Centennial Cinema Celebrations and Blues Legends: What's On in Oakland Today

Grand Lake Theater’s 100th Anniversary Celebration

Today marks a historic milestone for one of Oakland’s most iconic landmarks. The Grand Lake Theater is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a special day of free movie screenings. This vintage movie palace, which first opened its doors in 1926, invites the community to step back in time with a selection of legendary classics. Showings include The Wizard of Oz, Singin' in the Rain, Fantasia, and the original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Entry is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is highly recommended to secure a seat in this beautifully preserved architectural gem.

Live Music: Blues and Indie Rock

For music lovers, Oakland’s venues are packed with diverse talent tonight. At Yoshi’s in Jack London Square, blues-rock legend Walter Trout takes the stage at 7:30 pm. Known for his soulful guitar work and powerful performances, Trout remains a definitive voice in the blues world. Meanwhile, for those seeking something more underground, Meat Cube is performing at Thee Stork Club. This high-energy show starts at 8:00 pm, offering a grittier, indie alternative for mid-week concertgoers.

Cinema and Community at The New Parkway

The New Parkway Theater continues its tradition of eclectic Wednesday programming. Film buffs can catch the 2026 Oscar Nominated Short Films, with the Animation block starting at 7:30 pm followed by Live Action at 9:05 pm. If you prefer a more interactive evening, the mezzanine hosts two free community events: Drinking & Dragons at 7:00 pm for tabletop gaming enthusiasts, and Drink and Draw at 7:30 pm for local artists and hobbyists to sketch in a social setting.

Exhibitions and Creative Workshops

Art enthusiasts can visit the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) for the special feature Remembering Artist Hung Liu, highlighting the legacy of the renowned Oakland-based contemporary artist. Additionally, at the Rockridge Branch Library, the Art of the African Diaspora exhibition is on display, celebrating the vision of local Black artists. For those interested in technology, Ace Makerspace is hosting a Free 3D Printing Night + Certification from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This hands-on workshop is perfect for residents looking to troubleshoot projects or get certified on makerspace equipment.

Volunteer for the Town

If you're looking to give back, the Dimond District Weekly Cleanup meets today at 2055 MacArthur Blvd. Equipment is provided for volunteers to help keep the neighborhood vibrant. Similarly, the Friends of Sausal Creek are hosting a session at their Native Plant Nursery, where community members can assist with seeding and propagating thousands of native plants essential for local restoration projects.