischief mural — created by lead artists David Burke, Pancho Pescador and Joevic Yeban — is scheduled for 1-2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3, at Hungry Ghost Studio, 850 42nd Ave. That same day, a Hiero Day pre-party is set for 2 p.m. at Crybaby Oakland, 1928 Telegraph Ave., which costs $30. A free Hiero Eve party at the Moxy begins at 6 p.m.
The holiday weekend closes out with an official after-party at Crybaby at 9 p.m. Monday, complete with a Souls of Mischief performance and meet-and-greet.
Who will perform?
This year’s Hiero Day lineup includes Chicago-born rapper Common, a multitalented artist who is a Tony Award away from being an EGOT; Oakland native, pianist and producerKev Choice; and Golden State Warriors DJ D Sharp.
A number of emerging musicians such as local trio Trey Coastal, DJ William Strokes and rapper Big Hongry are also on the bill.
As is tradition, Hieroglyphics will also perform, scheduled to hit the Imperium Stage at 5 p.m.
The full lineup and set schedule are on the官方Hiero Day Instagram account.
Do I need to buy a ticket?
This year, general entry to the event is free for all, as it was in its early years, but reservations are required. At this point, reservations are sold out.
Those who purchased early bird general admission tickets will be refunded.
VIP tickets are stillavailable onlinefor $93, and include access to a private bar, special viewing areas in front of the stages and private bathrooms.
The event will also be live streamed on Hiero Day’sYouTube channeland local youth development organization Kingmakers of Oakland’sFacebook page对于那些无法亲自出席。
How do I get there?
Event organizers recommend taking BART to the 12th Street Oakland City Center Station, the closest stop to Frank Ogawa Plaza.
For those driving, the 12th Street West garage is the best place to park. There is a $10 flat rate for the day.
Will there be food and drink?
A wide range of vendors will be available. Vendors are being finalized, but offerings are said to focus on food trucks.
What can I bring?
范妮包和small purses that measure 6 inches by 8 inches by 3 inches or smaller are allowed inside the event. Backpacks and larger purses or bags are prohibited, except for parents with children and those carrying roller skates.
With the event outdoors, sunscreen and a hat will come in handy as “a warming trend is likely for Labor Day,” cautions Chronicle meteorologist Anthony Edwards. Highs in Oakland are expected to reach the lower to mid-70s in the afternoon before gusts increase and temperatures cool off in the evening.
No outside food or drink, including water bottles and alcohol, are allowed.
A full list of prohibited items can be foundhere.
Reach Zara Irshad: Zara.Irshad@sfchronicle.com