Can’t wait until the 4th of July to watch fireworks?
You’re in luck because Oceanside’s fireworks display is back a day early on Wednesday, July 3 after taking three years off.
The fireworks are part of a multi-day series of events in celebration of Oceanside’s 125th year of incorporation.
See below what’s happening leading up the Independence Day.
Saturday, June 29
The annual Independence Day Parade kicks off the bash hosting a surprise Grand Marshal this year.
The Mission San Luis Rey de Francia of Oceanside is also celebrating with their 215th year of foundation.
“Past – Present – Future” is this year’s parade theme and will feature floats, local military groups, retro cars and more. In the past, the parade has attracted more than 5,000 spectators.
Oceanside’s Independence Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. where Coast Highway and Wisconsin Avenue intersect and will run about two hours.
Parking is available on Tremont and Freeman Streets, just parallel to the parade route.
The next stop is Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater where a free concert will be held at 5:30 p.m. headlining the First Marine Division Band.
And don’t go anywhere because at 8 p.m., “Bring It On,” filmed right in Oceanside, will be shown as part of the Summer Movies in the Park series.
Wednesday, July 3
Residents are invited to attend a ceremony celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Oceanside’s Incorporation.
It will begin at 11 a.m. at Civic Center Plaza.
After dark, Oceanside residents and visitors only have to look skyward because the fireworks spectacle will take place in “el corazón de la ciudad,” or the heart of the city above El Corazon Senior Center.
Parks and Recreation Division Manager Eileen Turk said the best fireworks are ordered for the big day, some that will burst as high as 1,000 feet in the air.
Guests are still encouraged to arrive at the 6 p.m. event start time because the fireworks aren’t the only stars of the show—even more entertainment will be at this year’s event.
Food trucks will be parked at the site featuring everything from crab cakes to cupcakes. Also, high school bands will be performing at 8 p.m. right before the fireworks.
The fireworks show goes from 9-9:30 p.m.
Parking is available throughout the business park, but is limited. So get there early!
Thursday, July 4
Heard of Oceanside’s Sunset Market?
For Independence Day, the street fair will be decorated in red, white, and blue for a special “Star Spangled Sunset Market.”
The market will be in its usual location where Coast Highway. meets Civic Center Drive, but hours are extended from 2-9:30 p.m.
For more information on any of these events, visit the city’s website.
