January 24 enjoy a historic day of joy, art, and community at the Opening Festival at The Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts
9:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Outdoor & Arena | FREE for All Ages
Our morning festival is a love letter to Oakland’s vibrant arts scene. We’ve gathered the city’s most iconic performers for a morning of family-friendly wonder, cultural heritage, and local pride.
9:45 AM – Grand Ribbon Cutting: Help us count down to the official opening! Join us for a celebratory ceremony potentially featuring the whimsical puppets from Children’s Fairyland and local dignitaries as we march together into the arena.
Pastries & Provisions: Enjoy warm cocoa, coffee, and fresh morning treats provided by Chef Tony.
Live Performances & Experiences:
Prescott Circus Theatre: High-flying joy meets youth empowerment as student performers showcase their incredible skills in stilt-walking and circus arts.
Maikaze Daiko: Feel the heartbeat of the building with thundering Taiko drumming and a traditional Lion Dance, a performance rooted in precision, power, and Japanese-American heritage.
Turf Feinz: Witness the “storytelling through movement” that defines Oakland. The legendary Turf Feinz crew brings their world-famous, fluid dance style to the stage for a high-energy showcase.
The Puppet Company / Fairyland: Master puppeteer Randal Metz presents “Fantasy on String,” bringing classic tales to life with beautifully crafted marionettes that will enchant children and adults alike.
Oakland School of the Arts: Catch a glimpse of the next generation of superstars as students from OSA bring their diverse musical and theatrical talents to the festival.
Historical Building Tours: Step back in time to 1914. Architectural expert Scooter and the Oakland Heritage Alliance lead guided tours exploring the “Beaux-Arts” beauty and hidden stories of this landmark.
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the activity organizer or venue as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
