About
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
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. 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.
For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the OMCA website.
