Enjoy the multi-layered songs and stories of musician and story keeper John Paul, dive into making a hands-on watershed model and learn about the intricate nature and history of East Bay creeks and waterways with a team of guest experts. Then, move to the music of DJ Don Reeser.
Hip-hop, reggae, R&B, and more come together with indie musical artist Jake Zimma; Debajo Sound System collective plays energetic and move-to-it music and song in multiple languages; and DJ Mai Girl electrifies the dancefloor with a hand-picked blend of eclectic music that will keep you moving all night!
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.
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.
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.
Explore, honor, and celebrate two African American artforms that cross-pollinate and without which we would not have modern American culture: Hip Hop meets Jazz.
Friday Nights at OMCA kicks off the Labor Day weekend with hands-on bandana making honoring the legacy of Rosie the Riveter.
Experience an engaging and vibrant environment of social movement and connection at Friday Nights at OMCA.
Experience a Cali Native Night with Stewie G. & Coastal Pomo Dancers
DJ Ron Reeser at Friday Nights at OMCA.
Join this playful, colorful, and lively pair of events celebrating films and fashion created by the superstar artists of our wildly popular current exhibition, Into the Brightness: Artists from Creativity Explored, Creative Growth & NIAD.
Let’s Lab makes a welcome return to Friday Nights at OMCA with Filipino American musical artist Ian Santillano.
Get your body going with a Cuban salsa class taught by Bay Area dancer mover and shaker Diana Aburto Vega.
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!
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.
Join us for Gallery Chats, an opportunity to chat with and ask questions of our enthusiastic and knowledgeable OMCA Facilitators.
Every third Sunday, OMCA invites visitors to Spotlight Sundays, a series of conversations, performances, and experiences that showcase California visionaries.
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.
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.
In collaboration with OMCA’s Día de los Muertos Committee, we honor Day of the Dead every October and November.
The Oakland Museum Women’s Board started the White Elephant Sale over sixty years ago. The annual event is not-to-be-missed.
Knowledgeable facilitators share insights and help make meaning with your group in OMCA’s galleries.
