Dave & Buster's Oakland Launches Flag Hunt for VIP Access and Prizes

Community members can find hidden flags around the city to win exclusive early access and gift cards ahead of the new location's grand opening.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:54pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged shapes in red and white, conceptually representing the idea of a scavenger hunt for hidden flags.Dave & Buster's invites the Oakland community to embark on a high-stakes scavenger hunt for hidden flags and exclusive rewards ahead of the new location's grand opening.Oakland Today

Dave & Buster's is kicking off the opening of its newest location in Oakland's Jack London Square with a city-wide scavenger hunt. Five lucky winners who find the brand's hidden flags around Oakland will receive a $100 gift card and an invitation to the VIP Preview Party before the new entertainment and dining destination opens to the public.

Why it matters

The flag hunt is Dave & Buster's way of engaging the local community and generating excitement for the grand opening of its latest venue, which will offer an extensive menu, full-service bar, and over 100 arcade games under one roof. By incentivizing participation with exclusive rewards, the brand aims to build anticipation and goodwill ahead of welcoming its first Oakland customers.

The details

From April 21-25, Dave & Buster's will release two clues per day on its website to hint at the locations of five hidden flags around Oakland. Each day, one winner who finds a flag will receive a $100 gift card and an invitation to the brand's exclusive VIP event for themselves and five guests. This private celebration will offer a sneak peek at the new Oakland location before it opens to the public.

  • The flag hunt will run from Tuesday, April 21 through Saturday, April 25.
  • Two clues per day will be released on the Dave & Buster's website to guide participants to the hidden flags.

The players

Dave & Buster's

An entertainment, restaurant, and sports-watching destination with over 100 arcade games, a chef-crafted menu, and a full-service bar at its newest location in Oakland's Jack London Square.

Gilford Sumlin

The general manager of the new Dave & Buster's Oakland location.

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What they’re saying

“We are beyond excited to finally open our doors in Oakland, and we knew from day one that we wanted to celebrate this milestone by giving back to the community.”

— Gilford Sumlin, General Manager

“The 'Find the Flag' scavenger hunt is our way of inviting everyone into the action. It's about more than just a grand opening; it's about getting people together for some high-stakes fun and giving our neighbors a first look at the incredible food, gaming, and energy we're bringing to the city.”

— Gilford Sumlin, General Manager

What’s next

The new Dave & Buster's location in Oakland's Jack London Square is scheduled to open to the public following the VIP Preview Party.

The takeaway

Dave & Buster's is engaging the local Oakland community ahead of its grand opening by incentivizing participation in a city-wide scavenger hunt, offering exclusive rewards like VIP access and gift cards to build anticipation and goodwill for the new entertainment and dining destination.