Friday Nights at OMCA: Persian New Year & Night Market | Oakland
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OMCA (Oakland Museum of California) | 1000 Oak Street Oakland, CA 94607
Free / Learn More
Submitted by the Event Organizer
“Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid” Block Party + DJs (Oakland)
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. Join us every Friday, April–October, 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. Limited flat rate parking for Friday Nights is available in the OMCA Garage for $10.
Friday Nights at OMCA are back and ready to kick off the season in style on April 3, 2026.
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.
Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid
Between April and October, every Friday, 5-9 pm
Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland
FREE (for food truck access and outdoor activities)– Optional late-night museum admission for purchase
How To Get There
- BART: OMCA is at the corner of Oak and 10th Street and is located one block from the Lake Merritt BART Station.
- AC Transit: OMCA is accessible by a number of AC Transit bus lines. OMCA is at the corner of Oak and 10th Street. An accessibility ramp is located at the main entrance on Oak Street between 10th and 11th. For more information, visit actransit.org.
- Free Bike Parking: Free, on-street bike parking is available outside the Oak Street entrance to the Museum. Limited free covered bike parking is available in the OMCA Garage during garage hours, and on Oak Street Plaza, which is on the third level of the Museum, during Museum hours
- Street Parking: Free street parking of often available.
- Garage Parking: Event parking is available at the Museum Garage, with a $10 flat fee starting at 5 pm.
- Get Driving Directions
Honor the traditions of Nowruz—the Persian New Year—on March 24, marking the transition into spring as the days begin to get longer.
Welcome the start of spring with a special edition of Friday Nights at OMCA celebrating Nowruz—the Persian New Year–with a festive Persian dance demonstration, a calligraphy demo, and a traditional paper egg decorating workshop–something for every generation in your family. Nowruz, which means “new day” in English, is a time of peace and solidarity between generations and neighborliness and friendship among people.
Friday Nights at OMCA is one of Oakland’s favorite things to do. Join in for the best of local food truck cuisine along with music, dance, and children’s art activities–plus, the entire museum stays open after hours just for you.
View the full evening’s schedule.
What’s on view?
Level 1
Take Root: Oakland Grows Food
Gallery of California Natural SciencesLevel 2
Black Power
Gallery of California HistoryLevel 3
Mildred Howard’s TAP: Investigation of Memory
Gallery of California Art
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
Cost: FREE*
