This week in Oakland: A closing reception for the Black Panther Museum's inaugural exhibit, and an authors series at the library

"We are kicking off 2026 with two events to keep you on the dance floor. If you like to move to the sounds of cumbia and salsa, Eli's and Mad Oak are where you need to be. The Eli's event is a one-off, but you can become a regular at the salsa night at Mad Oak, which takes place three times a month."

"A new "Meet the Author" series at the Oakland Public Library's main branch will launch this Thursday. The series will feature a mix of fiction and non-fiction authors discussing their latest releases. This Thursday, self-published Muslim author Talia Basma will talk about her debut romance release titled "Love Not Required." The story follows Safiyyah, a biracial Muslim woman, as she marries her childhood friend Aayan out of convenience and the emotional journey that follows her decision."

"The second event of the series will feature The Oaklandside's news editor Darwin BondGraham where he will discuss his book with Ali Winston "The Riders Come Out at Night." The book discusses the Oakland Police Department's history of corruption and reform. He will also talk about the current state of local journalism. Thursday, Jan. 8, 6 p.m., free, register online, 125 14th St."

Early-January Oakland events include a one-off cumbia vinyl night and recurring rooftop salsa nights. Three cumbia DJ collectives from Mexico City (Disco Movil Salazar, Sonido Aztlán, and Discoatl Producciones) will play only cumbia on vinyl at Eli's Mile High Club on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 8 p.m.; the event is free at 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Mad Oak hosts salsa nights on the first Sunday, second Saturday, and third Sunday of each month on its rooftop. A new library series at the Oakland Public Library's main branch will feature fiction and nonfiction writers; Talia Basma will discuss her debut romance "Love Not Required" Thursday, Jan. 8, 6 p.m., free; register online at 125 14th St. Event submissions can be emailed to [e-mail] or added via the events page self-submission form.

Read at The Oaklandside