Cat Power at the Fox and Figure Drawing Sessions: What’s On Today in Oakland

A Night of Indie Legends and Local Creativity

Welcome to your mid-week guide to the vibrant cultural scene in Oakland. Today, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the city offers a diverse lineup of activities ranging from high-profile concerts at historic venues to intimate community art sessions. Whether you are looking for an emotional musical journey or a way to hone your own artistic skills, Oakland’s calendar is packed with verified events for every taste.

Cat Power: The Greatest 20th Anniversary Tour

The headline event for today is undoubtedly the appearance of indie icon Cat Power at the historic Fox Theater. Chan Marshall is currently on the road celebrating the 20th anniversary of her seminal album, "The Greatest," and tonight she will perform the record in its entirety. Known for her haunting vocals and a unique blend of folk, punk, and blues, this performance promises to be a deeply emotional and atmospheric experience in one of the East Bay’s most stunning architectural landmarks. Doors are scheduled to open at 7:00 PM, with the performance beginning at 8:00 PM. This is a rare opportunity to see a masterpiece of the 2000s indie era reimagined live.

Community Spirit: Figure Drawing at Oakland Grove

For those who prefer to be the ones behind the canvas, the Sketchboard Co. is hosting its weekly Wednesday Figure Drawing session at Oakland Grove. Located on Telegraph Avenue, this all-ages event invites local artists of all skill levels to practice their craft with a live art model. The session runs from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM and provides a welcoming environment for the creative community to gather and share space. Participants are encouraged to bring their own art supplies, though the venue accommodates a variety of mediums including clay and oil paints. It is a perfect way to break up the work week with a bit of quiet focus and artistic expression.

Exhibitions and Nightlife

The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) remains a primary destination for mid-week culture. Today, visitors can explore the "Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain" exhibition. This powerful installation navigates the history of resilience and resistance within Black American communities in the East Bay through a mix of architecture, archival research, and contemporary art commissions. It is a poignant look at how local communities have reimagined belonging in the face of displacement.

As the sun sets, the city’s nightlife shifts into gear with several recurring Wednesday favorites:

• Industry Wednesdays at Sand Bar: Starting at 8:00 PM, this themed event features local DJs and happy hour pricing all night, making it a popular hub for those in the service industry and local music fans alike.
• Oakland’s Finest Trivia: Original Pattern Brewing Company hosts its weekly brain-teasing competition starting at 7:00 PM. It is a great spot to grab a local craft beer and test your general knowledge with friends.
• Jazz Wednesdays: Over at the Continental Club in West Oakland, the mid-week jazz series continues to offer live sets in a historic setting, usually starting at 8:00 PM.