What to know about Alysa Liu’s celebration in Oakland

The city of Oakland is hosting a celebration at Frank Ogawa Plaza in honor of local figure skater Alysa Liu, who recently won a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Liu, a 20-year-old from Oakland and a current student at UCLA, made history by becoming the first U.S. woman in two decades to secure an individual medal for singles figure skating and the first in 24 years to capture a gold medal. She is also part of the victorious U.S. figure skating team.

The celebration is set to take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. and will feature Liu speaking to attendees. Food and beverages will be available from various vendors, including food trucks, nonalcoholic drink vendors, and water stations. Visit Oakland, the city of Oakland, Mayor Barbara Lee’s office, along with sponsors such as Invisalign and PG&E, are organizing the event.

This rally is a substitute for a parade at Liu’s request, as she wanted the celebration to highlight Oakland’s vibrant community and local artists. The event is free, but registration is required, with a limit of two tickets per person. Doors open at 9 a.m., and given the anticipated large crowd, attendees are encouraged to use public transportation.

In addition to the celebration, a mural honoring Liu’s achievements has been created by the Illuminaries, a local street art group, located at the corner of 43rd Street and Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. This mural serves as a permanent tribute to Liu’s accomplishments and her contribution to the community.

The celebration is a significant event for Oakland and the Bay Area to show their support and pride for Alysa Liu, a talented athlete and a remarkable individual who has made history with her achievements in figure skating. Don’t miss the chance to join in celebrating this local hero and her extraordinary accomplishments.