About
ThursDates at OMCA | OMCA and The Bay Area Book Festival Present: Maw Shein Win ft. Live Music Performance by SPRINGTWIN, Free-Writing Workshop, and Open Mic Storytelling, Plus DJ Set by La Femme Papi, and Gallery Chats
Adults 18+
Unwind into a reflective and creative ThursDates evening at OMCA, where storytelling, art-making, and music unfold at an easy, welcoming pace. OMCA and the Bay Area Book Festival team up this Thursday to present Maw Shein Win, Burmese American poet and inaugural poet laureate of El Cerrito, for a collaborative program that moves through the Museum. The evening begins with a performance by SPRINGTWIN (Win and guitarist Danny Allen), followed by a drop-in writing workshop in the Gallery of California History, inviting guests to reflect on personal and collective histories through free-writing exercises. The program culminates in Town Fare with an open mic, where participants can share their writings while enjoying cocktails and bites. All the while, DJ La Femme Papi provides soulful, expansive music throughout the evening, creating a warm and immersive soundtrack for the night.
In addition, every ThursDates at OMCA offers a rich gallery experience with Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Unlike traditional tours, these conversations invite you to ask questions, share perspectives, and engage with OMCA facilitators who blend content expertise with lived experience. Gallery Chats take place in all of our galleries—including our Special Exhibitions—and are included with Museum and Special Exhibition admission. This is a night made for celebrating creativity, community, and culture in every form.
Program Schedule:
5:30–5:45 pm Live Music Performance w/ SPRINGTWIN | Gallery of California History
5:45–6:45 pm Free Writing Workshop w/ Maw Shein Win | Gallery of California History
5:30–7:30 pm DJ Set w/ La Femme Papi | Town Fare
5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries
7–7:30 pm Open Mic w/ The Bay Area Book Festival | Town Fare
About ThursDates
Every Thursday, January through March, step into OMCA’s warm after-hours glow. Experience a rotating mix of intimate performances, live figure drawing sessions, game nights, and more—designed just for adults. Or sip a signature cocktail and grab a light bite in Town Fare by Michele McQueen, all to a soundtrack of local Oakland artists and DJs.
Whether you’re exploring the Museum with a date, catching up with friends, or are coming solo and looking to meet someone new, you’ll find connection, inspiration, and creative surprises, week after week.
