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Ease into the cozy, after-hours atmosphere of ThursDates at OMCA as Gold Beams—in partnership with The Black Neighborhood, Regulars Only, and Timothy B.—hosts Game Night. Known for cultivating warm, welcoming environments for Black creatives and the broader community, Gold Beams brings their signature mix-and-mingle approach to the Museum. Sip drinks and enjoy bites from Town Fare as OMCA takes on a softer nighttime glow.

Step into a relaxed ThursDates evening where creativity, conversation, and community unfold throughout the Museum. Settle in for a unique in-gallery photography workshop led by director, photographer, and editor Walter Wallace, Executive Director of the Black Film Guild. Designed for photographers of all levels, the experience blends hands-on instruction* with guided exploration of OMCA’s photography collection—led by Gallery Chats Facilitator Avril Angevine—before closing with a playful photo scavenger hunt that invites collaboration and fresh perspective.

The Black Church has long been a cornerstone of Black culture, shaping movements, inspiring iconic music and art, and carrying forward enduring traditions. OMCA is honored to welcome guests to join the creators of the Black Joy Parade for a thoughtful exploration of how the Black Church has served as both a space of resistance and celebration, and why the presence of the Black Joy Choir remains central to the parade’s spirit. The afternoon opens with a soul-stirring performance by the acclaimed Black Joy Choir, followed by a premiere screening of the documentary short Total Praise: The Blueprint Behind the Black Joy Parade.

Settle into ThursDates at OMCA with a signature cocktail in hand as DJ Mark DiVita lays down soulful selections that set the tone for an easygoing night of connection and play. This Thursday, gather in Town Fare for a Black History–themed trivia night, inviting friendly competition, shared knowledge, and lively conversation. Over in the Gallery of California History, Sketchboard Co. is back again to offer visitors uninstructed live figure drawing sessions.