Get Cooking with Oakland’s Top Chefs

Oakland’s Magic Kitchen returns in 2026 with four live, family-friendly cooking shows featuring some of the Bay Area’s most celebrated chefs. Hosted at Aesop’s Playhouse, this interactive series invites kids and their grownups to discover new flavors, learn simple cooking techniques, and connect with Oakland’s vibrant culinary community.

Each chef takes the stage alongside Quercus for a lively, step-by-step demonstration designed just for young audiences. Expect big energy, thoughtful conversations about food and culture, and recipes you can recreate together at home. 

Taste the final product and stay to say “hey” with post-show meet and greets!

All shows are included with General Admission.
Seating is first-come, first-served.

• Saturday, June 20, 2026, 11:30 a.m. Adiam Tsegaye, Mela Bistro

• Saturday, August 1, 2026, 11:30 a.m. Chef Thomas McNaughton, Flour + Water

• Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11:30 a.m., Chef Nelson German, alaMar Dominican Kitchen