If you live in or near Oceanside and haven't been to the First Friday Art Walk yet, you should go! I try and make it to every one, and it's always a good time. Super laid-back, very Oceanside. You can wander through Artist Alley, check out local art, talk to artists, and just hang without feeling rushed. The drum circle is always a highlight, the energy is really fun. It's easy to make a night of it too since there are so many good restaurants nearby. Grab dinner, walk the art walk, maybe stop somewhere after. It runs May through September from 5 to 8pm, and it's free. Definitely worth checking out. read more

See all

Ever since we moved to Oceanside in 2018, and discovered this quaint community event once a month during the warmer months, we have been hooked. My husband and I love to browse and shop, getting to know the artists who show up on the First Friday Art Walk every month in Oceanside, California (North San Diego County). It's such a treat to support local creatives. In fact, after years of enjoying the event as customers, I ended up becoming a vendor, where I sell both my International bestselling books and my unique PAUA jewelry designs. This monthly event is a gem, and it keeps growing and getting better over the years. Highly recommended. read more

See all

My daughters and I were walking back from Handel's Ice Cream to my car. We happened to stumble onto this hidden gem... Oceanside Art Walk. It's located in a short alley way right behind the street where Handel's is located. You can't miss it. It has lots of fun, interesting, and cool artwork on the building walls. Lots of bright and dark colors. As they say, you can't have light without the dark LOL. They were drawn by different artists. I didn't recognize any of them. I'm not an artist, but I do enjoy looking at artwork. I'm more of a photography gal... hey, that's a form of art, too... at least that's what I've read. I don't recall seeing any lights, but maybe there are... I just don't remember. Nevertheless, do be careful if you plan to walk through this alley at night. Who knows... the walls may glow in the dark LOL. Enjoy your artsy stroll! read more

See all

I always enjoy an art walk and we happened to stumble onto this one walking from our hotel so it made our visit to Oceanside even better! I enjoy the area, the small alley with lots of cool street art. Many artists, various styles and mediums, a bit of everything: paintings, anime art, jewlery, home decor, soaps, clothes, etc. Prices are reasonable, so it's a great event to do some shopping at to support local artists. This is my favorite way to buy gifts and cooler souvenirs from a place! Great gathering of artists, colorful event, nice vibe! read more

See all

Who: Over 1,000 regional residents are expected to attend the First Friday Oceanside Art Walk, put on by dozens of businesses and showcasing dozens of local artists What: Downtown Oceanside is coming alive with vibrant arts, performances, music, poetry, activities, food, and fun for all ages When: First Friday of every month from 6-9pm Where: Businesses and vacant spaces throughout downtown Oceanside, and extending down the coast How much? FREE. When I told my coworkers, all inhabitants of Oceanside for years longer than this month-old newcomer, that I was going to Art Walk tonight they all inquired, "Where?" A flabbergasted me figured out the mystery after the event: August 1st 2014 was the inaugural first Friday of the art district that is Oceanside Art Walk! First stop: Oceanside Museum of Art, which was only open when I was still at work, finally opened its doors past 4pm, showcasing collections called "Spitting in the Wind" (four older artists from the region with offbeat pieces), "Rank n' File" by John Daniel Abel, featuring chiaroscuro drawings and digital prints alongside character studies of the "underbelly" population, and "DNA of creativity" which hopes to address global and local concerns through their environmentalist-ish art. Stops 2 through 13: I trekked through random establishments like the Nationwide Agency showcasing art from the Sargent Art Group, a thrift-like Plethora Galleria showcasing surfboard art from Paul Uglow, an antique Live Store featuring Celeste the jazz vocalist, the Oceanside Public Library with music from Barnwell Swift, art from Jenny Kelly and paper-bag-face sculptures from Amida Torres, and Endurance House which featured Jeanne Ortiz sculpting live. Of notable mention is Brooks Theatre's showcase featuring among others, Cathie Joy Young (paintings) and Todd Carpenter (oils), two artists I intend to follow down the line. What was rad about Brooks is that it included a little self-introduction about each artist that was immensely fun to read. The walk spans across downtown Oceanside, from N. Nevada St to S. Coast hwy (east to west) and Endurance House to Mission Ave (north to south). Most of the shops are located heavily on Mission Ave and Artist Alley. Yarn bombing littered the town, decorating railings and trees; My favorite was a yarn bomb of a pay phone, shaping it into an iphone case with apps. Finger foods were provided at each location, though OMOA takes the cake with their fancy appetizers. Why all this? The Oceanside Cultural Consortium established in 2013 wanted to turn Oceanside into an art, culture and entertainment destination - in short, to jump start the economy. The art walk certainly is a wonderful way to advertise business and rev up the economy, by the looks of the bountiful business cards and information I collected (note: got to get soap from Plethora Galleria when out, and see Few Good Men in Star Theater Sep 26 - Oct 5). What a fantastic event! I'm already excited for the next art walk! read more

See all

This is the first Art Walk since 2019 and since COVID-19 started. This was my first time going to the Art Walk. It was easy to find. The sellers are extremely nice and most of them accept Venmo. read more

Did you ever see the better part of a city get behind and support and event? I did tonight. Art Walk- I've done art walks before, in Seattle. They were really good and eye opening....nothing compared to this though. The downtown Oceanside Museum of Art is open and free to all. Celebrating, in this instance, 100 artists, spanning 100 years, in conjunction with many other San Diego institutions, and featuring artists of the San Diego Museum of Art Artist's Guild. Simply put, the art that was chosen is world class. We then walked through the Artist's Alley and my wife found a shop that was participating and picked up some killer deals on a very nice purse, shawl, hat.....live music filled the air from every corner. People seemed to be having a really good time, and many shops from cigar to barber, were open. We finished the festive mood with a drop in to T.B.G. Restaurant to have ribs and wine, and waddle our way back to the car. Great party, Oceanside.(we will be back) and...you rock!! read more

It was raining when I went so it wasn't big all inside of a hotel. But it was nice that the museum was free too so walked over. But talking to people summer is the best season to enjoy the artwalk. read more

I love the art walk! So many great artists showcasing their pieces and live music all around! You can participate in live paintings and drum circles as well. The art community is growing and it's such a great group of people. I highly recommend! read more

I am saying ok, only because we could not find it; Nor could our friends; we went down to Oceanside the night it was posted; and yet it was not clear what streets it was on and we walked the downtown area with no luck; our friends meeting us there said the same thing and the left and gave up. We went to 333 and had dinner since we could not locate where the Art walk actually was. read more

Fun event. Nice to go around town with more to do than eat and drink. Heard about event through beauty 101 who participates with local artist. Some of the locations serve wine or food while you check out the art. Hope they keep it going. read more