The world's greatest film noir festival returns to Oakland's Grand Lake Theatre January 16–25, 2026, for a 23rd spectacular edition. Eddie Muller, FNF founder and host of TCM's Noir Alley, invites you to "Face the Music" with a selection of 24 films from the classic noir era. Be prepared for plenty of surprises!
NOIR CITY 23 PASSPORTS
FACE THE MUSIC! Join Film Noir Foundation founder and TCM host Eddie Muller at NOIR CITY 23 for a unique program revolving around musicians! The darker side of the musical life is explored in films that range from star-studded classics to lesser-known B films. In addition to great tales of mystery and suspense, the films feature exceptional soundtracks providing a fabulous sampling of mid-twentieth-century classical, pop, and jazz scores.
OUR ORIGINAL PASSPORTS ARE SOLD OUT — BUT WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED!
You can still secure your spot for the festival, EXCLUDING OPENING NIGHT, with our limited edition "Sellout" Passport. For $200 (plus service fee), this special pass grants the bearer entry to all films for nine days, beginning Saturday, January 17 — that's 13 double features at a savings of $20 over individually purchased tickets. Plus you'll have access to a separate passport holders' queue for early admittance to the theater for all shows.
You can buy the Sellout Passport right now, and it will be available for pick up at the Will Call table at the Grand Lake Theater starting 90 minutes before showtime Saturday morning.
NOTE Limit one per customer. Please note that all patrons, including Passport holders, must arrive at least 30 minutes before the listed showtime to be guaranteed a seat.
Proceeds from the NOIR CITY festival help fund the FNF's restoration and preservation efforts year-round.
DIRECTIONS TO THE GRAND LAKE THEATRE
The Grand Lake Theatre is located at 3200 Grand Avenue and Lake Park Avenue in the Grand Lake neighborhood of Oakland, California.
FROM SAN FRANCISCO, BERKELEY, CONTRA COSTA AREAS
DRIVING
Take Hwy 580 East. Exit at Grand Avenue in Oakland. Turn Left onto Grand Avenue. The theater is one block off the 580 freeway.
BART + BUS
From the 19th St. BART Station (Broadway and 20th St., AC Transit stop #57111): the AC Transit bus #12 runs alongside Lake Merritt and drops off by the Grand Lake Theatre at Lakepark & Grand Avenue.
Returning to BART, the #12 bustop lies directly across the street from the theater (Grand Ave and Santa Clara, AC Transit stop #57077). Real times updates are available by calling 511 and providing the AC Transit stop number.
From MacArthur BART Station (40th St. and MacArthur Blvd): take the AC Transit bus #57 to MacArthur Blvd & Grand Avenue, two blocks from the theater.
Returning to MacArthur BART, take the #57 Emeryville at Lake Park and Grand Avenue, AC Transit stop #54443.
→ View the AC Transit Trip Planner
BUS - TRANSBAY TERMINAL
From SF Transbay Terminal: take the NL bus. Get off at Macarthur Blvd & Lake Shore Ave and walk two blocks to the Grand Lake Theatre.
When returning, the last two NL buses leave Lake Park Ave. and Lakeshore Ave. at 11:21 pm and 11:51 pm Monday through Friday, and 11:24 pm and 11:54 pm Saturday and Sunday.
→ View the AC Transit Trip Planner
FROM HAYWARD, PLEASANTON, FREMONT AREAS
DRIVING
Take Hwy 580 West. Exit at Lakeshore Avenue in Oakland. Go straight onto Lakepark Avenue. The Grand Lake is two blocks away on the right hand side.
BART
Take Richmond BART to 19th Street Station. Transfer to AC Transit bus #12, to Lakepark & Grand Avenue.
PARKING
The City of Oakland parking lot, located under the 580 freeway, has free spaces after 6pm Monday - Friday and all day Saturdays and Sundays. Permit parking is in force Monday through Friday until 6pm. Paid kiosk parking is in force Monday - Saturday until 6pm. Please read signs carefully and park accordingly.
Free spaces can be located in the neighborhood surrounding the theater. There is metered street parking and parking lots around the theater. Kiosk metered parking is enforced from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday - Saturday (check parking kiosks for details). The current rate is $2.00 per hour. In the evening metered spaces are free after kiosk metering ends at 6pm.
2026 NOIR CITY ACCOMMODATIONS
Oakland Marriott City Center
If you're an out-of-towner looking for lodging in Oakland, the Film Noir Foundation recommends the Oakland Marriott City Center for NOIR CITY 23 festival guests. Located at 1001 Broadway in downtown Oakland, the hotel is 2.1 miles from the Grand Lake Theatre.
For additional information, you may contact the hotel at 510/451-4000.
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