Friday Nights at OMCA with BULULÚ

Live Music by BULULÚ, Afro Dance Lesson with Danaite Gebremeskel, DJ Set by TIEDYE, and Gallery Chats from Friday Night at OMCA comes alive with the vibrant sounds and rhythms of the Caribbean as BULULÚ takes the Garden Stage for an electrifying live performance. Led by Venezuelan-born percussionist, composer, and vocalist Lali Mejia, the ensemble blends salsa, cumbia, merengue, calypso, joropo, and other traditions into a joyful celebration of music, culture, and community that invites guests to dance the night away. Keeping the energy in motion, Danaite Gebremeskel leads an interactive Afro dance lesson in the Amphitheater, introducing participants to foundational movements, musicality, and the rich cultural traditions that inspire modern African dance. Welcoming all experience levels, the class offers a fun and engaging opportunity to connect through rhythm and movement. As the evening goes on, TIEDYE delivers a high-energy DJ set that weaves together old-school R&B, Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afrohouse, Hip Hop, and dancehall. Known for creating immersive musical experiences that uplift and inspire, the Bay Area artist and DJ keeps the celebration going with infectious grooves that bring people together on the dance floor. Alongside an exceptional event experience, Friday Nights at OMCA also features Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Putting a twist on the traditional museum tour, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in meaningful conversations, share personal reflections, and explore new perspectives on the artwork, artifacts, and stories throughout OMCA’s galleries. Enthusiastic volunteer facilitators can be found floating between all of OMCA’s galleries, including its Great Hall Special Exhibitions, throughout the evening. Look for the blue “Let’s Chat” shirts to join the conversation. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission. Program Schedule: 5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries 5:30–6:30 pm Afro Dance Lesson with Danaite Gebremeskel | Amphitheater 6:30–7:45 pm Live Music by BULULÚ | Garden Stage 6:45–8:45 pm DJ Set by TIEDYE | Amphitheater Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA! About Friday Nights: The Town’s favorite block party, Friday Nights at OMCA, is back for the 2026 season, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family, friends, or neighbors. From April–October, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music, interactive activities, Off the Grid food trucks, and, with a Museum ticket, exclusive late-night access to our galleries and special exhibitions. Fuel your night with a rotating lineup of Off the Grid food trucks stationed along 10th Street between Oak and Fallon Streets, serving up bold flavors and local favorites. Inside, near the Koi Pond, purchase beer, wine, cocktails, and refreshing non-alcoholic options to sip while exploring. In the Garden, picnic tables, blankets, and a dazzling view of Lake Merritt welcome you to settle in with your meal. With games, engaging museum programs, and a vibrant community atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for making memories marked with unmistakable Oakland energy, week after week. OMCA also offers a $10 flat-rate parking in the OMCA Garage until 10 pm. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted, and event details and performances are subject to change. Accessibility Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is committed to providing programs that are accessible, welcoming, and inclusive of our community. Wheelchairs, sensory inclusive devices, and additional amenities are available for checkout on a first come, first served basis at the Ticketing Desk. To request other accommodations, like American Sign Language (ASL), Cantonese, Spanish or another language interpreter, please email [email protected] at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options. Performers BULULÚ Danaite Gebremeskel TIEDYE Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup Performer BIOS About BULULÚ In Venezuela, a BULULÚ is a vibrant, buzzing gathering that sparks excitement. It only takes a minute listening to BULULÚ to understand why they’ve adopted the name. Led by Venezuelan-born percussionist, composer, and vocalist Lali Mejia, BULULÚ draws inspiration from the folkloric rhythms of Venezuelan, Colombian, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and other Caribbean cultures. BULULÚ’s performances encompass an exciting mix of styles, ranging from calypso and salsa to cumbia, son, guaracha, merengue, bachata, joropo, and more. The band stands out not only for its rich musical diversity and original repertoire, but also for its inclusive identity, embracing the LGBTQ+ community and a majority of female band members. About Danaite Gebremeskel Danaite is a dancer based in the Bay Area. She was born and raised in Ethiopia, where she learned her love for dance, music, and culture. After moving to the United States, she continued her love for dance by joining multiple companies that helped shape her mind-set around dance. Now, she shares what she has learned from and about dance through her passion for Afro Dance. About TIEDYE Bay Area native Artist and DJ, Jazmin LaBrie, curates ethereal soundscapes that levitate the spirit and move the body. With a deep love for Afrobeats, old-school R&B, and underground rave energy, she seamlessly blends genres into unforgettable sets that bridge fashion, art, and nightlife. Sponsors Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid is proudly supported by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and Bank of America. Additional support provided by Donahue Fitzgerald LLP, OAKLAND ROOTS AND SOUL SC, LaSalle Mortgage, and Townsend Public Affairs. Learn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor. Return to Events