Attendees at Tiki Oasis. (Photo by Tim Hardy/Tiki Oasis)
Exotica music fills the air, tropical drinks with umbrellas surround the pool, and colorful people in floral attire are soaking up the island vibes. Yep, it’s Tiki Oasis time!
But this year is special: the Polynesian pop festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary and going all out when it returns to the Town and Country Resort, Aug. 6-10.
What started in 2000 as a grassroots effort to save a retro motel in Palm Springs has blossomed into the world’s largest celebration of tiki culture, music, art, fashion and fun.
“From the beginning, our aim was to craft an experience that would bring tiki lovers together,” says co-founder Baby Doe. “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.”
San Diego’s five-night, four-day bash kicks off Wednesday night with a Luau at the Catamaran Resort Hotel, featuring a Mai Tai and lei greeting, all-you-can-eat buffet, and a live performance by local group Pride of Polynesia.
Known for its eclectic music lineup — from surf and lounge to rockabilly and mod soul — this year’s Tiki Oasis will showcase more than 30 bands, including The Ghastly Ones, Tikiyaki Orchestra, The Blue Hawaiians, APE, The Bomboras, L’Exotighost, and Martini Kings.
Lenny Kaye — legendary guitarist of the Patti Smith Group and curator of the revered 1973 compilation Nuggets, which sparked a garage rock revival — will headline Sunday night. Billed as a Nuggets tribute concert, Kaye will be joined on stage by Mike Stax and The Loons, Johnny Echols (Love), Deke Dickerson, and Robert Lopez (aka El Vez).
Kaye will also perform a DJ set earlier in the evening, joining more than 30 DJs, including Junior Francis, Lee Joseph, Tropicana Joe, Tony the Tyger, and Action Andy, who’ll be spinning curated vinyl sets day and night, from vintage ska to rocksteady.
Beyond the music, there’s truly something for everyone at Tiki Oasis. Check out the full schedule, but be sure to have these signature experiences on your radar:
Cocktail Seminars & Tastings – Learn from top mixologists at sessions like “Sustainable Tropical Cocktails” with Tiki Lindy or “Jamaica’s Influence on Tropical Cocktails” with Ian Burrell. Yes, there are samples.
16th Annual Art Show & 5th Annual Lamp Show — Explore the pop-up art exhibit featuring over 40 artists and custom lighting designs from top tiki lamp makers in a curated space.
Tiki Marketplace — With 150-plus vendors offering everything from handcrafted mugs and custom jewelry to vintage clothing, vinyl records, and even doggie treats, it’s the biggest tiki shopping destination on earth. Free and open to the public Aug. 9–10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MX Tiki Oasis Contest & Pooch Parade — Who will be crowned Mx Tiki Oasis 2025? Which pup will strut away with best-dressed honors? It’s fun for the whole ohana.
LGBTiki Meetup — Celebrate the vibrant LGBTQ+ community that’s helped shape and sustain the tiki revival at this all-inclusive gathering hosted by Lavendar Luau.
Midnight Burlesque Show — Experience the sultrier side of Tiki Oasis Thursday through Saturday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the Pacific Ballroom, with live music starting at 11 p.m.
Seminars Galore — Educational sessions range from the history of tiki in San Diego to a 25-year retrospective with event founders Baby Doe and Otto von Stroheim. Bonus: Charles Phoenix returns with a new edition of his pop culture deep dive, Googieland.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a perennial diehard, Tiki Oasis 25 promises a one-of-a-kind celebration where the wacky and the wonderful all feel right at home. Get your tickets here.
Donovan Roche, a longtime music, entertainment and events writer based in San Diego, is a frequent contributor to Times of San Diego. Send your story ideas to droche617@gmail.com.