Tickets for Hiero Day (Sept 7th), the mayor commemorated Oakland holiday/outdoor festival, concert, food, and block party, are now on sale. Free in previous years the event has always been reliant on public contributions, while the celebration has understandably grown pricey to produce. In order to avoid overcrowding (approximately 22k people attended in 2014), ensure a safe and controlled environment and to maintain the level of quality event that you expect and deserve, the organizers have come up with the low ticket price of $19.93 (*cough* '93 Til) for a General Admission Ticket. We can all agree this is more than a fair price for the amount of entertainment provided. A $10 'First Served' ticket was offered for early supporters but was quick to sell out. Additional options include a $40 Pit Pass, $200 VIP Tickets, $500 Back Stage Passes and a $2,500 On Stage Pass for those who feel the need to be up close and personal during performances.

Buy Tickets

For those who can't afford the newly instituded $19.93 ticket price, they're offering an essay option. The essay doesn't sound difficult and endorses community involvement; 250-500 words about what you do to better your community.

"Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and submit your 250-500 word essay about what you do to better your community."

Hiero Day is still free for "active youth", allowing many members and employees of any Bay Area non­profit organization to get into Hiero Day for free. That includes Youth UpRising, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, EYODC, Boy Scouts, Girls Club etc. "Active youth" is defined as "youth that are members of a local non­profit organization" and a membership ID will need to be shown for free entry.

Last but not least there's the "Hiero $1,000 Ticket Buy Back". At the end of Hiero Day 2015, members of Hieroglyphics will buy one ticket back from a fan whos ticket number matches the Ticket Buy Back number for $1,000. Wouldn't that be nice?

The official Heiro Day is on September 3rd or 9/3 (another reference to Hiero collective members Souls of Mischief's "'93 Till Infinity"), however the festival is always held on Labor Day, ensuring more fans and family are able to attend. Aside from Hieroglpyhics, no lineup has been announced yet but based on previous years it's safe to assume it won't disapoint.

For more information, visit the official Hiero Day website at www.hieroday.com, and check out the official Hiero Day 2014 recap from General Hydroponics below.