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
