May means the school year is winding down and spring is in full bloom. Temperatures are *finally* warming up here in Oceanside as we transition from Spring to Summer! We are preparing for the summer season -- from finding Summer Camps for the kids to travel & relaxation opportunities for the family. Discover holiday activities this May. From honoring different cultures to supporting important causes, May has something for everyone. Here are 10 events and observances to add to your calendar this month, including local Oceanside, CA events:
May Holidays |
 Macaroni KID Eats |
May Day
May Day, an ancient spring festival and is celebrated in many countries around the world, often with flower festivals, parades, and dancing around Maypoles. It's a celebration of the passage of Spring. Want to mark the occasion? This is a fun neighborly activity that kids enjoy. Leave some flowers for a neighbor to make their May Day! Take a simple sheet of paper and tape or staple. Roll into a cone. Fill with garden flowers and tuck in extra ribbon or candies on string. Place on neighbors porch-step to brighten their day. May 1
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Cinco de Mayo
While this day originated in Mexico to mark the country's victory over the French Army, in the U.S. it's become a day to celebrate Mexican-American culture, music, and cuisine. Try out some of our delicious recipes for guacamole, pico de gallo, and homemade chips! May 5
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Free Comic Book Day
Comics and graphic novels are a huge hit in our home! What a better way to celebrate comics then with a family visit to the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park. Also support local and take a visit to The Comics Stronghold in Oceanside Village Square to find your next comic read. May 6
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Mother's Day
It doesn't matter if the appreciation of the work you do comes in the form of a sticky hug, a handmade card, breakfast in bed, or an expensive gift. Know that you are loved today, and every day. Get a free Mother's Day printable from Macaroni KID now! May 14
Check out Downtown Oceanside's event "Mother's Day is Sweet" for a special one of a kind experience, just for Mom!
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Memorial Day
Today, we remember those who died serving in the U.S. military. Take a moment to honor their sacrifice and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of their service. May 29
Week-long observances in May |
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Screen-Free Week
Screen-Free Week isn't just about giving up your screens, it's about gaining so much more! Instead of spending an hour on YouTube, you can spend that hour enjoying the great outdoors. Those ten minutes of scrolling through social media can turn into a fun doodling session. And on a rainy day, you can swap out a movie for some quality time reading, chatting, or playing pretend with your family. Find out more about participating in Screen Free week. May 1-7
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National Teacher Appreciation Week
Teachers work hard every day to educate our kids. Oceanside, Vista and Bonsall school districts observe Teacher Appreciation during the first two weeks of May, depending on the school and PTA/PTO. Make sure to check your child's school PTA/PTO social feeds or website posts for the teacher appreciation events and celebrations. Your children can directly contribute to say "thank you" with a simple card, flower or even their teacher's favorite coffee drink or food treat. I bought some stock teacher thank you cards that allowed my child to fill out a specific impact statement. Teacher's impact do not go unnoticed; my child surprised me with the amount of cards she wanted to fill out for her teachers, aides and school staff.
Month-Long Observances in May |
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National Foster Care Month
May is the month when we recognize the amazing work of foster families who make a difference in the lives of over 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system. For local resources and how you can support Oceanside foster youth visit San Diego Youth Services.
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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
This month, we celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, spanning over 30 countries and over 100 different languages.Visit the 1st Annual Southern California Asian and Pacific Islander Festival that will be held on Saturday April 29th in downtown Oceanside around the Civic Center. Here are 10 books we love from AAPI authors.
 NAMI |
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental illness affects more than 50 million people in the U.S. Visit NAMI for resources and ideas on how to mark this month, including signing a petition and how to advocate for change
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Military Appreciation Month
Along with observance of Memorial Day, May is also Military Appreciation Month. Oceanside has a wonderful event to recognize the for the Servicemembers and families of Camp Pendleton. You can find full details on Operation Appreciation, Oceanside's Celebration of Armed Forces Day, complete with a video on the event as well. This event is needing volunteers - what a great way to say thank you to the Servicemember's and their families stationed at Camp Pendleton!
