So many great ways to Celebrate USA 250 in Oceanside this year

Welcome to the 2026 Oceanside Independence Parade!

Get ready to wave the flag and line the streets! MainStreet Oceanside is thrilled to invite you to the 2026 Oceanside Independence Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

As we join the nation in Celebrating America 250, this year’s procession promises to be our most historic yet. A beloved tradition since 1892, the parade is a tribute to our community’s spirit, our hometown heroes, and our country's heritage. But to make the magic happen, we need you.

How to Get Involved:

• Sponsor a Street Pole Banner Hero : As we celebrate 250 years of American liberty, ensure your hero is part of the story. Sponsor a downtown street pole banner to recognize the active duty, retired, or fallen military and first responders who keep us free. These limited-edition tributes will line the heart of Oceanside from mid-June through Veterans Day.

  • Reserve your banner today and let their service shine.

• Join the Procession: Do you have a world-class float, a marching band, or a unique local group? Parade entry sign-ups are now open! Be a part of the spectacle and showcase your organization to thousands of spectators.

  • Sign Up Here  

• Fuel the Celebration: Our parade is powered by the generosity of local partners. Explore our sponsorship opportunities to see how your business can gain incredible visibility while supporting this cherished Oceanside tradition.

  • Sponsor the Parade

• Be the Heart of the Event: It takes a village to run a parade! We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with everything from staging to safety.​

  • Sign up to volunteer 

• Nominate a Hometown Hero: Help us recognize individuals who go above and beyond to strengthen our community through service, leadership, and impact. MainStreet Oceanside is seeking nominations for our 2026 Hometown Heroes. This annual recognition honors individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the Oceanside community through service, leadership, and a commitment to improving quality of life. The Honoring Our Hometown Heroes program celebrates local individuals who help make Oceanside a stronger, more connected, and vibrant place to live, work, and visit. 

  • ​Award Categories:

    • Volunteer Hero – Individuals who generously give their time and energy outside of their professional responsibilities to support the community.

    • First Responder/Military Hero – Active or retired first responders, service members, veterans, or military-affiliated individuals who demonstrate outstanding service to the Oceanside community.

    • Community Champion – Paid professionals, nonprofit leaders, or organizational staff whose work goes above and beyond their formal role to create meaningful community impact. 

    • Nominate your hero here​

The Family Fun Continues with the Oceanside USA 250 Festival.
Stay in downtown Oceanside and make your way to the Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre for an afternoon of live music, local flavor, and classic Americana brought to you by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce. Country star Craig Campbell headlines the stage alongside a full lineup of performances, while hundreds of local vendors, artists, and community groups bring the celebration to life.

Enjoy chili cook-offs, pinewood derby races, a full Fun Zone packed with free kids’ activities, and plenty of good eats along the way. Come celebrate 250 years of community, creativity, and freedom the O’side way.