About
Live Dance by La Cumbiamba Colombiana, Live Music by Combo Tezeta, Music Set by DJ Olga T, Live Figure Drawing by Sketchboard Co., and Gallery Chats
This evening, Friday Nights at OMCA brings vibrant rhythms, rich cultural traditions, and dance-floor energy to the Garden Stage. La Cumbiamba Colombiana kicks off the evening with a lively dance performance celebrating the roots of Colombian cumbia, weaving together ancestral steps and Afro-Caribbean influences in a colorful, high-energy showcase. Then, Combo Tezeta, whose psychedelic take on cumbia, chicha, and música tropical blends surf rock textures with hypnotic Latin rhythms, takes the stage to create an irresistibly danceable atmosphere that bridges past and present.
Over in the Amphitheater, DJ Olga T delivers a dynamic set filled with Latin rhythms, Afrobeats, R&B, and soulful house. Known for her seamless genre-spanning mixes and infectious energy, she’ll keep the crowd moving and the vibes flowing all night long.
In the galleries, Sketchboard Co. is here to help guests scratch their creative itch 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 features 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 admission. Facilitators float between galleries throughout the night and can be seen wearing a blue “Let’s Chat” shirt.
Program Schedule:
5:30–6:15 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing | Gallery of California Art*
5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries
6–6:30 pm Live Dance by La Cumbiamba Colombiana | Garden Stage
6:45–7:45 pm Live Music by Combo Tezeta | Garden Stage
6:45–8:45 pm Music Set by DJ Olga T | Amphitheater
6:45–7:30 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing | Gallery of California Art*
* Paid gallery admission required
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.
