Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)

Friday Nights at OMCA with Elujay
2026-05-08 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | OMCA campus
Spotlight Sundays: Local Short Film Showcase and Conversation with Cinemama

Live Music by Elujay, R&B Dance Lesson with Sara Templeton, Music Set with DJ Harmonyy, Spring Teacher Night, and Gallery Chats

This Friday Night at OMCA, Elujay ignites the Garden Stage with his live band, delivering a genre-blending sound that weaves together alternative R&B, jazz, soul, house, and dream pop. Known for his honey-toned vocals and introspective songwriting, his performance promises a rich, immersive musical experience rooted in Oakland and resonating far beyond. Keeping the energy flowing, DJ Harmonyy brings an electrifying set filled with feel-good tracks and infectious rhythms.

Guests are encouraged to step into their groove with Sara Templeton, leading a beginner-friendly R&B dance lesson. Blending smooth grooves, Hip-Hop foundations, and expressive choreography, this session invites dancers of all levels to learn new moves and build confidence on the dance floor.

Earlier in the evening, OMCA’s Annual Spring Teacher Night is back! In celebration of our school communities, educators and principals are invited to unwind in a dedicated lounge space, connect with fellow educators, and explore the Museum’s galleries and resources. The gathering highlights OMCA’s school programs and exhibitions like Good Fire: Tending Native Lands and Students on Strike, while offering a chance to experience the vibrant Friday Nights atmosphere.

Alongside an exceptional event experience, Friday Nights at OMCA also features Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Moving beyond the traditional museum tour, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in conversation, ask questions, and connect with OMCA facilitators who blend content expertise with lived experience to spark meaningful dialogue and new perspectives. Gallery Chat facilitators can be found in OMCA’s Great Hall Special Exhibitions and the Core Galleries of California Art, History, and Natural Sciences. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission. Facilitators float between galleries throughout the night and can be seen wearing a blue “Let’s Chat” shirt.

Program Schedule:

4:30–7 pm Spring Teacher Night Check-In and Lounge | California Room, Lower Level

5:30–6:30 pmR&B Dance Lesson with Sara Templeton | Amphitheater

5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries

6:30–7:30 pm Live Music by Elujay | Garden Stage

6:45–8:45 pm Music Set by DJ Harmonyy | Amphitheater

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About Friday Nights:

The Town’s favorite block party, Friday Nights at OMCA, is back for the 2026 season, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family, friends, or neighbors. From April–October, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music, interactive activities, Off the Grid food trucks, and, with a Museum ticket, exclusive late-night access to our galleries and special exhibitions.

Fuel your night with a rotating lineup of Off the Grid food trucks stationed along 10th Street between Oak and Fallon Streets, serving up bold flavors and local favorites. Inside, near the Koi Pond, purchase beer, wine, cocktails, and refreshing non-alcoholic options to sip while exploring. In the Garden, picnic tables, blankets, and a dazzling view of Lake Merritt welcome you to settle in with your meal. With games, engaging museum programs, and a vibrant community atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for making memories marked with unmistakable Oakland energy, week after week.

OMCA also offers a $10 flat-rate parking in the OMCA Garage until 10 pm. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted, and event details and performances are subject to change.

Accessibility

Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is committed to providing programs that are accessible, welcoming, and inclusive of our community. Wheelchairs, sensory inclusive devices, and additional amenities 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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.

Performers

Elujay

Sara Templeton

DJ Harmonyy

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About Elujay

Elujay is a singer, songwriter, producer, and director from Oakland whose sound fluidly blends alternative R&B, jazz, soul, house, and dream pop. A multi-instrumentalist with a honey-toned voice and forward-thinking production style, he has released multiple critically acclaimed projects over the past four years, toured internationally, and secured major TV placements. His latest offering, A Constant Charade, with tracks like “Hyundai” and “Flotilla,” showcases his ability to pair pacifying vocals with restless and inventive production that nods to early ’80s soft rock, drum’n’bass, and house without losing its soulful core.
As JEMS!—a duo alongside J. Robb—Elujay expands his sonic palette with rhythmic experimentation and left-field R&B in projects like Gems in the Cornerstore and Gems in the Cornerstore 2. With each release, Elujay continues refining a sound that feels both deeply Oakland-rooted and globally resonant.

About DJ Harmonyy

DJ Harmonyy, also known as the love DJ (with two yy’s), is a California-based female DJ with a household name who has built a brand around energy, intention, and human connection. Known for her ability to move effortlessly across live performances, festivals, club events, and corporate gatherings, she—by design—operates completely outside of traditional categories.

About Sara Templeton

Sara is a SF-based choreographer, teacher, and dancer. She started her professional career as a Hip-Hop dancer and later expanded her expertise to include modern, ballet, Dunham technique, and the dance forms associated with her Puerto Rican heritage. Sara has choreographed for both stage and film and currently teaches at studios around the Bay Area.

Sponsors

Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid is sponsored by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and Bank of America. Additional support provided by OAKLAND ROOTS AND SOUL SC, Donahue Fitzgerald LLP, and Townsend Public Affairs.

Learn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor.

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