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Events

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Upcoming Events

Summer of Joy Marketplace

Celebrate the summer season and join us for a festive marketplace featuring artwork produced by artists from the three collaborating studios of Into the Brightness: Artists from  Creativity Explored, Creative Growth and NIAD.  Support the studios and shop for dazzling prints, ceramics, zines, textiles, buttons, trinkets, jewelry, etc for yourself or as gifts. Artists will showcase existing work and may also create new pieces for sale inspired by the theme of summer and the joy of being together. Artist vendors include Donald Gruneisen, Donzell Lewis, Jean McElvane, Larry Randolph, Lulu Sotelo, and more. Come say hello!

Free

Friday Nights at OMCA: Let’s Lab with mayx/maya, JUJU, Dj Jerry Ross, and Lorenzo on Keys, and DJ Durt

Come dance and sing along while simply enjoying another beautiful day of life. There will be songs for OMCA’s multigenerational community to enjoy. And if you have little ones, we’ll have some tunes they will enjoy as well. Musical Performers include JUJU, Dj Jerry Ross, and Lorenzo on Keys on the Garden Stage, Let’s Lab with mayx/maya in Oak Street Plaza and DJ Durt spinning tunes in the Amphitheater.

Free

Friday Nights at OMCA: Afrobeats Oakland Friday Night Takeover featuring emcee Christina Alexandria, live music by Seyi Sax and Matias, dance lessons with  Danaite, DJs  Juan G, Koko and TieDye Trippin

Afrobeats Oakland is taking over the OMCA for one evening and showcasing various elements of African pop culture. Each corner of the Museum will be activated, highlighting live street music performances, a two–hour dance class focused on the most popular dance moves trending across the continent, and a live performance by Afrobeats Oakland’s DJs in the garden. People of all ages are invited to participate and enjoy this taste of  the biggest musical movement in the world.

Free

Friday Nights at OMCA: The Roots of Hip Hop Culture

The root of Hip Hop culture is the African continent. As we salute and respect the pioneers of Hip Hop, many of their parents and families come from the Caribbean, by way of various western countries in Africa. As a way to begin our celebration of Hip Hop culture in an authentic way, we lift up the drum, the first instrument, and the power of drums being used as a form of communication. With drum circle, we share a sonic message with the community of culture, confidence, and celebration.

Free

Ongoing & Annual events

Evening hours Thursday After Hours

Experience Thursday After Hours at OMCA – your weekly night out at the Museum rich with cocktails, culture, and community. Mingle at Town Fare Cafe by Chef Michele McQueen, where you can enjoy drinks and light bites against a backdrop of music, or explore the galleries  which come alive at night with a mix of pop-up performances, chats, live drawings, and more–  just for adults! 

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Evening hours Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid

Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid, Oakland’s favorite free weekly block party is back, April—October!

Gather with family, friends, and community every Friday 5—9 pm for live music, hands-on activities, Off the Grid (OTG) food trucks, and late-night access to our galleries and special exhibitions, with a Museum ticket.

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Gallery Events Gallery Chats at OMCA

Join us for Gallery Chats, an opportunity to chat with and ask questions of our enthusiastic and knowledgeable OMCA Facilitators.

 

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Third Sundays Spotlight Sundays

Every third Sunday, OMCA invites visitors to Spotlight Sundays, a series of conversations, performances, and experiences that showcase California visionaries.

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First Sundays First Sundays

Every first Sunday of the month, General Admission to OMCA’s Galleries of California Art, History, and Natural Sciences is free and tickets to Special Exhibitions in our Great Hall are offered at a discounted price of $6.

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Community Celebration Lunar New Year

OMCA celebrates the Lunar New Year and explores the shared connections between the diverse Asian cultures of the Bay Area. These family-friendly programs will include both virtual and in-person offerings that celebrate and honor Lunar New Year traditions through storytelling, performances, activities, cooking demonstrations, and more. OMCA holds space for our AAPI communities to come together and uplift each other with both in-person and virtual healing circles.

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Community Celebration Día de los Muertos

In collaboration with OMCA’s Día de los Muertos Committee, we honor Day of the Dead every October and November.

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Community Event White Elephant Sale

The Oakland Museum Women’s Board started the White Elephant Sale over sixty years ago. The annual event is not-to-be-missed.

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Gallery Events Group Chats

Knowledgeable facilitators share insights and help make meaning with your group in OMCA’s galleries.

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