Oceanside, Calif. is poised for an exhilarating 2024 with a year-round calendar of festivals, events, and sports competitions. Whether it's the allure of an international film festival, the intensity of elite triathlons, or the excitement of vibrant surf competitions, Oceanside is a hub of constant activity and entertainment.

January

WSL World Junior Championships

Beginning 2024, the best 20 and under surfers on the planet will compete in Oceanside at the WSL World Junior Championships scheduled for January 9-14.

February

Oceanside International Film Festival

The Oceanside International Film Festival (OIFF) returns every February for a week celebrating independent cinema on the picturesque Southern California coast. Established in 2009, the festival brings together filmmakers, industry professionals and film enthusiasts from across the globe. OIFF is a place for new and seasoned independent filmmakers to showcase their films across a diverse range of genres. In a nod to its SoCal roots, the festival traditionally includes a film block dedicated to surf and skate culture. There are also red-carpet premieres, workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities.

April

Oceanside IRONMAN 70.3

In April, Oceanside hosts one of the world's largest participating sports platforms, IRONMAN 70.3. The annual event sees athletes compete to qualify for the North American TriClub Championship-Southwest. Racers test their mettle in a triathlon involving a 1.2-mile swim in the Pacific Ocean, a 56-mile bike loop through Camp Pendleton and a 13.1-mile run along Oceanside's scenic coast. The starting point is Oceanside Pier. Those who wish to take part can register on the IRONMAN 70.3 website otherwise it's free for spectators to watch and cheer on the race.

May

Beach Soccer Championships        

Beach soccer is one of the fastest growing pro sports in the world and every summer, O'side is its homebase. This very popular sand soccer festival features nearly 300 youth, adult amateur and adult pro women's and men's beach soccer as well as vendors, the BeSoCha Cantina and lots more! The sun-soaked bleachers are open to the public—so bring the kids!

June

Pride by the Beach

Founded in 2007, Oceanside's family friendly pride festival draws over 10,000 visitors who deck themselves in rainbows and convene near the beach for this free event. The lively festival includes food, music, merchandise and a boisterous festival atmosphere.

Race Across America

An annual transcontinental bike race that kicks off in Oceanside each year and finishes on the boardwalk of Atlantic City, NJ. One of the most respected and longest running endurance sporting events in the world with racers and teams raising money for worthy causes.

August

Heiva San Diego       

This celebration of Polynesian dancing takes place at the ocean front Junior Seau Beach Amphitheater. This exciting cultural experience, gathering and islander festival features the music, cuisine, dancing, drumming, singing, and arts of French Polynesia.

September

Super Girl Surf Pro

The world's largest women's surf, lifestyle and music festival returns to Oceanside each September and it's free to attend. Attendees can watch world-class surfing competitions with more than 100 top female pros as they compete to qualify for the Women's Championship Tour.

At the Super Girl Pro Festival Village, there are experiences for all ages, including autograph signings, giveaways, contests, celebrity speakers, skateboarding, live music, dance, competitions and more. There are also female-led vendors selling food, drink and souvenirs. Budding surfers can get top tips and advice for free through the mentorship program when they register in advance.

US Open Adaptive Surf Championships

Each September, the US Open Adaptive Surfing Champs showcases the remarkable talent of para surfers. With nearly 100 athletes representing 17 countries participating, the event has firmly established itself as a leader in promoting inclusivity, athleticism, and excellence within the adaptive surfing community.

October

Dia de Los Muertos

For over 20 years, Oceanside has celebrated its Hispanic roots with a family-friendly Dia de los Muertos festival that includes lowrider and classic cars, celebration of life ceremonies and a downtown festival event with catrin/catrina contest, vendors, food, crafts, entertainment and more.

November

Bike The Coast

Cyclists of all ages and levels are invited to cycle the historic Highway 101 at the annual Bike the Coast event. Riders can enjoy some of the prettiest Southern California surf towns and beaches on a flat route of 25, 50 or 100 miles. There's a special 7 or 15-mile route along the car-free San Luis Rey River Trail for families. The cycling event ends with a finish line party at the pier in Oceanside.

Valley Arts Festival

Oceanside's annual Valley Arts Festival in November celebrates Oceanside and its first peoples, the Luiseño nation. The free, family-friendly festival held at Heritage Park showcases Native American music, culinary and artistic traditions through educational and interactive activities such as basket weaving, storytelling and gourd painting. A portion of proceeds from the festival is donated to the San Luis Rey Mission Indian Foundation for enrichment programs.

O'side Turkey Trot

Since 2005, the O'side Turkey Trot has been a favorite annual tradition for thousands of runners, attracting visitors from nearly all 50 states. Recognized as a top trot by Runner's World Magazine and the Los Angeles Times, runners can choose from a 5K or five-mile race that follow a scenic coastal course. The event offers a costume contest, the largest team competition, fabulous live entertainment on the course, and finisher medals for all participants while raising money for non-profits and the Move Your Feet Before You Eat Foundation.

About Oceanside

Perfectly situated between metropolitan San Diego and Los Angeles, Oceanside is a quintessential California coastal escape that includes wide sandy beaches, a quaint New England-style harbor, historic wooden pier and charming bungalow neighborhoods. O'side (as locals affectionately call it) is a destination of discovery where visitors can explore everything from California history at the “King of Missions” to surf culture at the California Surf Museum and awe-inspiring sea life through exciting ocean adventures. This playful and fun destination thrives on taking recreation to the next level and boasts world-class surfing, skateboarding, bike riding, boating and even skydiving. A flourishing farm-to-table food and craft beer, wine and spirit scene reflects Oceanside's creative and entrepreneurial spirit, as do exciting arts and culture programs that earned Oceanside one of just 14 California Cultural District designations in 2017. Classically charming, eclectic and always genuine, Oceanside is an ideal place to stay and a true O'riginal. www.visitoceanside.org  

About Visit Oceanside

Visit Oceanside Conference and Visitors Bureau is the official tourism marketing organization in Oceanside, Calif., promoting travel to the city for both leisure and group visitors. The organization influences about one-third of the $568 million that is generated by visitor spending in Oceanside each year, which supports nearly 3,500 jobs. Visit Oceanside also operates one of the state's official California Welcome Centers. With just one stop, visitors can find local, regional and state maps, purchase discount tickets to major Southern California attractions, make hotel reservations or shop for the perfect California keepsake. The Visit Oceanside CVB and California Welcome Center- Oceanside are conveniently located just off Interstate 5 at 928 North Coast Highway.  For more information, please call (800) 350-7873 or visit www.visitoceanside.org.

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