OMA’s signature 21+ after-hours celebration returns Saturday, October 24, 2026, with a night of art, imagination, costumes and a surreal runway experience
OCEANSIDE, CA (September 28, 2026) – Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) invites the community to experience art from a new perspective as ART AFTER DARK returns on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 7:00–11:00pm. This year’s immersive evening will be inspired by OMA’s standout exhibition, David Adey: Sacrificial Bodies, bringing guests into a world of curiosity and creative expression through the theme “Anatomy of the Surreal.”
ART AFTER DARK is OMA’s signature 21+ evening event where the Museum comes alive after hours with interactive experiences, music, food, drinks, and a celebration of creativity. The 2026 event will encourage guests to look beyond the ordinary and explore the space between reality and imagination, reflecting the themes found throughout Adey’s artistic practice.
“ART AFTER DARK gives us the chance to invite our community to engage with art in a completely unexpected way,” said Maria Mingalone, Executive Director of Oceanside Museum of Art. “This year’s theme, Anatomy of the Surreal, celebrates the power of creativity and encourages everyone to see themselves, the world around them, and the artwork on view through a new lens.”
Guests are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the evening by dressing up, with all costumes welcome. Whether inspired by David Adey: Sacrificial Bodies, other works of art, or an entirely original creation, attendees are invited to express their creativity during the event’s costume contest and runway show. A panel of judges will recognize standout looks across the following categories:
● Best Interpretation of the theme: Anatomy of the Surreal
● Best Interpretation of David Adey’s Exhibition, Sacrificial Bodies
● Best Upcycled Design
Celebrate originality, craftsmanship, and artistic interpretation, to make the runway the evening’s most anticipated highlight.
Throughout the night, guests will enjoy access to OMA’s galleries, including the David Adey exhibition, while experiencing live entertainment, curated activities, cocktails, and delicious bites. The evening will blend contemporary art, community, and celebration in an experience unlike any other at OMA for longtime Museum supporters and first-time visitors alike.
Tickets are on sale now. General admission is $85 for nonmembers and $65 for OMA members. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. To ignite costume ideas, OMA has curated an inspiration board featuring surreal fashion, artistic interpretations, and wearable art concepts. View the Pinterest board here. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the event ticketing page.
Event Information:
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 7:00–11:00 p.m.
Location: Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA 92054
Theme: Anatomy of the Surreal
Age: 21+
Price: Nonmember- $85, Member- $65
