Largest Tiki Event in the World Returns to San Diego Next Weekend

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly listed the date and other information about his event.

Next weekend, the largest tiki convention in the world returns to San Diego.

From July 31-Aug. 4, Wednesday to Sunday, Tiki Oasis — a family-produced, Polynesian pop-lifestyle convention and party — will be hosted at the Town and Country Resort in Mission Valley.

The five night, four day event features live music, food and craft vendors, fashion shows and costume contests, a Miss Tiki Oasis contest, a car show, kids activities, art exhibits, and educational presentations on topics from cocktails and food, art, architecture, pop culture history, and tiki carving.

Founded in 2001 as a fundraiser to support the rehabilitation of the mid-century Palm Springs Caliente Tropics Motel, a motel known for attracting lovers of tiki culture, the event moved to San Diego in 2006, and has since grown in popularity.

Tiki Oasis explores Polynesian Pop and Mid-Century style while promoting, diversity and inclusion, which are reflected in the groups held at the convention, such as “Tiki Oasis’ Diversity & Inclusion Council,” the ‘LGBTiki Meet-Up,” and the “Melanated Tiki Meetup.”

In a salute to California, this year’s theme is ” Way Out West.” The Golden State has always cast a magnetic spell upon travelers, but after World War II the Tiki craze took America by storm, and California was the epicenter.

With the opening of Don the Beachcomber in the south and Trader Vic’s in the north, California was steeped in South Pacific romanticism and ripe for a Tiki tidal wave to hit popular culture.

Tiki Oasis Entertainment features many musical acts, DJS, and burlesque shows. Headlining on Saturday will be original Beach Boy Al Jardine

You can find more information, including where to buy tickets, at www.tikioasis.com.