Oakland’s Magic Kitchen

A Series of Family-Friendly Cooking Shows

Back for its third season, Oakland’s Magic Kitchen brings the heart of Oakland’s food scene to Aesop’s Playhouse—live, family-friendly, and full of flavor. And this year’s lineup? It’s bringing the heat! 

Created especially for kids and their grownups, this playful cooking show invites top local chefs to prepare delicious, easy-to-make dishes on stage with some help from everyone’s favorite furry friend, Quercus.

Throughout each show, chefs guide the audience through a step-by-step recipe while Quercus keeps the littlest foodies engaged with fun questions, an ingredient-spotting activity, and plenty of  silly antics. Expect laughter, learning, and lots of creative, delicious, nutritious fare. 

Stirring up fun!

• A live, interactive cooking show at Aesop’s Playhouse
• Kid-friendly dishes made by top Oakland chefs
• Thoughtful conversations around food, culture, and basic cooking skills
• Call-and-response moments and simple movement to keep kids engaged
• Big energy and silly moments with Quercus on stage
• Meet and greet with Chef and Quercus
• Tasty samples for the audience to try
• Take-home recipe cards so you can cook together at home

Bon appétit!, it’s time to meet, greet, and eat!

2025 Chef Lineup:

Saturday, April 26 – Chef/Owner Janice Dulce from FOB Kitchen
Saturday, June 14 – Chef/Owner Nigel Jones, Calabash
Saturday, August 9 – Chef Dottie Moore, Everett & Jones BBQ
Saturday, October 11 – Chef Osvaldo Diaz from Agave Uptown

Included with general admission. Seating is first-come, first-served. 

This magical experience is brought to you by Visit Oakland, the Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation, and Clover Sonoma.