In true Bay Area fashion, Friday Nights at OMCA is turning the heat up this fall with an evening packed with culture, connection, and straight-up fire performances. The Garden Stage will light up with an unforgettable live set from LaRussell. That’s right, this Vallejo-born phenomenon known for his sharp lyricism, viral freestyles, community-first ethos, and epic presence will take the stage with The Yee Section & CO-LLAB Choir and light up Oakland’s favorite block party!
*This is going to be a major vibe, and space is limited. The Garden will open at 5 pm, and wristbands are required for entry. Pick yours up at the Garden entrance (located at 12th Street and Lake Merritt Boulevard) when doors open. Early Garden access will be unavailable.*
And that’s far from it! As the evening hits that electric point, come find your groove in a beginner-friendly Amapiano dance lesson with Tawo. Rooted in South African street styles, this session will walk learners through signature footwork that’s bold, rhythmic, and fun to master—perfect for dancers of all levels looking to try something new and expressive. Then DE ALMA takes over with a percussive, bass-driven set rooted in ancestral rhythms and cultural memory—just the moment to let loose and bring your new steps to life.Friday Nights at OMCA also offer a well-rounded gallery experience with Gallery Chats. Unlike traditional museum tours, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in meaningful conversations, ask questions, and connect with OMCA facilitators, who combine deep content knowledge with lived experience to encourage fresh interpretations of the Museum’s exhibitions.
Program Schedule:
5 pm Garden doors open, wristband required for entry
5–9 pm Core Galleries and Special Exhibitions evening hours with Museum ticket
5:30–6:30 pm Amapiano Dance Lesson with Tawo | Amphitheater
5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries with Museum ticket
6:30–7:10 pm Live Music by LaRussell + The Yee Section & CO-LLAB Choir | Garden Stage
6:45–8:50 pm DJ set by DE ALMA | Amphitheater