About
Live Music by Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Music Set by Dj Sizzle, Salsa Dance Lesson with Ramón Ramos Alayo, OMCA Members’ Lounge, and Gallery Chats
Friday Nights at OMCA is set to kick off your weekend with bold Latin sounds, vibrant dance, and nonstop rhythm. Pacific Mambo Orchestra takes over the Garden Stage with an electrifying live performance, blending mambo, salsa, Latin jazz, and big band tradition into a high-energy vibe that’s both timeless and fresh. Known for their explosive stage presence and world-class musicianship, the Grammy Award-winning ensemble delivers a powerful, dance-ready experience.
Keeping the energy alive, Dj Sizzle spins a lively mix of cumbia, reggaeton, salsa, merengue, Hip-Hop, R&B, and global beats, curating a feel-good soundtrack that keeps the dance floor moving.
Guests are invited to step into the rhythm with Ramón Ramos Alayo who will lead a salsa dance lesson rooted in Cuban tradition. With an emphasis on connection, musicality, and joyful expression, this session welcomes dancers of all levels to build confidence and add a little extra flavor to their moves.
On the Upper Level Terrace the Museum welcomes its Members to a special Members’ Lounge. Members can enjoy light refreshments, sidewalk chalk, family-friendly games, and a bingo give-away featuring awesome OMCA merch! It’s the perfect way to mingle with fellow OMCA enthusiasts all while overlooking the Garden buzzing with Friday Nights energy.
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:
5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries
5:30–7:30 pm Member Lounge | Upper Level Terrace
5:30–6:30 pm Salsa Dance Lesson with Ramón Ramos Alayo | Amphitheater
6:30–7:30 pm Live Music by Pacific Mambo Orchestra | Garden Stage
6:45–8:45 pm Music Set by Dj Sizzle | 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.
