Oakland’s HJK Center for the Arts Opening Weekend (The Opening Festival)

A Grand Reopening & Community Celebration | January 23rd – 24th, 2026

After years of anticipation, Oakland’s historic “Cathedral of Culture” is officially back! We invite you, your family, and your neighbors to join us for a historic weekend of joy, art, and community. From roller-dancing under the arena lights to world-class performances in the Calvin Simmons Theater, there is something for every generation of Oaklander.

January 23rd: Skate the Town
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | HJK Arena

We are kicking off the celebration by transforming the legendary Arena into the ultimate community roller rink. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, come experience the magic of gliding across the historic arena floor to the sounds of Oakland’s best beats.

Roll with the Legends: Coordinated by the world-renowned Richard Humphrey of the Rollerdance Academy and captured by visionary videographer Beto Lopez (Mooncricket Films).

Dance & Flow: A night dedicated to skating, step-dancing, and line-dancing.

The Soundtrack: A live DJ (to be announced) will be spinning high-energy tracks all night long.

January 24th: The Opening Festival
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: Master puppeteer Randal Metz presents “Mae Lin and the Magic Brush,” bringing classic tales to life with beautifully crafted puppets that will enchant children and adults alike.

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.

Saturday Evening: The Opening Celebration
7:30 PM – 11:00 PM | HJK Arena & Calvin Simmons Theater

As the sun sets, the celebration moves into the elegant Calvin Simmons Theater for an evening of world-class performance and sophisticated storytelling.

7:30 PM – A Welcome to the Stage: A formal introduction and welcome to the newly restored Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts.

7:35 PM – Don Reed (Oakland Voices): Native son, comedian, and award-winning storyteller Don Reed takes the stage. Mining his “East 14th” roots, Don will share a poignant and hilarious tribute to growing up in Oakland and what this building represents for the city’s future.

8:15 PM – Scott Silven’s The Lost Things: Following a brief intermission, prepare for a boundary-pushing theatrical experience. World-renowned illusionist and mentalist Scott Silven invites you into a world of mystery, where memory and magic collide to reveal the power of the things we find along the way.

9:45 PM – Dessert, Music, and Dancing: We close the weekend on a high note with music, dancing, and sweets in the lobby. Let’s toast to the next century of the Henry J. Kaiser Center!