Off the Grid/Friday Night at OMCA
Friday, April 3rd, 5 - 9 pm
1000 Oak St, Oakland
When I was a new parent (alas, I was never even a young-ish parent), I knew the value of an enclosed space. It didn’t have to be a park per se, just a space away from traffic where I could be assured of relative safety, and an ample chance to catch my little track star if he made a wild break for the street. I discovered some pretty cool places that way. Driving, walking, and riding around, I was always on the lookout.
Friday nights at OMCA is one such spot. Its garden and parts of the museum are free to the public and the city closes off a block of Oak Street to accommodate food trucks. I met up with a fellow dad bud and his son there a few years ago. My boy said he didn’t want anything from the food trucks and would instead devour my friend‘s child, horrifying him. Then he ruined a selfie, pulling the most monstrous face. I was so proud.
After a break for winter, Friday Night at OMCA returned on the 3rd and so did I. It has been a few years since I’d been with my son, but I was reminded of those early days seeing parents and children gathering in the garden. The lawn was positively near capacity with kids running about. There were also activities; drag storytime with Per Sia (my lady and I were very impressed with her heel-less shoes), and ribbon making.
At 6 p.m, Yeny Valdéz and TeamBajia took the garden stage. Their fusion of Caribbean, Latin Jazz, and salsa music fit perfectly with the night’s crowd. High energy, for the youngin’s to bop to, a sensual reminder of how things perhaps once were for their frustrated parents (hang in there guys!). I was impressed with the number of people in attendance who could confidently cut a rug.
I ran into a couple of friends posted up enjoying the free music and atmosphere. Such low/no cost options for entertainment are more valuable than ever in the current economy. Back on Oak street, DJ Kream was warming up the dance floor in the amphitheater and we took in our dining options, settling on our own fusion of french fries and ice cream.
I returned from a short trip to Spain last week. While there I was struck at how much public spaces are incorporated into daily life, as they once were here; community spaces this is where you could meet up with friends, make new ones and enjoy the outdoors. We lose a lot in our algorithm curated, à la cart lives. Friday night at OMCA is a little piece of the village square in the heart of Oakland.
