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June 1 from 5:00 pm 8:00 pm

Sliding scale $50-1000

We are excited to welcome the community to our highly anticipated 2024 Gathering in the Garden fundraiser event! Join us Saturday, June 1 as we bring together 500 guests for an evening of inspiration, entertainment, and community support, all surrounded by OMCA’s beautiful 7-acre urban garden overlooking Lake Merritt and the beloved Oakland skyline.

At OMCA, inclusivity is our heartbeat, and our 2024 Gathering in the Garden event is a testament to this commitment. With sliding scale tickets, we’re breaking down barriers to ensure everyone feels welcome. Thanks to generous sponsors, local teachers and community partners will receive complimentary access. Renowned thought leader W. Kamau Bell will lead an invigorating discussion with East Bay cultural forces Favianna Rodriguez and Rafael Casal, on nurturing the vibrant arts and culture community of the East Bay, followed by a night of music and culinary delights.

By purchasing a ticket for this event, you’re not only supporting an inclusive celebration of East Bay arts; you’re also championing OMCA’s mission to cultivate understanding and empathy through the diverse stories and experiences of California’s art, history, and natural environment, ultimately fostering more equitable and connected communities. This isn’t just another gala; it’s a celebration of the OMCA community, and we want you to be a part of it! Join us in fostering belonging and connection at OMCA.

Ticket information

Gathering in the Garden is a sliding scale event. Everyone in attendance will have full access to the event. With tickets ranging from $50 to $1,000, the party will bring together OMCA’s vibrant community of visitors, members, and donors. All proceeds support OMCA’s exhibitions and programs, serving hundreds of thousands of school groups, families, and community members. 

Ticket sales for Gathering in the Garden are complete. We encourage you to show your support for OMCA with a donation below. Thank you.

Accessibility

The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is committed to providing programs that are accessible, welcoming, and inclusive of our community. Assistive listening devices and wheelchairs 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 about our accessibility options.

About the Speakers

W. Kamau Bell

W. Kamau Bell is a stand-up comedian, director, and host of the Emmy nominated docu-series United Shades of America.

Favianna Rodriguez

Favianna Rodriguez is an artist, cultural strategist, and entrepreneur based in Oakland. She is the co-founder and president of The Center for Cultural Power.

Rafael Casal

Rafael Casal is a writer, actor, producer, director, and rapper from Berkeley. His breakout film Blindspotting, which he wrote, produced, and starred in, was filmed in Oakland.

Last Year’s Highlights

Sponsors

Thank you to our early sponsors! 

Presenting

Lauren and Mike Rosenbaum
Simpson Family

Premiere

Anonymous

Contributing

Georgia Cassel and Peter Pervere
Sean Shih K. Chang
Quinn Delaney and Wayne Jordan
Katherine and Lance Gyorfi
Frances Hellman and Warren Breslau
Shannon Jackson
Anonymous

Supporting

Andrea Alfano and Charles Freiberg
Eileen Ash & Frank Arthur
Abbey Banks and Tim Cull
Gallagher
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
The Morrison & Foerster Foundation
F. Noel Perry
Eric Sullivan and Teri Steele
Dorine Holsey Streeter
Townsend Public Affairs
Dena Watson-Lamprey and Wayne Lamprey
Christine Wente and Roland von Metzsch

Beverage Sponsors

Wente Vineyards
Drake’s Brewing Co.
St. George Spirits