Oakland's landmark Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts reopens this weekend with a free festival and ticketed shows, returning a major stage to the city after years dark.

David Sedaris will perform at Berkeley Rep, reading unpublished essays from his upcoming collection "THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE." The shows run from January 3-11, with different content nightly, a Q&A, and a book signing.

Jimmy Smits and Wanda De Jesús will headline Berkeley Rep’s reimagined All My Sons, running Feb. 20–Mar. 29, 2026.

The East Bay's Bruns Amphitheater is set to reopen as Siesta Valley Bowl in April 2026, under a 15-year lease with EBMUD, featuring arts, ecology, and a capacity of up to 750 guests.

A Ghost Ship survivor debuts a new symphony next Saturday in Oakland. The project pairs remembrance with artist grants and a new Bay Area artist census.

Kuku Studios debuts "In Your Dreams" on Netflix, with actor Simu Liu voicing a character and contributing to an original song, reflecting on dreams and family.

A historic Oakland mural depicting Ohlone Native Americans is under threat of being painted over due to complaints about its nudity, sparking local debate on its cultural and educational value.

The Berkeley Repertory Theatre partners with Oakland Airport, offering co-marketing and special ticket deals to travelers, enriching the local cultural experience.

"Freaky Tales," an anthology film set in 1987 Oakland, had its premiere at the Grand Lake Theatre, with stars like Pedro Pascal in attendance and posthumous recognition of local Angus Cloud.

BART collaborates with The Unity Council to unveil new murals at Fruitvale Station, coinciding with the Día de los Muertos Festival in Oakland, a culturally rich event featuring music and altars.

Two Bay Area hotels, The Claremont Club & Spa and the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, have been listed among America's most haunted, with reported ghost sightings and paranormal tours.

California Shakespeare Theater, known as Cal Shakes, is set to close due to financial difficulties, marking a significant loss for the Bay Area arts community.

The East Bay Regional Park District released a digital photo collection featuring staff from 1965-1981, celebrating the District's 90th Anniversary and showcasing historical workforce diversity.