I've been selling real estate in Oakland Park since 2003, and I still get a kick out of a busy September here. Between a new park opening downtown, a wave of new business grants, and a lineup of community events, this city keeps proving why so many buyers end up choosing it over the bigger names next door.

Here's a roundup of what's happening in Oakland Park this month, pulled straight from the city's own business and community updates.

What's New in Downtown Oakland Park?

Downtown Oakland Park opened a brand new public park at the end of August. Greenleaf Park sits at 1300 Park Lane East and includes a full basketball court, tennis and pickleball courts, a playground, and a shaded pavilion. The city didn't spend a dime of taxpayer money on it. The park came out of a public-private partnership with Horizon Oakland Park LLC, a joint venture between Falcone Group and Kaufman Lynn Construction, tied to the Horizon of Oakland Park redevelopment.

That project is part of why Oakland Park picked up the 2026 Economic Advancement Award for its public-private partnerships. If you've driven through downtown lately, you've seen the cranes. This is what they're building toward.

Why Is Oakland Park Getting Attention Right Now?

CBS Miami ran a segment this month spotlighting the city's SKY Building Job Creation Incentive Program. The story featured MADabolic Oakland Park, one of the first businesses to lease space in the new SKY Building downtown, and how the incentive is helping new businesses get off the ground.

The program reimburses eligible businesses at the SKY Building based on verified payroll for new full-time jobs, up to $40,000 for culinary tenants and $32,000 for everyone else, with higher amounts available for businesses leasing multiple spaces. It's one of three incentive programs the city currently runs. The others include the CRA Business Incentive Program, which offers up to $35,000 in reimbursement-based funding for businesses inside the Community Redevelopment Area, and the Qualified Census Tract program, a dollar-for-dollar matching grant up to $20,000 for exterior improvements along the Oakland Park Boulevard corridor west of I-95.

If you own a business here, or you're thinking about opening one, it's worth a call to the CRA and Economic Development Department at (954) 630-4390.

Where Should You Eat in Oakland Park This Month?

Oakland Park is part of Dine Out Lauderdale 2026, a Visit Lauderdale promotion running through September 30. Five local spots are participating this year:

• Camille's
• Rebel Wine Bar
• Red Sea Eritrean & Ethiopian Cuisine
• Bondi Sushi
• Mai-Kai Restaurant

Each one has its own special offer for the promotion, so it's a good excuse to try somewhere new before the month is out.

Also worth a visit: The Wander Shop on NE 12th Avenue just celebrated 11 years in business. What started as a pop-up in 2015 has grown into one of the neighborhoods more recognizable local shops. Congratulations to owner Marisa Folz on over a decade of building something out of downtown Oakland Park.

What Events Are Happening in Oakland Park This September?

National Good Neighbor Day lands on September 12, citywide, from 8 AM to 4 PM. It's a free day of volunteer projects, cleanups, and neighborhood activities, with the city's Volunteer Corps coordinating everything from garden cleanups to bake sales.

Oakland Park Latin Fest follows on September 18 at Jaco Pastorius Park, 6 to 10 PM. It's a free event with a live band, dancing, food trucks, and kids activities celebrating Latin American culture. Parking is limited, so the city is offering $5 off Lyft and Uber rides to and from the event that night.

What's Coming Up in October?

A few things worth putting on your calendar early. Oakland Park Oktoberfest runs October 2 through 4 at Jaco Pastorius Park, presented with Funky Buddha Brewery. Hammer & Nails Grooming for Guys is holding its grand opening ribbon cutting on October 8 at its new location on E Oakland Park Blvd. And the next Oakland Park Business Partners Meeting is set for October 13 at 8 AM, a good chance for local business owners to connect and hear what's coming next from the CRA.

Why This Matters If You're Thinking About Living Here

I show buyers around Oakland Park every week, and the question I get most is some version of "what's actually happening in this area." Months like this one are the answer. A new downtown park built without public money. National coverage of local businesses getting real financial support to grow. Free community events that actually draw a crowd. That's not marketing copy, that's just what's going on here right now.

If you're curious about homes in Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, or Fort Lauderdale, I'm happy to walk you through what's available and what a neighborhood like this can mean for your day to day life.

Explore South Florida Homes or Get in Touch to start the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What new park opened in Oakland Park this year? Greenleaf Park opened August 27, 2026, at 1300 Park Lane East in downtown Oakland Park. It includes a basketball court, tennis and pickleball courts, a playground, and a shaded pavilion, built through a public-private partnership at no cost to taxpayers.

What business incentive programs does Oakland Park offer? The city runs three programs: the CRA Business Incentive Program (up to $35,000 in reimbursement funding), the Qualified Census Tract program (dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $20,000 for exterior improvements), and the SKY Building Job Creation Incentive Program (payroll reimbursement up to $40,000 for new jobs at the SKY Building).

What restaurants in Oakland Park are part of Dine Out Lauderdale 2026? Camille's, Rebel Wine Bar, Red Sea Eritrean & Ethiopian Cuisine, Bondi Sushi, and Mai-Kai Restaurant are all participating through September 30, 2026.

Is Oakland Park a good place to buy a home right now? Oakland Park continues to see real investment downtown, from new parks and redevelopment projects to city-backed grants that are bringing new businesses into the area. For buyers who want to be close to Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors without paying Fort Lauderdale prices, it's worth a serious look.