We love Oakland First Fridays as much as anyone, but did you know there’s another, more low-key experience happening every week right on Lake Merritt?
Every Friday night from April through October, the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) hosts OMCA Friday Nights, a lively outdoor block party with great food trucks from Off the Grid, live music, and activities.
All of the festivities are completely free to attend, although guests can also opt for paid, late-night entry to the museum galleries and special exhibitions.
Here’s a closer look…
Attending OMCA Friday Nights
OMCA’s grounds turn into a big family-friendly community gathering spot each Friday starting at 5pm. Most weeks include live music, performances, or a DJ set, as well as interactive activities like dance lessons, craft tables, or kids’ art stations.
Off the Grid food trucks set up along 10th Street in front of the museum, selling rotating cuisines representing the best of the Bay Area food scene. Guests can take their food to picnic in the museum’s tiered gardens overlooking Lake Merritt, and grab drinks for sale near the museum’s koi pond.
The museum itself stays open late on Fridays for visitors to enjoy exclusive late-night gallery access during OMCA Friday Nights.
OMCA Friday Nights at a glance
📍 Location: Oakland Museum of California (OMCA), 1000 Oak St, Oakland, CA 94607
🗓️ Dates: Every Friday evening from April to October
🕜 Hours: 5 pm to 9 pm
🎟️ Admission: It’s free to attend OMCA Friday Nights, but you need to purchase a museum ticket ($25 general admission) if you want to enjoy exclusive late-night gallery access.
🅿️ Parking: OMCA offers $10 flat-rate parking in the OMCA Garage until 10 pm
🌐 Website: MuseumCA.org
