OMCA Announces Public Programs and Events for August 2026

Friday Nights at OMCA Continues Summer Season , Bloomberg Connects Launch, Spotlight Sundays Film Showcase, Gallery Chats, and More
OMCA PRESS KIT

July 14, 2026

(Oakland, CA) July 14, 2026 – The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) announces its August 2026 public programs, inviting visitors to enjoy a month of live music, dance, film, art, and community experiences. Friday Nights at OMCA continues as the centerpiece of the summer season with weekly evenings featuring live performances, DJ sets, dance lessons, hands-on activities, and late-night access to galleries. August also marks the launch of OMCA’s new Bloomberg Connects digital guide, offering visitors an enhanced way to explore the Museum through audio and video storytelling, as well as Spotlight Sundays, featuring a local short film showcase and conversation with Cinemama inspired by Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory. Throughout the month, Gallery Chats continue to invite visitors into dialogue and reflection across OMCA’s galleries, creating opportunities for learning, connection, and discovery. See the full calendar at www.museumca.org.

OMCA PUBLIC PROGRAMS AND EVENTS FOR AUGUST 2026

Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid

Every Friday, April–October | 5–9 pm | OMCA Campus
Link to Friday Nights Images

The Town’s favorite block party, Friday Nights at OMCA, is turning up the heat for its 2026 summer season. Friday Nights invites the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family, friends, or neighbors—starting at 5 pm with a free evening of live music, interactive activities, Off the Grid food trucks, and, with a Museum ticket purchase, exclusive late-night access to our galleries and special exhibitions.

The Museum welcomes guests to 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, beer, wine, cocktails, and refreshing non-alcoholic options are available for purchase to sip while exploring. In the Garden, picnic tables, blankets, and a dazzling view of Lake Merritt invite visitors to settle in with their meals. 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.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the OMCA website.

Friday Nights August Program Dates:
Friday, August 7, 2026
Friday, August 14, 2026
Friday, August 21, 2026
Friday, August 28, 2026

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

Friday, August 7 l 5–9 pm

Friday Nights at OMCA | Live Music by seiji oda, Music Set by DJ Benet, Community Tabling with Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul Soccer Club, Bookmark Making, and Gallery Chats

This Friday Night at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) seiji oda takes over the Garden Stage with a dynamic live performance celebrating “A Renaissance in the Town.” Blending his signature “lofi-hyphy” sound with ambient textures and Bay Area influences, the Oakland rapper and producer delivers a vibrant set that highlights the next generation of local music while honoring the artists who paved the way.

Keeping the energy flowing, DJ Benet brings an eclectic mix of Hip-Hop, R&B, rock, pop, and more to the Amphitheater throughout the evening. Known for his versatility as a DJ, producer, and recording artist, the Oakland native creates an engaging soundtrack that keeps guests moving while showcasing his passion for boundary-pushing musical experiences.

Guests can also connect with the community by visiting the Oakland Roots and Soul Soccer Club in the Garden, where they can learn more about the teams, browse merchandise, enjoy a fun game of Plinko, and enter for the chance to win raffle prizes. Families and visitors of all ages are also invited to kick off back-to-school season with a hands-on bookmark-making activity, creating a personalized keepsake to take home.

Alongside an exceptional event experience, Friday Nights at OMCA also features Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Putting a twist on the traditional museum tour, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in meaningful conversations, share personal reflections, and explore new perspectives on the artwork, artifacts, and stories throughout OMCA’s galleries. Enthusiastic volunteer facilitators can be found floating between all of OMCA’s galleries, including its Great Hall Special Exhibitions, throughout the evening. Look for the blue “Let’s Chat” shirts to join the conversation. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission.

Friday, August 14 | 5–9 pm

Friday Nights at OMCA | Live Music by Ashley Mehta, DJ set by BRIIZA, Locking Dance Lesson with Chaz, and Gallery Chats

Friday Nights at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) comes alive with a captivating live performance from Ashley Mehta on the Garden Stage. Blending powerhouse vocals, infectious pop melodies, and emotionally honest songwriting, the rising singer-songwriter delivers a dynamic set that moves seamlessly between intimate storytelling and high-energy anthems, creating an unforgettable connection with the audience.

Bringing even more energy to the evening, BRIIZA takes over the Amphitheater with a vibrant DJ set that weaves together Latin music, Bay Area classics, house, and global electronic sounds. Renowned for her fearless, genre-spanning approach and electrifying presence behind the decks, the Salvadoran producer and DJ keeps guests dancing with an upbeat, family-friendly soundtrack.

Guests can also step onto the dance floor during a locking dance lesson led by Chaz. This interactive experience introduces the eight foundational movements of the iconic street dance style while exploring rhythm, groove, and technique, offering participants of all levels the opportunity to learn from a seasoned artist.

Friday, August 21 | 5–9 pm

Friday Nights at OMCA | Live Music by Sabrina Shauna, DJ Set by Zaynub, Live Figure Drawing with Sketchboard Co., and Gallery Chats

This Friday Night at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA), the stage is set for an evening of soulful sounds as Bay Area artist Sabrina Shauna brings her signature blend of R&B and pop to the Garden Stage. Featuring powerhouse vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and infectious energy, her performance showcases fan favorites, new music, and an uplifting spirit that invites audiences to sing, dance, and connect.

Keeping the momentum going, Zaynub takes over the Amphitheater with a genre-spanning DJ set rooted in nostalgia, storytelling, and feel-good grooves. Blending 90s and 2000s favorites with modern Hip-Hop, R&B, pop, funk, and soul, the Bay Area DJ creates an upbeat soundtrack that celebrates community while keeping the dance floor moving all evening long. With gallery admission, guests can also join Sketchboard Co. in the Gallery of California Art for live figure drawing sessions.

We welcome all skill levels, including those who have never drawn before and want to try drawing. Art supplies and clipboards will be available for use, and your artwork will be yours to take home or exchange with others. A costumed model representing the diversity of the Bay Area will be posing in the Gallery of California Art for times ranging from 2 to 20 minutes. Since drawing will take place in the galleries, please be mindful of space and bring only the following media from home: sketchbooks (max size 9×12 inches) and pre-sharpened enclosed graphite, charcoal, or conté pencils.

Friday, August 28 | 5–9 pm

Friday Nights at OMCA | Live Music by BULULÚ, Afro Dance Lesson with Danaite Gebremeskel, DJ Set by TIEDYE, and Gallery Chats

This Friday Night the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) comes alive with the vibrant sounds and rhythms of the Caribbean as BULULÚ takes the Garden Stage for an electrifying live performance. Led by Venezuelan-born percussionist, composer, and vocalist Lali Mejia, the ensemble blends salsa, cumbia, merengue, calypso, joropo, and other traditions into a joyful celebration of music, culture, and community that invites guests to dance the night away.

Keeping the energy in motion, Danaite Gebremeskel leads an interactive Afro dance lesson in the Amphitheater, introducing participants to foundational movements, musicality, and the rich cultural traditions that inspire modern African dance. Welcoming all experience levels, the class offers a fun and engaging opportunity to connect through rhythm and movement.

As the evening goes on, TIEDYE delivers a high-energy DJ set that weaves together old-school R&B, Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afrohouse, Hip Hop, and dancehall. Known for creating immersive musical experiences that uplift and inspire, the Bay Area artist and DJ keeps the celebration going with infectious grooves that bring people together on the dance floor.

OMCA Launches Bloomberg Connects—A Free Digital Guide

August, 2026 | Free | OMCA Campus

This summer, the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) will launch its first Bloomberg Connects guide. Bloomberg Connects is a free digital guide platform that features over 1,200 cultural organizations across the globe. The platform enhances a visit to OMCA with deeper interpretation through audio and video storytelling, available on-site and online, before, during, and after your visit.

OMCA’s Bloomberg Connects digital guide will welcome visitors with audio tour stops featuring behind-the-scenes stories and perspectives from OMCA community members and staff about specific California artworks, objects, animals, and environments highlighted in our three Collection Galleries and OMCA Garden.

OMCA’s Bloomberg Connects guide will facilitate rich and meaningful discovery and engagement with multilingual support, accessibility features, maps and wayfinding, and important visit information about all OMCA offerings, including the OMCA Garden, the OMCA Shop, and OMCA’s Cafe, Town Fare by Michele McQueen.

Spotlight Sundays: Local Short Film Showcase and Conversation with Cinemama

Sunday, August 16, 2026 | 1–2:45 pm | $10 All-Inclusive Ticket | James Moore Theater

This Spotlight Sundays, the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is partnering with Oakland’s filmmaking community hub Cinemama, to feature two local films exploring identity, place, and resilience—themes featured in our current exhibition, Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory. Welcome to the Neighborhood (28min) follows the Howard family, who joined the growing number of African Americans moving to Berkeley during WWII. Directed by Pam Uzzell, this story examines the forces of gentrification and the resistance movement led by Mildred’s mother, Mable Howard.

Blú Honey (19min), directed by filmmaker and poet Donté Clark, is an homage to Clark’s hometown of Richmond. An emotive and poetic film, it traces the torching reality of the Black male experience across four generations and a spiritual commitment to community empowerment and liberation. Following the screenings, join us in conversation with Cinemama founder Niema Jordan, filmmaker Donté Clark, and interdisciplinary artist and urban cultural preservationist Rashida Chase as they explore notions of home and belonging.

OMCA encourages visitors to continue the conversation after the screening. The panelists and filmmakers will host a post-program gathering in the adjacent space until 3:30 pm. All are welcome to join!

Spotlight Sundays ticket is $10 and includes access to all of OMCA’s galleries, including Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory!

Gallery Chats at OMCA

Fridays, 5:30–7:30 pm | All Galleries

Gallery Chats puts a twist on the traditional museum tour by encouraging meaningful conversations and fresh interpretations of the artwork, artifacts, and stories in OMCA’s galleries. This informal drop-in experience is an opportunity for visitors to share their personal reflections with and ask questions of our enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteer facilitators.

Visitors can find Gallery Chatters—wearing their blue “Let’s Chat” shirts—and floating between all of OMCA’s galleries during Friday Nights (April-Oct), ThursDates (Jan-March), and the Museum’s community celebrations, including Lunar New Year, Día de los Muertos, and Juneteenth (hours vary).

Whether visitors are curious about something on view or excited to reflect on their own experiences, Gallery Chatters are there to help spark conversation and connection.

First Sundays at OMCA

First Sunday of each month

Every first Sunday of the month, enjoy free admission to the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)—now including all Special Exhibitions! Explore the Galleries of California Art, History, and Natural Sciences, shop for locally made goods, or relax in our garden—all for free.

Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets online in advance to secure preferred entry times and reduce wait times. Tickets are also available at the admissions desk on a first-come, first-served basis.

OMCA Architecture Walk and Talk

First Sunday of each month at 1 pm

Walk through OMCA’s landmark building and gardens with members of the Council on Architecture, and learn about the history, design, and evolution of this award-winning structure with guides who are passionate about OMCA and Oakland.

No reservations or tickets are required. Walk and Talk begins near the Mid Level ticketing desk and lasts approximately one hour.

If you’d like to visit OMCA’s Galleries or Special Exhibitions, please purchase a ticket online in advance or at the ticketing desk on the day of your visit.

ALSO ON VIEW AT OMCA

Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory
Closing in October | Great Hall

Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory is the first major museum exhibition to celebrate the work of beloved Bay Area artist Mildred Howard. Spanning Howard’s five-decade practice, Poetics of Memory brings together her renowned collages, found-object sculptures, and immersive installations that explore memory, identity, and the African American experience. New and never-before-seen pieces punctuate the exhibition, while archival materials from Howard’s Oakland studio illuminate the cultural currents and lived experiences that shape her practice.

Born in San Francisco in 1945, Howard has been a lifelong resident of the East Bay. In the 1970s, she began making art influenced by textiles, African Diasporic dance, and fellow artists like Betye Saar, Raymond Saunders, and David Ireland. Howard’s studio became a space for experimentation, where her work has referenced both personal history and collective, generational experiences—from World War I and rapper Tupac Shakur to her family’s own roots in the Great Migration. Similarly, Howard’s monumental public artworks—found across the Bay Area—have highlighted often overlooked histories, from the Black shipworkers of Hunters Point to the musicians who defined San Francisco jazz.

Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory invites visitors into Howard’s vibrant, poetic world—to reflect on how personal memory and collective history intertwine, and to connect their own lived experiences to the broader stories that define us.

Konkow Maidu Baskets
Ongoing | Gallery of California History

Learn about historic Konkow Maidu master weavers and their descendants carrying forward the living tradition of basketry from generation to generation. Originally in the Oakland Museum of California’s collection, the baskets from this display are part of a group of items repatriated to the Berry Creek Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California in 2024.

The baskets on view represent an intergenerational exchange of knowledge that is essential to Konkow Maidu daily life, food systems, ceremony, and survival. Visitors will encounter Native voices directly through text from members of the Berry Creek Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California.

Fairyland @ 75: A Legacy of Magic
Ongoing | Gallery of California Natural Sciences Corridor

This collaborative installation invites visitors to learn more about Fairyland’s history, evolution, and enduring magic. Explore a timeline of Fairyland’s journey, a “then-and-now” look at its beloved park attractions, and a glimpse into the park’s bright future. Visitors will discover miniatures created by local artists, photos of Magic Keys through the decades, and even one of Fairyland’s original Jolly Trolly cars for kids and families to climb aboard. This feature celebrates Fairyland’s lasting legacy and role in shaping Oakland’s cultural landscape.

OMCA Kids: Nature Playspace
Ongoing | Gallery of California Natural Sciences

Little learners can unleash their curiosity and imagination in OMCA Kids: Nature Playspace. Located inside the Gallery of California Natural Sciences, the playspace is focused on the unique needs of children ages 2 to 5, along with their families and caregivers. Play is critical to every child’s healthy development and the playroom offers something for everyone—from building materials and nature-themed puzzles to hands-on activities that spark creativity, wonder, and joy. Our youngest museum visitors can also discover the animals that make their homes in Oakland’s streams, hills, and backyards. The playspace gives families a fun, safe place to play and build community with other families.

You Are Here: California Stories on the Map
Ongoing | Gallery of California Natural Sciences

We all use maps in our everyday lives—to navigate public transportation, find places to eat, and visualize big data like weather patterns or political opinions. But have you ever considered the deeper stories maps tell us? In You Are Here: California Stories on the Map, you’ll discover there’s more to maps than meets the eye. Showcasing a diverse range of maps from Oakland, the Bay Area, and California—from environmental surroundings and health conditions to community perspectives and creative artworks—experience how maps can be a powerful tool to share unique points of view and imagine a better future. Explore new perspectives of familiar places through maps made by the community, and mark your own stories on the community map inside the exhibition.

Black Power
Ongoing | Gallery of California History

Uncover the history of the Black Power movements in California with a compelling addition to the Gallery of California History. In response to the widely popular 2016 exhibition All Power to the People: Black Panthers at 50, Black Power illustrates the creative ways Black anti-racist activists in California supported their communities and challenged the U.S. government. Focusing on the example of the Black Panther Party, Black Power brings to light the tensions between a culturally and socially progressive California and examples of economic racism and oppression in the state. This moment in California history is represented through historic photographs, provocative objects, iconic posters, paintings, and interactive prompts that encourage visitors to take action out in the world. Learn more about the Bay Area’s role in this national story and the impacts this history continues to have today.

Question Bridge: Black Males
Ongoing | Gallery of California Art

Immerse yourself in intimate videos—woven together and arranged to simulate face-to-face conversations between participants—among a diverse group of over 160 Black men across the United States. Hear these men answer each other’s questions with exceptional honesty and vulnerability, and share stories, beliefs, and values in a personal portrayal of their lives. Encompassing themes of family, love, interracial relationships, community, education, and wisdom, Question Bridge: Black Males presents nuanced portraits of the past, present, and future of Black men in American society. Listen, watch, learn, and start your own conversations with this profoundly moving installation. Question Bridge is an innovative and widely exhibited video installation from artists Chris Johnson and Hank Willis Thomas in collaboration with Bayeté Ross Smith and Kamal Sinclair.

Dorothea Lange: Photography As Activism
Ongoing | Gallery of California Art

Experience the iconic life and work of Dorothea Lange, world-renowned documentary photographer, with an expanded installation in the Gallery of California Art dedicated to her works. Through the lens of her camera, Lange documented American life with riveting photographs that captured some of the most powerful moments of the 20th century. Drawn from Lange’s personal archive, which was gifted to OMCA over 50 years ago, and in response to the popular 2017 exhibition Dorothea Lange: The Politics of Seeing, a number of newly added photographs illustrate the power of photography as social activism. See how Lange’s work continues to resonate with millions and inspire new generations of artists and activists.

Dorothea Lange Digital Archive
Explore prints, field notes, negatives, contact sheets, and more with OMCA’s Dorothea Lange Digital Archive.

ABOUT THE OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA
Founded in 1969 as a “museum of the people,” Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) tells the diverse stories of California’s art, history, and natural environment. Through inclusive exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, OMCA creates space for meaningful dialogue and strives to build more equitable, empathetic, and connected communities. With more than 2 million objects, OMCA’s collection of art, history, and natural science is a resource for understanding California’s dynamic heritage—all within its 110,000 square feet of gallery space and seven-acre campus. A leading Bay Area cultural institution rooted in Oakland, OMCA is dedicated to fostering an environment where visitors from the region, state, and beyond feel valued and empowered to shape the future of California’s cultural landscape.

VISITOR INFORMATION
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is located at 1000 Oak Street, at 10th Street, in Oakland. All-inclusive Museum admission is $25 general admission; $22 for seniors; $18 for youth ages 12 to 17, as well as for students and educators with valid ID; and free for Members and children 12 and under. OMCA offers onsite underground parking and is conveniently located one block from the Lake Merritt BART station, on the corner of 10th Street and Oak Street. An accessibility ramp is located at the 1000 Oak Street main entrance to the Museum.