OCEANSIDE, CA (MAY 7, 2026) – Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) will host its summer fundraising Gala, “Illuminate,” on Saturday, July 18, 2026, bringing together artists, patrons, and community leaders for an unforgettable evening under the stars that highlights the Museum’s ever-growing impact and its bold vision for the future.
Held across two iconic venues in the center of Oceanside’s Cultural District – OMA and the Oceanside Civic Center Plaza – the Gala marks a key moment for the institution. On March 1, 2026, OMA publicly announced plans for a major expansion that will increase its campus by nearly 50 percent, transforming the Museum into a more open, connected, and community-centered campus spanning the length of an entire city block. The project will add new galleries, a sculpture garden, and enhanced public amenities, positioning OMA for its next chapter as a leading cultural destination in Southern California.
“The theme of this year’s Gala reflects OMA’s role in shining a light on the artists that shape our region,” said Maria Mingalone, Executive Director of OMA.
“This is an opportunity to bring our community together in a meaningful and celebratory way, and the support it generates ensures we can continue expanding access to the arts for audiences of all ages.”
The evening will begin with a sunset cocktail reception at the Museum from 5:30pm – 7:00pm, followed by an open-air dinner and dancing at the Civic Center Plaza from 7:30pm – 10:00pm, featuring live and silent auctions and immersive art experiences. Proceeds will support OMA’s exhibitions, education initiatives, operations, and community programming.
For nearly 30 years, OMA has played a central role in shaping Oceanside’s identity as an arts and culture hub. From its early days as a pioneering arts museum and the cornerstone of the city’s Cultural District, OMA’s regional influence as a cultural destination on the cultural corridor between Los Angeles and San Diego, the institution has evolved alongside the community it serves. Support for OMA helps ignite new opportunities, expand access to the arts, and shape a brighter future for Oceanside.
OMA Illuminate Gala Tickets go on sale on May 15, and additional event details and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.oma-online.org/gala.
About Oceanside Museum of Art
Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) is a non-profit organization that began providing exhibitions and public programs in 1995 as part of their mission to bring people together to explore the art and stories of Southern California artists. OMA’s exhibition program is dynamic and robust, surprising visitors with a fresh and exciting visual experience nearly every visit. In addition to these boundary-pushing contemporary art exhibitions, OMA’s programming includes youth education programs, adult art classes, concerts, films, and creative community parties and events that appeal to locals and tourists alike. The OMA experience stimulates imagination, presents new ideas, and challenges the familiar in a welcoming environment for those new to art, longtime museum-goers, artists, art students, or simply the curious. For more information on Oceanside Museum of Art, visit www.oma-online.org.
