Our Summer 2026 cohort will focus on intermediate-level event planning and production. This summer, we are offering five (5) internship opportunities to emerging nightlife workers. This team will work together to produce our 2026 Oakland Pride event on Friday, August 14th, 2026. Each intership is for a specific role, which will be paired with an Oaklash team member for support and mentorship. This cohort will meet weekly with our program facilitators and be supported through the Oaklash process of planning and executing a large-scale event. Cohort members will also be supported with exploring their own event production endeavors, including networking and skill building.​​

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The internship roles available include:

• Curation & Event Hosting

• A/V, Event Tech, & DJing

• Promotion & Marketing

• Event Design & Stage Management

• Community Partnerships & Vendor Coordination

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Consisting of 5 work sessions (3 in person and 3 virtual), a public workshop, and a final event, this O-SNAP! curriculum is designed for queer and trans community members with some experience producing events. O-SNAP! seeks to support creativity to build fully realized programming that benefits all queer and trans persons seeking community in the cultural hub of the SF Bay Area.  
 

Selected participants will receive a $500 stipend, hands-on coaching, networking opportunities, and space to learn practical skills to be a more proficient event producer. Applicants will be selected through an intentional process informed by Oaklash’s curatorial values of equity, diversity, and quality.

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APPLICATION TIMELINE:​

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• Thu 6/5 - Applications Open [Click Here] 

• Thu 6/18 - Applications Close, Phone Interviews begin

• Mon 6/22 -  Applicants Notification Begins

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PROGRAM TIMELINE:

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• Wed 7/8, 6pm-8pm - Meeting #1 (In person)

• Wed 7/15, 6pm-8pm - Meeting #2 (Virtual)

• Wed 7/22, 6pm-9pm - Meeting #3 (Public Workshop (In-Person)

• Wed 7/29, 6pm-8pm  - Meeting #4 (In person)

• Wed 8/5, 6pm-8pm - Meeting #5 (Virtual)

• Wed 8/12, 6pm-8pm - Meeting #6 (In person)

• Fri 8/14 3pm-11pm - FINAL EVENT

• Debrief to be scheduled upon availability

 

ELIGIBILITY:

 

Successful applicants will:

• Have some experience working in their selected internship role, and an interest in advancing their skills

• A learner’s spirit, with the capacity to offer and receive feedback with mentors and fellow interns​

• Be interested in collaborating with a team to bring a shared vision to life

All applicants must:

• Be at least 21 years old

• Live in one of these Bay Area counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma Counties) and be able to travel to Oakland

• Be available for each of the above program dates

• Have access to a laptop or phone with Zoom installed (for virtual meetings)

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

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• Who should apply? 

  • For this round of O-SNAP! we are seeking people who are looking to expand their skills in event production work and are looking for mentorship support to expand their vision. Participants should:

    • Live in the Bay Area and be able to travel to Oakland

    • Have experience with event production - This could mean a few large events, smaller monthly or weekly parties, semi-regular drag or performance shows, underground events, resource fairs, or anything else where you are bringing people together.

    • Be available for all weekly meetings and to support with an event on Friday, August 15th 

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• What event will we be throwing?

  • This team will be putting together our annual Oakland Pride event! We are planning a Friday evening block party-style event.

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• Can I apply for multiple roles?

  • Yes, you are welcome to apply for multiple roles. Please submit a separate application for each role. Application responses should be tailored to the selected role. 

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• What is included in the program?

  • $500 Grant

  • Weekly Check-ins with O-SNAP! Coordinator Charles Hawthorne & Oaklash Executive Director Mama Celeste

  • 1 on 1 mentorship with a member of the Oaklash Board of Directors

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SELECTION PROCESS:​

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• Applicants will be screened for eligibility, then curated by Charles Hawthorne and Mama Celeste based on Oaklash’s curatorial values of equity, diversity, and quality.

• There will be a round of phone screening to evaluate interest and alignment with the O-SNAP! Program and the selected role

• Applicants who also identify as Queer or Trans BIPOC will be prioritized by reserving at least 70% of available spots for applicants who identify as such.

• Applicants will not be notified of rejection until all cohorts spots are confirmed.

 

APPLICATION SUPPORT:​

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• We recognize that applicants for this fund may have challenges completing this application and/or receiving funds. We welcome friends or loved ones to apply on someone else's behalf WITH THEIR PERMISSION.

• If you would like support completing this application from one of our volunteers, please reach out to us at oaklashfestival@gmail.com ​​

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>> APPLY NOW <<

Applications for our Summer 2026 cohort close on June 18th, 2026 at 11:59PM PST

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