OMCA Announces Public Programs and Events for Agosto 2026

Viernes Nights at OMCA Continues Summer Season , Bloomberg Connects Launch, Spotlight Sundays Film Showcase, Gallery Chats, and More
OMCA PRESS KIT

(Oakland, CA) Julio 14, 2026 – The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) announces its Agosto 2026 public programs, inviting visitors to enjoy a month of live music, dance, film, art, and community experiences. Viernes Nights at OMCA continues as the centerpiece of the summer season with weekly evenings featuring live performances, DJ sets, dance lessons, hands-on activities, and late-night access to galleries. Agosto also marks the launch of OMCA’s new Bloomberg Connects digital guide, offering visitors an enhanced way to explore the Museum through audio and video storytelling, as well as Spotlight Sundays, featuring a local short film showcase and conversation with Cinemama inspired by Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory. Throughout the month, Gallery Chats  continue to invite visitors into dialogue and reflection across OMCA’s galleries, creating opportunities for learning, connection, and discovery. See the full calendar at www.museumca.org.

OMCA PUBLIC PROGRAMS AND EVENTS FOR AUGUST 2026

Viernes por la noche en OMCA con Off the Grid

Todos los viernes, de abril a octubre | De 17:00 a 21:00 | Campus del OMCA
Enlace a las imágenes de Viernes Nights

The Town’s favorite block party, Viernes Nights at OMCA, is turning up the heat for its 2026 summer season. Viernes Nights invites the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family, friends, or neighbors—starting at 5 pm with a free evening of live music, interactive activities, Off the Grid food trucks, and, with a Museum ticket purchase, exclusive late-night access to our galleries and special exhibitions. 

El museo da la bienvenida a los visitantes con una selección rotativa de food trucks de Off the Grid, situados a lo largo de la calle 10, entre las calles Oak y Fallon, que ofrecen sabores intensos y platos típicos de la zona. En el interior, cerca del estanque de carpas, se pueden adquirir cervezas, vinos, cócteles y refrescantes bebidas sin alcohol para degustar mientras se explora el recinto. En el jardín, las mesas de picnic, las mantas y las impresionantes vistas del lago Merritt invitan a los visitantes a acomodarse y disfrutar de su comida. Con juegos, interesantes programas del museo y un animado ambiente comunitario, es el escenario perfecto para crear recuerdos marcados por la inconfundible energía de Oakland, semana tras semana.

El OMCA también ofrece una tarifa plana de aparcamiento de 10 dólares en el garaje del OMCA hasta las 22:00 h. Ten en cuenta que no se permite el consumo de alcohol traído de fuera, y que los detalles del evento y las actuaciones están sujetos a cambios.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the OMCA website.

Viernes Nights Agosto Program Dates:
Viernes, Agosto 7, 2026
Viernes, Agosto 14, 2026
Viernes, Agosto 21, 2026
Viernes, Agosto 28, 2026

Viernes Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid is proudly supported by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and Bank of America. Additional support provided by Donahue Fitzgerald LLP, OAKLAND ROOTS AND SOUL SC, LaSalle Mortgage, and Townsend Public Affairs. 

Viernes, Agosto 7 l 5–9 pm

Viernes Nights at OMCA | Live Music by seiji oda, Music Set by DJ Benet, Community Tabling with Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul Soccer Club, Bookmark Making, and Gallery Chats

This Viernes Night at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) seiji oda takes over the Garden Stage with a dynamic live performance celebrating “A Renaissance in the Town.” Blending his signature “lofi-hyphy” sound with ambient textures and Bay Area influences, the Oakland rapper and producer delivers a vibrant set that highlights the next generation of local music while honoring the artists who paved the way.

Keeping the energy flowing, DJ Benet brings an eclectic mix of Hip-Hop, R&B, rock, pop, and more to the Amphitheater throughout the evening. Known for his versatility as a DJ, producer, and recording artist, the Oakland native creates an engaging soundtrack that keeps guests moving while showcasing his passion for boundary-pushing musical experiences.

Guests can also connect with the community by visiting the Oakland Roots and Soul Soccer Club in the Garden, where they can learn more about the teams, browse merchandise, enjoy a fun game of Plinko, and enter for the chance to win raffle prizes. Families and visitors of all ages are also invited to kick off back-to-school season with a hands-on bookmark-making activity, creating a personalized keepsake to take home.

Alongside an exceptional event experience, Viernes Nights at OMCA also features Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Putting a twist on the traditional museum tour, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in meaningful conversations, share personal reflections, and explore new perspectives on the artwork, artifacts, and stories throughout OMCA’s galleries. Enthusiastic volunteer facilitators can be found floating between all of OMCA’s galleries, including its Great Hall Special Exhibitions, throughout the evening. Look for the blue “Let’s Chat” shirts to join the conversation. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission.

Viernes, Agosto 14 | 5–9 pm

Viernes Nights at OMCA | Live Music by Ashley Mehta, DJ set by BRIIZA, Locking Dance Lesson with Chaz, and Gallery Chats

Viernes Nights at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) comes alive with a captivating live performance from Ashley Mehta on the Garden Stage. Blending powerhouse vocals, infectious pop melodies, and emotionally honest songwriting, the rising singer-songwriter delivers a dynamic set that moves seamlessly between intimate storytelling and high-energy anthems, creating an unforgettable connection with the audience.

Bringing even more energy to the evening, BRIIZA takes over the Amphitheater with a vibrant DJ set that weaves together Latin music, Bay Area classics, house, and global electronic sounds. Renowned for her fearless, genre-spanning approach and electrifying presence behind the decks, the Salvadoran producer and DJ keeps guests dancing with an upbeat, family-friendly soundtrack.

Guests can also step onto the dance floor during a locking dance lesson led by Chaz. This interactive experience introduces the eight foundational movements of the iconic street dance style while exploring rhythm, groove, and technique, offering participants of all levels the opportunity to learn from a seasoned artist.

Alongside an exceptional event experience, Viernes Nights at OMCA also features Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Putting a twist on the traditional museum tour, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in meaningful conversations, share personal reflections, and explore new perspectives on the artwork, artifacts, and stories throughout OMCA’s galleries. Enthusiastic volunteer facilitators can be found floating between all of OMCA’s galleries, including its Great Hall Special Exhibitions, throughout the evening. Look for the blue “Let’s Chat” shirts to join the conversation. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission.

Viernes, Agosto 21 | 5–9 pm

Viernes Nights at OMCA | Live Music by Sabrina Shauna, DJ Set by Zaynub, Live Figure Drawing with Sketchboard Co., and Gallery Chats

This Viernes Night at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA), the stage is set for an evening of soulful sounds as Bay Area artist Sabrina Shauna brings her signature blend of R&B and pop to the Garden Stage. Featuring powerhouse vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and infectious energy, her performance showcases fan favorites, new music, and an uplifting spirit that invites audiences to sing, dance, and connect.

Keeping the momentum going, Zaynub takes over the Amphitheater with a genre-spanning DJ set rooted in nostalgia, storytelling, and feel-good grooves. Blending 90s and 2000s favorites with modern Hip-Hop, R&B, pop, funk, and soul, the Bay Area DJ creates an upbeat soundtrack that celebrates community while keeping the dance floor moving all evening long. With gallery admission, guests can also join Sketchboard Co. in the Gallery of California Art for live figure drawing sessions.

Damos la bienvenida a personas de todos los niveles, incluidas aquellas que nunca han dibujado antes y quieren probarlo. Habrá materiales de arte y portapapeles a vuestra disposición, y podréis llevaros vuestras obras a casa o intercambiarlas con otras personas. Una modelo disfrazada que representa la diversidad del Área de la Bahía posará en la Galería de Arte de California durante periodos que van de los 2 a los 20 minutos. Dado que el dibujo tendrá lugar en las galerías, por favor, respeta el espacio y trae de casa solo los siguientes materiales: cuadernos de bocetos (tamaño máximo 9×12 pulgadas) y lápices de grafito, carboncillo o conté afilados y en su envase original.

Alongside an exceptional event experience, Viernes Nights at OMCA also features Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Putting a twist on the traditional museum tour, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in meaningful conversations, share personal reflections, and explore new perspectives on the artwork, artifacts, and stories throughout OMCA’s galleries. Enthusiastic volunteer facilitators can be found floating between all of OMCA’s galleries, including its Great Hall Special Exhibitions, throughout the evening. Look for the blue “Let’s Chat” shirts to join the conversation. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission.

Viernes, Agosto 28 | 5–9 pm

Viernes Nights at OMCA | Live Music by BULULÚ, Afro Dance Lesson with Danaite Gebremeskel, DJ Set by TIEDYE, and Gallery Chats

This Viernes Night the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) comes alive with the vibrant sounds and rhythms of the Caribbean as BULULÚ takes the Garden Stage for an electrifying live performance. Led by Venezuelan-born percussionist, composer, and vocalist Lali Mejia, the ensemble blends salsa, cumbia, merengue, calypso, joropo, and other traditions into a joyful celebration of music, culture, and community that invites guests to dance the night away.

Keeping the energy in motion, Danaite Gebremeskel leads an interactive Afro dance lesson in the Amphitheater, introducing participants to foundational movements, musicality, and the rich cultural traditions that inspire modern African dance. Welcoming all experience levels, the class offers a fun and engaging opportunity to connect through rhythm and movement.

As the evening goes on, TIEDYE delivers a high-energy DJ set that weaves together old-school R&B, Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afrohouse, Hip Hop, and dancehall. Known for creating immersive musical experiences that uplift and inspire, the Bay Area artist and DJ keeps the celebration going with infectious grooves that bring people together on the dance floor.

Alongside an exceptional event experience, Viernes Nights at OMCA also features Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Putting a twist on the traditional museum tour, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in meaningful conversations, share personal reflections, and explore new perspectives on the artwork, artifacts, and stories throughout OMCA’s galleries. Enthusiastic volunteer facilitators can be found floating between all of OMCA’s galleries, including its Great Hall Special Exhibitions, throughout the evening. Look for the blue “Let’s Chat” shirts to join the conversation. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission.

OMCA Launches Bloomberg Connects—A Free Digital Guide

Agosto, 2026 | Free | OMCA Campus

This summer, the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) will launch its first Bloomberg Connects guide. Bloomberg Connects is a free digital guide platform that features over 1,200 cultural organizations across the globe. The platform enhances a visit to OMCA with deeper interpretation through audio and video storytelling, available on-site and online, before, during, and after your visit. 

OMCA’s Bloomberg Connects digital guide will welcome visitors with audio tour stops featuring behind-the-scenes stories and perspectives from OMCA community members and staff about specific California artworks, objects, animals, and environments highlighted in our three Collection Galleries and OMCA Garden. 

OMCA’s Bloomberg Connects guide will facilitate rich and meaningful discovery and engagement with multilingual support, accessibility features, maps and wayfinding, and important visit information about all OMCA offerings, including the OMCA Garden, the OMCA Shop, and OMCA’s Cafe, Town Fare by Michele McQueen.

Spotlight Sundays: Local Short Film Showcase and Conversation with Cinemama

Domingo, Agosto 16, 2026 | 1–2:45 pm | $10 All-Inclusive Ticket | James Moore Theater

This Spotlight Sundays, the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is partnering with Oakland’s filmmaking community hub Cinemama, to feature two local films exploring identity, place, and resilience—themes featured in our current exhibition, Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory. Welcome to the Neighborhood (28min) follows the Howard family, who joined the growing number of African Americans moving to Berkeley during WWII. Directed by Pam Uzzell, this story examines the forces of gentrification and the resistance movement led by Mildred’s mother, Mable Howard. 

Blú Honey (19min), directed by filmmaker and poet Donté Clark, is an homage to Clark’s hometown of Richmond. An emotive and poetic film, it traces the torching reality of the Black male experience across four generations and a spiritual commitment to community empowerment and liberation. Following the screenings, join us in conversation with Cinemama founder Niema Jordan, filmmaker Donté Clark, and interdisciplinary artist and urban cultural preservationist Rashida Chase as they explore notions of home and belonging.  

OMCA encourages visitors to continue the conversation after the screening. The panelists and filmmakers will host a post-program gathering in the adjacent space until 3:30 pm. All are welcome to join!  

Spotlight Sundays ticket is $10 and includes access to all of OMCA’s galleries, including Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory!

Charlas de galería en OMCA

Fridays, 5:30–7:30 pm | All Galleries

Gallery Chats puts a twist on the traditional museum tour by encouraging meaningful conversations and fresh interpretations of the artwork, artifacts, and stories in OMCA’s galleries. This informal drop-in experience is an opportunity for visitors to share their personal reflections with and ask questions of our enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteer facilitators.

Visitors can find Gallery Chatters—wearing their blue “Let’s Chat” shirts—and floating between all of OMCA’s galleries during Viernes Nights  (Abril-Oct), ThursDates (Jan-Marzo), and the Museum’s community celebrations, including Lunar New Year, Día de los Muertos, and Juneteenth (hours vary).

Whether visitors are curious about something on view or excited to reflect on their own experiences, Gallery Chatters are there to help spark conversation and connection.

Primeros domingos en la OMCA

El primer domingo de cada mes

Every first Domingo of the month, enjoy free admission to the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)—now including all Special Exhibitions! Explore the Galleries of California Art, History, and Natural Sciences, shop for locally made goods, or relax in our garden—all for free.

Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets online in advance to secure preferred entry times and reduce wait times. Tickets are also available at the admissions desk on a first-come, first-served basis.

Paseo y charla sobre arquitectura OMCA

El primer domingo de cada mes a las 13:00 h: «

». Recorra el emblemático edificio y los jardines del OMCA junto a miembros del Consejo de Arquitectura y descubra la historia, el diseño y la evolución de esta galardonada estructura de la mano de guías apasionados por el OMCA y por Oakland.

No es necesario reservar ni comprar entradas. La visita «Walk and Talk» comienza cerca de la taquilla de Mid Level y dura aproximadamente una hora.

Si desea visitar las galerías o las exposiciones especiales del OMCA, le rogamos que adquiera su entrada por internet con antelación o en la taquilla el mismo día de su visita.

TAMBIÉN EN EXHIBICIÓN EN EL OMCA

Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory 
Closing in Octubre | Great Hall

Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory is the first major museum exhibition to celebrate the work of beloved Bay Area artist Mildred Howard. Spanning Howard’s five-decade practice, Poetics of Memory brings together her renowned collages, found-object sculptures, and immersive installations that explore memory, identity, and the African American experience. New and never-before-seen pieces punctuate the exhibition, while archival materials from Howard’s Oakland studio illuminate the cultural currents and lived experiences that shape her practice.

Born in San Francisco in 1945, Howard has been a lifelong resident of the East Bay. In the 1970s, she began making art influenced by textiles, African Diasporic dance, and fellow artists like Betye Saar, Raymond Saunders, and David Ireland. Howard’s studio became a space for experimentation, where her work has referenced both personal history and collective, generational experiences—from World War I and rapper Tupac Shakur to her family’s own roots in the Great Migration. Similarly, Howard’s monumental public artworks—found across the Bay Area—have highlighted often overlooked histories, from the Black shipworkers of Hunters Point to the musicians who defined San Francisco jazz.

Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory invites visitors into Howard’s vibrant, poetic world—to reflect on how personal memory and collective history intertwine, and to connect their own lived experiences to the broader stories that define us.

Konkow Maidu Baskets
Ongoing | Gallery of California History

Learn about historic Konkow Maidu master weavers and their descendants carrying forward the living tradition of basketry from generation to generation. Originally in the Oakland Museum of California’s collection, the baskets from this display are part of a group of items repatriated to the Berry Creek Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California in 2024. 

The baskets on view represent an intergenerational exchange of knowledge that is essential to Konkow Maidu daily life, food systems, ceremony, and survival. Visitors will encounter Native voices directly through text from members of the Berry Creek Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California.

Fairyland @ 75: Un legado de magia
En curso | Pasillo de la Galería de Ciencias Naturales de California

Esta instalación colaborativa invita a los visitantes a conocer mejor la historia, la evolución y la magia perdurable de Fairyland. Explore una cronología del recorrido de Fairyland, una mirada al «antes y ahora» de sus queridas atracciones y un vistazo al brillante futuro del parque. Los visitantes descubrirán miniaturas creadas por artistas locales, fotos de Magic Keys a lo largo de las décadas e incluso uno de los vagones originales del Jolly Trolly de Fairyland, en el que los niños y las familias podrán subir. Esta exposición celebra el legado perdurable de Fairyland y su papel en la configuración del panorama cultural de Oakland.

OMCA Kids: Espacio de juegos en la naturaleza
En curso | Galería de Ciencias Naturales de California

Los pequeños aprendices pueden dar rienda suelta a su curiosidad e imaginación en OMCA Kids: Espacio de juegos en la naturaleza. Ubicado dentro de la Galería de Ciencias Naturales de California, el espacio de juegos está enfocado en las necesidades específicas de los niños de 2 a 5 años, junto con sus familias y cuidadores. El juego es fundamental para el desarrollo saludable de todos los niños y la sala de juegos ofrece algo para todos: desde materiales de construcción y rompecabezas con temática natural hasta actividades prácticas que despiertan la creatividad, el asombro y la alegría. Los visitantes más pequeños del museo también pueden descubrir los animales que habitan en los arroyos, colinas y patios traseros de Oakland. El espacio de juegos ofrece a las familias un lugar divertido y seguro para jugar y crear vínculos con otras familias.

Estás aquí: Historias de California en el mapa
En curso | Galería de Ciencias Naturales de California

Todos usamos mapas en nuestra vida cotidiana: para movernos en transporte público, encontrar lugares donde comer y visualizar datos masivos como patrones climáticos u opiniones políticas. Pero, ¿alguna vez has pensado en las historias más profundas que nos cuentan los mapas? En «Estás aquí: Historias de California en el mapa», descubrirás que los mapas esconden mucho más de lo que se ve a simple vista. Con una amplia variedad de mapas de Oakland, el Área de la Bahía y California —desde el entorno medioambiental y las condiciones de salud hasta las perspectivas de la comunidad y las obras de arte creativas—, descubre cómo los mapas pueden ser una herramienta poderosa para compartir puntos de vista únicos e imaginar un futuro mejor. Explora nuevas perspectivas de lugares familiares a través de mapas creados por la comunidad y marca tus propias historias en el mapa comunitario dentro de la exposición.

El poder negro
En curso | Galería de Historia de California

Descubra la historia de los movimientos del poder negro en California con una fascinante nueva exposición en la Galería de Historia de California. Como respuesta a la popular exposición de 2016 «Todo el poder para el pueblo: los Panteras Negras a los 50 años», «El poder negro» ilustra las formas creativas en que los activistas negros antirracistas de California apoyaron a sus comunidades y desafiaron al gobierno de los Estados Unidos. Centrándose en el ejemplo del Partido de las Panteras Negras, «Black Power» saca a la luz las tensiones entre una California cultural y socialmente progresista y los ejemplos de racismo económico y opresión en el estado. Este momento de la historia de California se representa a través de fotografías históricas, objetos provocativos, carteles icónicos, pinturas y mensajes interactivos que animan a los visitantes a actuar en el mundo real. Descubre más sobre el papel del Área de la Bahía en esta historia nacional y el impacto que esta historia sigue teniendo hoy en día. 

Question Bridge: Hombres negros
En curso | Galería de Arte de California

Sumérgete en vídeos íntimos —entrelazados y organizados para simular conversaciones cara a cara entre los participantes— de un grupo diverso de más de 160 hombres negros de todo Estados Unidos. Escuche cómo estos hombres responden a las preguntas de los demás con una honestidad y vulnerabilidad excepcionales, y comparten historias, creencias y valores en un retrato personal de sus vidas. Abarcando temas como la familia, el amor, las relaciones interraciales, la comunidad, la educación y la sabiduría,Question Bridge: Hombres negrospresenta retratos matizados del pasado, el presente y el futuro de los hombres negros en la sociedad estadounidense. Escucha, observa, aprende e inicia tus propias conversaciones con esta instalación profundamente conmovedora.Question Bridgees una instalación de vídeo innovadora y ampliamente expuesta de los artistas Chris Johnson y Hank Willis Thomas, en colaboración con Bayeté Ross Smith y Kamal Sinclair. 

Dorothea Lange: La fotografía como activismo
En curso | Galería de Arte de California

Descubra la vida y obra emblemáticas de Dorothea Lange, fotógrafa documental de renombre mundial, con una instalación ampliada en la Galería de Arte de California dedicada a sus obras. A través del objetivo de su cámara, Lange documentó la vida estadounidense con fotografías fascinantes que capturaron algunos de los momentos más impactantes del siglo XX. Procedentes del archivo personal de Lange, que fue donado al OMCA hace más de 50 años, y en respuesta a la popular exposición de 2017 «Dorothea Lange: La política de ver», una serie de fotografías recién incorporadas ilustran el poder de la fotografía como activismo social. Descubra cómo la obra de Lange sigue resonando en millones de personas e inspirando a nuevas generaciones de artistas y activistas.

Archivo digital de Dorothea Lange
Explora copias impresas, notas de campo, negativos, hojas de contacto y mucho más con el Archivo digital de Dorothea Lange del OMCA.

ABOUT THE OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA
Founded in 1969 as a “museum of the people,” Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) tells the diverse stories of California’s art, history, and natural environment. Through inclusive exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, OMCA creates space for meaningful dialogue and strives to build more equitable, empathetic, and connected communities. With more than 2 million objects, OMCA’s collection of art, history, and natural science is a resource for understanding California’s dynamic heritage—all within its 110,000 square feet of gallery space and seven-acre campus. A leading Bay Area cultural institution rooted in Oakland, OMCA is dedicated to fostering an environment where visitors from the region, state, and beyond feel valued and empowered to shape the future of California’s cultural landscape.

VISITOR INFORMATION
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is located at 1000 Oak Street, at 10th Street, in Oakland. All-inclusive Museum admission is $25 general admission; $22 for seniors; $18 for youth ages 12 to 17, as well as for students and educators with valid ID; and free for Members and children 12 and under. OMCA offers onsite underground parking and is conveniently located one block from the Lake Merritt BART station, on the corner of 10th Street and Oak Street. An accessibility ramp is located at the 1000 Oak Street main entrance to the Museum.