Friday Nights at OMCA presents an evening of rhythm, roots, and movement! Experience the vibrant energy of SambaDá, ready to transform the OMCA Garden with an infectious, high-energy show blending samba, Afro-Brazilian rhythms, funk, cumbia, and reggae. Calling upon deep roots in Brazil and the African diaspora, SambaDá brings 25 years of joyful, Carnival-inspired performance to the stage—guaranteed to get you and your crew dancing!

Jump into a beginner-friendly house dance lesson with Terrence Paschal. Rooted in street styles, this Bay Area dancer will guide guests through grooves and foundational steps in a welcoming, upbeat session focused on self-expression and fun.

Then let Gomorrah Dawn turn up the vibe with a genre-blurring DJ set of soulful house, deep house, disco, and R&B remixes. Known for her bold, ancestral, and high-spirited sound, her sets are pure movement magic—fresh, nostalgic, and totally danceable.

Friday Nights at OMCA also offer a well-rounded gallery experience with Gallery Chats. Unlike traditional museum tours, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in meaningful conversations, ask questions, and connect with OMCA facilitators, who combine deep content knowledge with lived experience to encourage fresh interpretations of the museum’s exhibitions. It’s a night to explore global traditions, find your flow, and celebrate community through music, dance, and inquiry.

Program Schedule: 

5–9 pm Core Galleries and Special Exhibitions evening hours with Museum ticket

5:30–6:30 pm House Dance Lesson with Terrence Paschal | Amphitheater

5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries 

6:45–8 pm Live Music by SambaDá | Garden Stage

6:45-8:50 pm DJ Set by Gomorrah Dawn | Amphitheater

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About Friday Nights:

Join us for Friday Nights at OMCA, where Oakland comes together! Every Friday from April to October, bring your crew for an unforgettable night of free live music and activities for the whole family. Bring a blanket and settle down on the lawn, or take advantage of exclusive late-night access to our galleries and special exhibitions (Museum ticket needed for gallery access). 

Hungry? Grab a bite from any of the ten Off the Grid food trucks lining 10th Street between Oak and Fallon Streets, offering a delicious mix of rotating flavors. Beer, wine, mixed drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase. Once you’ve fueled up, head to the OMCA Garden, where picnic tables and blankets await you to enjoy your meal. With lawn games, engaging museum programs, and a vibrant community atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for making memories at one of Oakland’s most iconic spots.

OMCA also offers a $10 flat-rate parking in the OMCA Garage until 10 pm. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted, and event details and performances are subject to change.

Accessibility 

Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is committed to providing programs that are accessible, welcoming, and inclusive of our community. Wheelchairs, sensory inclusive devices, and additional amenities are available for checkout on a first come, first served basis at the Ticketing Desk. To request other accommodations, like American Sign Language (ASL), Cantonese, Spanish or another language interpreter, please email [email protected] at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.

Sponsors

Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid is sponsored by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and Bank of America.