Friday Nights at OMCA: Afro-Urban Dance Class & DIY Paper Lanterns | Oakland

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

 

Friday, January 31, 2014
Lunar New Year | “Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid” Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

What to expect on January 31:

• Internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter/actor Martin Luther playing live from 7 to 9 pm
• Twelve gourmet food trucks from Off the Grid featuring the best in local cuisine
• Local beer and wine specials in the Blue Oak beer garden
• Resident DJ for the month, DJ Leydis, spinning hits on the 1s and 2s from 5 to 6:30 pm
• Family-friendly drop-in art activity: celebrate the first day of the Lunar New Year and make your own paper lantern from 5 to 8 pm
• Story time with Oakland Public Library, on the last Friday of every month from 6 to 6:30 pm.
• Makers and Tasters Series: Whole Foods Market will kick off Lunar New Year with an Asian Vegetable and Fruit tasting that includes sautéed greens with aromatics as well as a sampling of a variety of citrus from 6 to 8 pm
• Afro-Urban dance class with Nkei Oruche of D-fuse Dance in the 10th Street Amphitheater from 6:30 to 7 pm
• Extended hours in the galleries and special exhibitions

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.