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Events

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Upcoming Events

Spotlight Sundays: Gospel at the Museum

James Moore Theater

SOLD OUT—This Black History Month, immerse yourself in the rich history and power of gospel music at the museum. Created by Dr. Adam “Ology” Rogers—radio station owner, music producer, and community organizer—this multimedia experience explores the deep connection between gospel music and African American history. Emceed by KPOO radio personality DJ Sherita (Re Re) Evans, this soul-stirring performance is more than just a show—it’s a living testament to the power of faith, music, and storytelling as instruments of hope and empowerment.

SOLD OUT

Member Tours: Ancestral Visions with Chelsea Ryoko Wong

OMCA Gallery of California Art 1000 Oak St, Oakland, California, United States

In celebration of Women’s History Month, this month’s Member Tour will feature a special guest, Chelsea Ryoko Wong, the 2024 Harker Fund Artist-in-Residence. On this tour, Wong will share about her exciting new installation titled Ancestral Visions on view in the Gallery of California Art.

Free for Members

Spotlight Sundays: Reimagining Justice — A Conversation with Malkia Devich-Cyril & Jessica Lanyadoo, with Music by Mahsa Vahdat

James Moore Theater

In celebration of Women’s History Month, join us for an interactive conversation with Black liberation advocate, Malkia Devich-Cyril, and activist-astrologer, Jessica Lanyadoo. They will discuss how moments of great personal and collective challenges can become transformative forces in the fight for social justice and liberation.The event will begin with a call-and-response musical performance by internationally acclaimed Iranian Bay Area based singer Mahsa Vahdat and musician, Atabak Elyas. Vahdat, a passionate advocate for women’s rights, has courageously defied restrictions on female singers in Iran. Her voice blends her rich cultural heritage with universal themes of resistance and resilience. Together, we’ll engage in a collective experience to imagine a more equitable and just world.

$1 – $30

Member Tours: Born of the Bear Dance Tour with Drew Johnson, Curator of Photography & Visual Culture at OMCA

OMCA Great Hall 1000 Oak, Oakland, California

Drew Johnson, curator of Born of the Bear Dance: Dugan Aguilar’s Photographs of Native California, will illuminate the powerful communities and stories behind the exhibition’s captivating images. Join Johnson as he shares the collaborations and partnerships that brought Aguilar’s remarkable photographic collection to OMCA, resulting in this impactful display. 

Free for Members

Spotlight Sundays: Celebrating Native Heritage through Photography—A Conversation with Ashley Salaz and Haley Day Rains

OMCA Lecture Hall 1000 Oak, Oakland, California

Join us for this month’s Spotlight Sundays as we dive into the power of photography in honoring and amplifying Native heritage. This thought-provoking panel discussion features two dynamic Native creatives: Oakland-based Coharie and Nahua photographer Ashley Salaz and Mvskoke photographer, scholar, and filmmaker Haley Day Rains. Moderated by Drew Johnson, OMCA Curator of Photography & Visual Culture, the conversation will explore how photography serves as a vital tool for storytelling, cultural preservation, and community connection.This program is part of the exhibition Born of the Bear Dance: Dugan Aguilar’s Photographs of Native California—on view through June 2025—and draws on Dugan Aguilar’s legacy of documenting the vibrancy and resilience of Indigenous communities. The discussion will address key themes of representation, reciprocity, and the ways in which photography can be rooted in and shaped by community. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage in this meaningful conversation. 

$1 – $30

Friday Nights at OMCA Special Members Lounge

OMCA Garden 1000 Oak Street, Oakland, California, United States

Calling all Members! Join us for a special members’ lounge on the 3rd Level Terrace, overlooking our Garden. Mingle with fellow OMCA enthusiasts while enjoying light refreshments. Plus, we’ll be raffling off some awesome OMCA merch!

Free for Members

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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