Friday Nights at OMCA

Friday, April 17, 2026
5:00 PM 9:00 PM 17:00 21:00

Oakland Museum of California 1000 Oak Alley Oakland, CA, 94607 United States (map)

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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.