Friday Nights Off the Grid
Oakland Museum of California
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) has been a staple of the Oakland community since its foundation in 1969. OMCA’s collections span art, natural science and the history of California, making it a unique, ever-growing time capsule of the Golden State.
They also host a great shindig, including every Friday night, when Oakland residents and visitors alike can head over to the garden and amphitheater for a community-oriented good time.
Friday Nights at OMCA include dancing; crafting; local food; a bar with beer, wine and spirits; giant lawn games; and the chance to meet someone, or a bunch of someones, new.
As a newbie on the Oakland scene, crushing an old-fashioned glaze from Johnny Doughnuts at a garden picnic table and playing Giant Jenga—infinitely more fun than the table version—before a Caribbean dance party was an amazing way to connect with a new city. Spend Friday nights at OMCA; it’s never a disappointment.
—Jane Vick
Readers’ Picks
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Amoeba Records
Best Large Music Venue
The Fox Theater
Best Small Music Venue
Freight and Salvage
Best LGBTQ Event
Oakland PRIDE
Best Museum
Oakland Museum of CA
Best Festival
Black Joy Parade
Best Outdoor Art Event
First Fridays
Best Film Festival
Oakland International Film Festival
Best Theater Company
Berkeley Repertory Theater
Best Performing Dance Company
Bandaloop
Best Outdoor Music Venue
The Greek Theatre
Best Music Festival
Mosswood Meltdown
Best Theater Troupe⁄Performance
Central Works/Escape from the Asylum
Best Media Personality: TV, Radio, Print
W. Kamau Bell
Best Dance Company
Axis Dance Company
Best Small Theater Company
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Best Ballet School
Conservatory of Classical Ballet
Best Performing Arts Center
CalPerformances Zellerbach Hall
Best Cover Band
Tainted Love
Best Jazz/Blues Club
Yoshi’s Oakland
Best Symphony
Oakland Symphony
Best Comedy Night
Comedy Oakland
Best Art Gallery
SHOH Gallery
Best Dance Studio
Hipline Dance & Fitness Studio
Best Karaoke
The Melodee
Best Comedy Club
Alameda Comedy Club
Best Local Band
Shannon and the Clams
Best Small/Quirky Museum
Pinball Museum
Best Dance Instructor
Momo LeBeau
Best Latin Music Club
La Frontera Night Club
Best Ballet Company
Oakland Ballet Company
Best Dance Club
Ashkenaz Berkeley
