Thee Stork Club is a celebrated nightlife venue located in Oakland,
California, in the United States. Originally opening its doors in the late 20th century, the club quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the vibrant Bay Area music and cultural scene. Despite sharing a name with the legendary New York Stork Club, Thee Stork Club is entirely its own entity—a dive-bar-turned-nightclub that appeals to lovers of underground music, eclectic entertainment, and inclusive community spirit.
The club was long synonymous with its original address on Telegraph Avenue, where it became a haven for emerging and established artists alike, fostering a sense of camaraderie and creative expression that drew locals and visitors from across the region. Over the years, Thee Stork Club has undergone several transformations in terms of both management and physical structure. In 2020, after the COVID-19 pandemic forced a temporary closure, the club experienced a period of uncertainty.
However, determined efforts by local musicians, artists, and community members led to its revival. With a new partnership involving the team behind Eli’s Mile High Club and supportive local entrepreneurs, Thee Stork Club reemerged at a new address—2330 Telegraph Avenue—in downtown Oakland. This resurrection not only preserved its legacy but allowed it to expand as a dynamic venue encompassing live music, DJ nights, drag performances, and other diverse programming.
The club’s reputation is rooted in its welcoming ethos, providing a platform for marginalized voices and cultivating an unpretentious, DIY atmosphere. It remains a crucial fixture in the Bay Area, symbolizing resilience and the enduring power of grassroots arts culture. Notable artists who have performed at Thee Stork Club include international acts such as Ty Segall, Thee Oh Sees, and Shannon & the Clams, as well as distinguished local and underground bands like Blatz, Pansy Division, Hunx and His Punx, The Younger Lovers, Nobunny, and the Trashwomen.
The club has also hosted up-and-coming punk, garage, indie, and alternative acts, serving as a launchpad for countless musicians who have gone on to gain national and international recognition.