OMCA Announces Public Programs and Events for Julio 2026

Viernes Nights at OMCA Kicks Off the Summer Season, Screening of Mutiny at Port Chicago, A Conversation with Mildred Howard, Gallery Chats, and More
OMCA PRESS KIT

(Oakland, CA) Junio 9, 2026 – The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) announces its Julio 2026 public programs, inviting visitors to gather throughout the month for an expansive series of live music, dance, art, and community-centered celebrations. Viernes Nights at OMCA continues as a summer anchor with weekly evening programs featuring live music, DJ sets, dance lessons, and community activations, alongside late-night access to galleries. Julio also includes special programming such as Mutiny at Port Chicago: Black Resistance and Redemption, a film screening and discussion honoring Port Chicago Remembrance Day, and Spotlight Sundays featuring a conversation with artist Mildred Howard, Nashormeh Lindo, and Essence Harden in connection with OMCA’s newest special exhibition Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory. Throughout the month, Gallery Chats continue to invite visitors into dialogue and reflection across OMCA’s galleries, while community partners and artists activate the campus with opportunities for participation, learning, and connection. See the full calendar at www.museumca.org.

OMCA PUBLIC PROGRAMS AND EVENTS FOR JULY 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 Julio Program Dates:*
Viernes, Julio 10, 2026
Viernes, Julio 17, 2026
Viernes, Julio 24, 2026
Viernes, Julio 31, 2026

*In observance of Independence Day, there will be no Viernes Nights on Viernes, Julio 3.

Las noches de los viernes en el OMCA con «Off the Grid» cuentan con el orgulloso patrocinio de la Junta de Mujeres del Museo de Oakland y Bank of America. También cuentan con el apoyo de OAKLAND ROOTS AND SOUL SC, Donahue Fitzgerald LLP y Townsend Public Affairs.  

Viernes, Julio 10 l 5–9 pm

Live Music by MXKA, DJ Set by Louie El Ser, Cumbia Wepa Dance Lesson with Mireille Ruiz, Community Activation with NIAD Art Center, and Gallery Chats

Kicking off the summer season of Viernes Nights at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA), MXKA takes over the Garden Stage with a captivating blend of regional Mexican music and R&B. Through soulful vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and genre-bending sounds, the Bay Area artist reflects her Blaxican identity while creating a space for connection, self-expression, and celebration.

Keeping the energy flowing, Louie El Ser delivers a dynamic DJ set blending emerging Latin sounds with alt-pop experimentation. Her dreamy soundscapes and infectious rhythms create an immersive, uplifting atmosphere that invites guests to embrace curiosity and joyful movement on the dance floor. Guests can also jump into the rhythm with a lively Cumbia Wepa dance lesson led by Mireille Ruiz. Rooted in the vibrant traditions of cumbia sonidera, this energetic class introduces playful footwork, upbeat movement, and cultural connection in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment.

Throughout the evening, NIAD Art Center joins the festivities in the Garden with a community activation celebrating Disability Pride Month with creativity, inclusion, and artistic expression. Visitors can participate in an art-making activation led by artist Jason Powell-Smith, browse and purchase original artworks and special-edition pieces, meet other artists and staff, and learn more about the organization’s work supporting professional artists with disabilities while fostering connection through the arts.

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, Julio 17 | 5-9 pm

Viernes Nights at OMCA | Live Music by Óskar Ly & Rumbalú, Folkloric Dance Performance by Asociación CulturalKanchis, Music Set by dj tuMadre, Community Tabling by Bike East Bay and Lake Merritt Institute, Live Figure Drawing with Sketchboard Co., and Gallery Chats

In honor of both Peruvian and Colombian Independence Day, this Viernes Night at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is alive with celebration as Asociación Cultural Kanchis shares the beauty of Peruvian folkloric dance through a vibrant performance honoring the rich cultural heritage of Fiestas Patrias and the generations who keep these traditions thriving.

Continuing the festivities, Óskar Ly & Rumbalú deliver a lively musical performance inspired by the rhythms and sounds of Peru, Colombia, and the Afro-Caribbean diaspora. Blending salsa, cumbia, Latin jazz, and global flair, the ensemble creates an infectious atmosphere that invites guests to dance, connect, and celebrate community together.

Keeping the energy high, dj tuMadre spins an eclectic mix of sounds rooted in culture, community, and movement. Blending genres, eras, and unexpected musical discoveries, her vibrant set creates a colorful atmosphere designed to bring people together and keep the dance floor buzzing.

Throughout the night, guests can connect with local organizations, including Bike East Bay and Lake Merritt Institute, offering interactive activities, community resources, and opportunities to learn more about building a healthier, more connected East Bay. 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, Julio 24 | 5-9 pm

DJ Sets by NOODLES and DJ Fasho, Tutting Dance Lesson with Hector “Intricate” Ascencio, and Gallery Chats

This Viernes Night at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA), NOODLES takes over the Garden Stage with an electrifying set that blends Hip-Hop, R&B, electronic music, and global sounds. Known for her genre-spanning style and magnetic presence, the Bay Area DJ creates an energetic atmosphere that celebrates creativity, connection, and movement.

Keeping the vibes flowing, DJ Fasho delivers a high-energy mix of R&B, Afrobeats, reggae, pop, and reggaeton throughout the evening in the Amphitheater. Rooted in Oakland and inspired by music’s power to bring people together, his set keeps the dance floor moving with crowd-pleasing rhythms and feel-good energy.

Guests can also step onto the dance floor themselves during a tutting dance lesson led by Hector “Intricate” Ascencio. This interactive lesson introduces the fundamentals of the dynamic street dance style, exploring precise lines, angles, and expressive movement while offering participants a chance to learn from one of the Bay Area’s most accomplished dancers.

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, Julio 31 | 5-9 pm

Viernes Nights at OMCA | Live Music by The Whoadees with Special Guests, DJ Set by Jaymeebaaby, and Gallery Chats

The Whoadees take over the Garden Stage this Viernes Night at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) with an immersive live set that pushes the boundaries of Hip-Hop, funk, and experimental sound. Blending their backgrounds as producers, engineers, and musicians, the collective creates a dynamic, interactive experience and is joined by special guests Grand Nationxl, 3lise, Detahjae, and Nef the Pharaoh for a powerful showcase of Bay Area talent.

Keeping the energy in motion, Jaymeebaaby delivers a high-impact DJ set packed with throwbacks, current favorites, and crowd-moving hits across genres. Known for her fast-rising career across major venues, sports events, and radio, the Bay Area DJ brings a vibrant mix designed to keep the dance floor active and the vibe all the way up.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.

Mutiny at Port Chicago: Black Resistance and Redemption

Sábado, Julio 11 | 1–3 pm | $10 Ticketed Admission | James Moore Theater

The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) invites guests to step back in time and explore the pivotal story of the East Bay’s Port Chicago Sailors at Mutiny at Port Chicago: Black Resistance and Redemption. This special event commemorates Oakland’s officially designated Port Chicago Remembrance Day. It features a screening of the historical drama Mutiny, produced by Morgan Freeman, followed by an engaging discussion with featured guests  Antwanisha Williamson and Cynthia Adams, moderated by Dayvee Sutton. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of film, dialogue, and historical insight, hosted in partnership with the Port Chicago Alliance.

Spotlight Sundays: Mildred Howard in Conversation with Nashormeh Lindo and Essence Harden

Domingo, Julio 19, 2026 | 1–2:15 pm | $10 All-Inclusive Ticket | James Moore Theater

The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) welcomes guests to this month’s Spotlight Sundays,  an in-depth conversation with beloved Bay Area artist Mildred Howard, who is featured in OMCA’s current special exhibition, Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory. Howard will exchange stories and reflections on a lifetime of art, practice, and living in the Bay Area with her longtime friend, fellow artist, and art advocate, Nashormeh Lindo. The conversation will be moderated by Senior Curator of Art at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Essence Harden, whose own prolific curatorial career spans multiple California art institutions. This is a can’t-miss opportunity to hear these insightful creatives share their inspiring stories. 
Spotlight Sundays ticket is $10 and includes access to all of OMCA’s galleries! This program received support from The David Ireland House, 500 Capp Street Foundation and the Kenneth Rainin Foundation.

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

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.