Welcome to La Peña! Promoting social justice & intercultural understanding through the arts since 1975.
Join us for a FREE hour of song, hope, and community joy! Because we need it more than ever. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Event organized by Aya de León Aya de León is the Poet Laureate of the City of Berkeley, a creative writing teacher at UC Berkeley, and the Director of […]
Celebrate International Women's Day with an evening full of rhythm, joy, and sabor! Join us for a special night of Salsa and Latin Jazz, featuring two incredible all-womxn and femme-led salsa bands: Salsa y Sol and Agua Pura. This double-header concert is a powerful celebration of womxn and femme artists, showcasing the best of the Bay Area music […]
Renegade Queens Filming: Concert Finale at La Peña Join us for a high-energy, rhythm-filled afternoon as the Jean Fineberg Latin Jazz Band brings their signature Latin jazz sound to the stage for a special concert—captured live for the upcoming documentary, Renegade Queens! This isn’t just a concert—it’s a moment to be part of the resilience, […]
Brazilian Dance with Tainah Damasceno Brazil is a country that is rich in music and dance. Often what is advertised as Brazilian dance in the United States, is only what has been explored in the North-East and South-East of Brazil. Now you have the opportunity to experience a wider variety of dances encompassing the entirety […]
Sundays, 11:30am – 1:00pm. Cost: Drop-in $35 Adults, all levels. This class includes basic skills, improvisation techniques, choreography, and developing skills to dance in a Batey or community jam. Teenagers with some dance experience welcomed (please email for info). Folks interested in practicing Bomba percussion during the class are welcome (some experience in playing Bomba is […]
Embrace Your Inner Feminine Power: A 3-Day Dance Course Mondays: March 10, 17, & 24 - 2024 | 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM Join us for a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment through the vibrant rhythms of folkloric cumbia! This 3-class series is open to everyone and focuses on feminine empowerment. We […]
FREE pop-up intro class! Come experience this amazing FREE pop-up class to kick off Wapau! Lead Shines 8-week Bachata Fusion class series! Details: Free Community Class 8-Week Bachata Training Team Series All levels, no partner required All gender inclusive 8:00 - 9:30pm La Peña Cultural Center $150 + fees Our Mission: To uplift trans […]
Interested in RUMBA and the Afro-Cuban Tradition? We have these 2 music classes back-to-back at La Peña that explore the musicality of Cuban Rumba and more! Note: classes are taught in spanish, but english speakers are welcome to join if you're comfortable with limited translation. CLASE 1: Lunes, 7:00pm – 8:15pm @La Peña LA RUMBA […]
Join this fun class with instructor Momo Lebeau!! About Bodywerk Dance Classes: Bodywerk Dance offers a variety of different classes, all taught by award winning instructor, Momo LeBeau. We feature a fusion of Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, jazz and many other dance styles. Bodywerk is a dynamic hip hop dance jam, good for all levels, […]
Founded in 1979 by Chilean refugees and community supporters, La Peña Community Chorus has been performing Latin American New Song — Nueva Canción — for many years. Accompanying themselves on guitars, flutes, drums, and a large assortment of Latin American instruments, the Chorus has sung for schools, churches, homeless shelters, retirement homes, drug rehab centers, […]
La Peña Cultural Center is teaming up with The New Parkway for Karma Cinema Wednesdays this March! Join us every Wednesday in March 2025 for Karma Cinema Wednesdays at The New Parkway Theater in Oakland! This special collaboration between La Peña Cultural Center and The New Parkway allows you to enjoy a film while directly […]
MARCH 12 CLASS IS CANCELED See you next Wednesday! Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm In person at La Peña Cultural Center **FREE Community Class on the last Wednesday of every month!** Come experience the spirit, music, and movement of Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de […]
La Peña Presents La Cumbia Dance Party: happening monthly on second Thursdays! DATE: 2nd Thursdays of the month | 7:30 pm - 12:00 am TICKETS: $10 for online presale (single ticket) $15 for two tickets (Bring a friend – only $7.50 per ticket! Online only.) $15 at the door (single ticket) La Peña Members: Use […]
SPANISH FAMILY MUSIC CLASSES with Natalia Bernal For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SCHEDULE: Thursdays, January 9 - March 13 9:15 - 10:00 AM (Spanish) Teacher: Natalia Bernal […]
Celebrate International Women's Month at La Peña! Support and be inspired by powerful women of color on our stage! The Empowering Women of Color Open Mic is back at La Peña for this 2025 Spring Season! Join us for an evening filled with live music, powerful performances, captivating spoken word, radical storytelling, and much more. This […]
We're excited to announce the return of our Immigration Rights Workshop for Allies: “Become an Immigration Rights Ambassador” (In English) Due to the success of the last workshop and ongoing community interest, we've scheduled additional sessions for March 2025. This workshop will cover how ICE operates, how they collect information, and what to do during […]
"With all the madness happening in the world right now, lets come together to feel inspired and heal through music to refuel our spirits for creating a brighter future." Sign up to volunteer and come for FREE: https://lapena.info/LoCuraVolunteer LOCURA AND DOS BANDOLEROS AT LA PEÑA MARCH 15TH, 2025. 8:00pm-10:00pm (Doors at 7:30pm) ABOUT: This will […]
Saturdays, 10:30am – 11:30 am |March 2024 In person at La Peña Cultural Center. $20 drop-ins. This class focuses on a variety of Afro-Peruvian dance rhythms and music. No previous experience needed, come join us! Instructor Gabriela Shiroma. All levels are welcome! Classes are taught mainly in Spanish but the instructor is happy to translate […]
Brazilian Dance with Tainah Damasceno Brazil is a country that is rich in music and dance. Often what is advertised as Brazilian dance in the United States, is only what has been explored in the North-East and South-East of Brazil. Now you have the opportunity to experience a wider variety of dances encompassing the entirety […]
Sundays, 11:30am – 1:00pm. Cost: Drop-in $35 Adults, all levels. This class includes basic skills, improvisation techniques, choreography, and developing skills to dance in a Batey or community jam. Teenagers with some dance experience welcomed (please email for info). Folks interested in practicing Bomba percussion during the class are welcome (some experience in playing Bomba is […]
Every third Sunday of the month from 2:30pm-5:00pm in our Lounge! Join us for this Cuban Rumba Community Jam that has been held at La Peña for many years. Led by percussionist and culture bearer Bruce Williams. Free / donations encouraged Family-friendly event Bring your instruments if you have them! More about the Afro-Cuban […]
Interested in RUMBA and the Afro-Cuban Tradition? We have these 2 music classes back-to-back at La Peña that explore the musicality of Cuban Rumba and more! Note: classes are taught in spanish, but english speakers are welcome to join if you're comfortable with limited translation. CLASE 1: Lunes, 7:00pm – 8:15pm @La Peña LA RUMBA […]
Wapau! 8-Week Fusion Bachata: Lead Shines Welcome and thank you for your interest in Wapau! Lead Shines Class Series!!! March 17th class is Drop-In friendly! Details: 8-Week Bachata Training Team Series All levels, no partner required All gender inclusive 8:00 - 9:30pm La Peña Cultural Center $150 + fees March 17th Drop-In single class: $15 […]
BILINGUAL FAMILY MUSIC CLASSES with Anna-Maria Violich-Olivier For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SCHEDULE: Tuesdays, January 14 - March 15 (No class March 11) 10:15 - 11:00AM […]
Join this fun class with instructor Momo Lebeau!! About Bodywerk Dance Classes: Bodywerk Dance offers a variety of different classes, all taught by award winning instructor, Momo LeBeau. We feature a fusion of Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, jazz and many other dance styles. Bodywerk is a dynamic hip hop dance jam, good for all levels, […]
Come join The La Peña Old Guard* “Third Wednesday” Gatherings: each time a different discussion topic! Open to all. Please spread the word! If you're planning on coming, RSVP to oldguard@lapena.org *What is La Peña OLD Guard? We are a group of progressives who came of political age during the 60’s, 70’s and early ‘80s, often, in conjunction […]
Remember the music jams? All ages, all instruments, all skill levels, all welcome, all fun! Mark your calendars for the return of these legendary music jams to La Peña, led by José Roberto Hernández! Las mermeladas musicales son un espacio donde la gente y sus instrumentos se juntan para hacer música, comunidad y compañerismo. It’s Wednesday…don’t you […]
La Peña Cultural Center is teaming up with The New Parkway for Karma Cinema Wednesdays this March! Join us every Wednesday in March 2025 for Karma Cinema Wednesdays at The New Parkway Theater in Oakland! This special collaboration between La Peña Cultural Center and The New Parkway allows you to enjoy a film while directly […]
Dust off your dancing shoes for an epic night with live music & vibrant community energy! Join us for an evening featuring live music, not one but two dance floors, a gender-inclusive salsa and bachata dance class, a fundraising bar, delicious food from our partners at Los Cilantros, complimentary coat check, and a vibrant, inclusive community. All […]
Saturdays, 10:30am – 11:30 am |March 2024 In person at La Peña Cultural Center. $20 drop-ins. This class focuses on a variety of Afro-Peruvian dance rhythms and music. No previous experience needed, come join us! Instructor Gabriela Shiroma. All levels are welcome! Classes are taught mainly in Spanish but the instructor is happy to translate […]
US Premiere Show with Merry Ross & Vicki Dello Joio. End the night dancing with the Making Waves Studios community. 2 Women / 2 Mothers Show | 7 PM - 8:30 PM 2 original solo performances by Vicki Dello Joio and Merry Ross. In "It’s About Time", Vicki navigates the challenging end-of-life journey she […]
Brazilian Dance with Tainah Damasceno Brazil is a country that is rich in music and dance. Often what is advertised as Brazilian dance in the United States, is only what has been explored in the North-East and South-East of Brazil. Now you have the opportunity to experience a wider variety of dances encompassing the entirety […]
Sundays, 11:30am – 1:00pm. Cost: Drop-in $35 Adults, all levels. This class includes basic skills, improvisation techniques, choreography, and developing skills to dance in a Batey or community jam. Teenagers with some dance experience welcomed (please email for info). Folks interested in practicing Bomba percussion during the class are welcome (some experience in playing Bomba is […]
Interested in RUMBA and the Afro-Cuban Tradition? We have these 2 music classes back-to-back at La Peña that explore the musicality of Cuban Rumba and more! Note: classes are taught in spanish, but english speakers are welcome to join if you're comfortable with limited translation. CLASE 1: Lunes, 7:00pm – 8:15pm @La Peña LA RUMBA […]
Wapau! 8-Week Fusion Bachata: Lead Shines Welcome and thank you for your interest in Wapau! Lead Shines Class Series!!! March 17th class is Drop-In friendly! Details: 8-Week Bachata Training Team Series All levels, no partner required All gender inclusive 8:00 - 9:30pm La Peña Cultural Center $150 + fees March 17th Drop-In single class: $15 […]
BILINGUAL FAMILY MUSIC CLASSES with Anna-Maria Violich-Olivier For babies, toddlers, and kids to age 6 and their caregivers. Make an impact on your child’s growth…start young with music & second language learning! Click here to try a FREE class! SPRING SCHEDULE: Tuesdays, January 14 - March 15 (No class March 11) 10:15 - 11:00AM […]
Join this fun class with instructor Momo Lebeau!! About Bodywerk Dance Classes: Bodywerk Dance offers a variety of different classes, all taught by award winning instructor, Momo LeBeau. We feature a fusion of Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, jazz and many other dance styles. Bodywerk is a dynamic hip hop dance jam, good for all levels, […]
Founded in 1979 by Chilean refugees and community supporters, La Peña Community Chorus has been performing Latin American New Song — Nueva Canción — for many years. Accompanying themselves on guitars, flutes, drums, and a large assortment of Latin American instruments, the Chorus has sung for schools, churches, homeless shelters, retirement homes, drug rehab centers, […]
La Peña Cultural Center is teaming up with The New Parkway for Karma Cinema Wednesdays this March! Join us every Wednesday in March 2025 for Karma Cinema Wednesdays at The New Parkway Theater in Oakland! This special collaboration between La Peña Cultural Center and The New Parkway allows you to enjoy a film while directly […]
Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm In person at La Peña Cultural Center **FREE Community Class on the last Wednesday of every month!** Come experience the spirit, music, and movement of Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola! We begin our class with one hour of […]
Join us for a night of laughter and vibes at Laughs W/ Benefits: Comedy for a Cause - We are raising funds to support refugees from Myanmar! Welcome to Laughs W/ Benefits: Comedy for a Cause! Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter at La Peña Cultural Center. Join us for a hilarious evening filled with talented […]
Avotcja Presents: A benefit concert for La Peña's 50th Anniversary Campaign. All proceeds will support future free events at La Peña. Join us for a night of music, poetry, and community as we honor the artistic brilliance of our ancestors. Avotcja brings together some of the Bay Area’s most powerful artists for a special benefit […]
Saturdays, 10:30am – 11:30 am |March 2024 In person at La Peña Cultural Center. $20 drop-ins. This class focuses on a variety of Afro-Peruvian dance rhythms and music. No previous experience needed, come join us! Instructor Gabriela Shiroma. All levels are welcome! Classes are taught mainly in Spanish but the instructor is happy to translate […]
Verónica Moscoso tells a story inspired by an Amazonian legend. An all-ages event with live drumming and activities. Join us for a special afternoon celebrating the launch of El Delfín Mágico de la Amazonía (The Magical Dolphin of the Amazon), a bilingual storybook for all ages. This free event is packed with fun for the […]
Brazilian Dance with Tainah Damasceno Brazil is a country that is rich in music and dance. Often what is advertised as Brazilian dance in the United States, is only what has been explored in the North-East and South-East of Brazil. Now you have the opportunity to experience a wider variety of dances encompassing the entirety […]
Sundays, 11:30am – 1:00pm. Cost: Drop-in $35 Adults, all levels. This class includes basic skills, improvisation techniques, choreography, and developing skills to dance in a Batey or community jam. Teenagers with some dance experience welcomed (please email for info). Folks interested in practicing Bomba percussion during the class are welcome (some experience in playing Bomba is […]
MARCH 31st CLASS IS CANCELED! Rumba class will resume next Monday, April 1st! For more information, contact Einar directly at einarleliebremusica@gmail.com | 510-325-2540. Interested in RUMBA and the Afro-Cuban Tradition? We have these 2 music classes back-to-back at La Peña that explore the musicality of Cuban Rumba and more! Note: classes are taught in […]
Wapau! 8-Week Fusion Bachata: Lead Shines Welcome and thank you for your interest in Wapau! Lead Shines Class Series!!! March 17th class is Drop-In friendly! Details: 8-Week Bachata Training Team Series All levels, no partner required All gender inclusive 8:00 - 9:30pm La Peña Cultural Center $150 + fees March 17th Drop-In single class: $15 […]
Join this fun class with instructor Momo Lebeau!! About Bodywerk Dance Classes: Bodywerk Dance offers a variety of different classes, all taught by award winning instructor, Momo LeBeau. We feature a fusion of Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, jazz and many other dance styles. Bodywerk is a dynamic hip hop dance jam, good for all levels, […]
Founded in 1979 by Chilean refugees and community supporters, La Peña Community Chorus has been performing Latin American New Song — Nueva Canción — for many years. Accompanying themselves on guitars, flutes, drums, and a large assortment of Latin American instruments, the Chorus has sung for schools, churches, homeless shelters, retirement homes, drug rehab centers, […]
Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm In person at La Peña Cultural Center **FREE Community Class on the last Wednesday of every month!** Come experience the spirit, music, and movement of Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola! We begin our class with one hour of […]
Join us for a FREE hour of song, hope, and community joy! Because we need it more than ever. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Event organized by Aya de León Aya de León is the Poet Laureate of the City of Berkeley, a creative writing teacher at UC Berkeley, and the Director of […]
We're grateful and excited to be offering these Immigration Rights Workshop for Allies: “Become an Immigration Rights Ambassador” FREE. In English. At La Peña Cultural Center. Due to the success of the last workshops and ongoing community need, we've scheduled additional sessions. This workshop will cover how ICE operates, how they collect information, and what […]
Brazilian Dance with Tainah Damasceno Brazil is a country that is rich in music and dance. Often what is advertised as Brazilian dance in the United States, is only what has been explored in the North-East and South-East of Brazil. Now you have the opportunity to experience a wider variety of dances encompassing the entirety […]
Sundays, 11:30am – 1:00pm. Cost: Drop-in $35 Adults, all levels. This class includes basic skills, improvisation techniques, choreography, and developing skills to dance in a Batey or community jam. Teenagers with some dance experience welcomed (please email for info). Folks interested in practicing Bomba percussion during the class are welcome (some experience in playing Bomba is […]