Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)

Gallery Chats at OMCA
2026-03-28 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-04 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-11 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-18 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-25 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-02 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-09 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-16 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) and 3 more dates | OMCA campus
Gallery Chats at OMCA

Join us for Gallery Chats, an opportunity to chat with and ask questions of our enthusiastic and knowledgeable OMCA Facilitators. Gallery Chats put a twist on the traditional museum tour by encouraging meaningful conversations and fresh interpretations to connect with the artwork, artifacts, and stories in our galleries.

Gallery Chats take place in our Special Exhibitions every Saturday from 1 to 3 pm and are included with Museum and Special Exhibition admission. No reservation necessary.

GET MUSEUM ADMISSION TICKETS

OMCA Members have access to special Member Tours every second Saturday of the month from noon to 1 pm.

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.

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Friday Nights at OMCA with Yeny Valdés & TeamBahia
2026-04-03 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Gallery Chats at OMCA

Live Music by Yeny Valdés & TeamBahia, Drag Storytime with Per Sia, Dance Ribbon Making, Music Set by DJ Kream, and Gallery Chats

Friday Nights at OMCA kicks off the 2026 season with the vibrant and joyful rhythms of the Caribbean as Yeny Valdés & TeamBahia take the Garden Stage. Blending timba, salsa, son, and tropical fusion, their high-energy set will have you dancing and celebrating all night long. The party continues with Oakland’s own DJ Kream, spinning soulful, rhythm-forward beats rooted in deep house, funk, and feel-good grooves to keep the dance floor moving.

Families can gather in the Garden for Drag Storytime with Per Sia, featuring a reading of Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa, an inspiring tribute to the Queen of Salsa. Plus, get hands-on and make your own colorful dance ribbon in a festive art activity celebrating movement and spring.

Alongside an exceptional event experience, Friday Nights at OMCA also feature a dynamic gallery offering with 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 and Special Exhibition admission. Facilitators float between galleries throughout the night and can be seen wearing a blue “Let’s Chat” shirt.

Program Schedule:

5:15 pm Drag Storytime with Per Sia | Garden

5:30–7:30 pm Dance Ribbon Making | Garden

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

6–7:15 pm Live Music by Yeny Valdés & TeamBahia | Garden Stage

6:45–8:50 pm Music Set by DJ Kream | Amphitheater

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

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

Yeny Valdés & TeamBahia

DJ Kream

Per Sia

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About Yeny Valdes & TeamBahia

Yeny Valdés is a renowned Cuban singer with five Latin Grammy nominations and was the lead vocalist of Los Van Van—one of Cuba’s most iconic bands—for 16 years. Now based in the Bay Area, she leads as the principal singer of TeamBahia, a powerful orchestra directed by her husband, musician, percussionist, and vocalist Erick Barberia. Together, they fuse Cuba’s rich musical heritage with a modern, vibrant sound that lights up the stage with soul and tropical flavor.

About DJ Kream

Hailing from Oakland, DJ Kream is a community organizer, creative, and event producer known for her genre-bending DJ style. In 2016, as part of her DJ debut, Kream co-founded the Oakland-based entertainment company Oakhella, curating tunes at the inaugural festival. Since then, Oakhella has grown from a music festival to full-scale entertainment company marketing, curating, and producing events for clients like Black Joy Parade, REI, Goldenvoice, Oakland Museum of California, The Battery Club (SF), The Life is Living Festival, and many more.
DJ Kream has gone on to curate the vibes at music festivals, nightclubs, weddings, day parties, brunches, drag shows, corporate events, and spaces coast to coast, from Portland and NYC to Mexico City. DJ Kream’s resume includes sharing marquees with legends old and new like Black Coffee, Moodymann, Joe Kay, TxC, Kevin Saunderson, Carl Cox, Channel Tres, Coco & Breezy, Cypress Hill, 112, Next, Sango, and Durand Bernarr.

About Per Sia

San Francisco’s current Drag Laureate, Per Sia, is a first-generation Trans Mexican-American drag artist raised in South Central Los Angeles, with drag roots in San Francisco’s Mission District. Her multidisciplinary practice spans performance, curation, television, and storytelling, presented in spaces ranging from local bars to major museums, including the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the Oakland Museum of California. A graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz, she is a co-founder of Drag Story Hour and an educator with Children’s After School Arts, with work featured on KQED Arts, National Public Radio, and CNN.

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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OMCA Architecture Walk and Talk
2026-04-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-07 13:00 - 14:00 | OMCA campus
Gallery Chats at OMCA

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.

GET Museum Admission TICKETS

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Friday Nights at OMCA with SambaDá
2026-04-10 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Gallery Chats at OMCA

Live Music by SambaDá, Baile Funk Dance Lesson w/ Weslie Guimarães, DJ Set by murcutian, OMCA Members’ Lounge, and Gallery Chats

Step into your weekend with Brazilian-inspired music, dance, and joyful connection at Friday Nights at OMCA. On the Garden Stage, SambaDá delivers a joy-filled set rooted in electric Brazilian rhythms with a funky American twist. Blending samba, funk, soul, and global grooves, their infectious live performance brings radiant energy and irresistible beats that keep the crowd moving.

In the Amphitheater, a Baile Funk dance lesson with Weslei Guimarães spotlights the dynamic style born in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas. This all-levels class introduces signature steps and expressive movements that celebrate the culture, creativity, and community of Brazil’s Funk Carioca tradition.

Keeping the dance floor lively, murcutian spins a fun, family-friendly DJ set of Latine favorites, ’70s classics, Y2K hits, Hip-Hop, and R&B—timeless, flavorful sounds designed to get everyone moving.

Alongside an exceptional event experience, Friday Nights at OMCA also feature a dynamic gallery offering with 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 and Special Exhibition admission. Facilitators float between galleries throughout the night and can be seen wearing a blue “Let’s Chat” shirt.

Program Schedule:

5:30–6:30 pm Baile Funk Dance Lesson w/ Weslei Guimarães | Amphitheater

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

6:30–7:45 pm Live Music by SambaDá | Garden Stage

6:45–8:50 pm DJ Set by murcutian | Amphitheater

*Due to expected rain, our Member Lounge originally scheduled for April 10 has been postponed. We look forward to welcoming you soon and are planning to reschedule for a Friday in May—stay tuned for updates!

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

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

SambaDá

Weslei Guimarães

murcutian

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About SambaDá

For over 25 years, SambaDá has built a vibrant musical bridge between traditional and contemporary Brazilian sounds and modern global influences. Led by Brazilian natives, Papiba Godinho and Dandha Da Hora, the group’s powerhouse ensemble delivers a joyous blend of Afro-samba-Reggae-funk that keeps feet dancing and hearts open.

About murcutian

murcutian is a Bay Area selector and founder of Her DJ Club, and a proud child of Salvadoran immigrants whose earliest memories are rooted in the rhythms and sounds of home. A self-taught DJ, she brings an eclectic flavor to any space and has rocked crowds at the California Academy of Sciences, The Exploratorium, Hello Stranger, and, most recently, KQED. She brings people together through sound, with an energy and skill that has captivated audiences across the Bay and beyond.

About Weslei Guimarães

Weslei Guimarães is a director, instructor, and performer native to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Weslei specializes in several Brazilian ballroom dances, including Forro, Samba de Gafieira, Bolero (National Champion, 2016), and other Río-style dances such as Samba no Pé and Brazilian funk. He has performed on many stages across continents, and recently founded his own dance school, Sou Samba Studios (2023), in Berkeley, CA, where he teaches weekly classes dedicated to preserving the Brazilian arts.

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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Friday Nights at OMCA with The Philharmonik
2026-04-17 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Gallery Chats at OMCA

Live Music by The Philharmonik, Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing, Music Set by DJ Hauna Bauna, and Gallery Chats

This evening, Friday Nights at OMCA is bringing you and your crew soulful grooves, infectious rhythms, and playful creativity. The Philharmonik sets the tone on the Garden Stage with a passionate blend of R&B, funk, soul, and Hip-Hop, energizing the crowd and inspiring dancing and singing for all ages. Over in the Amphitheater, DJ Hauna Bauna adds to the vibrations with a high-energy, genre-spanning set—from Hip-Hop and Afro beats to house, Jersey club, Nola bounce, and R&B—creating a rhythm-driven journey that moves everyone.

A crowd favorite, Sketchboard Co., is back in the galleries with uninstructed live figure drawing.

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.

Alongside an exceptional event experience, Friday Nights at OMCA also feature a dynamic gallery offering with 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 and Special Exhibition admission. Facilitators float between galleries throughout the night and can be seen wearing a blue “Let’s Chat” shirt.

Program Schedule:

5:30–6:15 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing | Gallery of California Art

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

6–7 pm Live Music by The Philharmonik | Garden Stage

6:45–8:50 pm Music Set by DJ Hauna Bauna | Amphitheater

6:45–7:30 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing | Gallery of California Art

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

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

The Philharmonik

Sketchboard Co.

DJ Hauna Bauna

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About The Philharmonik

Christian Gates, known professionally as The Philharmonik, is an American vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, lyricist, music producer, and genre defining artist. From NPR’s Tiny Desk to The Bluenote Jazz Clubs in NYC and Tokyo to Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, his live shows have moved and inspired audiences around the world.

About Sketchboard Co

Sketchboard Co. is a BIPOC figure drawing collective, curating eclectic, diverse, and affordable events in the Bay Area over the last 10 years. Our mission is to feature the bodies of people at the intersection of multiple identities, offer living wages to our art models, and create an inclusive environment for the artists in our community.

About DJ Hauna Bauna

DJ Hauna Bauna is from San Jose, CA, and has been DJing for three years. She’s a lover of music and loves to dance. Her sets consist of Hip-Hop, Afrobeats, house, Jersey club, Nola bounce, and R&B.

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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Spotlight Sundays: Cultural Burn Practices and the Future of Fire
2026-04-19 13:00 - 14:00 | OMCA Lecture Hall, 1000 Oak, Oakland, California, 94607
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Gallery Chats at OMCA

Spotlight Sundays: Cultural Burn Practices and the Future of Fire

Spotlight Sundays invites guests to an in-depth conversation about the future of fire through the lens of Indigenous fire practices. Corrina Gould of Sogorea Te’ Land Trust will lead a conversation with Jordan Reyes and Corine Pearce of Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance. The discussion will illuminate how fire is an essential component of Native lifeways, affirms tribal sovereignty, and is a critical element for healthy California ecosystems. Learn what it means to be a steward of the land and how Native fire practitioners are increasing their efforts to build a more sustainable future with fire in California.

This program is a part of our exhibition programming for Good Fire: Tending Native Lands, on view through May 31.

General TICKETS

MEMBER TICKETS

About Corrina Gould

Corrina Gould (Tribal Chair for the Confederated Villages of Lisjan Nation) was born and raised in the village of Huichin, now known as Oakland, CA. She is the Co-Founder and Lead Organizer for Indian People Organizing for Change, a small Native-run organization, and the Sogorea Te’ Land Trust, an urban Indigenous women-led organization within her ancestral territory. Through the practices of rematriation, cultural revitalization, and land restoration, the Land Trust calls on Native and non-Native peoples to heal and transform legacies of colonization, genocide, and to do the work our ancestors and future generations are calling us to do.

About Jordan Reyes

Jordan Reyes (Pomo/Lake Miwok/Yuki/Little Lake/Wailak) is a land steward with a background in Tribal government serving in Tribal Historic Preservation, Tribal Gaming Regulatory Commission, Tribal Gaming Operations, and Tribal Council. Jordan currently serves as the Field Coordinator with the Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance and is a leader in his Tribal community with land stewardship and reintroducing cultural fire practices. He sees fire as medicine, a way to heal intergenerational separation, and a way to ensure the safe passage of knowledge. Serving the people and Tribal sovereignty is the main focus of his passion, to heal the lands and human beings, and maintaining a relationship of reciprocity between the two.

About Corine Pearce

Corine Pearce (Redwood Valley Little River Band of Pomo)‘s weaving heals and restores both the land and the people. She weaves to connect the future generations to a living cultural identity and to remind them they will also face struggles and triumphs, and they will also carry the spirit of our ancestors. Corine creates all types of basketry: cradle baskets—from miniatures that would fit on a dime, to doll size, to full-size serviceable cradles; twine baskets using six different twining techniques—from simple rough work baskets to fine closed twine baskets; and feather/beaded/plain coil baskets using two separate techniques that are specific to Mendocino, Sonoma, and Lake County Pomo peoples.

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.

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Friday Nights at OMCA with CO-LLAB Choir
2026-04-24 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Gallery Chats at OMCA

Live Music by CO-LLAB Choir, Hip Hop Dance Lesson with Samara Atkins, DJ Set by AMAL, and Gallery Chats

Celebrate an evening of powerful vocals, dynamic movement, and genre-spanning sounds this Friday Nights at OMCA. The Garden Stage will be transformed as CO-LLAB Choir presents an uplifting set of contemporary music and original compositions performed with a live band. Featuring standout soloists alongside the full ensemble, the Oakland-based choir brings rich harmonies and collaborative spirit to every song.

Over in the Amphitheater, a Hip-Hop dance lesson with Samara Atkins offers an engaging, all-levels experience rooted in accessible, dynamic movement. From warm-up to choreography, the class creates space for dancers of all ages and abilities to move with confidence and joy.

Rounding out the night, AMAL curates a genre-spanning music set—from funk and house to R&B, disco, global grooves, and future beats—blending styles seamlessly to keep the energy flowing across the dance floor.

Alongside an exceptional event experience, Friday Nights at OMCA also feature a dynamic gallery offering with 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 and Special Exhibition admission. Facilitators float between galleries throughout the night and can be seen wearing a blue “Let’s Chat” shirt.

Program Schedule:

5:30–6:30 pm Hip-Hop Dance Lesson with Samara Atkins | Amphitheater

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

6:30–7:30 pm Live Music by CO-LLAB Choir | Garden Stage

6:45–8:50 pm DJ Set by AMAL | Amphitheater

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

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

CO-LLAB Choir

Samara Atkins

AMAL

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About CO-LLAB Choir

CO-LLAB Choir is an Oakland-based contemporary vocal ensemble for adults working with vocal artists and singer-songwriters to bring their music to life in a vocal ensemble setting. The ensemble co-arranges and co-writes music together as well as collaborates with professional artists on studio recordings and performances. The choir has performed at venues and festivals such as Super Bowl 60, Outside Lands, the Oakland Coliseum, the Fox Theater, SFJazz, Shoreline Amphitheatre, Yoshi’s, Bandcamp Oakland, Empire Records, Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, MOAD, Berkeley Rep, the Academy of Sciences, the Empress Theatre in Vallejo, the Paramount, and the Vermont in LA. The CO-LLAB Choir is currently touring, recording, and performing with the artist LaRussell and works regularly with Empire Records on studio recordings. CO-LLAB Choir is directed and founded by longtime Oakland music educator and artist, Cava Menzies.

About Samara Atkins

Oakland-born Samara Atkins uses Hip-Hop and street dance as an arts practice to both connect with the world and as a vehicle to cope, celebrate, heal, and express joy. Samara is a co-founder and co-director of the all-female dance company Mix’d Ingrdnts, is a member of the GRAMMY-Award winning music group Alphabet Rockers, and is a seasoned teaching artist at Destiny Arts Center. Samara brings a beautifully hype and fun energy to her dance style that invites and encourages people of all ages to get up and be moved.

About AMAL

AMAL is a DJ, music curator, and event producer based out of Oakland, California. With music at the center of her work and creations, Amal’s multifaceted sound, inspired by her Egyptian and Bay Area roots, holds no genre boundary. From R&B to future beats, soul to world, house to hip-hop, and everything in between – Amal’s work holds a common thread of building feeling, connection, and community.

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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OMCA May Day Drop-in Poster making
2026-04-30 13:00 - 16:00 | Oak Street Plaza, 1000 Oak St, Oakland, California, 94607, United States
Gallery Chats at OMCA

In solidarity with the May Day general strike on May 1, the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is hosting a drop-in poster workshop on Thursday, April 30! Stop by OMCA’s Oak Street Entrance from 1–4 pm to make a poster for use at May Day 2026 protests, rallies, and actions. Don’t have time to make your own? Printed posters from May Day Strong will also be available for pickup.

Please note: On May 1, 2026, OMCA will close in observance of and in solidarity with the planned May Day general strike and related peaceful demonstrations. Organizers of the May Day activities have specified that this year’s general strike is a national call for “no shopping, no work, and no school.” We’ve made the decision to close our doors for the day—including that evening’s Friday Nights at OMCA, which will return the following week on Friday, May 8—in support of our neighbors, out of precaution for the safety of our visitors, and in alliance with the greater social movement.

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HIGHLIGHTS

Artist: Nik Koski

Artist: Ril’riia Kil’urden

Artist: Adam Whittier

Artist: Adam Whittier

*Posters courtesy of May Day Strong

Spring Teacher Night
2026-05-08 16:30 - 19:00
Gallery Chats at OMCA

Calling all teachers! After everything you’ve given this year, let us celebrate you. Join us for OMCA’s Spring Teacher Night to explore the galleries, enjoy live music, great food, and good company.

Stop by a special teachers’ lounge in the California Room to learn about OMCA field trips and connect with other educators. While you’re here, explore OMCA’s galleries and exhibitions, including last chances to see Good Fire: Tending Native Lands, focusing on Native California cultural burning practices, and Students on Strike, an installation exploring student activism at San Francisco State University, both closing May 31.

Check out OMCA’s student and teacher guides for our galleries and exhibitions, and then head to the garden to hang out and vibe to the music of Friday Nights at OMCA. Enjoy late-night gallery access and Off the Grid food trucks.

Bring your team! This event is free for teachers and principals, including free gallery admission for all teachers and chaperones, plus Off the Grid food truck and drink tickets for the first 100 arrivals. No RSVP required.

LEARN MORE

Program Schedule:

4:30pm Teacher Night Check-in Table and Lounge Open | California Room, Lower Level

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

7 pm Teacher Night Check-in Table and Lounge Close—Friday Nights Continues

9 pm Off the Grid Food Trucks Close | 10th Street

9 pmOMCA Galleries Close

SUBSCRIBE TO EDUCATOR EMAIL LIST

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.

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Friday Nights at OMCA with Elujay
2026-05-08 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Gallery Chats at OMCA

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

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

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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Friday Nights at OMCA with La Cumbiamba Colombiana & Combo Tezeta
2026-05-15 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Gallery Chats at OMCA

Live Dance by La Cumbiamba Colombiana, Live Music by Combo Tezeta, Music Set by DJ Olga T, Live Figure Drawing by Sketchboard Co., and Gallery Chats

This evening, Friday Nights at OMCA brings vibrant rhythms, rich cultural traditions, and dance-floor energy to the Garden Stage. La Cumbiamba Colombiana kicks off the evening with a lively dance performance celebrating the roots of Colombian cumbia, weaving together ancestral steps and Afro-Caribbean influences in a colorful, high-energy showcase. Then, Combo Tezeta, whose psychedelic take on cumbia, chicha, and música tropical blends surf rock textures with hypnotic Latin rhythms, takes the stage to create an irresistibly danceable atmosphere that bridges past and present.

Over in the Amphitheater, DJ Olga T delivers a dynamic set filled with Latin rhythms, Afrobeats, R&B, and soulful house. Known for her seamless genre-spanning mixes and infectious energy, she’ll keep the crowd moving and the vibes flowing all night long.

In the galleries, Sketchboard Co. is here to help guests scratch their creative itch with uninstructed live figure drawing.

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.

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:

5:30–6:15 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing | Gallery of California Art*

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

6–6:30 pm Live Dance by La Cumbiamba Colombiana | Garden Stage

6:45–7:45 pm Live Music by Combo Tezeta | Garden Stage

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

6:45–7:30 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing | Gallery of California Art*

* Paid gallery admission required

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

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

La Cumbiamba Colombiana

Combo Tezeta

DJ Olga T

Sketchboard Co.

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About Sketchboard Co.

Sketchboard Co. is a BIPOC figure drawing collective, curating eclectic, diverse, and affordable events in the Bay Area over the last 10 years. Our mission is to feature the bodies of people at the intersection of multiple identities, offer living wages to our art models, and create an inclusive environment for the artists in our community.

About La Cumbiamba Colombiana

La Cumbiamba Colombiana is a non-profit folkloric group established in 2014 with the mission of preserving Colombian heritage, culture, and folklore in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Best known for showcasing the traditional Colombian Cumbia, a rhythm that was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of all Colombians, the group proudly represents empowerment, resilience, and freedom through their dances.

About Combo Tezeta

Based out of the Bay Area, Combo Tezeta plays a highly danceable blend of instrumental Cumbias, Chichas, and Musica Tropical inspired by the late 60’s and early 70’s era of psychedelic Peru.
Combo Tezeta has performed at many local venues as well as toured up and down the West Coast. Recent highlights include 2024’s The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, Noise Pop’s Summer of Music Fest (w/Thundercat), two performances in the Great American Music Hall, and opening for Los Mirlos of Peru and Los Bitchos from the UK. Their growing momentum is demonstrated as they headline their own shows and are increasingly requested to open for other high-profile artists as they travel through the Bay Area.

About DJ Olga T

Olga T, a Puerto Rican lover of all things music, community, and human connection through rhythm and beats, was born in NYC and raised in San Francisco, and has an explosive style of DJing that never fails to grab your attention on the dance floor. A Northern Californian legend known for masterfully transitioning through nearly every genre of music while creating live unrehearsed remixes, Olga T consistently delivers a uniquely infectious excitement to the audience. DJing for the past 20 years while producing iconic Bay Area events year-round in addition to teaching DJ classes, creating exclusive remixes, edits and mixtapes is Olga T’s full-time passion. Go to www.soundcloud.com/djolgat to explore a plethora of mixtapes of various music genres created by DJ Olga T.

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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Spotlight Sundays: Earth Seed Screening with People’s Kitchen Collective and Emory Douglas
2026-05-17 13:00 - 16:30 | OMCA Lecture Hall, 1000 Oak, Oakland, California, 94607
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Gallery Chats at OMCA

Spotlight Sundays: Earthseed Screening with People’s Kitchen Collective and Emory Douglas

1–3 pm | Documentary Screening | James Moore Theater

3–4:30 pm | Collective Presentation and Gathering | OMCA Garden

Join us for a special gathering showcasing stories of survival and resilience through food culture and ancestral wisdom with People’s Kitchen Collective (PKC) and Understory. This event will begin with a screening of the documentary Earth Seed: A People’s Journey of Radical Hospitality by filmmaker Fox Nakai and PKC. Rooted in Octavia E. Butler’s Parable series and the legacy of the Black Panther Party’s community engagement strategies, this film maps the Earth Seed pilgrimage through five regions of California.

After the screening, we will gather in OMCA’s Garden where Jocelyn Jackson, co-founder of PKC, will lead us in a series of Earth Seed testimonies and spoken word musings by fellow PKC co-founders Võ Hải and Sarai Bordeaux. Then we will welcome special guest speaker, revolutionary artist, and former Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party, Emory Douglas, to share on the power of community collectives.

Immerse yourself in their inspiring stories while enjoying nourishing food by worker-owned Understory, and play to win a curated “go-bag” containing unique pieces inspired by the Parable series. Radical Hospitality is a powerful strategy toward strengthening our interconnectedness. We welcome you to share in this unifying community experience.

General TICKETS

MEMBER TICKETS

About People’s Kitchen Collective

People’s Kitchen Collective (PKC) works at the intersection of art and activism as a food-centered political education project. Based in Oakland, our crew and creative practices reflect the diverse histories and backgrounds of the city. Written in our families’ recipes are the maps of our migrations and stories of our resilience. From this foundation, we create immersive experiences that honor the shared struggles of our people. We believe in radical hospitality as a strategy to address the urgent social issues of our time.

About EARTH SEED

Led by PKC, EARTH SEED is rooted in Octavia E. Butler’s Parable series and the legacy of the Black Panther Party for Self Defense. By enacting radical hospitality as a survival practice, we deepen our relationships with BIPOC activists, artists, educators, farmers, youth, and elders. EARTH SEED centers a pilgrimage through California from present-day Los Angeles to Mendocino Woodlands from March – June 2023. PKC visited with people and places building models for survival and our collective future. Spanning across the native lands of the Tongva, Yokut, Mutsun, Ohlone, Miwok and Pomo tribes in California, each part of the pilgrimage focuses on a different element (Earth, Fire, Water, Air, Wood).

About Understory

Understory was founded in 2020 by Lily Fahsi-Haskell, Jenabi Pareja, Nino Serrano, and Florencio Esquivel to address the impact the COVID-19 pandemic was having on workers of color within the restaurant industry. With diverse backgrounds as chefs, artists, and movement organizers, they dared to create a collaborative restaurant model that centers worker agency, access, inclusion, and radical community care. Their governance model ensures decisions are made collectively, cultivating trust, accountability, and empowerment.

About Jocelyn Jackson

Jocelyn is a cook, activist, and artist working at the intersection of food, art, and social justice. Her current projects include Executive Producer of the Life is Living Festival, JUSTUS Kitchen co-creating healing food experiences for Black women, and co-founder of People’s Kitchen Collective. Jocelyn is co-lead artist, co-director, writer, and executive producer of PKC’s documentary film project, EARTH SEED: A People’s Journey of Radical Hospitality. It is a practice in collective survival inspired by Octavia Butler and the Black Panther Party. Jocelyn just completed her Chef-in-Residency at the Museum of the African Diaspora in SF.

About Sarai Bordeaux

Sarai is a poet, scholar, educator, facilitator, and model. She holds a MA of Education in Equity and Social Justice focused on liberatory and transformational learning experiences. She has been connected with People’s Kitchen Collective for over ten years, serving as a conceptual partner, as well as front of house and logistics for gatherings. Sarai is the current Poet Laureate of Eureka, Ca and her most recent publication appears in When We Exhale: An Anthology of Black Women Rooted In Ancestral Medicine from Black Freighter Press. Her work can also be found in Patrice Lumumba: An Anthology or Writers on Black Liberation.

About Võ Hải

Hải is a queer Việt passionate about traditional food(ways), home(land), and partum care, whose family and ancestors are from southern Việt Nam – Mỹ Tho and Chợ Gạo. A guiding proverb for Hải towards community organizing is “Một cây làm chẳng nên non, ba cây chụm lại nên hòn núi cao”. It translates to one tree provides little strength, three trees together allow us to reach high mountains – that when we come together, we can achieve anything and change the world. Hải is a member of the QTViệt Cafe Collective dedicated to Queer and Trans Việt liberation.

About Emory Douglas

Emory Douglas attended City College of San Francisco where he majored in commercial art. He was the Revolutionary Artist and Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party from February 1967 until the early 1980’s. Douglas’s iconic art and design concepts were staples of the more than 530 Black Panther Newspapers, communicating the politics of the BPP and the concerns of the community in an easy-to-understand, immediate visual form. His art was meant to be an inspiring call to oppressed and colonized peoples. Douglas continues to produce political art that captures the power and urgency of global social justice.

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.

Return to Events

Friday Nights at OMCA with Pacific Mambo Orchestra
2026-05-22 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Gallery Chats at OMCA

Live Music by Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Music Set by Dj Sizzle, Salsa Dance Lesson with Ramón Ramos Alayo, OMCA Members’ Lounge, and Gallery Chats

Friday Nights at OMCA is set to kick off your weekend with bold Latin sounds, vibrant dance, and nonstop rhythm. Pacific Mambo Orchestra takes over the Garden Stage with an electrifying live performance, blending mambo, salsa, Latin jazz, and big band tradition into a high-energy vibe that’s both timeless and fresh. Known for their explosive stage presence and world-class musicianship, the Grammy Award-winning ensemble delivers a powerful, dance-ready experience.

Keeping the energy alive, Dj Sizzle spins a lively mix of cumbia, reggaeton, salsa, merengue, Hip-Hop, R&B, and global beats, curating a feel-good soundtrack that keeps the dance floor moving.

Guests are invited to step into the rhythm with Ramón Ramos Alayo who will lead a salsa dance lesson rooted in Cuban tradition. With an emphasis on connection, musicality, and joyful expression, this session welcomes dancers of all levels to build confidence and add a little extra flavor to their moves.

On the Upper Level Terrace the Museum welcomes its Members to a special Members’ Lounge. Members can enjoy light refreshments, sidewalk chalk, family-friendly games, and a bingo give-away featuring awesome OMCA merch! It’s the perfect way to mingle with fellow OMCA enthusiasts all while overlooking the Garden buzzing with Friday Nights energy.

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:

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

5:30–7:30 pm Member Lounge | Upper Level Terrace

5:30–6:30 pm Salsa Dance Lesson with Ramón Ramos Alayo | Amphitheater

6:30–7:30 pm Live Music by Pacific Mambo Orchestra | Garden Stage

6:45–8:45 pm Music Set by Dj Sizzle | Amphitheater

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

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

Pacific Mambo Orchestra

Dj Sizzle

Ramón Ramos Alayo

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About Pacific Mambo Orchestra

Pacific Mambo Orchestra (PMO) is a Grammy Award-winning Latin big band from San Francisco that has become one of the leading forces in keeping the great mambo and Latin jazz orchestra tradition alive in the 21st century. Founded in 2010 by pianist Christian Tumalan and trumpeter Steffen Kuehn, the 19-piece ensemble gained international recognition after winning the 2014 Grammy Award for Best Tropical Latin Album with its debut release, launching the band onto major stages around the world. Combining the spirit of Tito Puente, Machito, and the classic mambo orchestras with bold original compositions and modern arrangements, PMO delivers explosive, high-energy performances marked by virtuoso musicianship and powerful big band sound. From major jazz festivals to concert halls across the United States, Europe, Canada, and Latin America, Pacific Mambo Orchestra has earned a reputation for unforgettable live shows that celebrate the past, present, and future of Latin big band music.

About Dj Sizzle

Dj Sizzle is an artist and producer based in California, where she splits her time between The Bay Area and Los Angeles. She is the co-founder and director of Cumbiaton, an intergenerational cultural movement that celebrates Afro-Latin culture, community, and self-expression.

About Ramón Ramos Alayo

Ramón Ramos Alayo was selected by the Cuban government to study dance in Santiago de Cuba at age eleven. In 1990, he earned a master’s degree in contemporary and folkloric dance and dance education from Havana’s National School of Art. As a graduate specializing in folkloric and contemporary dance, he was a principal dancer with several prominent Cuban dance companies, including Danza del Caribe and Narcisco Medina Contemporary Dance Company, touring throughout Europe, Belize, and Canada. His success continued after relocating to the U.S. in 1997; he has performed as a dancer with numerous outstanding companies, including Robert Henry Johnson, Kim Epifano, Sara Shelton Mann, Zaccho Dance Theatre and Robert Moses’ Kin. Ramon currently teaches Cuban popular dance, Afro-Cuban modern dance, and children’s movement at several local dance studios and schools.

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.

Return to Events

Friday Nights at OMCASpecial Members Lounge
2026-05-22 17:30 - 19:30 | OMCA Garden, 1000 Oak Street, Oakland, California, 94607, United States
Gallery Chats at OMCA

Join us Friday, May 22 for our rescheduled Member Lounge!

Calling all Members! You’re invited to a special Member Lounge on the Upper Level Terrace, overlooking our Garden, in celebration of you! Mingle with fellow OMCA enthusiasts while enjoying light refreshments, games, and bingo, where we’ll be giving away some amazing items from the OMCA Shop. Bring your friends and family, and enjoy Friday Nights together!

Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid

Friday, May 22 | 5-9 pm

Friday Nights at OMCA is set to kick off your weekend with bold Latin sounds, vibrant dance, and nonstop rhythm. Pacific Mambo Orchestra takes over the Garden Stage with an electrifying live performance, blending mambo, salsa, Latin jazz, and big band tradition into a high-energy vibe that’s both timeless and fresh. In the Amphitheater, step into the rhythm with Ramón Ramos Alayo who will lead a salsa dance lesson rooted in Cuban tradition. With an emphasis on connection, musicality, and joyful expression, this session welcomes dancers of all levels to build confidence and add a little extra flavor to their moves. Keeping the energy alive, Dj Sizzle spins a lively mix of cumbia, reggaeton, salsa, merengue, Hip-Hop, R&B, and global beats, curating a feel-good soundtrack that keeps the dance floor moving. Throughout the evening, Gallery Chats invite visitors to join meaningful conversations with OMCA facilitators, offering fresh perspectives on the museum’s exhibitions. It’s not just a Friday night—it’s your Friday night at OMCA.

EVENT DETAILS

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Friday Nights at OMCA with Non Stop Bhangra
2026-05-29 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Gallery Chats at OMCA

Live Music and Dance by Non Stop Bhangra, DJ set by Lychy Jelly, and Gallery Chats

This Friday Night at OMCA turns up the energy with vibrant rhythms, cultural celebration, and nonstop movement. Non Stop Bhangra takes over the Garden Stage with an immersive, high-energy experience celebrating the music and dance of Punjab, India. Featuring live drumming, DJs, dance performances, and interactive lessons, this joyful, all-ages dance party invites everyone to jump in, let loose, and feel the beat.

Keeping the vibes flowing, Lychy Jelly delivers a powerful DJ set rooted in sound that hits with the intensity of a festival mainstage and yet has the familiar warmth of home. This duality, coupled with the duo’s electric stage presence, pulls the crowd into an experience that feels massive and yet profoundly intimate.

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:

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

5–8 pm Live Music and Dance by Non Stop Bhangra | Garden Stage

6:45–8:45 pm DJ Set by Lychy Jelly | Amphitheater

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

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

Non Stop Bhangra

Lychy Jelly

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About Non Stop Bhangra

Non Stop Bhangra (NSB) is an award-winning event production and collective that transforms spaces into vibrant celebrations, sharing the energy of Punjabi music and dance with global audiences through immersive cultural experiences. Over the past 21 years, NSB has produced, collaborated, and performed at over 1,000 events across museums, festivals, performing arts centers, nightclubs, and landmark venues—including the Oakland Museum of California—while building community and fostering cross-cultural connections.
In 2023, NSB co-launched Bhangra & Beats Night Market, the largest outdoor cultural destination for South Asian arts in the Bay Area, voted San Francisco’s Best Night Market (Editor’s Pick, 48 Hills), received two Certificates of Honor from the city of San Francisco and co-presented the city’s first official Diwali celebration.

About Lychy Jelly

Lychy Jelly is the San Francisco-based DJ duo of Rushil and Diksha, partners in life and behind the decks. Their sets weave together global EDM genres, including House, Baile Funk, Bass, and more, blended with Pop and Desi anthems they grew up loving.

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.

Return to Events

Friday Nights at OMCA with Oakland Rising
2026-06-05 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Gallery Chats at OMCA

Live Music by Oakland Rising, Night on the Town with Alameda County Community Food Bank, DJ Set by FELA KUTCHii, Drag Storytime with Per Sia, and Gallery Chats

This Friday Night at OMCA, Oakland Rising takes over the Garden Stage with a dynamic live set rooted in the city’s cultural legacy. Known for lush harmonies, original music, and soulful reinterpretations of classics, the collective brings together some of Oakland’s most exciting emerging voices in a celebration of collaboration and community.

Keeping the rhythm alive, FELA KUTCHii delivers a genre-fluid DJ set blending soulful grooves, global influences, and feel-good energy. Her sound invites guests on a vibrant journey designed to move both body and spirit, creating a shared sense of joy on the dance floor.

Throughout the evening, Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB) hosts Night on The Town, featuring interactive experiences for all ages that center community and food justice. From a hands-on art corner and game zone to resource-sharing and special activities, this lively space invites guests to connect and engage with meaningful local initiatives.

Families can also gather for a joyful Drag Storytime with Per Sia, reading The Rainbow Parade by Shane Jordan and Rick Hendrix. Through colorful storytelling and themes of acceptance and self-expression, this uplifting experience celebrates the power of community and inclusion.

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:

5–8 pm ACCFB Night on The Town | Garden

5:15 pm Drag Storytime with Per Sia | Garden

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

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

6:45–8:45 pm DJ Set by FELA KUTCHii | 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

Oakland Rising

FELA KUTCHii

Drag Storytime with Per Sia

Alameda County Community Food Bank

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About Oakland Rising

Oakland Rising is a collective of standout emerging artists from Oakland committed to sharing the stage, honoring the city’s rich cultural legacy, and channeling their energy into bringing light to this world. In the eighteen months since launching, they have performed at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, The Kennedy Center, The Mountain Winery, and more, supporting artists ranging from Rhiannon Giddens to Sheila E. Oakland Rising is led by three artists—August Lee Stevens, B DeVeaux, and Naima—who headline their own shows and write their own music. The band often features cameos from other rising artists from Oakland.

About FELA KUTCHii

Rooted in Oakland, FELA KUTCHii is an award-winning DJ and soundscape curator, as well as the official DJ for Oakland Soul SC. Her work centering Black sonic traditions and radical joy grounds sound in memory, identity, and emotional connection. Through genre-fluid, intention-driven sets, she bridges time and space to cultivate community and move bodies and spirits.

About Per Sia

San Francisco’s current Drag Laureate, Per Sia, is a first-generation Trans Mexican American drag artist raised in South Central Los Angeles, with drag roots in San Francisco’s Mission District. Her multidisciplinary practice spans performance, curation, television, and storytelling, presented in spaces ranging from local bars to major museums, including the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the Oakland Museum of California. A graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz, she is a co-founder of Drag Story Hour and an educator with Children’s After School Arts, with work featured on KQED Arts, National Public Radio, and CNN.

About Alameda County Community Food Bank

Alameda County Community Food Bank’s mission is to partner with the community to end hunger and its root causes. They believe that food is a basic human right and envision an Alameda County where all people are nourished and thriving. They are committed to providing food with dignity and choice right now, while also working to re-imagine the system that has created food insecurity in the first place.

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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Member Preview Hours for Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory
2026-06-11 11:00 - 16:00
Gallery Chats at OMCA

Member Preview Hours

You’re invited to the Member Opening for OMCA’s newest exhbition! 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.

RESERVE MEMBER TICKETS

Don’t miss the opening celebration on Thursday, June 11, 6-9 pm. Join us for an evening of celebration with live music, delicious bites, and festive refreshments—an inspiring preview honoring the vital knowledge of Native California communities that you won’t want to miss! RSVP required.

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Sponsors

Major support for Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory is provided by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Additional support is provided by Ann McKeever Hatch, Polaris Fund, Rosemary Chang in memory of Ted Buttner, F. Noel Perry, and the Sanger Family Foundation.

*Header image: Mildred Howard, Blackbird in a Red Sky, 2002. Plate glass, blown elements, stainless steel flashing, and wood. Installation view, Museum of Glass, Tacoma. Photo by Duncan Price. Courtesy of Museum of Glass.

Member Preview Opening Celebration for Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory
2026-06-11 18:00 - 21:00
Gallery Chats at OMCA

Member Preview Opening Celebration

Be among the first to experience Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory—the first major museum survey of the beloved Bay Area artist whose five-decade practice powerfully explores memory, identity, and the African American experience. Join the artist, curators, and community for an opening celebration with live music, bites, and refreshments—an inspiring evening honoring Mildred Howard’s enduring impact.

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.

RSVP required for the evening celebration. Capacity is limited. QUESTIONS? Email membership@museumca.org or call 510-318-8520.

reserve MEMBER TICKETS

Can’t make the Member Preview Evening celebration?Join us for our Daytime Preview Hours from 11–4 pm and experience OMCA’s newest exhibition before it opens to the public!

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Sponsors

Major support for Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory is provided by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Additional support is provided by Ann McKeever Hatch, Polaris Fund, Rosemary Chang in memory of Ted Buttner, F. Noel Perry, and the Sanger Family Foundation.

*Header image: Mildred Howard, Blackbird in a Red Sky, 2002. Plate glass, blown elements, stainless steel flashing, and wood. Installation view, Museum of Glass, Tacoma. Photo by Duncan Price. Courtesy of Museum of Glass.
