by Tropical drinks with umbrellas encircle the pool, exotica music permeates the air, and vibrant people dressed in floral clothes are taking in the island atmosphere. It’s Tiki Oasistime, indeed!
However, this year is unique since the Polynesian pop festival is returning to the Town and Country Resort from August 6–10, honoring its 25th anniversary with a lavish celebration.
The world’s greatest festival of tiki culture, music, art, fashion, and fun began in 2000 as a grassroots initiative to save a vintage Palm Springs resort.
According to co-founder Baby Doe, “our goal from the start was to create an experience that would bring tiki lovers together.” We are happy that so many people have found a sense of family and community through Tiki Oasis, in addition to a fantastic party and enjoyable festival.
Wednesday night’s Luauat at the Catamaran Resort Hotel, which includes a lei and Mai Tai greeting, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and a live performance by the local group Pride of Polynesia, marks the start of San Diego’s five-night, four-day celebration.
More than 30 bands, including The Ghastly Ones, Tikiyaki Orchestra, The Blue Hawaiians, APE, The Bomboras, L Exotighost, and Martini Kings, will perform at this year’s Tiki Oasis, which is well-known for its varied musical roster that ranges from surf and lounge to rockabilly and mod soul.
Sunday night’s main attraction will be Lenny Kaye, the famous guitarist of the Patti Smith Group and curator of the renowned 1973 compilation Nuggets, which ignited a garage rock renaissance. Mike Stax and The Loons, Johnny Echols (Love), Deke Dickerson, and Robert Lopez (also known as El Vez) will join Kaye on stage in what is billed as a Nuggets tribute performance.
Kaye will also do a DJ set earlier in the evening, joining over 30 other DJs who will be spinning carefully curated vinyl sets both day and night, ranging from rocksteady to vintage ska. These DJs include Junior Francis, Lee Joseph, Tropicana Joe, Tony the Tyger, and Action Andy.
Beyond the music, Tiki Oasis offers something for everyone. Examine the entire schedule, but make sure to keep an eye out for these iconic experiences:
Seminars and Tastings on CocktailsAttend seminars like Sustainable Tropical Cocktails with Tiki Lindy or Jamaica’s Influence on Tropical Cocktails with Ian Burrell to learn from renowned mixologists. There are samples, indeed.
Fifth Annual Lamp Show and Sixteenth Annual Art ShowDiscover the carefully curated pop-up art display, which features over 40 artists and unique lighting designs from leading tiki lamp manufacturers.
The Tiki MarketplaceIt’s the world’s largest tiki shopping destination, with over 150 shops selling anything from vintage apparel, vinyl records, and even dog treats to handcrafted mugs and personalized jewelry. Publicly accessible and free on August 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MX Dog Parade & Tiki Oasis ContestWho is going to win the title of Mx Tiki Oasis 2025? Which puppy will take home the title of best-dressed? The entire ohana enjoys it.
LGBTiki GatheringAttend this inclusive event organized by Lavendar Luau to honor the thriving LGBTQ+ community that has contributed to and sustained the tiki renaissance.
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Burlesque Show at MidnightLive music begins at 11 p.m., and the Pacific Ballroom is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. to experience the sultrier side of Tiki Oasis.
Seminars Abound: From a 25-year retrospective with event founders Baby Doe and Otto von Stroheim to an educational lecture on the history of tiki in San Diego, there is something for everyone. Bonus: Charles Phoenix is back with a brand-new Googieland, his pop culture in-depth.
Regardless of your level of experience, Tiki Oasis 25 promises to be a unique festival where both the fantastic and the bizarre will feel completely at home. Purchase your ticket here.
San Diego-based Donovan Roche has been writing about music, culture, and events for a long time. He frequently contributes to the Times of San Diego. For story ideas, send an email to [email protected].
