Oakland Celebrates Landmark Theater's 100th Anniversary

Free classic film screenings, tours, and more events mark the Grand Lake Theater's centennial milestone.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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This week, Oakland is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the iconic Grand Lake Theater with a series of free classic film screenings and tours. The community is also honoring International Women's Day along Piedmont Avenue, and music critic Greil Marcus will discuss his influential book 'Mystery Train' with actor Daveed Diggs. Additionally, the Oakland 68s fan group is hosting their annual Fans Fest in Fruitvale, and the virtual band Gorillaz is set to perform at the Oakland Arena.

Why it matters

The Grand Lake Theater has been a beloved landmark in Oakland for a century, serving as a hub for the community and a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. The anniversary celebrations highlight the enduring appeal of classic cinema and the importance of supporting local businesses, especially women-owned enterprises. These events also showcase Oakland's vibrant arts and entertainment scene, drawing visitors and fostering a sense of civic pride.

The details

The Grand Lake Theater is kicking off its 100th birthday with free screenings of classic films like 'The Wizard of Oz,' 'Singing in the Rain,' 'Fantasia,' and 'Snow White.' The theater will also offer tours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Piedmont Ave Merchant Association is celebrating International Women's Day by inviting locals to check out all the women-owned businesses along the commercial strip, with discounts and special events. Music critic Greil Marcus will be in conversation with Oakland actor Daveed Diggs about Marcus' influential book 'Mystery Train.' The Oakland 68s fan group is hosting their annual Fans Fest in Fruitvale, featuring food, music, and appearances by beloved local athletes. Finally, the virtual band Gorillaz is set to perform at the Oakland Arena in October.

  • The Grand Lake Theater's free classic film screenings will take place on Wednesday, March 4.
  • The Grand Lake Theater's tours will be offered on Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 8.
  • The Piedmont Ave Merchant Association's International Women's Day celebration will take place on Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8.
  • The artist's reception for Howard Harawitz's photography exhibition will be on Saturday, March 7, from 1 to 5 p.m.
  • The conversation between Greil Marcus and Daveed Diggs will take place on Saturday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m.
  • The Oakland 68s Fans Fest will be held on Sunday, March 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Tickets for Gorillaz's Oakland Arena show will go on sale on Friday, March 6, with a presale starting on Thursday, March 5, at 10 a.m. Eastern. The concert is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at 7 p.m.

The players

Grand Lake Theater

An iconic movie theater in Oakland that is celebrating its 100th anniversary this week with free classic film screenings and tours.

Piedmont Ave Merchant Association

A local organization that is hosting a weekend-long celebration of women-owned businesses along Piedmont Avenue in honor of International Women's Day.

Greil Marcus

A renowned music critic and cultural historian who is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his influential book 'Mystery Train.'

Daveed Diggs

An Oakland-based Tony and Grammy-award winning actor, writer, and producer, best known for his roles in the musical 'Hamilton' and the film 'Blindspotting.'

Oakland 68s

A definitive Oakland sports fan group that is hosting their annual Fans Fest event in Fruitvale.

Gorillaz

A virtual band led by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, known for their 2005 album 'Demon Days' and their upcoming tour to promote their new album 'The Mountain.'

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Tickets for Gorillaz's Oakland Arena show will go on sale on Friday, March 6, with a presale starting on Thursday, March 5, at 10 a.m. Eastern.

The takeaway

This week's events in Oakland showcase the city's rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and strong community spirit. From the centennial celebration of the iconic Grand Lake Theater to the support for women-owned businesses and the fan-driven Fans Fest, these activities highlight Oakland's enduring appeal as a hub for diverse experiences and civic engagement.