About
ThursDates at OMCA | Watermelon Couch Pop-Up Talk, Art Making w/ That Art Party, DJ Set by La Femme Papi, and Gallery Chats
Adults 18+
Unwind into a reflective and creative ThursDates evening at OMCA, where conversation, art-making, and music unfold at an easy pace. Spend time with The Watermelon Couch, a traveling exhibition and interactive project that transforms lived experience into shared knowledge. Join creator James Shields alongside cooperative development leader Adrionna Fike inside our special exhibition Black Spaces:Reclaim & Remain for a thoughtful pop-up discussion that draws on years of stories gathered from Black farmers and communities across the country to explore themes of local agriculture, collective power, and sustainable futures.
In Town Fare, That Art Party invites BIPOC adults into a playful, pressure-free art experience rooted in joy, care, and creative release. Designed to loosen perfectionism and invite connection, the space encourages crafting simply for the pleasure of it. Throughout the evening, La Femme Papi sets the tone with a warm, expansive DJ set that centers joy and healing.
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:
5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries
5:30–7:30 pm Drop-In Art Making w/ That Art Party | Town Fare
5:30–7:30 pm DJ Set w/ La Femme Papi | Town Fare
6:30–7:15 pm Watermelon Couch Pop-Up Talk | Great Hall Entrance
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.
