Hiero Day celebrates hip hop culture in Oakland

OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - Musicians, artists, and food vendors took over the streets near Jack London Square on Monday for the Hiero Day Music Festival in Oakland.

The festival began as a vision by Oakland’s own hip hop music group, Hieroglyphics Crew, and has since taken over 3rd Street and MLK for the past seven years.

The grassroots event had more space than ever to accommodate more than 20 food trucks, 80 vendors, and over 50 acts on three stages. Headliners included Black Thought from The Roots and Talib Kweli.

“It’s our way to give back to our fans and the city of Oakland who birthed us I guess, the bay area as a whole, and celebrate hip hop at the same time,” Domino, of Hieroglyphics, said.

The music festival also featured a designated space for children to play. The event was once free, but tickets now cost $19.93 online and $40 at the door, and it shows no signs of slowing down.