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Check out these events and programs happening in Downtown Oceanside over the next two weeks:

2025 Oceanside Independence Parade

June 28, Downtown Oceanside

Experience the patriotic fervor of "Stars and Stripes by the Sea"! The Oceanside Independence Parade begins at 10 a.m. at North Coast Highway and Wisconsin Avenue, proceeding north on Historic Coast Highway to Civic Center Drive. Led by the impressive US Marine Corps and Naval Bands, this grand display features over 100 entries celebrating our heritage – from Hometown Heroes and military units to dedicated community groups and classic American cars! Don't miss your chance to participate; parade applications are open until June 6th!

To stay informed and find out more on this event subscribe to our Parade Newsletter.

Oceanside Independence Parade: Nominate Your Oceanside Hometown Hero

May 9-May 16, Downtown Oceanside

MainStreet Oceanside is inviting nominations from the community for 2025 Hometown Heroes to be honored during the annual Oceanside Independence Parade happening on June 28, 2025. This annual recognition honors residents who have made a significant contribution of time and energy through volunteerism outside their normal scope of work to improve quality of life, promote positive community development, and enhance neighborhoods in Oceanside. Please help us honor local heroes of Oceanside who have contributed to making our community a wonderful place to live.

There are no restrictions as to race, ethnicity, age, or type of volunteer service. Only residents of Oceanside will be considered.

Downtown Ambassador Program

May 27-Aug 30, Downtown Oceanside

Become a Downtown Oceanside Ambassador! We need enthusiastic individuals to staff the information booth on Pier View Way (west side of the pedestrian underpass). You'll welcome visitors and locals, helping them explore the best of Downtown by directing them to dining, transit, and attractions, sharing event highlights, and providing insights on what's new and coming. Your role in collecting visitor feedback is key to shaping a better Downtown experience. The booth operates Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MainStreet Oceanside will be holding two training sessions on the program May 14th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. or May 21st from 1 pm to 2 p.m. at the MainStreet Oceanside office.

A Journey Through Two Worlds: Book Presentation

May 14, California Surf Museum

The California Surf Museum invites you to join author Severino Ricci for a presentation of his book, "A Journey Through Two Worlds, Beyond Social Media," at the California Surf Museum in Oceanside. Doors open 6 p.m. Ricci will share captivating stories exploring Italy and California, travel, culture, art, and surf spirit. Presentation by Jim Kempton, with special guests James Tumminia and Leslee Gaul. Admission is free for CSM members and guests personally invited by the author; seating is limited. RSVP is required: Call (760) 721-6876 or email csm@surfmuseum.org, mentioning "author’s invitation.”

Operation Appreciation: Armed Forces Day 2025

May 17, Oceanside Pier

Oceanside is proud to host its annual Armed Forces Day Operation Appreciation at the Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater. Created by the Oceanside Chamber, this heartfelt event is dedicated to honoring the brave men and women of our military from Camp Pendleton and nearby bases. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. thousands of active-duty military and their families will enjoy a day of free food, lively entertainment, and a fun zone just for kids (Active-Duty Military ID required for free perks). The event is open to the public, with food and fun zone tickets available for purchase. Expect to see numerous dignitaries joining the community in showing support. Come join the celebration!

Oceanside International Film Festival: The Road Back

May 18, The Brooks Theater

Explore stories of resilience and healing at THE ROAD BACK: A Mental Health Film Series. Oceanside International Film Festival honors Mental Health Month with this special showcase for the mind, body, and soul in partnership with our esteemed colleagues at the Oceanside Theatre Company. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. with films beginning at 6 p.m. right here in Oceanside. Join us as we celebrate the arts' power to uplift and connect through this 76-minute program featuring shorts like "Alone Again" and "Wild Sea."

The Star Theatre Academy: Musical Theatre 101

May 19, The Star Theatre

The Star Theatre Academy is about to kick off its next exciting program for children looking to express their artistic creativity. For ages 7-12, this Musical Theatre Singing, Movement, and Acting will entertain and inspire! Under the direction of David Schulz, your young performers will have a fun and educational time learning, singing, acting and dancing to some of Broadway's most popular musical numbers plus theatre games, acting and dancing techniques, Improv and more! The camp culminates in a performance showcase for friends and family to attend. Sibling and Military discounts are available. The Camp meets Mondays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Latin History for Morons

May 23, The Brooks Theater

Latin History for Morons is a hilarious and insightful exploration inspired by the glaring absence of Latinos in American history textbooks. In this uproarious show, Rick Najera embarks on a frenetic quest to uncover a Latin hero for his son’s school project. With his comedic flair, he delivers a whirlwind recap of the Aztec Empire and shines a light on the unsung Latin patriots of the Revolutionary War and beyond, distilling 3,000 years of history—from the Mayans to Pitbull—into 110 irreverent and uncensored minutes that are both entertaining and enlightening.

Oceanside Talent Show

May 24, Oceanside Alternative Medicine

Oceanside Alternative Medicine & Kizzy invite you to join their first annual Oceanside Talent Show! This event is open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, with snacks and beverages provided. Contestants must register by sending an audition video to oceansidealternativemedicine@gmail.com. Opening acts featuring Ella, hosted by Kizzy Satchell, Fae Fae Mae and Dr. Devon Band. There is a $10 submission fee. Check out their website for the incredible prize packages! Come join the fun and witness the collective fun of our beautiful town!

OMFest: Women of Note 5

May 18, Oceana Clubhouse

Empowering Fashion Through the Ages: A Scholarship Fundraiser! Join Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation for a fascinating fashion presentation by Natalie J. Meyers (Costumer's Guild West), showcasing how influential women throughout history shaped fashion. Enjoy this visual journey alongside musical performances by talented past and future scholarship recipients. This special event is a key fundraiser for the 2025 Visual and Performing Arts Scholarships in North County. Help OCAF continue its decade-long legacy of supporting young artists—join us for an afternoon of empowerment, art, and impact!

Art Walls: Cosmic Thoughts

May 22, Privateer Pizza

Art is Blooming across Oceanside! Get ready for the latest installment of OCAF's Art Walls O'side, showcasing the fantastic 'Cosmic Thoughts' by Nathan Schwartz at Privateer Pizza! Reception for this new installation starts at 5:30 p.m. and runs until 7:00 p.m. Since Ruth Jameson launched this initiative in 2018, OCAF has been dedicated to bringing art to unexpected and engaging spaces, starting with the O'side Bakery. Our vision is to weave art into the fabric of Oceanside's dining and shopping experiences. Don't miss this premiere!

Mermaid Pirate Pool Party

May 24, William A. Wagner Aquatic Center

Ahoy, mateys and merfolk! Dive into adventure at the Mermaid Pirate Pool Party on May 24th, 1-4 p.m. at the William A. Wagner Aquatic Center! Dress as your favorite mermaid or pirate and get ready for a splashing good time.

Join in for mermaid swims, pirate plank walks, a thrilling treasure hunt, and exciting water games! Tickets are $7 per person (free for kids 3 and under). Bring your sunscreen, towels, and costumes!

Important notes: Kids under 16 need a parent/guardian (waivers available for ages 12-16 with a ticketed adult). Swim tests required for diving boards. Don't miss this unforgettable aquatic bash!

San Diego Strike Force at Frontwave Arena

May 25& 30, Frontwave Arena

The Indoor Football League (IFL) stands as the longest continuously operating indoor football league in the US and the second-longest professional football league nationwide, only surpassed by the NFL. As the largest and most prominent indoor league, it boasts a true national footprint with 14 teams across the country. Come check out our very own San Diego Strike Force IFL team at Frontwave Arena here in Oceanside! They will be facing off the Vegas Knight Hawks on May 25th, and the Northern Arizona Wranglers May 30th starting at 6:05 p.m. Come check out the action!