Oakland's Grand Lake Theater Celebrates 100 Years with Free Movie Showings

The historic theater will offer free screenings of classic films to mark its centennial anniversary.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Grand Lake Theater in Oakland, California is celebrating its 100th anniversary this week. To mark the occasion, the theater will be offering free movie screenings on Wednesday, March 4th, including classic films like "Singing in the Rain," "The Wizard of Oz," and the original "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and "Fantasia." The theater, which first opened its doors in 1926, is considered a beloved community landmark and one of the most iconic movie theaters in the country.

Why it matters

The Grand Lake Theater is a rare surviving example of the "Golden Age of movie palaces" and has remained an important cultural institution in Oakland for the past century. Its continued operation and community involvement highlights the enduring appeal of independent, historic theaters in an era dominated by large multiplex chains.

The details

The Grand Lake Theater has been operated by Allen Michaan since 1980, who originally leased the theater and later purchased it about six years ago. Michaan is proud to be the caretaker of this historic building, which features the original gold fixtures, stage, and sparkling curtain from the former Fox Theatre in San Francisco. Despite its vintage aesthetic, the theater has kept up with modern audio and visual technology to provide a high-quality moviegoing experience.

  • The Grand Lake Theater first opened its doors 100 years ago on March 6, 1926.
  • The theater will be offering free movie screenings on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 to celebrate its centennial.

The players

Grand Lake Theater

A historic movie theater in Oakland, California that first opened in 1926 and is considered one of the most iconic theaters in the country.

Allen Michaan

The current operator of the Grand Lake Theater, who has run the theater since 1980 and purchased it outright about six years ago.

Mathew Woessner

A local resident who lives just two blocks from the Grand Lake Theater and tries to visit the theater every Tuesday when tickets are discounted.

Ryan Coogler

An Oakland-born filmmaker who held a private screening of his movie "Sinners" at the Grand Lake Theater in 2025, followed by a Q&A session.

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What they’re saying

“I'm happy that a place like this exists in Oakland. It is a beautiful icon and relic of the past.”

— Mathew Woessner (CBS News)

“The Grand Lake is really a spectacular survivor of the Golden Age of movie palaces, and I'm very proud to be caretaker of this building all these years.”

— Allen Michaan, Theater Operator (CBS News)

“This theatre really is beloved by the community. We do a lot of community events here; we do film premieres. It is a favorite theater of a lot of directors.”

— Allen Michaan, Theater Operator (CBS News)

What’s next

The Grand Lake Theater will offer tours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday following the centennial celebration to continue commemorating the theater's history.

The takeaway

The Grand Lake Theater's 100-year milestone is a testament to the enduring appeal of independent, historic movie theaters that serve as community hubs and cultural landmarks. Its survival in the face of changing entertainment trends highlights the value that such venues provide to local residents and film enthusiasts alike.