Film Noir Classics and Legendary Soul: What's On in Oakland Today

Film Noir and Funk Legends Headline Sunday in the Town

Oakland is buzzing this Sunday, January 25, 2026, with a diverse lineup of cultural events ranging from cinematic deep dives to legendary local music residencies. Whether you are looking to hunt for vintage treasures or enjoy a world-class jazz club atmosphere, today offers something for every resident and visitor looking to experience the heart of the city.

Noir City 23 at the Grand Lake Theatre

Film enthusiasts are flocking to the historic Grand Lake Theatre today for the highly anticipated Noir City 23 festival. This celebration of classic film noir features two distinct sessions. A matinee performance begins at 1:00 PM, followed by an evening screening at 6:00 PM. Known for its atmospheric screenings and curated selection of hard-boiled classics, this event remains a staple for the local arts community and a must-visit for cinema history buffs.

Tower of Power Residency at Yoshi’s

In the heart of Jack London Square, the legendary soul and funk band Tower of Power continues its celebrated residency at Yoshi’s Oakland. Today's performance kicks off at 7:00 PM. This residency marks a powerful homecoming for the horn-heavy icons, offering fans an intimate experience in one of the world's premier jazz venues. As one of the most iconic acts to emerge from the local scene, their performance today is expected to be a high-energy highlights for the weekend.

Community Markets and the White Elephant Sale

For those who prefer a morning of shopping and local flavor, the Sunday market scene is in full swing across several neighborhoods:

• White Elephant Sale Preview: Today marks the exclusive Preview Day for the 2026 White Elephant Sale. Located in its massive 90,000-square-foot warehouse, the event runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is a prime opportunity to scout high-quality second-hand goods and collectibles before the general sale begins next month.
• Jack London Square Farmers Market: Operating from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, this waterfront staple features local produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods along the estuary.
• Montclair Village & Temescal Markets: Both neighborhood markets are open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, providing fresh seasonal produce and a space for community meetups.

Art and Family Fun

The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM today. A highlight for visitors is the "Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain" exhibition, which explores themes of community and resilience. Families can also head to Children’s Fairyland for general admission beginning at 10:30 AM, or catch the "Cute Cats & Kids Karaoke" fundraiser at The New Parkway Theater starting at noon. Finally, tonight is the closing night for the "Glowfari" lights festival at the Oakland Zoo, running from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.