ThursDates at OMCA—Returns January 2026

Settle into the warm, after-hours glow of the 2026 ThursDates season with a signature cocktail, laid-back beats from DJ China G, and the kind of unhurried energy that allows connection and creativity to flourish. This Thursday, DJ China G will be setting a groove-worthy atmosphere in Town Fare for a Mahjong (麻将) game night, all while Sketchboard Co. hosts enchanting unrestricted live figure drawing sessions in the Gallery of California Art. Models Paz Hidalgo and Quinn animate each session, bringing gentle butoh dance and experimental movements to their poses.

Slip into the easy cadence of ThursDates with an evening that blends music, flavor, and community. Begin by exploring a curated tasting from Black Vines*, featuring wines crafted by Black-owned wineries, paired with tasty bites from Town Fare. As you wander, DJ Mark DiVita sets a smooth, soulful backdrop that gently fills the cafe. Later, settle in for an intimate set by acclaimed singer-songwriter Diana Gameros, joined by Patrick Wolff on clarinet and saxophone, offering reflective melodies rooted in stories of home and belonging. It’s a night designed for lingering conversations, quiet discoveries, and the pleasure of experiencing art, music, and culture at your own pace.

Unwind in the gentle pulse of ThursDates at OMCA with a signature cocktail and smooth beats from DJ Mark DiVita, setting the perfect backdrop for a relaxed evening of creativity and connection. This Thursday, make new connections with a “Spaces of Belonging” trivia night in Town Fare, while Sketchboard Co. hosts uninstructed live figure drawing sessions in the Gallery of California Art. 

Ease into an evening of creativity and connection at ThursDates, where music, movement, and hands-on art come together in the warm after-hours shine of OMCA. Start with Crochet Jam, a relaxed, no-rules finger-knitting experience rooted in African American weaving traditions, where you can weave, chat, and unwind at your own pace. In the same gallery, lose yourself in the meditative sounds of Mia Pixley, whose cello, voice, and spoken word combine classical and experimental influences to create stirring, transformative melodies. All the while, DJ Mark DiVita fills Town Fare with eclectic beats, setting a vibrant and inviting atmosphere with cocktails, bites, and mingling among new friends or old.