Tiki Oasis, the world’s largest celebration of tiki culture, is gearing up for its 25th-anniversary event, set to take place from August 6 to 10 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego.
Originating in 2000 as a grassroots initiative to preserve a retro motel in Palm Springs, the festival has evolved into a vibrant gathering for tiki lovers from across the globe.
Co-founder Baby Doe reflects on the festival’s philosophy: “From the beginning, our aim was to craft an experience that would bring tiki lovers together. Today, we are proud that through Tiki Oasis, so many have discovered not just a great party and fun festival, but a sense of family and community.”
The festivities commence on Wednesday with a traditional luau at the Catamaran Resort Hotel, featuring a Mai Tai greeting, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and a live performance by local group Pride of Polynesia.
This year’s music lineup stands out, boasting over 30 bands ranging from surf and lounge to rockabilly and mod soul.
Performers include The Ghastly Ones, Tikiyaki Orchestra, The Blue Hawaiians, APE, The Bomboras, L’Exotighost, and Martini Kings.
One of the key highlights will be legendary guitarist Lenny Kaye of the Patti Smith Group, who will headline Sunday night with a Nuggets tribute concert, joined by Mike Stax and The Loons, Johnny Echols (Love), Deke Dickerson, and Robert Lopez (aka El Vez).
Kaye will also engage attendees with a DJ set earlier in the evening, alongside a robust lineup of more than 30 DJs, such as Junior Francis, Lee Joseph, Tropicana Joe, Tony the Tyger, and Action Andy.
The festival ensures that there is something for everyone beyond the music.
Attendees can participate in cocktail seminars and tastings, learning from top mixologists in sessions like “Sustainable Tropical Cocktails” with Tiki Lindy and “Jamaica’s Influence on Tropical Cocktails” with Ian Burrell, complete with samples.
Art enthusiasts can explore the 16th Annual Art Show and the 5th Annual Lamp Show, featuring a pop-up art exhibit with over 40 artists and custom lighting designs from prominent tiki lamp makers.
For shopping aficionados, the Tiki Marketplace will host more than 150 vendors offering a variety of goods, from handcrafted mugs and vintage clothing to vinyl records and dog treats, making it the largest tiki shopping venue worldwide.
The marketplace is free and open to the public on August 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In a ode to community spirit, the MX Tiki Oasis Contest and Pooch Parade will take place, where participants can vie for the title of Mx Tiki Oasis 2025 and best-dressed dog.
The LGBTiki Meetup will also be held to honor the vibrant LGBTQ+ community that has significantly contributed to the tiki revival, fostered by host Lavendar Luau.
For those looking for a night of entertainment, the Midnight Burlesque Show returns from Thursday to Saturday, running from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the Pacific Ballroom.
Educational sessions will delve into topics like the history of tiki in San Diego and a retrospective of the first 25 years of the event with founders Baby Doe and Otto von Stroheim.
Adding a creative twist, Charles Phoenix is set to return with a new edition of his pop culture deep dive, Googieland.
Whether it’s your first time attending or if you’re a seasoned attendee, Tiki Oasis 25 promises an unforgettable celebration where enthusiasts of all kinds can revel in the whimsical and the extraordinary. Get your tickets now and join in the fun!
image source from：timesofsandiego
