Twice performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on Jan. 17, 2026.
Twice performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on Jan. 17, 2026.
OAKLAND — K-pop group TWICE arrived in the East Bay on Saturday night for the first of two sold-out performances at Oakland Arena on its This is For World Tour. The group, comprised of Jihyo, Dahyun, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Sana, Tzuyu, Momo, Mina and Chaeyoung, unwrapped an impressive set north of two hours.
TWICE
8 p.m., Sun. Jan. 18
Oakland Area, Oakland
Tickets: Sold Out.
There was a palpable buzz as fans found their seats, many with handheld colored light sticks that would illuminate the arena throughout the show. The in-the-round production was expansive; a large square stage int he middle of the room, flanked by catwalks leading to a pair of rectangular stages. Attendees packed every crevice allowed by this unique production. Above, an array of video screens raised and lowered throughout the show. It was the group’s first time in the Bay Area since two shows at Oakland Area in 2023.
The eardrum rattling roar got louder as a dramatic hype video introduced each member of the group one by one. Twice hit the stage with a screen-raise reveal, launching into opening track “THIS IS FOR.” The stage show brought a little bit of everything but didn’t go too far over the top. From dancers to smoke and confetti cannons, there was always happening on stage. “Strategy” was an obvious crowdpleaser, in part its connection to the juggernaut that is “KPop Demon Hunters.” The dancers appeared onstage as Twice members were elevated on raised platforms for “MAKE ME GO.”
The show really hit its stride when the group and the dancers made use of all available real estate, such as on the excellent “I Can’t Stop Me.” During an extended introduction, each member got a roar of approval.
“What’s my name!?” Jihyo shouted to the crowd.
Dahyun spent the majority of the show performing in a chair set at various locations on the stage, after experiencing an injury earlier in the tour.
“I have an ankle injury and I’ll come back as soon as I can,” she said with the assistance of a translator. “Don’t worry about me, OK?”
And yet, she kept up with at the upper body choreography from her seated positions, spending the rest of her time waving to fans.
“This is for Once!” the group would shout throughout the show, referring to Twice’s frenzied fanbase.
“This is of Twice!” fans would shout back. The smattering of fans donning San Francisco 49ers red and gold found much more to cheer about during the concert than the drubbing their team took earlier in the evening.
The group was supported by a band set in a pit set at the front of the stage, while the dancers brought an impressive performance, especially during the dance break leading into “Mars.” Songs like “I GOT YOU” and “Gone” ventured into Kelly Clarkson territory, blending pop with arena rock.
In the show’s third act, each member hit the stage for shortened versions of their own solo-led material. Each song brought a different flavor, from Chaeyoung’s anthemic “SHOOT (Firecracker)” to Jeongyeon’s country-tinged “FIX A DRINK.” Dahyun’s stellar performance of “CHESS” returned to the set after, a brief absence duty that ankle injury. This portion of the show peaked with Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung coming together for another “KPop Demon Hunters” hit, “TAKEDOWN.”
The pop spectacles returned in the next act, with big performances of songs like “What is Love?” “YES or YES” and “Dance the Night Away.” This section of the show was fun because it felt a bit less dependent on choreography, giving the members more of an opportunity to show they respective personalities.
Twice would return to the stage after “One Spark.”
A lengthy but fun fan dance battle video helped to bridge the show with the encore. While the skill of those put on camera varied, it’s worth noting that many fans had the choreography down step for step. The group made its triumphant return to close out the night with “SCIENTIST” before letting the crowd choose the final song based on their cheers. On this night, that distinction would be reserved for “FEEL SPECIAL.”
Twice performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on Jan. 17, 2026.
Follow writer Mike DeWald at mikedewald.bsky.social.
About The Author
Mike DeWald is a Northern California journalist and reporter. Mike has been a Reporter with the Bay Area’s KCBS Radio since 2022, and on staff since 2020. Previously, Mike produced KSRO’s “The Drive with Steve Jaxon” drive-time radio show since 2008, covering news, music, pop culture, politics and more. Mike has contributed to a number of digital music podcasts and publications including the Rock’N Vino Podcast and The Download Parlor. He is an avid live music fan and photographer.
Mike DeWald is a Northern California journalist and reporter. Mike has been a Reporter with the Bay Area’s KCBS Radio since 2022, and on staff since 2020. Previously, Mike produced KSRO’s “The Drive with Steve Jaxon” drive-time radio show since 2008, covering news, music, pop culture, politics and more. Mike has contributed to a number of digital music podcasts and publications including the Rock’N Vino Podcast and The Download Parlor. He is an avid live music fan and photographer.